[ellery]

Of course I want to deter drug dealers and drug use. Your mistake is assuming that my proposal to fine nonviolent offenders rather than jail them is intended to deter. Fines are meant to punish. I propose that education and treatment are the way to deter.

[robertpaulsen]

"Of course I want to deter drug dealers ... I propose that education and treatment are the way to deter."

This is the part where you lose credibility (with me, anyways).

It must be that touchy-feely side of you that believes that an education and treatment program will deter drug dealers. I'd love to see the curriculum for this program.

Day 1

I. Getting to know each other
a) What kind of drugs do you deal?

II. Drug dealing hurts others
a) Learning how to give a $hit

III. How to apply for a job at McDonalds
a) How to survive a 6000% pay cut ... and love it!

You get the idea.