GANG GROWTH, DRUG PROHIBITION LINKED

A recent front-page story in The Frederick News-Post ("Forum warns of
growing gangs," Jan. 14) reported findings presented by a "gang
awareness forum." The forum presenters warned that over 400 people in
our area are confirmed gang members.

While the article (or perhaps the forum presenters) fell short in
giving a precise definition of how one qualifies as a gang member,
the current widespread presence of gangs should nonetheless be of concern.

I am one of many Americans who has come to realize that gang activity
is largely a product of the current war on drugs. We know, from
studying economics, that any enterprise will continue to function as
long as its products are in demand. If prohibited, that enterprise
will be relegated to the underground economy, also known as the
"black market." In a black market, all transactions occur outside the
sphere of contract law. Without a peaceful means to settle disputes,
all that is left is violence. In addition, increasingly draconian
prison sentences mandated for adult offenders make plying the drug
trade much less risky for minors; hence, their recruitment.

This same scenario played out in the 1920s, the era of alcohol
prohibition. Our grandparents recognized that the sharp increase in
gangland violence had less to do with demon rum and more to do with
prohibition. We should all take heed and recognize that much of
today's crime and violence is not drug-related, but prohibition-related.

Incidentally, there is one presidential candidate whose platform
includes ending the drug war. He is Congressman Ron Paul, a
Republican from Texas.

JEFF KELLER

New Market