Published LTE: MARIJUANA IS NOT A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY « Published Editorials

Published LTE: MARIJUANA IS NOT A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY

Posted March 6th, 2010 by hiwayhowie

I am writing in response to Sarah Reyes’ column, “Heads vs. Feds lights fresh debate.” As a police officer who worked the trenches of marijuana prohibition and the war on drugs for 18 years, I believe intoxicants should not be judged by their effects, but by their threat to the community. During my entire police career, I was sent on zero calls generated by the use of marijuana. Compared to the extremely dangerous drug, alcohol, I found very little harm associated with marijuana.

The police should return to their historic role of public safety, not personal safety. If you have a drug problem, see a doctor and a clinic – not a cop and a jail.

Howard Wooldridge detective/officer ( retired ) drug policy specialist Citizens Opposing Prohibition

Published on March 1, 2010 in the The Daily Evergreen, (Washington State U)

http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n158/a04.html?397

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Vision Statement

Envision an America where there are no drug dealers on sidewalks selling drugs, shooting each other and destroying neighborhoods.
Imagine a world where all drugs are sold in a state-regulated store by a clerk making 12 dollars an hour.
Picture a world where al-Qaeda and other terrorists do not make billions guarding the drug trade and selling drugs.
Think of an America where felony crime is reduced by half which allows the police to focus on the deadly DUI, the child predator and other public safety threats.
Consider the prospect of redirecting the 72 billion tax dollars currently spent chasing non-violent drug users & their suppliers.
See a world where, if one day you or a loved one has a drug problem, you see a doctor not a judge.

This world is possible when we find the courage to end Modern Prohibition.