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.
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