Pubdate: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Grand Junction, CO) Copyright: 2006 Cox Newspapers, Inc. Contact: http://www.gjsentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2084 Author: Carroll Quarles Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) LEGALIZED METHAMPHETAMINE WOULD STILL CREATE SOCIAL PROBLEMS Editor: I have been listening to arguments that suggest legalizing methamphetamine would solve the methamphetamine problem -- like the legalization of alcohol solved the alcohol problem. Anyone who thinks alcohol is not a problem in our culture is not paying attention or is naive. I have watched as marijuana has been decriminalized and partially legalized in various states. I have given considerable thought to the argument that black markets are caused by prohibitions against certain items, i.e., drugs, alcohol, guns. I have considered the psychological ramifications of telling people "No." When we teach our children they must say "No," it is those things we tell them not to do that they inevitably must try. Methamphetamine addicts cannot hold a job, yet they need dope. The only way to get the money after they lose their jobs is through burglary, fraud, identity theft, prostitution or becoming a dealer. Some of them exploit their own children to get money for the drug. My point is that legalization is not the answer. If we legalize meth, it wouldn't help the social problems associated with it. People would still be addicted, unable to hold a job, and in need of money to buy it legally. What would they do? Lie, cheat, steal, prostitute themselves and murder one another as they currently do. If they could buy "homemade" meth cheaper than the meth at the corner drug store, would they do it? Sure, so the drug would still be manufactured unsafely by dealers who would undercut the government-regulated industry. The justice and social systems would still be in no danger of extinction. My mind is not closed to change, but I need to be convinced that decriminalization of drugs is the best way to protect society. Letter writer David Cox and others have posed some interesting questions, but I perceive the answers to them are not easily discovered. CARROLL QUARLES Chief Palisade Police Department Palisade - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman