|
|
Article: The "war on drugs": a view from the trenches.
- Article from:
- Social Research
- Article date:
- September 22, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 New School for Social Research. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
When I listen to the arguments advanced by advocates for the legalization of drugs, I am reminded of the manufacturer who sells his product at a loss. When asked how he expected to make a profit if he takes a loss on each sale, he cheerily replies: "Volume!" The merits of legalizing drugs do not increase as the number of fallacious arguments offered in support increases.
The usual arguments advanced in support of legalization most often include: (1) that the current drug laws have failed to eradicate the drug problem; (2) that the "war on drugs" has been lost, and it is time to acknowledge that defeat; (3) that arresting and incarcerating people who should not be ...