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
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman