Pubdate: Thu, 17 Jan 2008
Source: Frederick News Post (MD)
Copyright: 2008 Randall Family, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.fredericknewspost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/814
Author: Jeff Keller

GANG GROWTH, DRUG PROHIBITION LINKED

A recent front-page story in The Frederick News-Post ("Forum warns of 
growing gangs," Jan. 14) reported findings presented by a "gang 
awareness forum." The forum presenters warned that over 400 people in 
our area are confirmed gang members.

While the article (or perhaps the forum presenters) fell short in 
giving a precise definition of how one qualifies as a gang member, 
the current widespread presence of gangs should nonetheless be of concern.

I am one of many Americans who has come to realize that gang activity 
is largely a product of the current war on drugs. We know, from 
studying economics, that any enterprise will continue to function as 
long as its products are in demand. If prohibited, that enterprise 
will be relegated to the underground economy, also known as the 
"black market." In a black market, all transactions occur outside the 
sphere of contract law. Without a peaceful means to settle disputes, 
all that is left is violence. In addition, increasingly draconian 
prison sentences mandated for adult offenders make plying the drug 
trade much less risky for minors; hence, their recruitment.

This same scenario played out in the 1920s, the era of alcohol 
prohibition. Our grandparents recognized that the sharp increase in 
gangland violence had less to do with demon rum and more to do with 
prohibition. We should all take heed and recognize that much of 
today's crime and violence is not drug-related, but prohibition-related.

Incidentally, there is one presidential candidate whose platform 
includes ending the drug war. He is Congressman Ron Paul, a 
Republican from Texas.

JEFF KELLER

New Market
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom