Cops Say Legalizing Drugs Can Boost Economy by $76.8 Billion

Judge James Gray on C-SPAN Washington Journal

Law Enforcement members are saying stop the war on drugs to give the economy a $76.8 Billion boost. Thank you for common sense.

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Tue Dec 2 07:44:16 2008 Pacific Time

Cops Say Legalizing Drugs Can Boost Economy by $76.8 Billion; 75th Anniversary of Alcohol Prohibition's End Inspires Modern Effort

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 (AScribe Newswire) -- Today, a group of law enforcers who fought on the front lines of the "war on drugs" and witnessed its failures commemorated the 75th anniversary of alcohol prohibition's repeal by calling for drug legalization. The cops, judges and prosecutors released a report detailing how ending today's expensive prohibition would provide a $76.8 billion-a-year boost to the ailing economy.

"America's leaders had the good sense to realize that we couldn't afford to keep enforcing the ineffective prohibition of alcohol during the Great Depression," said Terry Nelson, a 30-year veteran federal agent and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). "Now, cops fighting on the front lines of today's 'war on drugs' are working to make our streets safer and help solve our economic crisis by teaching lawmakers a lesson from history about the failure of prohibition. We can do it again."

In a paper released today, Harvard University economist Jeffrey A. Miron conservatively estimates that ending drug prohibition will result in annual savings of at least $44.1 in enforcement expenses and will generate additional tax revenue of at least $32.7 billion.

The economic paper is accompanied by a historical report, "We Can Do It Again: Repealing Today's Failed Prohibition," which highlights how the "war on drugs" - just like alcohol prohibition - has subsidized violent gangsters, endangered public health and diminished public respect for the rule of law. The report also details how the newer prohibition comes with the much graver threat of international cartels and terrorists who profit from illegal drug sales. Yet, it leaves readers on a hopeful note.

"We're starting to see an emerging consensus that drug prohibition just doesn't make sense," said Seattle's retired Police Chief Norm Stamper, a LEAP member. "Three out of four Americans now say the 'war on drugs' has failed, and so do the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Now, it's up to the new administration and Congress to follow through."

LEAP is encouraging citizens to help demonstrate the political will for repeal by sending letters to their legislators at http://www.WeCanDoItAgain.com .
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CONTACT: Tom Angell, LEAP, 202-557-4979, media@leap.cc