http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n1108/a09.html

ROSELLE -- While I share Bob Greene's horror at the senseless loss of
life caused by gang violence ("Even Capone would be disgusted," Oct.
10), I think he misunderstands the root of the violence in the 1920s
and today. Although it is true Eliot Ness helped to put Al Capone
behind bars, there were others waiting to take Capone's place and his
tactics. The real blow to gang power came with the repeal of
prohibition, when the incredible economic power of alcohol
distribution was taken away from the gangs.

I hope Greene had a chance to read Ethan Nadelmann's excellent
commentary piece that was printed the same day as Greene's column
("New approach to drugs that's grounded not in ignorance or fear but
common sense"). As Nadelmann points out, there are many reasons to
re-evaluate modern prohibition. Today, the incredible economic power
that goes with illegal drug distribution helps to finance the current
crop of gangs. Taking that power out of gang hands will make
membership less lucrative and less attractive to potential recruits.

Now, as in the 1920s, gang power won't be reduced by tough law
enforcement; it will be reduced by realistic law enforcement.

S. R. Young