Originally Posted by NetRodent

Who do you fear more: the police or the IRS?

They wouldn't pay taxes, but they'd be driven out of business by market forces. Why would someone buy illegal tax-free drugs from some shady guy on the corner when they could by Kellogs[tm] Kokaine, in a nice package at the supermarket for half the price?



You're right, state and local government make up a far bigger percentage of education funding than the federal government. Which is why a sales tax, primarily the domain of state and local governements, on drugs could increase funding for education. State and local governments also make up the majority of law enforcement budgets, hence legalizing drug sales would allow reductions in police forces and free up even more money for education.

Increasing teacher salaries is a double edged sword. Low salaries mean schools don't have a large pool of applicants to fill job openings from, so they sometimes have to settle for less than ideal teachers. High salaries mean some people will become teachers because of the money, not because they love teaching.