Pubdate: Sun, 6 Sep 2009
Source: Belleville News-Democrat (IL)
Copyright: 2009 Belleville News-Democrat
Contact:  http://www.bnd.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1185
Author: Dan Linn

PROHIBITION WON'T HELP

Regarding the letter, "Bring back Prohibition," I think the writer is
dead wrong. Alcohol prohibition spawned gangsters, corruption, and
unsafe products that were still consumed by many. While drunk driving
is a serious offense, to argue for banning all use of alcohol due to
the few who use it recklessly is absurd.

In fact, the drug war is another prohibition and should be repealed.
Increased gang violence, unpure products resulting in overdoses and
corruption are still prevalent because we have not learned the lesson
that the "noble experiment" does not work.

To reduce the harm of these dangerous substances, government
regulation is in order. Banning alcohol would simply lead to bathtub
stills and speakeasies, just like there are meth labs and crack houses
now.

If the writer wants to prevent people from dying from drunk driving,
he should advocate for police to focus on intoxicated drivers instead
of arresting responsible cannabis and other drug users.

Dan Linn

Executive director

Illinois NORML

Chicago 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake