END THE MADNESS

Re: "Tough action is necessary" (March 1). Organized crime is legislated
into existence by prohibitionist politicians pressured by prohibitionist
industrialists and their bankers. Cannabis prohibition was instituted to
strangle the industrial hemp economy by scapegoating visible minorities and
playing on people's fears and ignorance. History repeats itself.

There is no simple solution to human violence. We are, after all, this
planet's top predator. But we can decrease social tension by ending
prohibition and legislating the gangs into legitimate tax-paying
businesspeople.

U.S. alcohol prohibition created gangsters and prohibition repeal
created the tax-paying alcohol industry (not that we should think of
them as models of society). When politicians need to decide between
fixing bridges or harassing drug dealers instead of taxing them, this
madness will end.

Bruce Codere

Fox Creek, Alta.

(The term "legitimate tax-paying businesspeople" should not be
suggested for gangs that kill people)