Pubdate: Thu, 16 Oct 2003
Source: Kansas City Star (MO)
Copyright: 2003 The Kansas City Star
Contact:  http://www.kcstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/221
Author: Jeff Buckley
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1530/a08.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Michelle Finnerty, I too am fed up with people who say "we should lift the 
prohibition on drugs because drugs do not harm anyone."

There is a far better reason to lift the prohibition: Because prohibition 
doesn't work. The examples you offer of the dangers of drugs (overdoses, 
abused and neglected children, etc.) are proof. All of these things happen 
far too frequently in spite of stringent anti-drug laws.

Perhaps a better solution is to decriminalize recreational drug use, 
manufacture and possession. Then we can get down to the business of 
regulating it - something Americans are known for. (Ever hear of the 
multibillion-dollar liquor industry?) Is this a perfect solution? No. Just 
a better one. The billions that could be realized from a sin tax on 
recreational drugs would go a long way toward educating our kids about the 
evils of using drugs and alcohol. Jeff Buckley Raymore, MO
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager