POT BUST STORY MISSES THE POINT

Dear Editor:

Re: Cops bust pot-growing operation, Feb. 6.

Do you realize what you're doing? Could you be any more supportive of big
government as it tries to stamp out any semblance of freedom amongst its
citizens?

Drug prohibition was initiated during the first half of the 20th century as
a means of harassing and "controlling" blacks (marijuana) and Chinese
(opium). In these supposedly more tolerant times, the most enthusiastic
supporters of that racist legislation are the police -- who are eager to
make use of these laws to harass and control those whose appearance or
lifestyle offends them -- and politicians -- who lean on them to garner
votes for being "tough on drugs." Naturally, the police try to avoid
arresting the offspring of such influential individuals as politicians or
newspaper editors.

Describing drug busts and their aftermath as if such police actions are
normal and acceptable only lends support to drug prohibition. Suppressing
the voices of those punished, their families and friends, as well as those
of us who oppose these ridiculous laws, naturally serves to further dampen
any protest.

It's time to finish the job we started when we ended alcohol prohibition
and end the prohibition of all drugs.

And it's long past time that newspapers such as yours begin to serve the
public, rather than our venal and manipulative police officers and
political leaders.

Alan Randell, Victoria, B. C.