Pubdate:  Mon 14 Jul 2003
Source: Arizona Republic (AZ)
ml
Copyright: 2003 The Arizona Republic
Contact:  http://www.arizonarepublic.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Kirk Muse

ANOTHER OPENING FOR CRIME

I'm writing about the letter from B.C. De Moss, M. D. ("Stop selling
tobacco," Friday.)

We don't have tobacco-related crime of any major significance. But we
soon would, if tobacco were taken off the legitimate market and
criminalized.

If tobacco were criminalized, it would be untaxed, unregulated and
controlled by criminal gangs, just as recreational drugs are today.

If prohibition worked, tobacco should be the first product prohibited
and alcohol the second. But prohibition doesn't work. It never has and
never will, except to provide full employment for those doing the
prohibiting.

 Kirk Muse

 Mesa
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin