Pubdate: Tue, 03 Mar 2009
Source: Appalachian, The (NC Edu)
Copyright: 2009 Appalachian State University
Contact: http://www.theapp.appstate.edu/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=50
Website: http://www.theapp.appstate.edu
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2788
Author: Jerry D. Lape

LEGALIZATION SERVES AS KEY TO DRUG PROBLEM, DECRIMINALIZATION UNNECESSARY

Why, every time someone talks about drugs, they want to decriminalize?

Is there a good reason that we must keep the criminals fully employed?

Are the outlaws the only ones who can control and deliver the 
products that people want? Is there a rule that states criminals 
deserve the black market profits they currently collect?

Just the same as booze and tobacco, we need to stop pretending that 
making something illegal will stop people from using it.

So, after 35 plus years of abject failure, it's time to change.

Legalize every drug already available on the street; put our 
officials truly in charge.

They would decide who could sell and to whom.

They could control strength and purity, collect taxes instead of 
flushing more billions down an unproductive toilet.

Next time some one suggests the only route is decriminalization, or 
continued prohibition, ask why they support an ongoing criminal 
enterprise? We don't need any more criminals in charge than we 
already have in congress.

Jerry D. Lape
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom