Pubdate: Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Paul Geddes
Page: A12

PROHIBITION IS MAIN CAUSE OF DRUG DEATHS

Re: Fentanyl deaths show need for drug education, Editorial, Aug. 7

Why is it that governments and the media keep spending money educating
us about the dangers of street drugs but people keep dying? Could
there be something else wrong with this picture?

We reduce (not eliminate, because that is impossible) risk by allowing
voluntary institutions to create reputations. A legal ski hill is
likely to reduce risk because too many deaths will scare away
customers. A legal restaurant is likely to reduce risk because too
many sick customers is bad for business. Don't you think potential
users already know that street drugs are dangerous? So why doesn't the
government allow the establishment of legal reputation builders in the
drug business? A legal drug dealer is likely to have a comparative
advantage at measuring risk and pass these savings to customers. More
education isn't the answer. The main killer of drug innocents is
prohibition.

Paul Geddes

Libertarian Party of Canada Coquitlam
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MAP posted-by: Matt