Pubdate: Sun, 20 Jul 2003 Source: Observer, The (UK) Copyright: 2003 The Observer Contact: http://www.observer.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/315 Author: Kirk Muse, http://www.mapinc.org/writers/Kirk+Muse Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1060/a02.html WRONG ON DRUGS The war on drugs (Leader, last week) was lost before it began because no matter how much money is thrown at the problem, you cannot nullify the basic economic law of supply and demand. As long as people want drugs, and are willing to pay for them, someone will produce the drugs and someone will get the drugs to the willing buyers. We don't have coffee-, tea-or tobacco-related crime. That would soon change if these products were removed from the legitimate market and criminalised. And they would be untaxed, unregulated and controlled by criminal gangs - just as recreational drugs are. Kirk Muse Mesa Arizona, USA - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake