Pubdate: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 Source: Oklahoman, The (OK) Copyright: 2002 The Oklahoma Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.oklahoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318 Author: Michael J. Randazzo Note: Randazzo is membership chairman of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party A BETTER WAY TO THE EDITOR: In the argument regarding legalization or decriminalization of narcotics, both sides usually at least agree that there's no way to eliminate all narcotics. There are examples of drugs being sold in maximum-security prisons, as well as criminals concocting new narcotics as old standbys become less available. Those who would keep narcotics illegal at any cost proclaim the fact that drugs will always be available does not mean we should give up the fight. If this is true, it's important to explore the effects of fighting drugs by making them illegal. If it's agreed that no reasonable amount of resources could stop the trafficking and usage of narcotics, then we must also agree that the only choice the government is making is who controls the channels of distribution. If drugs are illegal, those involved in the marketing and distribution of drugs are those willing to break the law (gangsters, thugs, criminals). If drugs are legal, then those who comply with the law will also run the channels of distribution. The current marketers of illegal narcotics are some of the best marketers in the world. They provide free samples to children. They use children as salespeople. And they protect their market share with guns. Those who want to legalize narcotics do not want to "give up" on the problems associated with drugs; they just know there's a better way to keep fighting. Michael J. Randazzo Midwest City - --- MAP posted-by: Beth