Health & Fitness
Drug Legalization Explored on Manchester Review in September
The late Joseph Brooks, former Captain on the Manchester Police Force, promoted Drug Legalization as a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition).
The September Manchester Review is Dedicated to the Memory of the Late, Former MPD Captain, Joseph Brooks
Many people question the expense of the War on Drugs and its failure to reduce drug use and drug violence in the U.S. How can we get it under control? Some argue that legalization of drugs would lead to better control, less related violence and crime, and better treatment. Surprisingly, there are thousands of former, retired law enforcement related professionals who recommend legalizing drugs .
Note: it’s mostly former law enforcement officials speaking up. They far outnumber active law enforcers who speak out for legalization. Is that related to job security concerns? Many are members of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). One of those drug legalization activists was Joseph Brooks, a retired, 30 year veteran of the Manchester Police Department, once the head of the tri-Town Narcotics Team.
Last Spring, I interviewed Captain Brooks. We explored Brooks’ views on drug legalization, marijuana legalization, and the difference between decriminalization and legalization. Armed with facts, figures and anecdotal stories, Brooks stated his case. As with many controversial social issues, facts and figures can be cited to support both sides of an argument. But when a former law enforcement officer involved for much of his career in drug enforcement speaks out in favor of drug legalization, we should take notice. Joe was passionate about this cause, writing and speaking for LEAP during his retirement. Although I remain skeptical about some aspects of legalizing drugs, I have a lot of admiration for Joe’s courage in advocating for such a controversial cause. Sadly, Captain Brooks died in May before the show was aired. The September showing Drug Legalization: Fix or Folly is dedicated to his memory. May he rest in peace.
Additional information on the Drug War can be obtained at www.leap.cc. Check out counter arguments from the Drug Enforcement Administration (of course job security may very well slant its views!). For a well researched examination of both sides of the issue read: Drugs and Drug Policy: What Everyone Needs To Know by Mark Kleiman, Jonathan Caulkins, Angela Hawken.
Then decide for yourself.
Manchester Review airs on COX PATV Channel 15 Monday nights at 9 PM. Questions and comments from readers and viewers are welcome at manchesterreview@gmail.com.
