Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jul 2014
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2014 The Arizona Republic
Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Ross Smith
Page: 15

LEGALIZE DRUGS AND HALT ORGANIZED DRUG CRIME

Regarding "Migrant kids, I feel for you, but go back home" (Opinions, 
Wednesday):

I disagree with the letter writer. The combination of America's 
insatiable drug habit and the dismal failure of the "war on drugs" is 
the cause of much of the violence in Mexico and Central America. Just 
as alcohol prohibition escalated organized crime in the 20th century, 
our inability to manage our drug use is currently causing much of the 
violence in those countries, as well as in our country.

Most drugs should be legal, within a framework of regulations and 
taxation to provide the resources to help those who cannot manage 
their addictions. Organized drug crime, and the violence that goes 
with it, will fade, and the flood of kids crossing our border will subside. -

Ross Smith,

Scottsdale
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom