Pubdate: Wed, 02 May 2012
Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Grand Junction, CO)
Copyright: 2012 Cox Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.gjsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2084
Author: Diane Cox
Note: Title by newshawk

WILL SHORT SIGHTED

Recently, in a rare moment of short-sightedness, George Will endorsed
the legalization of drugs as a solution to drug cartel violence.

His rationale was that this would undercut profits and put them out of
business. If only it were that simple. You have to be very naive to
believe that if we tax and regulate drugs that these dealers are going
to give up, go home and start car washes and taco shops. Drugs will
always be cheaper on the street and the black market will continue.

Legalization will only serve to expand the customer base of addicts
and make it impossible for the police to control.

Mexico turned a blind eye on the drug trade for decades and now is
dealing with so much violence it is in danger of becoming a failed
state. Alaska tried legalizing small amounts of marijuana in the '80s
and in a short time had double the national average of teen drug abuse.

We need to learn a lesson from their bitter experiences and continue
to resist the expansion of this trade that preys upon human weakness
and addiction.

DIANE COX

Palisade
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