Pubdate: Fri, 25 May 2001
Source: Bergen Record (NJ)
Copyright: 2001 Bergen Record Corp.
Contact:  http://www.bergen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/44
Author: Robert Sharpe
Note: The writer is program officer for the Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy 
Foundation in Washington.

Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n894/a05.html

ON ALTERNATIVE TO DRUG WAR

Regarding "Bad choice for drub czar" (Editorial, May 18) on the misguided 
appointment of hawkish drug warrior John Walters as drug czar: Organized 
crime is no doubt very pleased with the nomination. Tough drug laws give 
rise to a lucrative black market in illegal drugs, effectively subsidizing 
organized crime. The crime, corruption, and overdose deaths attributed to 
drugs are all direct results of drug prohibition.

With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor producers no longer gun each down 
in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking unregulated 
bathtub gin. Drug policies should strive to undermine the volatile black 
market. Taxing and regulating marijuana is a cost-effective alternative to 
spending tens of billions annually on a failed drug war.

Robert Sharpe, Washington, D.C., May 19
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager