To the editor:

 

The “War on Drugs” is a big lie because that war is not being waged against “drugs.” It is being waged against the American people and their freedom to choose for themselves. Human beings, not drugs, are being killed, murdered, robbed, and arrested by the millions.

What about all those who die from accidental overdoses?

Every one of those deaths are caused by the adulterated, improperly-labeled, and improperly-manufactured drugs that are being produced by the drug war.

For example, opiates such as morphine and its analog diacetylmorphine (heroin) packaged in safe doses are safe. It is impossible to accidentally overdose on properly-labeled drugs that are packaged in safe doses, just like it is impossible to accidentally jump off a tall building or accidentally swallow 20 pills instead of one or two.

Contrary to war propaganda, opiates have been safely produced and consumed throughout history. Billions of human beings, probably including yourself and your loved ones, have benefited from their use.

Who is responsible for these deaths? Everyone who supports the drug war, either directly or by their silence. For example, in a recent letter to the Item editor, Lynn resident Donald J. Castle expanded that war. Now, in order to educate the public and end all these war deaths, I challenge Mr. Castle or any other war advocate to a public debate.

In the words of the poet and philosopher John Milton in 1644, “Let truth and falsehood grapple; who ever knew truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter?”

By the way, the previous drug war that was waged against alcohol producers, dealers (“traffickers”), and consumers (“substance abusers”) also produced deaths, sickness, crime, violence, gangs, gang warfare, and massive violations of basic freedoms.

 

Sincerely,

Richard G. Eramian (Rick)
Lynn