The Economic Value of Legalizing Drugs

2008-01-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest problems facing our country, and Maryland’s 4^th Congressional District, is the rising crime rate. As of 2006, there were 2,258,987 people being held in prison in America, up 2.9% from the previous year[1]. In other words, roughly 1 in every 140 U.S. residents is in prison[2]. Not surprisingly, significant portions of those in prison are there as a result of drug-related crime. In light of today’s failing economy, these numbers have devastating side affects. First off, the amount of money spent on criminal justice resources, close to $8 billion a year, is desperately needed for more beneficial investments, such as finding alternative fuels to reduce dependency on foreign oil[3]. Additionally, the 2 million people in prison are 2 million people who could be added into America’s workforce, purchasing goods, helping to drive our country’s economy.

This is a serious problem that, if elected, Dr. Michael Babula will fight to solve. In order to reduce violent, drug-related crime, Dr. Babula will push for the legalization of drugs. While seemingly controversial, in the long run, legalizing drugs will have many positive effects for our country and its economy. The supply of drugs will increase substantially, with only a minimal rise in demand, as very few people would become users. As a result, the price of drugs would fall substantially, making them more available to users, who would in turn be less likely to steal and kill out of desperation for the drugs. This is not to say, however, that the government would be promoting drug use. A standard, uniform tax could be put on the drugs, from which money would be used to promote rehabilitation facilities and programs to help get addicts back into society and the workforce. Also, as Dr. Babula points out in his website www.babula2008.com, because of the higher supply and decreased demand, drugs would become much less potent and deadly.

On a similar topic, Dr. Babula’s opponent, incumbent Albert Wynn, says on his website that he will “continue to focus on reducing the number of repeat offenders”1. However, he also supported the Gang Deterrence and Prevention Bill, which “increase penalties for gang activity”1. If penalties are increased, and felons are kept in jail for longer periods of time, it makes it much harder for them to find jobs and acclimate with society again. Thus, they will often see their highest incentive in the money from illegal drug trade, causing them to become repeat offenders. In other words, Wynn’s policies contradict themselves. As Dr. Babula points out, with legalized drugs, there will be little to no economic benefit in drug trade, thus decreasing offenses.

If elected to congress, Dr. Michael Babula will fight to bring about these changes, for a better economy, and a better America.

[1] http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm

[2] http://usgovinfo.about.com/cs/censusstatistic/a/aaprisonpop.htm

[3] The Impact Of Marijuana Law Enforcement In An Economic Model Of Crime; Shepard, Edward

1 http://www.wynn.house.gov/