Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2002
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Author: John Chase,  Palm Harbor
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n2263/a05.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

DRUG SUPPLY AND DEMAND

Jack Schwartz's letter in the Dec. 13 "Friday Forum" feature is on the 
right track that addiction to illegal drugs should be handled the same way 
as addiction to legal drugs. But decriminalization would not bankrupt drug 
lords, not unless we also repealed the law of supply and demand.

Decriminalization, as the term is normally used, means that drug users 
would not be arrested on criminal charges. Instead, they would be issued a 
ticket like a traffic citation, much like the enforcement of Prohibition, 
when only bootleggers were arrested. Supply was thus reduced but not 
demand, and the illegal market flourished.

The only way to force drug lords into bankruptcy is to take out the profit 
by undercutting the street by, for example, selling drugs in state stores, 
much as Pennsylvania sells liquor. Then use part of the resulting revenue 
to offer free drug treatment and other medical services, as the Swiss have 
been doing since 1994.

It is strong medicine, but it is the only thing that will work.

John Chase
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager