An example of the expense of the "war on drugs" was the United States' recent ad campaign waged during the Super Bowl. January's Super Bowl saw the U.S. Government buy their most expensive ads ever, spending $3.2 million to air two 30 second spots which claimed that illegal drug use funds terrorism. $3.2 million dollars spent for one minute of advertising!

The lessons learned during the prohibition of alcohol must have been forgotten. During Prohibition crime was rampant, shootings were common-place, and the average citizen, wishing to have a drink for social purposes, was harassed and, in many instances, prosecuted as a common criminal. During Prohibition the Mafia rose to power, corrupted government officials, and killed many innocent people during "turf wars". Ultimately, the people, wishing to put an end to the crime associated with Prohibition, called on their representatives to repeal the 18th Amendment. The legislators heard them and Prohibition ended.

Now is the time to repeal the laws creating the current illicit drug trade. By legalizing the use of marijuana, cocaine, and other "illegal" drugs, we can free up half of our police resources. By legalizing drugs, we can regulate their use, put appropriate taxes on them (as we have on tobacco and alcohol), and empty half our prisons. The police and resources currently directed at the "drug war" can be used to protect honest citizens against real crime. Our prisons could hold criminals for full terms and get violent offenders off the streets -- and keep them off. The social users of marijuana, cocaine and other recreational drugs would be forced to take personal responsibility for their use, just as consumers of tobacco and alcohol take responsibility for themselves. In addition to the benefits felt with greater police protection, regulated sales and associated taxes, the most important benefit would be the removal of ease for children to obtain and use drugs.

Just as some people make a personal choice to consume alcohol or smoke tobacco, others may make a personal choice to use drugs. When their drug use affects others, either by driving under the influence, stealing to support a habit, or getting into fights while under the influence, they are subject to the same punishment as someone driving drunk, getting into a drunken brawl, or robbing a bank. With personal choice comes personal responsibility.

More on the economic costs of the "war on drugs"- see the Drug Enforcement budget

Cato Institute, Policy Analysis, Thinking About Drug Legalization - read the article by clicking HERE

Cato Institute, Policy Analysis, Alcohol Prohibition was a Failure - read the article by clicking HERE