DRUG LAWS, NOT DRUGS, CREATE VIOLENCE

I applaud local Drug Enforcement Agency investigator Nick Broughton for his
insight. Of course he does seem a bit confused. As I read the article I
could just see him scratching his head at the realization that the "drug
sweeps" he has been conducting are causing murders! It works like this: The
drug becomes illegal and legitimate outlets (ABC and drug stores) cannot
sell it. People who want the drug buy it from illegal operators who are not
being regulated. When there is a dispute, it is settled by violence. Public
outrage is used to justify tougher drug laws, which have the effect of
ratcheting up the violence.

We are trapped in this bloody, vicious circle and won't be released until
we act to end drug prohibition.

When drugs are being sold irresponsibly, such as to children, then there is
a role for police. Otherwise, there are the courts for disputes and doctors
to treat abuse. We cannot use our existing social institutions to solve
drug problems effectively until we understand the lesson we should have
learned from the period of alcohol prohibition.

Please, Richmond, learn this lesson. At the root of it is a principle our
Founding Fathers held dear, personal responsibility. We are afraid of the
harm drugs can do, but until we accept our obligation to police our
families and ourselves, and not ask government to do it for us, we will be
trapped in an ever-increasing cycle of violence.

Lennice Werth, Crewe.