DRUG WAR MOTIVES

Thomas Ravenel might be the wrong spokesman for legalizing drugs; I
believe he is. But he does make some good points. The problem with
legalizing drugs, though, is the impact it would have on the
socio-economic fabric of our state.

Drug criminalization keeps lawyers and judges employed. Prison systems
provide jobs in South Carolina, including hard hit rural areas. The
trickle-down economic benefits are the life-blood of many communities.
Branding drug users as felons keeps them from competing with the rest
of us for jobs and educational scholarships.

Do we really want to divert funding away from such a well-oiled system
as the Drug War "industrial complex"? For what possible use?

Betsy Grund

Wesson Avenue

Charleston