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Argument/thesis: “Drugs: Should Their Sale and Use Be Legalized” is an interesting article as William J. Bennett, a proponent of legalization, advances several theories as to how legalization will decrease crime in the United States by reducing the cost of drugs to the user. Bennett is clear that he is not advocating the use of harmful drugs; but, he logically suggests that legalization will contribute to the alleviation the drug problem, while helping the American economy. In contrast to Bennett, in “Against the Legalization of Drugs”, James Q. Wilson strongly believes the legalization or decriminalization of drugs would make harmful, psychoactive, and addictive substances affordable, available, convenient, and marketable. Wilson urges that legalization would expand the use of drugs, and would remove the social stigma attached to illicit drug use sending a message of tolerance for drug use, especially to youth. Supporting evidences: Bennett suggests that legalization of drugs will have great benefits for society. First, because users will not have to spend as much to support their drug habits, fewer will need to commit crimes such as robbery and burglary to obtain drug money. Second, because the cost of drugs will decrease, so will the drug sellers' profits. Because drugs will no longer be a profitable business, and because addicts will be able to obtain their drugs from legal sources, the current black market suppliers of drugs - gangs, foreign cartels, organized criminals, etc.-will fade away.
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