FED LAWS FUEL DRUG VIOLENCE

Profits from smuggling draw organized crime, murders and corruption
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are getting less attention because of
violence along the Mexican border -- battles that could prove more
dangerous to U.S. security than overseas terrorists.

Unlike the war on terror, this one is of our own making; a byproduct
of a wrong-headed, ineffective, expensive and failed government drug policies.

When feds clamp down on drug traffic it raises prices and creates
huge profits for smugglers and dealers. With those dollars, Mexican
narco gangs can buy weaponry that outguns local police.

Cartels have taken control of Mexico's border cities with a mix of
murders and corruption. Police either take a bribe or a bullet, turf
battles take the lives of gang members and civilians and young
teenagers are recruited for murder squads.

The violence has spread beyond U.S. border cities with kidnappings
and killings in metropolitan areas and even small towns.

Instead of frank talk about decriminalization and legalization of
marijuana and other drugs, the government is taking the traditional
path of throwing money and manpower at the problem. This week
President Barack Obama announced a plan to send 500 federal agents
and support personnel to the border, with promises to "do more" if
necessary, including sending National Guard troops.

Apparently, this is on top of the $700 million Congress approved to
support Mexico's efforts against the cartels.

These border wars are just one outgrowth of U.S. drug policy. Narco
dollars fuel corruption that extends into Mexico City, where cartels
pay cash for prison escapes and early warnings on raids. U.S.
officials say the rot has helped make the Mexican government unstable
and in danger of collapse.

Back in the United States, only a few government officials dare raise
the subject of legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, one of
the most profitable and least harmful products in the drug trade.
Instead, like Obama did this week, they promise more clampdowns to
reduce demand.

That tactic hasn't worked before. It only will fuel more violence,
both along our borders and in our cities.