Pubdate: Mon, 05 Jan 2009
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2009 The Sun-Times Co.
Contact:  http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Dan Linn
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n006/a01.html

WAR ON DRUGS HAS FAILED, LIKE PROHIBITION

In response to "Lock 'em up for good," I find it appalling that Mr.
Pabst wants to send nonviolent drug offenders to jail for 50 years.
Nonviolent drug offenses should not be a crime at all, let alone a
life sentence, which 50 years might as well be. Maybe Mr. Pabst should
instead call for a return to alcohol prohibition, too.

Alcohol prohibition failed and so has the War on Drugs. Most gang
violence would be reduced if drugs were legal and regulated just like
alcohol. Take a lesson from the history books, and end the failed War
on Drugs.

Plus, he does not want to keep throwing money away in these endeavors,
but incarcerating one person for one year costs taxpayers more than
$20,000. How would locking people up for 50 years cut back on that
spending?

Violent crimes should be punished, but nonviolent drug offenses do not
have a victim, so where is the crime? Legalize drugs just like we did
with alcohol, and the violence will decrease.

Dan Linn, executive director, Illinois NORML
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin