Pubdate: Mon, 12 Dec 2005
Source: Arbiter, The (Boise State, ID Edu)
Copyright: 2005 The Arbiter
Contact:  http://www.arbiteronline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3516
Author: Taylor Smith
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1915/a03.html

PROHIBITION DOESN'T WORK

Why do you believe all of the negative effects of drugs are somehow
diminished with prohibition? For example, "a stoner who gets high and
decides to take a spin for some munchies endangers everyone in his
immediate vicinity."

Exactly how does prohibition help this situation? I can get stoned and
drive cross-country anytime I want. I can endanger anybody anytime,
but I don't.

The law has nothing to do with it. If I were unable to operate a motor
vehicle while high, a police officer would notice me. They would
arrest me for operating a vehicle under the influence. The influence
of alcohol, LSD, or legal prescription painkillers, it makes no difference.

You say, "a user who physically or emotionally abuses his family under
the influence of drugs is adversely affecting their safety and quality
of life." Do you seriously believe weed heads account for more
domestic abuse than alcoholics?

Also, "a desperate addict who robs, burglarizes or murders for drug
money poses an obvious menace to the community at large." How many
people commit burglary or murder for cigarettes or beer? If drugs were
fully legalized, heroin habits would cost a few dollars a day to support.

Hell, I could grow my own opium in my closet for damn near nothing.
When a substance is made illegal, the cost skyrockets.

Remember alcohol prohibition?

Please don't let a few bad apples you hear about in the news spoil it
for the rest of the responsible cannabis users.

Taylor Smith

Georgia
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake