Opinions - Gangs and the Drug Trade

[DietBlonde]

Every day we read in the newspaper about the Drug cartel related violence near the US/Mexico border, killing thousands annually. The drug trade is the root of much violence in our cities. I believe there are many valid reasons for decriminalization and/or legalizing certain drugs, especially cannabis, that I'll refrain from arguing.

Many people argue that if there were no drug war, there would be no drug violence. What would happen to current gangs and cartels? Would the go away? Would they abandon violence in other endeavors?

I was watching a movie about the Bloods and Crips last night and the thesis seemed to be about how poverty has crippled much of the black community in central LA (as well as racism, violence and lack of opportunities). Many of the characters in this documentary had no applicable job skills or education. No real means to help themselves. Many of them were resigned to the same 10 block radius for years due to turf wars. And these gangs sold drugs. Drugs smuggled in from Mexico.

The only means of making an income for a lot of these people is selling drugs. It made me wonder what would happen to a lot of impoverished communities if there wasn't a drug trade. Would gang members go out and look for jobs? Would they go out and rob people for money? Would gangs go away without their income, or would they find other means to supplement their lifestyle?

Maybe the drug trade alone isn't responsible for the violence happening near the border and in our cities. Maybe poverty and the lack of opportunities has something to do with it too. Or is it too small of an issue to be of concern? I'm interested in other's ideas!