Pubdate: Tue, 12 Aug 2008
Source: Tracy Press (CA)
Copyright: 2008 Tracy Press
Contact: http://tracypress.com/content/view/2905/2274/
Website: http://www.tracypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3862
Author: Stephen Zendejas

GIVE LEGAL, REGULATED DRUGS A CHANCE

A Young Writer Suggests Legalizing And Carefully Regulating Drugs 
Would Ultimately Benefit Society.

EDITOR,

I'm 17 years old, and I've never been high on any recreational drug. 
However, I remain adamant in the belief that all drugs should be 
legalized and regulated.

I can understand that while reading this, you may be appalled, but 
let's talk about the effects drugs might have on society. The 
nation's War on Drugs has cost taxpayers nearly $19 billion, money 
that could go to support the troops in Iraq or even help the U.S. 
economy's mortgage crisis.

There is always the argument that drugs are bad for citizens. But 
since when has that stopped the market of products that are bad for 
us, such as fast food? And isn't it up to the consumer to make smart 
investments?

America is a capitalist society, and we have always been, so why do 
we restrict this type of market?

What's disheartening is when a person advocates restricting a product 
to those who really need it ­ a prime example being marijuana, which 
has great potential to give a patient's appetite a boost after he or 
she has gone through chemotherapy.

I guess my question is: Why doesn't the federal government regulate drugs?
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart