For the sake of this hypothetical commentary, let's assume that somehow, the problem with illegal drugs is made to go away.

POOF - It's Gone! - Here are the Results

• Over a very short period of time, the illicit Heroin and Cocaine markets dry up.
• People no longer need to steal to support their habits, therefore 'crimes to support habits' go away.
• Heroin and Cocaine dealers go out of business.
• Without the easy availability of these drugs to potential new users, the addiction rates drop.
• With lower addiction rates, demand for the drugs goes away.
• Street gangs terrorists and organized crime lose a major source of funding.
• Columbian Cocaine farmers start planting Tobacco, Coffee or other legal drugs.
• Worldwide supply dries up.
• Problem goes away!

OOPS - Here is where we run into the problem!

Scenario: No More Drug Problem.

Results: Prisons reduce occupancy by more than 60%

Prison and correctional budgets ( and their associated Pork, such as facilities design, construction, staffing, maintenance and management contracts ) are cut by 60%

Over 60% of guards, wardens and other prison staff lose their jobs. Also 60% of the, court staff, prosecutors, judges, and LAWYERS have to go find productive work.

I don't think I have to say any more.

ANYTHING that puts lawyers (the bulk of Congress is lawyers) and their partners in the rip-off (judges, so-called corrections officers, police, etc.) out of work is never going to happen, regardless of what we, the American People demand.

The bureaucracy NEEDS illegal drugs to survive! Too much of the legal economy is dependent on them!

Whatever we have been doing for over 20 years to combat the street drug trade is not working.

The War On Drugs is Another Viet Nam, 'We Ain't Gonna Win,' but as a people, we can prevail.

PLEASE use some of that rare commodity, common sense, and let your elected representatives know that you are tired of the crime, fear and cost.

If they don't respond, or kowtow to the interests of those with vested interest in the illegal drug trade, VOTE THEM OUT!

But then again, I could be wrong.

< -- His Mark