Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jan 2006
Source: Vermont Guardian (VT)
Copyright: 2006 Vermont Guardian
Contact:  http://www.vermontguardian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3698
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n025/a10.html

DRUG WAR'S SUPPLY SIDE

In his Jan. 4 article, Benjamin Dangl is to be commended for raising 
awareness of the supply-side drug war's utter failure. Creating a 
global welfare state in which every developing country is paid not to 
grow illicit drug crops is an expensive proposition. The militaristic 
approach is no bargain either. Destroy the Bolivian coca crop and 
production will boom in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Destroy every 
last plant in South America and domestic methamphetamine production 
will increase to meet the demand for cocaine-like drugs.  The 
self-professed champions of the free market in Congress are seemingly 
incapable of applying basic economic principles to U.S. drug policy. 
Instead of wasting scarce resources waging a futile supply-side war 
abroad, we should be funding cost-effective drug treatment here at home.

Robert Sharpe

Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom