Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 Source: Columbian, The (WA) Copyright: 2009 The Columbian Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.columbian.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92 Author: Ginger Griffin Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n726/a05.html ATTACK FINANCIERS OF DRUG INDUSTRY Kirk Muse's July 20 letter is right that "Prohibition doesn't stop use." Wouldn't you think that our prohibition of alcohol would have taught us a lesson? People continued to use alcohol, it was easily obtained, and crime and corruption became rampant. Billions of dollars are being spent to incarcerate drug addicts and it isn't solving anything. Alcoholism, addiction, and mental illness go hand in hand. These afflictions are diseases and social problems that cannot be locked away. Throwing more and more money into the never-ending "wars" is no solution. We have to attack our failing policies that are actually financing organized crime and incarcerating so very many for drug related offenses. The power structure of the drug business is international. It is one of the biggest and most lucrative commercial activities in the world. Reminiscent of the repeal of alcohol prohibition, let's get smart and get out of our drug policies that are fueling crime and contributing to the profits of organized crime. Ginger Griffin Kennewick - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom