The only way to win the "drug war" Is to legalize marijuna in liquor stores. With all laws applying to liquor (open container, public drunk, illegal possion-21 years old, driving while intoxicated) applying to marijuna. People that want to buy drugs are going to find a way to buy them and most people that do buy would rather buy something that is legal than take a chance to buy something that is still illegal-cocaine, heroin, LSD, meth, and other serious drugs. Buy making it legal that will reduce the demand for cocaine. All Prohibition of alcohol in the 30's did was create the Mafia. All that illegal drugs is doing is creating a drug mafia. It is not stopping the use of drugs.

I have to agree completely with trogers. The fact is that Colombia has been fighting this horrible civil war for years on end, and ever since the United States has helped with military training and many monetary ways, the violence has decreased. The drug trade may be being shipped to other countries, but at least the trade to the United States has gone done, and at least Colombia is much safer than it ever was in the past. What many do not understand is exactly what Uribe is saying. For some, cultivating the drug is not a decision. They have no other way to survive, or are being forced to cultivate the plant. Do you know how many kidnapped victims the FARC actually has? Alternative jobs can give Colombians the opportunity to change. Already there have been massive world-wide protests against the guerilla, and already we have freed innocent people from their grasp. Not only are American goods insanely expensive in Colombia (CARS especially), but even their soldiers have gone to war with us. It's not about whether or not they deserve a free trade agreement.. the fact is... they need one.

We have tried to fight the war on drugs in Columbia and we have failed. Despite billions spent to disrupt and destroy the drug trade, it is going stronger than ever. A free trade agreement will not change that failed policy. The main cash crop will still be cocaine. The drug lords will still exert control over a shadow government which influences all parts of Columbian society. Those in the legitimate government who have fought and suffered during the drug war deserve our gratitude. If we can help them with a free trade agreement we should do it. But make no mistake that the free trade agreement is anything more than a payment for services rendered. We should support  our Columbian allies in the drug war. We should also know the war was lost and a free trade agreement will not change the outcome.