Agreed. So can we lay aside the canard that the cartels will just replace their revenues with other activities?
That is why it is silly that some argue that the violence, et al associated with drug cartels would in any way be decreased if marijuana were legalized.
That does not follow. If they lose 2/3 of their revenue, their ability to do mischief will be diminished. They simply won't have as much money for weapons, bribes, etc.
Cutting out 2/3 of any organization's revenues is a severe blow. It is silly to argue otherwise.
It's not a canard. They aren't just going to let their revenue drop. They'll find ways to replace it with other illegal activites. They'll increase their efforts with things they are already engaged in, or find something new.
That does not follow. If they lose 2/3 of their revenue, their ability to do mischief will be diminished.
Yes, sure. And they'll all just get real jobs and become model citizens.