[Ken H]

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.

You agreed that there was no upside left in these activities, so how are they going to find the upside to replace 2/3 of their revenue??? Your argument makes no sense.

[MEGoody]

You agreed that there was no upside left in these activities

No upside to society. I apologize if I did not make myself clear.

so how are they going to find the upside to replace 2/3 of their revenue???

There is not only an upside for the criminals, but a 'fiscal imperative' so to speak. Certainly, there is no upside for society.

Your argument makes no sense.

If you still feel that way now that I've clarified, perhaps you could explain why it makes no sense. I don't see any conflict in my position whatsoever.