And yet drug related deaths are something COMPLETELY WITHIN OUR ABILITY TO CONTROL! We can't prevent wars. We can't prevent accidents, but we can prevent those and you just blissfully ignore that simple fact!
Wow, just wow.
Are you guys so naive to think that criminals are going to stop being criminals simply because you take away their cash crops? As you noted, it didn't stop the Mafia. Eventually they will just move on to the next illegal activity to facilitate their cartels. Where does it stop? This magical fantasyland were we end all crime by legalizing drugs is just that.
We can't stop wars, but we can stop are eagerness to get into useless wars.
How many people were killed in Chicago when Prohibition was in effect? How many were killed when it was lifted? The numbers are astounding. I will let you look them up so they have a stronger impact.
No, legalization won't end it, but it will significantly reduce the pain and suffering of complete innocents by a huge amount.