Pubdate: Thu, 08 Nov 2007
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: George Kosinski

MAGIC BULLETS EXIST, BUT WE'RE AFRAID TO FIRE THEM

In 1905 the murder rate in the U.S. was two victims per 100,000 
people. In 1923, thanks to alcohol prohibition, the murder rate was 
four times higher and climbing. It peaked just before the repeal of 
alcohol prohibition, after which it plummeted dramatically until 
rising to prohibition-era levels and higher, roughly in concert with 
former president Richard Nixon's declaration of war on marijuana, 
while keeping pace with the ever-increasing federal budget for the 
war on drugs.

Contrary to the assertion in your editorial, there is a magic bullet, 
but it is useless unless it's actually placed in the firing chamber 
and someone pulls the trigger. While there is currently insufficient 
political will to perform this simple task, how can it not be clear 
that legalizing and regulating all drugs, rather than just most of 
them, is the only effective solution available?

George Kosinski

Gibsons
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