Sunday, February 8, 2009

Canadian Newspaper moves to supporting consideration of Legalization This kind of thing is definitely encouraging. Editorial: This newspaper has traditionally opposed the legalization of drugs. [...] There is mounting evidence the so-called War on Drugs can't be won -- and too many people are dying while it's being fought. Even many police believe this. Legalizing drugs, and putting their production and distribution in the hands of legitimate businesses that could be taxed would end the huge drain on the public purse for policing and free up cash to treat addicts. Our current approach to the drug problem isn't working. It's time for Ottawa to seriously consider new ideas. 11:40:39 PM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []

Busts mean never having to say you're sorry Burlington, NC police received an anonymous tip that methamphetamines were being manufactured in a house where Jessica Garrison lives with her 2-year-old daughter and her pet Chow-Chow. They were smart enough not to bust in on her at home, instead pulling her over on the expressway, while they raided her house. Except that there was no meth lab there. Not even any indications. Here's the part where it's business as usual... Despite the fact that a meth lab wasn't found, Burlington police officials are confident the department made the right decision. The department doesn't plan to apologize to Garrison and since officers didn't go to the wrong house or make any "glaring mistakes" in this case, the department isn't liable for any damages caused by breaking into the house to do the search, said Burlington police Assistant Chief Greg Seel. "Based on the case facts and based on the scenarios we were presented, we reacted to the situation we had properly," Seel said. That's right. Based on an anonymous tip, we put a hole in your door and tore apart your place. But it's OK -- we don't have to fix it or even apologize to you, because we were right according to us, even though we were wrong in the real world. This is how we protect and serve. Please bend over, so we can serve you again. 11:34:43 PM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []