LEAP Speaks Out on Prohibition
December 5th, 2008 by Alex
On December 4th, 1933 the United States government put an end to prohibition – a failed experiment to curb one of America’s (and the world’s) base appetites. We are now seeing reflections of this movement in the present day war on drugs.
A group called Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, which is made up of former law enforcement officials against the war on drugs, is using this anniversary to continue their lobbying on behalf of drug legalization.
In their efforts to get more direct conversation between constituents and federal / state lawmakers, LEAP has created an email form for people to easily contact your local elected officials.
One thing to point out is LEAP supports not just the legalization of marijuana, but also cocaine, heroine and other illegal drugs. It’s hard to find complete literature on their website about each drugs’ potential consequences (if legalized), but there is a provided study about today’s drug prohibition.
We all know this is a complex subject, but it’s even more interesting to see the increase in a push for legalization as a result of the downturn in America’s economy. If major shifts do happen, we will be looking back at this unexpected economic decline as one of the deciding factors.
Let’s finish off with a prescient quote by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the famous industrialist. He said:
When Prohibition was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been the result. Instead, drinking has generally increased; the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored Prohibition; respect for the law has been greatly lessened; and crime has increased to a level never seen before.
Hmmm. Remind you of anything?
