TEST THE ENFORCERS

Judge Gilbert's actions are connected to compelling social issues much
larger than individual marijuana usage and the government's policy on drugs.
I see his personal indulgence within the context of the erosion of civil
liberties, illegal government operations, and a backlash of anti-American
sentiment around the world.

The fundamental flaws of prohibition are well known. Abraham Lincoln
observed, "Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which
our government was founded." The U.S. has the world's most prisoners per
capita, largely due to drug crimes, meanwhile the government itself
frequently "profits" from trafficking. Drug money, drug policy and drug
lords are official tools of state. Decade upon decade of drug war mentality
has instilled generations with deep-seated hatred of the government's
hypocrisy and oppressive interference.

Judge Gilbert's indiscretion is one small drop of an immense sea of
corruption supported by the "nod and wink" of those who benefit from and
protect the war on drugs.

So I say, "To hell with the War on Drugs, I want a War on Hypocrisy!"
Drug-test all the enforcers. If all the government's employees and agents in
the drug war were subject to rigorous regular and random testing (hair
samples, please); and if all violators were prosecuted - the war on drugs
would end. Next, scoundrels who abuse their responsibilities and trusts
should be prosecuted. Establish mandatory minimum sentences according-to the
level of trust violated (like pot growers and the number of plants
involved). Soon a higher standard of ethics and accountability would be
adopted.

This war on hypocrisy would result in more humane laws, a more civil nation,
and a more secure planet. Ending the war on drugs would allow the tens of
billions of dollars being wasted to be used to fund drug education,
treatment programs and desperately needed campaign-finance reforms.

Clifton Murie

Traverse City