Pubdate: Tue, 08 May 2001 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Section: Opinion, Pg A14 Copyright: 2001 Calgary Herald Contact: http://www.calgaryherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Robert Sharpe DRUG POLICY HURTS CHILDREN In criticizing New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson's drug policy reform advocacy, Nigel Hannaford fails to consider the children he's intent on protecting have an easier time buying illegal drugs than beer. Unlike legitimate businesses that sell alcohol, drug dealers don't ID for age. I respectfully disagree with Hannaford's conclusion that regulation is not the answer. Taxing and regulating marijuana would separate the hard and soft drug markets and eliminate the gateway to drugs like cocaine and heroin. Establishing strict age controls is critical. No system is foolproof, but undermining the youth-oriented black market is a step in the right direction. The crime, corruption and overdose deaths attributed to illegal drugs are all direct results of drug prohibition. With alcohol prohibition repealed, U.S. liquor producers no longer gun each other down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking unregulated bathtub gin. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. The drug war doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime. Drug policy reform may send the wrong message to children, but I like to think the children themselves are more important than the message. Robert Sharpe Washington, D.C. Program Officer, Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth