Pubdate: Thu, 24 Oct 2002
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2002 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Michael J. Randazzo
Note: Randazzo is membership chairman of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party

A BETTER WAY

TO THE EDITOR: In the argument regarding legalization or decriminalization 
of narcotics, both sides usually at least agree that there's no way to 
eliminate all narcotics. There are examples of drugs being sold in 
maximum-security prisons, as well as criminals concocting new narcotics as 
old standbys become less available. Those who would keep narcotics illegal 
at any cost proclaim the fact that drugs will always be available does not 
mean we should give up the fight. If this is true, it's important to 
explore the effects of fighting drugs by making them illegal. If it's 
agreed that no reasonable amount of resources could stop the trafficking 
and usage of narcotics, then we must also agree that the only choice the 
government is making is who controls the channels of distribution. If drugs 
are illegal, those involved in the marketing and distribution of drugs are 
those willing to break the law (gangsters, thugs, criminals).

If drugs are legal, then those who comply with the law will also run the 
channels of distribution. The current marketers of illegal narcotics are 
some of the best marketers in the world. They provide free samples to 
children. They use children as salespeople. And they protect their market 
share with guns.

Those who want to legalize narcotics do not want to "give up" on the 
problems associated with drugs; they just know there's a better way to keep 
fighting.

Michael J. Randazzo

Midwest City
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