I have joined Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. LEAP is an organization of ex law enforcement who oppose drug prohibition. I am hoping to become a speaker for the organization so I can share my views on why prohibition is a failure. Milton Friedman joined in 2006 and that is reason enough for me to be a member.
I was a prosecutor for two years. However, I never had an epiphany or great conversion against the Drug War.
The fact is, I never was a true believer in prohibition. I majored in Economics at UT-Arlington. My degree taught me that prohibition would only raise prices and funnel the profits into organized crime, it would not end demand. In law school I cringed as the Supreme Court destroyed the 4th amendment to allow more drug searches. I confirmed what I already believed by working as an Assistant District Attorney.
LEAP does not stand for drug legalization. LEAP is against prohibition. What is the difference? LEAP does not argue that crack is safe and should be available at the grocery store. Drugs are dangerous and should be regulated and controlled, not handed to organized crime. The details of an alternative system can be worked out once society accepts the idea that prohibition is the wrong system.
Remember the “numbers” racket? We now have the lottery. Gambling is a great example of how prohibition can be repealed and a market recaptured from organized crime. The same thing will happen with drugs. I hope to be a part of that change.
Labels: LEAP