Pubdate: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 Source: Day, The (New London,CT) Copyright: 2013 The Day Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.theday.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293 Author: Kirk Muse MISGUIDED, ENDLESS WAR AGAINST DRUGS I appreciate The Day for publishing the thoughtful editorial from the Seattle Times: "Easing the drug war" (Aug. 17). I submit that there should no punishment at all for any so-called drug crime. In a drug transaction, there are willing buyers and willing sellers. Presumably, both will walk away happy unless one or both are arrested. Our government cannot protect adult citizens from themselves, and our government shouldn't attempt to do so. A so-called free country should be a truly free country with adult citizens taking responsibility for their own behavior, whether it is wise or foolish. Of course, the drug war cheerleaders will claim that legalizing our now illegal drugs will be giving into the drug dealers and drug lords. When we re-legalized alcohol in 1933 did we give into the alcohol cartels? No. We put them out of business. Arresting and jailing a drug dealer or even the head of a drug cartel has the effect similar to cutting off the top of a weed. It will grow back, stronger than ever. The only way to get rid of any weed is to kill the root and the root of our drug problem is: prohibition. Kirk Muse Mesa, AZ - --- MAP posted-by: Matt