Pubdate: Wed, 23 Aug 2006
Source: Bradenton Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2006 Bradenton Herald
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/58
Website: http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/
Author: Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZE DRUGS

I'm writing about the not-so-thoughtful letter from J. E. Spencer, 
"Close revolving door for dealers" (Aug. 5). When our great 
grandfathers relegalized alcohol in 1933, the illegal alcohol 
producers and dealers were put out of business overnight. We could do 
the exact same thing by re-legalizing all types of recreational drugs 
and selling them in licensed business establishments. Then the drugs 
would be regulated, controlled and taxed by our government - not criminals.

The United States is the most incarcerated nation in the history of 
human civilization - thanks primarily to our counter-productive drug 
policies. We have fewer than five percent of the world's population 
but more than 25 percent of the world's prisoners. In other words, 
one out of every four prisoners is locked in an American jail or 
prison. I'm tired of paying for the room and board for people who 
have harmed nobody except themselves or willing buyers of their product.

Our war on drugs has been a dismal failure. It's time to chart a new 
course and do something different - substantially different.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman