Pubdate: Wed, 31 Mar 2010
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2010 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact: http://www.suntimes.com/aboutus/feedback/index.html
Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n249/a04.html
Author: Steve Stanek

END INSANE DRUG WAR, STOP THE VIOLENCE

Let's hope this country adopts the thinking of columnist Steve Huntley
regarding decriminalizing marijuana ("Decriminalizing pot would
devastate cartels," March 30).

Violence surged with the "war on drugs" launched 40 years ago. And
drug abuse is worse now than it was then. During alcohol Prohibition,
from 1920-1933, we saw the rise of organized crime, and some studies
show alcohol consumption -- especially binge drinking -- increased.

But people in those days apparently were smarter than we are.
Prohibition was repealed. Forty years later, the failed war on drugs
rages on.

Marijuana, cocaine, opium, etc., were readily available in this
country in the 1800s and well into the 1900s. They became a scourge
only after the government decided to wipe them out.

Millions of people in this country and others have suffered from the
violence spawned by the government's insane drug policies. It's long
past time they were ended.

Steve Stanek, McHenry
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake