Pubdate: Mon, 07 Jun 2010 Source: El Paso Times (TX) Copyright: 2010 El Paso Times Contact: http://www.elpasotimes.com/townhall/ci_14227323 Website: http://www.elpasotimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/829 Author: Ralph Givens DRUG WAR FAILURE Drug prohibition has actually been failing since 1909 when a "smoking opium" ban was enacted. America's drug crusade has never worked in over 100 years. The idea that some new approach will succeed after the drug warriors have tried everything their devious and deceitful minds can conceive is true insanity. Drug prohibition can never work because the very act of outlawing drugs makes dealing them incredibly profitable. Severe penalties only increase profit margins, and busting dealers that are instantly replaced accomplishes nothing. The United States has become the world leader in incarceration because of an ill-conceived drug crusade. The only thing left for Kerlikowske is to announce a formal surrender and to regulate drugs the same way we do beer, wine and hard liquor. Ralph Givens Daly City, Calif. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom