Dear Editor,
Bravo for Dave Parks article, "Drug Problem Worse Based on New Data" (10/21). It painted a very clear picture of where police, court and correctional resources are being squandered in the government's failed and costly "War on Drugs". It's really a war on marijuana consumers, who, while the most numerous, are the least problematic of all substance users.
The fact that over half of arrests and prosecutions for all drug violations were for simple marijuana possession shows that the justice system has no real interest in targeting large dealers. After all, with no large dealers there will be no small users to round up for prison or drug court programs. Drug courts, by the way, are nothing more than an addicted justice system seeking to get its money-fix by robbing the nearest pot smoker. Clearly, the drug war is nothing more than a government jobs program, meant to be waged, not won.
Even more telling was the quote from Lt. Paul Hogan, head of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department narcotics division,
"I don't think we're ever going to stomp out drugs totally," Hogan said.
That's good for him, because it means he will always have a job stomping out the lives of pot smokers, if not the pot itself.
The government has become addicted to marijuana smokers. Without us they would be forced to work on burglary, robbery and auto theft cases of which the clearance rates are around 17% statewide.
Respectfully Submitted,
Loretta Nall
Alexander City, AL 35010
4 comments:
I looked on the website but could not find that letter. did they actually print it?
Not yet...I only sent it today.
Interesting article. Congratulations on your defense of freedom.
Interesting article. Congratulations on your defense of freedom.
Post a Comment