Pubdate: Fri, 17 Jul 2015
Source: Elko Daily Free Press (NV)
Copyright: 2015 Elko Daily Free Press
Contact:  http://www.elkodaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2326
Author: Kirk Muse
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n393/a03.html

DRUG LAWS, NOT DRUGS, ARE THE PROBLEM

Thanks for publishing Robert Sharpe's thoughtful letter: "Privacy, 
freedom at stake in drug war" (7-15-15).

I'd like to add that many judges and prison wardens have said that 70 
to 80 percent of all property crime and violent crime is "drug-related."

Actually almost 100 percent of all so-called "drug-related crime" is 
caused by drug prohibition policies -- not drugs.

When Coca-Cola contained cocaine instead of caffeine and sold for 5 
cents a bottle, the term "drug-related crime" didn't exist. Neither 
did drug lords, drug cartels or even drug dealers as we know them today.

Many currently employed in law enforcement are opposed to the idea of 
re-legalizing any recreational drugs. That's because if drugs were 
re-legalized, we would need far fewer law enforcement personnel, far 
fewer prison guards and no prison builders.

Therefore, many now employed in law enforcement and the prison 
industry would be looking for a job or washing cars for a living.

Of course, those opposed to re-legalizing drugs because it would 
affect their livelihood will not say so. Instead they will cite noble 
reasons such as protecting the children.

As if the current policies are protecting children from drugs.

Kirk Muse

Mesa
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