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Although I've been labled a "druggie" over and over here, I'm staunchly anti-drug. I don't hang around with drug users (although I know some who use pot regularly, I don't make a habit of hanging out with them, just as I don't hang out with people who drink). I don't do illegal drugs, and although I have a Rx for narcotic pain killers due to chronic pain, I very rarely take them: Although I take prednisone and lots of ibuprofin.

However, I'm in favor of drug decriminalization, if not legalization. Insanity is sometimes defined as doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results each time. An endless stream of money is spent on both sides of the war on drugs, and the results do not inspire confidence in me.

There's a tremendous profit motive in selling illegal drugs. The greater the risk, the greater the profit. That's why "rum running" was quite a career back in the 1920s, but you don't see too much of it any more. On the other hand, we're starting to see "black market" cigarettes making inroads, and the states are taking notice. They don't like anyone taking "their cut of the action."

That profit also does plenty to corrupt law enforcement and government, as well as convincing some in government to do things which are blatantly wrong, if not downright unconstitutional, or should be. Things like asset forfeiture BEFORE a conviction. No-knock raids. The militarization of police departments. And, as I said, the corruption. Not that long ago, the state of Missouri actually sued the KCMO police department over "drug booty!"

There are an awful lot of people in jail who don't belong there. Often, due to the "get tough on drugs" mindset, it's not that unusual for non-violent drug offenders to wind up in jail longer than violent offenders.

I'm against spending the sort of money we're spending on this war. There are so many better ways it could be spent.

Mark