Pubdate: Fri, 08 Nov 2002
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2002 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Judith William
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZING DRUGS BENEFICIAL

TO THE EDITOR: Legalizing drugs would greatly reduce the jail and prison 
populations, saving thousands of dollars. By taxing these drugs, all levels 
of government would see a drastic rise in funds. Legalization would provide 
more money to pharmacies, thus raising more tax money. It would also 
control the content, purity and strength of the drugs and reduce the allure 
of drugs to our young people by removing the criminal status of drugs.

Keeping drugs illegal means continued overcrowding at all levels of the 
penal system at an exorbitant cost to taxpayers. It means increasing the 
allure of drugs to our children. Illegal drugs provide money to terrorists 
through their drug cartels and allow unsafe and even lethal drugs on the 
street. Finally, illegal drugs criminalize sick behavior.

Judith William, Newalla
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D