[tacticalogic]

That is a poor criterion. Some battles are fought to the end. What's the proportional impact of Alamo?

Why is it a poor criterion? Yes, some battles are fought to the end, if they are deemed worthy. What was the criterion under which this particular battle was engaged to start with? The Alamo wasn't fought over white women having sex with jazz musicians.

[TopQuark]

Exactly. This is a question of values, that's all. Proportionality has nothing to do with it. People who argue for war against drugs do so because of their values, just like those who advocate legalization. Expense is not the issue.