Pubdate: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (TX) Copyright: 2002 The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Contact: http://www.lubbockonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/841 Author: Bob Ramsey Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1888/a01.html PITFALLS OF PROHIBITION Re: The letter "Money Spurs Drug Sales" (A-J, 10-8). In 82 words, the letter writer spells out the bottom line on prohibition, whether it's prohibition of alcohol, uppers, downers, or sideways-ers: The treatment is worse than the disease. From a religious viewpoint, prohibition substitutes worldly force for spiritual self-control. But when we put our trust in an arm of flesh, we abandon our trust in God. From a secular view, prohibition is based on the premise that we humans must be protected from our own corruptibility. But it is impractical because it must be enforced by other equally corruptible humans. The letter writer is onto something. If you check the history of alcohol prohibition, you will find it was enacted by women under the slogan "Save Our Children From Alcohol." And it was repealed by the same women under the slogan "Save Our Children From Prohibition." You can check out some posters at: http://home1.gte.net/res0kzdq/ BOB RAMSEY/Irving Drug Policy Forum of Texas Via e-mail - --- MAP posted-by: Josh