December 22nd, 2006 at 12:35 am
ABC News reports that a former Texas drug officer is publishing and selling a video to help drug runners avoid being busted by the police.
Cooper, who said he favors the legalization of marijuana, made the video in part because he believes the nation’s fight against drugs is a waste of resources. Busting marijuana users fills up prisons with nonviolent offenders, he said.“My main motivation in all of this is to teach Americans their civil liberties and what drives me in this is injustice and unfairness in our system,” Cooper told the newspaper.
I myself wouldn’t mind listening to a War on Drugs debate, especially those drugs which tend to pacify rather than overstimulate. I would think Frito-Lay and Nabisco would for the legalization of marijuana.
I do think we need to measure the costs of enforcement vs. the benefit. Busting meth labs keeps houses from blowing up and damaging others’ property. Taking down someone growing marijuana in their windowsill doesn’t have the same benefit.
I can imagine the frustration of a law enforcement officer trying to enforce laws that seem unreasonable, but breaking the law is no substitute for changing the law. He may be an accomplice to future crimes.
This rogue may think he is increasing the costs of law enforcement with this video, but depending on the material in the video, he may make it easier for law enforcement to do their job. This opportunity should be taken to hone methods and employ new technology.

December 22nd, 2006 at 8:04 am
Legalize, then tax.
December 22nd, 2006 at 4:20 pm
I would disagree. I believe breaking the law can be the right thing to do. Whenever the government encroaches on a liberty the people may defend themselves through civil disobediencce.
Meth labs exist because of the illegality of amphetamines. If people could get the drug at drug stores, there wouldn’t be a need for labs.
December 22nd, 2006 at 4:22 pm
I would note that changing the laws is not as easy as it sounds. Oftentimes, the will of the voters is ignored.
December 28th, 2006 at 11:10 am
If we legalize do we really want corporations becoming the new drug pushers? This would happen and is something to think about. I am not against the legalization of marijuana but I am not so sure about Meth. Meth sucks the life out of you. I am not so sure if that is a neutral substance that I should allow my neighbor to become addicted to.