Although we are finally seeing signs of improvement, the economic downturn here in the US is far from over. We are still dealing with massive unemployment, failing banks, and soon, rampant inflation from the trillion-dollar "stimulus" forced upon us by the federal government.
There's also a Mexican drug war brewing on our borders, and the instability caused by the drug cartels could cause a greater influx of illegal immigrants into the United States. That's a problem if we're talking about universal health care. It's also a problem if we're talking about violent crime, and for that matter, national security.
The remedy for all these problems could literally grow out of the ground. It has always been said that marijuana has medicinal properties; perhaps it is time to let pot nurse our economy back to health.
This is a frightening subject for soccer moms and politicians everywhere, but facts are stubborn things. In an open letter to the President, Congress, and all state governments, more than 500 notable economists, including Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman, argue that legalization of marijuana could not only save the government money, but generate revenue in the billions.
This article appears in Aug 26 – Sep 1, 2009.