Legalise All Drugs
MORE awards. This one for what the Mail calls “THE MOST IDIOTIC POLICE CHIEF IN BRITAIN.”
One imagines the competition for this title would be exceptionally fierce, requiring the help of a panel of judges – Simon Cowell, The Bill’s Superintendent John Heaton and Kylie Minogue – and a readers’ poll.
But the Mail doesn’t bother, and announces that the winner is Richard Brunstrom.
Brunstrom joined Sussex Police after graduating in zoology from the University of Wales, Bangor. His favourite saying is “carpe diem” (Latin for ‘seize the collar’). He loves speed cameras. Just loves them.
He operates a zero-tolerance policy on speeding. He once sanctioned the display of a headless motorcyclist’s body to highlight his pet cause, which came as a shock to the victim’s family who knew nothing of the man’s horrific injuries.
But none of these things make him the “MOST IDIOTIC”. His award is rooted in his claim that the drug ecstasy is a “remarkably safe substance”. Adding: “It’s far safer than aspirin.”
The Mail responds with pictures of seven young people who have died after taking ecstasy. There is no picture of anyone who has died after taking aspirin.
To the Mail, Brunstrom is “CAPTAIN CALAMITY”. No debate on drugs, only comments on Brunstrom.
Over on the man’s official blog, there is no mention of his award, the police officer offering his heartfelt thanks to the drugs dealers, chemists and entrepreneurs who made his views on drugs possible.
The is only: “In a nutshell, I’m advocating the repeal of the Misuse of Drugs Act and the consequent legalisation and regulation of all drugs.”
Discuss and debate. Or not…
Posted: 2nd, January 2008 | In: Tabloids Comments (8) | TrackBack | Permalink
