Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2011 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2011 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.signonsandiego.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Author: Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n471/a03.html VIOLENCE AGGRAVATED BY DRUG PROHIBITION In response to "A tale of drugs' toll on family, two nations" (Editorial, July 17), drugs weren't the cause of Mexico's organized crime networks. Just like how Prohibition in the U.S. in the 1920s gave rise to Al Capone, recent drug prohibition has created the violent drug trafficking organizations behind all the killings in Mexico. With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers aren't as violent. Mexico's upsurge in violence only began after a crackdown on drugs created a power vacuum among competing cartels. The drug war is perpetuated by the mainstream media's refusal to put so-called drug-related crime in context. Drug prohibition funds organized crime at home and terrorism abroad, which is then used by shameless politicians to justify increased drug-war spending. It's time to end this madness. Whether we like it or not, drugs are here to stay. Changing human nature is not an option. Reforming harmful drug laws is an option that Congress should pursue. Robert Sharpe Analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy Arlington, Va. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.