Pubdate: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2014 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Author: Graeme Gardiner Page: A10 OUR MIDDLE CLASS GOING TO POT The partisan issue of whether or not to legalize marijuana will solve nothing. We know now that the war on drugs has failed. Since 1990 the price of illicit drugs has actually decreased because of an overabundant supply. The steady demand continues to be fuelled in large part by people trying to temporarily escape unfulfilled lives. The trickle-down economy started in the same time period has also not worked. Inequality is at historically high levels. Unchecked capitalism has created concentrated wealth, a middle class in steady decline and an increased market for illicit drugs. The economic and social cost of these two failed programs is enormous. Perhaps it is time to consider a new and much cheaper approach. A strong public school system could turn the next generation away from illicit drugs and toward fulfilling well-paid jobs created in a properly managed capitalist system. After a single 12-year public school cycle we could very well see a renewed prosperous middle class. Why can't our politicians see the connections and do more than just try to score political points? Graeme Gardiner, Sidney B.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt