The money our government spends in fighting the war on drugs is an
investment in the status quo.

It makes too much sense to legalize drugs and leave the decision of
use to personal morality. At least that way, we could break the back
of the illegal drug trade, gain badly needed tax money and have plenty
left over to help addicts clean up their lives.

Not to condone drug use, this expedience would save hundreds of
millions of dollars currently wasted fighting a war that cannot be
won. With an estimated $500 billion per year, drugs are the second
largest business in the world, surpassed only by military spending at
$800 billion. This has made drug lords the wealthiest people on the
planet.

But perhaps we are naive to believe these criminals would allow drugs
to be legalized. With the drug cartel's money comes power - power to
buy politicians, police, and jailers in most all parts of the world.
Yes, and in Canada too! With such a vested interest in maintaining the
status quo, it is doubtful if our government could legalize the trade
even if we want it to.

Josiah Rise
Medstead, Sask.