LEGALIZE IT

RE: "BILL will boost crime, cops say," May 28. Deputy chief Mike Bradshaw's
comments betray an all-too-typical lack of logic. For example, he believes
that decriminalization will increase crime, but admits that the current
regime does nothing to prevent cannabis use and trafficking. He alleges
that it will be hard to tell kids not to use cannabis if the government is
decriminalizing - but Bill 38 does not decriminalize anything, it merely
alters the penalties. Moreover, I assume that deputy chief Bradshaw is able
to tell kids not to smoke tobacco, drink alcohol or abuse over-the-counter
medication, all of which are legal. But, most importantly, he should
realize that the only way to end the black market in cannabis is to
legalize it. End prohibition and you end the involvement of organized
crime. There are no turf wars over coffee, are there?

Kirk Tousaw

(You've never seen Second Cup employees duke it out with a Starbucks barista.)