Pubdate: Sat, 02 Mar 2002
Source: Florence Times Daily (AL)
Copyright: 2002 Times Daily
Contact:  http://www.timesdaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1641
Author: Frank Powell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n365/a04.html

THAT'S A BRILLIANT IDEA

To the Editor:

I was stunned by the brilliant suggestion by Redford Given of San Francisco 
in a letter to the Times Daily recently. His proposed solution to 
drug-related violence, such as murders and robberies, is so simple, one 
must wonder why someone hasn't thought of it before.

Make drugs legal, he says, and all the violence connected with them will end.

The concept is dazzling.

It could be expanded to several other areas, such as bank robbery, mugging, 
kidnapping, even traffic laws against speeding. Decriminalize these acts 
and -- voila! -- no more crimes.

A variation of the idea has been offered as a cure for our growing divorce 
rate.

Since marriage is the primary cause of divorce, simply stop marriages.

More and more of our young set are choosing this course with little effect 
on the birth rate, it seems.

Given's plan is similar to one of mine on how to end drug violence and abuse.

Let's confine all addicts and supply them with drugs of their choice, as 
much as they want.

About every three days, drag away the bodies to avoid health and pollution 
problems.

Most brilliant social changes seem to start in California, so we should 
take a close look at Given's plan.

Frank Powell

Florence
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MAP posted-by: Beth