Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 Source: Boston Herald (MA) Copyright: 2008 The Boston Herald, Inc Contact: http://news.bostonherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n580/a02.html DRUG WAR MALPRACTICE Alan Lupo's column was right on target ("Drug war as usual is a script for surrender," June 9). Just like alcohol prohibition gave rise to Al Capone, drug prohibition created the violent drug-trafficking organizations blamed for all the killing in Mexico. U.S. politicians have proven particularly adept at confusing the drug war's collateral damage with drugs themselves. Drug prohibition funds organized crime at home and terrorism abroad, which is then used to justify increased drug war spending. Regardless of whether we like it, drugs are here to stay. Changing human nature is not an option. Reforming harmful drug laws, however, is an option, one that Congress should pursue. Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom