[unspun]

Nations have to answer as well as individuals. Law is a moral teacher, in its first priority. Arguments such as you've listed about drugs have been made for legalized abortion and casinos, and for legal prostitution (see Nevada -- Montana too, is it? -- I don't recall). Special taxes on alcohol and tobacco have placed the perpetuation and promulgation of their use into the list of government interests. In Minnesota and Pennsylvania, alcoholic beverages are sold in state stores. That kind of socialist approach is the next step, just as Gov. Blago in Illinois is said to be entertaining a state takeover of Illinois casinos. Also at heart, gangs are more about growing up fatherless than about drugs.

I'd prefer not to have maryjane and cocaine sold at the corner Walgreens and 7-11 (or the corner state store) thank you anyway. ;-`

[DAnconia55]

Law is a moral teacher, in its first priority

Thanks, Hammurabi, but no.
The duty of law is the protection of rights.