Pubdate: Sun, 17 Jun 2001
Source: Sunday Independent (Ireland)
Copyright: 2001 Independent Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.independent.ie/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/434
Author: Alan Randell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

PROHIBITING DRUGS DOES THE HARM

Sir - Before Joe MacAnthony goes rushing off suing drug dealers who 
are unlucky enough to get caught, may I suggest he take a moment and 
reflect on who is really to blame for the damage caused by illegal 
drugs?

The party most to blame is the government whose drug prohibition law 
is the cause of most of the harm. It is because the drugs are illegal 
that the customers are not properly informed as to the risks involved.

"Just say no" mantras from various police officers and other 
"experts" don't count. When alcohol was re-legalized after 
prohibition, the number of user deaths and blindness brought about by 
adulterated booze fell dramatically.

Does it not stand to reason the same phenomenon will occur when the 
last remaining illegal drugs are legalised?

Alan Randell, Canada.
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