Calderon to U.S.: Legalize marijuana!

The Wall Street Journal reported on June 14, 2012 on an interview with its editorial board by Mexico's President Felipe Calderon:

A conservative, Mr. Calderón has also added his voice to a growing group of Latin American leaders who are calling for the U.S. to seriously consider legalizing some drugs like marijuana. Both the presidents of Guatemala and Colombia have made a similar plea.

"The U.S., and not just President [Barack] Obama, but its congress, its society, needs to look at alternatives that reduce the cash flow to these criminal groups," he said, adding that alternatives could include "market solutions" like legalization.

"Until that debate or analysis of alternatives happens, the path for many of our countries will continue to be one of sadness," he said.

Strikingly, his last statement -- that until the debate or analysis happens, "many of our countries will continue to be [in] sadness" -- supposes that the outcome of the debate is inevitable -- the adoption of a "market solutions," i.e., legalization. He seems to be conflating the debate or analysis with the result.

Sphere: Related Content