Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2002
Source: Southwest Times Record (AR)
Copyright: 2002 Stephens Media Group
Contact:  http://www.swtimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/529
Author: Rodney Steiner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

FAILING 'WAR' ON DRUGS MISSES TAX BASE

Tobacco and alcohol are two controlled substances the government condones, 
regulates and taxes. It irks me that they subsidize tobacco growers.

The "war" on drugs seems to be a waste of taxpayers money. The problem is 
not abating. Why doesn't it regulate, control the contents and tax 
marijuana, cocaine, etc. The product would be standardized, the billions of 
dollars going to the underworld and street sellers would be taxed instead 
of making them rich at our expense.

The income taxes, product taxes and profits generated by legal retailers 
would possibly approach what is now collected from cigarettes and liquors 
and, at lower prices, would probably cut out a lot of robbery etc.

Who could push for this? The legislators are mostly heavy smokers and heavy 
drinkers so that is why the government condones them.

Rodney Steiner, Fort Smith
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager