Monday, October 08, 2007

The Way Things Were

Maryland State Delegate Justin Ross on today's Kojo Nnamdi show proudly proclaimed that we should do "whatever it takes" to curtail the violence and gangs that accompany drug dealing in poor urban neighborhoods. Thus, Ross concluded, we should discourage rap music.

If Ross really wanted to get rid of drug violence, he should look into a cause far more responsible than a catchy tune. Like Prohibition in the 1920s and 30s, the ban on drugs makes the black market (and its related gangs) the only alternative. Without normal police protection, it should be no wonder the drug trade is so violent. Lift the ban on drugs and the drug violence will disappear. If Ross is truly dedicated to "whatever it takes," he should be happy to comply.

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