Pubdate: Sun, 20 Jan 2002
Source: Wilmington Morning Star (NC)
Copyright: 2002 Wilmington Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.wilmingtonstar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/500
Author: Angel M Gonzalez

PROHIBITION FAILS

EDITOR: Concerning Robert Sharpe's Jan 10 column (arguing for the
European approach to recreational drug use): A good friend, federal
judge (Boston, 2nd Circuit) several years back, gave a very informal
talk on some research he had done on his own, for curiosity sake and
no ax to grind, to a group of fellow club members.

Immediately upon legalizing alcohol, and for more than 10 years, the
intensity of violent crime and murders throughout the nation dropped
significantly. Add to that fact that the "consumer" was buying a
better quality product at a much lower price and providing tax dollars
for the governments' upkeep.

After 10 years, organized crime found a "better" product to sell -
drugs.

We could follow FDR's example.

Angel M. Gonzalez,
Wilmington
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake