DRUG PROHIBITION LEADS TO 'BLOATED POLICE BUDGETS'

Dear sir:

Re: Bylaw officers removing dirty needles, Aug. 6

You must think we readers are all as dumb as a post.

You cite one of the negative, unintended consequences of drug
prohibition - increased use of needles and careless disposal of same
in this case - to persuade us that "drugs are bad" and that we should
all continue to support the program that caused the problem in the
first place. The fact that you chose not to challenge the authorities
on this nonsense or allow any input from those of us who oppose this
law confirms that your purpose is to propagandize rather than to inform.

Drug prohibition was initiated almost a century ago to "control"
blacks (marijuana), Chinese (opium) and Mexicans (marijuana). Today,
in addition to stimulating crime and which in turn leads to bloated
police budgets, its purpose remains to distract attention away from
government failures in other areas and to provide a measure of
vicarious enjoyment for the majority by persecuting a totally innocent
minority.

Charter? What Charter?

- -- Alan Randell

Victoria