Libertarian Party

The Libertarian Party is a national political party whose members believe in personal responsibility, individual rights, and minimal government. In the following viewpoint, the party argues that drug prohibition causes most drug-related crime. After legalization, the party says, drugs would be more available and thus cheaper. If drugs were cheaper, say the authors, they would be less profitable and drug dealers would no longer resort to violence to defend their trade. Moreover, the party argues that people’s civil liberties are violated when the government attempts to crack down on drug users. The authors maintain that although drug abuse is dangerous, individuals have the right to use drugs if they choose.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Who profited most from alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, according to the organization?
2. How much of a problem was...