Just watch the 11 o'clock news to understand whether the "war on drugs" has been a success or a failure. The Border Patrol and FBI continue to capture ever-growing caches of illegal drugs, while our “tough on crime” policies land thousands of people in prison on drug trafficking and possession charges. Yet, young and old continue to purchase and consume large quantities of drugs for a variety of reasons, ranging from medicinal to escapism. Even the most ardent drug enforcers must admit that the current anti-drug offensive has been a dismal failure, because the government cannot prevent what people want to do simply through laws (and their enforcement). But does this automatically mean that drugs should be legalized? We already have a case study to determine whether drug legalization policies will be successful. America's struggles with alcohol provide a ready-made experiment in which the pros and cons of drug legalization can be measured in terms of lives affected and dollars spent. In the early part of the 20th century, our government responded to the demands of various temperance groups. and banned the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Around the same time, organized crime gained power in cities like Chicago and New York. Since the population still had a voracious appetite for alcohol, gangsters like Al Capone made millions dealing in this illicit trade. Since their aim was to maximize profits regardless of costs, gangsters treated rivals in an intimate and personal manner, as the "Valentine's Day Massacre" graphically showed. Violence contributed to the repeal of prohibition laws, and America enjoyed the products of fermented grapes, wheat, and... half the paper... So instead of changing strategy in the current war on drugs, or doggedly try the same old tactics that fail miserably or we surrender unconditionally in the name of individual "rights". Well, what about someone's right to drive without fear of sudden death from drugs? What about the child condemned to a painful life due to drug-induced disorders? What about the spouse painted black, blue and red by someone's fists, bat or gun? Or the fan too scared to talk to a rowdy drunk for fear of getting pulverized? Or someone who pays higher rates for car and health insurance? A famous person once said: "Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it." In this situation it would be doubly tragic, because “history” continues today, instructing us on the decisions of past generations. Yet once again we are about to fail the final exam.