Pubdate: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 Source: Providence Journal, The (RI) Copyright: 2009 The Providence Journal Company Contact: http://www.projo.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n759/a01.html Author: Kirk Muse AL CAPONE'S BUSINESS MODEL Regarding Froma Harrop's thoughtful July 30 column, "Pot could be gold for California": Marijuana will probably remain a criminalized substance because lots of people, organizations and industries have a vested financial interest in the status quo of marijuana prohibition. They want marijuana to remain completely unregulated, untaxed and controlled by criminals. Relegalizing marijuana would make it substantially less profitable for not only growers and sellers, but also for lots of politicians and members of law enforcement. The notorious gangster Al Capone had hundreds of politicians and police officials on his payroll during the 1920s because of Prohibition. Shouldn't we assume that the drug cartels of today are following Capone's business model? Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz.