Pubdate: Sun, 31 Aug 2003 Source: Tuscaloosa News, The (AL) Copyright: 2003 The Tuscaloosa News Contact: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1665 Author: Kirk Muse Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1272/a06.html PROHIBITION STILL DOESN'T WORK Dear Editor: I'm writing about: "AN EPIDEMIC ADDICTION: Meth Labs Multiply Faster Than Police Can Find Them" (8/24). Today's meth labs are very similar to the illegal distilleries of the era known as the "Noble Experiment." During our alcohol-prohibition era, thousands died from what was known as "bathtub gin." Like the meth of today, the "bathtub gin" was easily made from household or industrial products. Like the meth of today, the illegal alcohol could be manufactured anywhere. Like meth, the "bathtub gin" was a product created by Prohibition. Like the meth of today, Prohibition-era alcohol was of unknown quality, purity and potency. Like the meth of today, the bootleg alcohol was untaxed, unregulated and controlled by criminal gangs. When alcohol prohibition ended in 1933, almost 100 percent of the "bathtub gin" producers went out of business for economic reasons and have stayed out of the business for economic reasons. When alcohol prohibition ended in 1933, the United States murder rate declined for 10 consecutive years. Have we learned any lessons? Not yet. Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake