Pubdate: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Section: Letters
Copyright: 2001 Cox Interactive Media.
Contact:  http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Brian Rubins

CHANGING LAWS WOULD END BLACK MARKET

I would like to thank the Atlanta deputy police chief for his recent letter 
relating his views on the war on drugs. This issue deserves to be discussed 
openly. His letter is a good example of how many of those fighting this war 
have become blinded to any solution that doesn't involve more fighting.

Jackson says it is irrational to think "that a multibillion-dollar criminal 
enterprise would be rendered harmless if its primary product were 
legalized." This is, actually, a very rational argument. If the product 
were cheaply available through legal means, the "multibillion-dollar 
criminal enterprise" would be out of business overnight. How many shootings 
are attributable to the black-market alcohol industry? Not many.

Our police should be commended for doing the dangerous job that we have 
charged them to do. I believe, however, that it is time to re-evaluate our 
strategy in dealing with this important societal problem.

Brian Rubins
Atlanta
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MAP posted-by: Beth