Pubdate: Tue, 07 Feb 2012
Source: Savannah Morning News (GA)
Copyright: 2012 Savannah Morning News
Contact:  http://www.savannahnow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/401
Author: Robert Sharpe

END VIOLENT CRIME BY REFORMING DRUG LAWS

Drugs did not spawn Mexico's organized crime networks. Just like 
alcohol prohibition gave rise to Al Capone, drug prohibition created 
the violent drug-trafficking organizations behind all the killings in Mexico.

With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers no longer gun 
each other down in drive-by shootings. Mexico's upsurge in violence 
only began after an anti-drug crackdown created a power vacuum among 
competing cartels.

Drug prohibition funds organized crime at home and terrorism abroad, 
which is then used to justify increased drug war spending.

Like it or not, drugs are here to stay. Changing human nature is not 
an option. Reforming harmful drug laws is an option which Congress 
should pursue.

ROBERT SHARPE

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom