Pubdate: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 Source: Polk County Democrat, The (FL) Copyright: 2007 Polk County Democrat Contact: http://www.polkcountydemocrat.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4137 Author: Anthony Lorenzo Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?233 (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) WAR ON DRUGS HAS FAILED Thank you for publishing this refreshing perspective ("Tiger Bay Club Ponders Decriminalization of Illegal Drugs") on the failed war on drugs. We certainly have lost this war. Drug use statistics have varied little over the last 30 years, other than the increase to 10 percent of high school seniors having tried MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy. High school students obtain these drugs through the underground black market, where there is not a license to lose for selling to minors, or regulations that will be followed to ensure there are no chemical adulterants poisoning those of our children who decide to experiment with drugs. We have learned nothing from alcohol prohibition, when adulterants cause health problems, crime syndicates arose and fought over lucrative supply control, and addicts hid rather than allowing us to help them. At least in alcohol prohibition, they didn't arrest users for possession. It is time to legalize drugs. Visit Law Enforcement Against Prohibition on the Web (www.leap.cc) and join with me in working to end this silly war against our neighbors as a supporter of LEAP. Anthony Lorenzo Sarasota - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman