Well, if one is going to compare our incarceration rate with other countries, especially Russia and China, then perhaps we should compare the entire justice systems. Maybe there's a reason why Russia and China lock up fewer people -- but maybe that reason is one that we do not wish to emulate.
What's the goal here, anyways? Freedom or incarceration rates? Be careful what you wish for.
I'm sorry, but it really pi$$es me off when bleeding-heart posters like TKDietz use these analogies. Like those who say the WOD is failing because we only arrest a small number of users. But if we institute a policy that results in a larger number of drug arrests, suddenly it's a "police state" with "jackbooted thugs" breaking down doors, killing puppies and babies.
"that at least 25 percent of the people we have in prison are there for relatively small amounts of drugs."
It's 20%, and most of those scumbags are in prison for drug dealing or drug trafficking. If they're there on possession, it was likely due to a plea bargain down from dealing. Your average drug user is not being sent to state or federal prison. (www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/whos_in_prison_for_marij/whos_in_prison_for_marij.pdf)
"In some states you can get 6 months for one joint"
6 months in prison? For a first offense? Possessing one joint? Excuse me, I find that hard to believe. Which state, please?
"Seems like a terrible waste of my tax money to me and I'm trying to do everything in my power to see my money better spent."
Let me say this. If we are sending first time marijuana users to prison, then I agree that this is a terrible waste of the taxpayer's money.
Not an abuse of power nor an intolerance of freedom and expression, but rather a waste of money. You are consistent with that 'ol fascist perspective thingie.