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
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake