Pubdate: Wed, 23 Aug 2000
Source: The Suncoast News(FL)
Pubdate: Wed, 23 Aug 2000
Section: Letters
Contact:  6214 U.S. 19, New Port Richey,FL 34652
Author: John Chase, Palm Harbor

PROHIBITION NEVER WORKS

The opinion pages of this publication have discussed the recent $145 
billion anti-tobacco award to Florida smokers. At least one of these 
letters has alluded to the idea that tobacco could be made illegal to limit 
its damage.

That we can discuss such action so casually indicates the same fuzzy 
thinking that keeps our drug war going at full throttle and with no good 
results. If we could ask some of the people who came before us they would 
clarify this from their experience with National Alcohol Prohibition, 
1920-1933.

The general rule is that no popular drug is so dangerous that it cannot be 
made worse by outlawing it. History confirms no exceptions to the rule.
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