This Seems Like a Good Idea

For the record DC Dan, has never done and does not condone the use of cocaine.
In D.C., Price of Cocaine Soars as Supply Declines

There are a few quotes from the story that bother me:
"D.C. police investigators said that they had no statistical evidence to back the DEA's claim but that dealers appear to be fighting over a dwindling product. They said that could be contributing to a recent rise in other crimes, such as homicides and robberies. When supplies are scarce, some dealers turn to other crimes to make money, said D.C. police Inspector Brian Bray, head of the narcotics branch."

Okay so when coke dealers are dealing coke, the only people getting hurt are the people using cocaine, they damage themselves and move money through the economy without paying taxes. When the supply of cocaine is scarce, people who may or may not be involved in the cocaine may be killed or robbed. Now the way I see it I'd rather have people coked out, than than get mugged. I'm not sure that the government should be proud of the fact that a GOOD sign is that the coke market has been affected is an increase in violent crime. Perhaps legalization and taxation is a better approach, I know some tobacco farmers in Virginia and the Carolinas who probably need some new crops to replace tobacco. We learned this lesson rather quickly with the 18th Amendment why can't we learn it with other contraband.

Sigh.