Pubdate: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI) Copyright: 2015 Madison Newspapers, Inc. Contact: http://host.madison.com/wsj/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506 Author: Chuck Litweiler LEGALIZING DRUGS MIGHT STOP MURDERS When we learn of the accidental murder of a baby by shooters intending to hit a rival drug dealer two doors away, it's time to think about what might be done to stop such madness. Because one-issue gun advocates are willing to spend unlimited money to sway an election, we cannot regulate possession of firearms or ammunition. It may be time to carefully consider whether we can tamp down the greed that propels this violence. That means examining whether legalizing drugs would result in fewer deaths. I don't like the thought of legalizing heroin and cocaine, because doing so would likely result in more addiction. But the murder of innocents here and in Mexico is worse. We have an unending demand for illegal drugs here. If legalization can result in fewer deaths, we should investigate it. Chuck Litweiler, Madison - --- MAP posted-by: Matt