[merican]

I didn't glorify drug use at all and I never would. My post was too long, but there are some complex issues involved here. We haven't really put our minds to this problem. Instead everyone just uses their gut and so many like you think you have the simple solution that will fix everything. Of course when you think it out these simple plans don't hold up, but people don't think it out. That's why we've had so much knee-jerk illegal drug legislation that has only added to our problems. Now we're finally getting to the point where our prisons are packed beyond capacity and we can't afford to build new ones, so the powers that be are thinking about other strategies that don't cost so much. Thank goodness for that.

[Cedar]

My point is the prisons would not be overflowing-—more people would be scared to death to deal drugs if they faced a 50 year, no parole prison sentence, first offense. Without a doubt, many people would not be so stupid to take the risk. A few would and would pay for it.

This problem would not be complex as you say it is now. It would simplify everything. The slap-on-the-wrist for serious crime is what’s gotten this country knee-deep in violence and overflowing jail cells. Criminals know they will soon be out on parole. It’s become a joke.