Pubdate: Tue, 16 Jun 2009
Source: State Journal-Register (IL)
Copyright: 2009 The State Journal-Register
Contact:  http://www.sj-r.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425
Author: Dan Linn
Note: Title by MAP
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n602/a10.html

JUST A SLIVER

It is too bad the writer of the recent letter, "Police are doing a 
good job going after drugs," doesn't realize that the amount of drugs 
that the police confiscate has very little impact into the overall 
illegal drug market. The 8,320 pounds of illegal drugs that were 
confiscated on I-55 last year are just a sliver of the entire illegal 
drug market in Illinois. History reveals that prohibition did not 
work with alcohol and the war on drugs is simply another prohibition.

By regulating dangerous substances, the purity levels and 
distribution systems all are monitored by the government, whereas an 
illegal market leaves purity and distribution to criminals. Plus, 
alcohol and cigarette vendors require age verification. I doubt any 
drug dealer does.

I support the police are simply doing their job, but drug laws 
prevent police from catching real criminals. End the war on drugs and 
police will have more time to go after violent and dangerous 
criminals instead of nonviolent drug consumers.

Dan Linn

Sycamore
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom