In 1996 William F. Buckley, the conservative founder of the National Review pointed out that the “plague that consumes an estimated $75 billion per year of public money, exacts an estimated $70 billion a year from consumers, is responsible for nearly 50 per cent of the million Americans who are today in jail, occupies an estimated 50 per cent of the trial time of our judiciary, and takes the time of 400,000 policemen — yet a plague for which no cure is at hand, nor in prospect.”
Here we are in 2010 still fighting the same battle and losing by an even greater proportion. Mexico is fighting a no win battle against drug cartels that has impacted that country’s tourist trade and brought death to more than 23,000 people since the Felipe Caldereon became president in 2006.
The NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY proposed by the Obama Whitehouse is a continuation of drug enforcement policies that have not worked in the past. Just read the policy on the link above and you will realize that nothing new is proposed. The Drug Policy Alliance tells you what you already know but do not want to admit. This is part of their web site:
Who really profits from drug prohibition?
- Organized Crime. According to the United Nations, drug trafficking is a $400 billion per year industry, equaling 8% of the world’s trade.
- Arms manufacturers, the prison industry, and other special interest groups.
- Corrupt Law Enforcement.
My idea is the legalization of drug use with the availability of drugs at relatively low cost with doctor’s prescriptions through pharmacies.
Why won’t this happen? Think arms manufacturers, the prison industry, and law enforcement. Those businesses are part of a really big and legitimate business!
Coast Contact 
Sometimes it’s really that simple, isn’t it? I feel a little stupid for not thinking of this by myself.