Pubdate: Thu, 21 Apr 2005
Source: Fayetteville Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2005 Fayetteville Observer
Contact:  http://www.fayettevillenc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/150
Author: Robert Gregg

THE WAR ON DRUGS IS GOING IN CIRCLES

When will the people and their representatives learn the lessons of 
prohibition? When alcohol was prohibited the government gave up a vast 
revenue stream to those who were willing to satisfy the demands of the 
public who still desired alcohol in spite of its illegal status. Drinking 
among minors increased and so did the violence that resulted from the 
competition among criminal gangs.

The only thing that was accomplished by prohibition was the rise of 
organized crime and a decline in respect for the law. Law enforcement was 
corrupted by the vast amounts of bribe money available, and courts were 
filled with citizens who were law-abiding except for their desire for alcohol.

Does this sound familiar? We will never win the war on drugs because we 
support both sides. We spend billions to keep drugs out of this country, 
while at the same time we buy the drugs that the cartels provide. Let us 
get off this tragic merry-go-round. Regulate, tax and treat those few who 
need it.

Robert Gregg, Marshville
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager