Repeal Prohibition

[Martin Hash]

The simplest of all societal axioms is: for rules to work, people have to WANT to obey them. There is no better example of this fundamental concept than the failure of prohibition – in the gangster-ridden 1930s, and NOW. The so-called “War on Drugs” is an abysmal failure – worse than a failure – it’s a stake in the heart of our whole judicial system. Approximately a quarter of the penal system in the United States is clogged with drug offenders. Drug prohibition incites violence here and especially abroad. America essentially exports its prohibition violence to Mexico and other poor nations. Let’s face it: our country’s self-righteous attitude towards victimless crimes is unconscionable. If someone wants to risk ruining their life and going to prison for the feeling of euphoria and escape that comes from using drugs (including alcohol) then nothing short of execution is going to “cure” the problem. Who are the drug laws for anyway - the people who use them or the people who don’t? Frankly, I find self-righteous moralizers more abhorrent than junkies.

Ignoring or intentionally violating an irrational law breeds contempt for all laws. Enforcing unjust laws adds suspicion that all enforcement is unjust. Simply stated, the drug laws in this country are eroding civility – not protecting it! The solution is simple: Same as for alcohol, make the least dangerous drugs legal but regulated. People who want the recreational attributes of drugs can be assured of quality, safety, and price, which will monopolize 99% of the market. This is a case where a monopoly works towards the good of society.

[John]

I wrote a paper in high school around 1971 on the very same subject with similar conclusions as you have stated here. Not much has changed in the 40 years since regarding decriminalization.
The problem is too many financial interests and jobs are tied to keeping the "drug war" in place. And it is so easy for politicians to bloviate about being tough on crime and drug dealers and ignore how to deal with the issue wisely. The desperate search for government revenue may be the only catalyst that finally pushes our legislators into carving out more sensible drug laws.
I read a study that in the next 4 years or so the majority of the country will be in http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162- ... 03544.html favor of legalization of marijuana because much of the opposition is in the age group that will no longer be with us.
Some change comes very slowly.