Pubdate: Sat, 31 Dec 2011
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2011 William Slusher
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: William Slusher

DRUG LEGALIZATION COULD PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE

I've never done so much as a puff of MJ, but if America would just do
drug control (legalization and taxed-but-cheap sale of recreational
drugs to adults) it could forget about gun control. ["Marijuana
legalization, regulation move forward," Opinion, Dec. 26.]

Ninety percent of American gun violence would end overnight once the
profit motive for drug gangs to kill were eliminated.

Sure, freedom has a way of taking the irresponsible by the throat, so
many would suffer from legalized drugs, but far fewer than suffer
right now due to the violence. Drug legalization is not surrender in
the war on drugs. It is the only possible victory.

- - William Slusher, Okanogan
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D