Pubdate: Fri, 23 Mar 2012
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2012 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact: http://www.newsok.com/voices/guidelines
Website: http://newsok.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Kirk Muse

DRUG PROHIBITION POLICIES FOSTER CRIME

In response to B.G. Nolen (Your Views, March 16): Many judges and
prison wardens have said that 70 percent to 80 percent of all property
crime and violent crime is drug-related. Actually, nearly 100 percent
of all so-called drug-related crime is caused by drug prohibition
policies - not drugs. When Coca-Cola contained cocaine instead of
caffeine and sold for 5 cents a bottle, the term "drug-related crime"
didn't exist. Neither did drug lords, drug cartels or even drug
dealers as we know them today.

Many law enforcement personnel are opposed to the idea of legalizing
any recreational drugs. That's because if drugs were legalized, we'd
need far fewer law enforcement personnel, far fewer prison guards and
no prison builders. Therefore, many now employed in law enforcement
and the prison industry would be looking for a job.

Of course, those opposed to legalizing drugs because it would affect
their livelihood won't say so. Instead they cite noble reasons such as
protecting the children - as if our current policies are protecting
children from drugs.

Kirk Muse
Mesa, Ariz.