Only illegal industries kill, kidnap, keep private armies
Libertarian and George Mason University Professor Don Boudreaux sends this sensible letter to the New York Times:
While in Mexico, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will pledge U.S. help in the fight against violent Mexican drug suppliers ("Clinton Says U.S. Feeds Mexico Drug Trade," March 26).It's interesting to reflect that when Mrs. Clinton visits France she need not pledge U.S. help in the fight against violent French wine suppliers. Or that when she visits Belgium she need not pledge help against violent Belgian chocolate suppliers. Or that when she visits Colombia she need not pledge help against violent Colombian coffee suppliers. Or that when she visits Japan she need not pledge help against violent Japanese automobile suppliers.
I detect a pattern! When goods and services can be produced, sold, and consumed legally, suppliers of these goods and services are peaceful and not violent.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Boudreaux
Imagine the overnight plunge in killings, government expense and support for terrorism -- from Baltimore to Bogota to Kabul -- if cocaine, heroin etc. were legalized and carefully regulated.
