Should all Drugs be Legalized? (Vanity - updated article)

Self ^ | Sept 25, 2002 | Edward Watson

[AUgrad]

The difference between booze and drugs is the fact we don’t have a widespread illegal trade in alcoholic beverages that is fueling crime (unlike during the Prohibition).

Why would drugs be any different? When legalization occurs won't the widespread illegal trade cease to exist?

[babyface00]

There is an alternative. Laws could be written to lay out the framework, then independent charities could be set up to administer funds. Perhaps tax dollars could be obtained to cover start up/transition fees, then those charities that are effective could secure funding to treat the addicts on their own through the standard charity process.

[Edward Watson]

Think about this carefully before flying off the handle. Addicts are addicted because it was their choice to partake of the substance initially but are then trapped by the claws of addiction.

The 15 cents a day isn't just for the drugs, it includes food, housing, basic necessities and REHAB treatment. The money doesn't have to come from YOUR pocket - it can derive from import duties the US government slaps on certain overseas manufacturers.

Hey, I don't want to give my money to keeping others addicted but what is the alternative? Every American today is paying, directly and indirectly, $1,662 every single year due to illegal drugs. Every family of five pays on average $8,300 every single year. The alternative is drug legalization and free distribution to addicts that will cost every American the big fat equivalent of $54 a year. An immediate savings of over $1,600 for every American.

What can this surplus money be used for? How about free college education for our children? Sure, sounds like socialism, but it's a damn sight better than what's going on today.

[Phantom Lord]

Why is it anytime someone is given something for free, some people object citing it is socialism? There’s nothing wrong with assisting those who fall between the cracks of capitalism. Some people are incapable of competing in the marketplace. Some people cause more harm than good when placed in a capitalistic arena. Some people are mentally incapable of supporting themselves. What then must be done to them?

Why not provide these same people with housing, an automobile, groceries, and a low level government job? After all, their falling through the cracks and unable to provide these items for themselves.

Those who are turly indigent and unable to care for themselves at a minimal level will always be with us regardles of the legal status of narcotics and society has no objection to helping care for these people.

People who are either unwilling or unable to do so because of choices they have made are not deserving of a free ride.

Who determines who is an addict, and what requirements must one meet to be qualified as an addict to get the free drugs?

Why should my neighbor get free drugs but not me?

What will be the encouragement for people to get off of drugs? We all know that when an activity is subsidized, or paid for in full by a 3rd party the users of the service or those that engage in the activity increases.

What do those that receive the free drugs have to do in return for the free drugs? Anything?

What will the penalties and punishments be for those that break the rules/guidelines/laws/etc... regarding the free drug program? Both for the receipiants and the administrators.

Since MJ is not addictive, but cocaine and herion is, will there be a program made available to smokers of MJ to get free or reduced price MJ?

Will there be income qualifications to get your free drugs? After all, some drug addicts make a nice living while others don't. Why should addict A get free drugs and addict B have to pay for his?

I have so many questions and concerns that I will stop now and maybe ask more later.

[Phantom Lord]

Basically, as it has been put into practice, when MJ is decriminilized the possesion of MJ upto a certain weight for personal use is not an arrestable offense. Where as selling MJ is still against the law.

Legalization would do away with the legal penalities associated with the possesion and sale of the substance, regardless of weight. And would allow for retail establishments to sell MJ.

[Cable225]

Why is it anytime someone is given something for free, some people object citing it is socialism? There’s nothing wrong with assisting those who fall between the cracks of capitalism. Some people are incapable of competing in the marketplace. Some people cause more harm than good when placed in a capitalistic arena.

None of these things are my problem.

Some people are mentally incapable of supporting themselves. What then must be done to them?

Completely separate issue and disigenuous of you to include them.

I find it obscene some people would rather have addicts prostituting themselves or victimizing others for drug money than part with $15 cents a day or $54 a year to help drug addicts.

I find it obscene that I should be expected to pay for people that cannot control their lives. $54.00/yr to pay for some idiot's crack? I don't think so.

[Phantom Lord]

We dont have a widespread illegal booze problem because it is illegal. Thats why there is little to no crime associated with alcohol. Outside of the occasional moonshiner.

Similarly, with the legalization of narcotics crime would be reduced almost to nothing. And the price would come down a great deal. That is until the government goes through a few tax hikes ala cigarettes to get the price back up to combat "teen use".

If a drug addict is a drug addict is a drug addict, then regardless of the drug of choice they should be provided free drugs under your plan. Unless you are of the mind that some drug addicts are more worthy than other drug addicts solely because of their drug of choice.

[Phantom Lord]

What can this surplus money be used for? How about free college education for our children?

NOTHING is free. NOTHING! And if people think college education is expensive now, wait till any semblance of market forces are totally removed from the equation and the government is paying the total bill with tax dollars. The costs will soar faster than the space shuttle.

[Mr. Bird]

Every family of five pays on average $8,300 every single year.

Why is it that if we add the cost of smoking, the war on drugs, "skyrocketing" medical costs, "soaring" oil prices, and other per family costs, we end up with an average American family spending $100k/year?

[dread78645]

so long as those steaks come medium rare.

Na, just blow its nose, wipe its @ss and wave a match at it.
Don't forget the free Shiner Bock either ...

[AUgrad]

Na, just blow its nose, wipe its @ss and wave a match at it. Don't forget the free Shiner Bock either ...

Warm on one side, scared on the other.

[balrog666]

Bump for later.

[Protagoras]

Disruptor alert in effect. Lets see how long before someone discards the debate on the issue and calls names or denigrates groups? We could have a pool to see how many posts.

[Monty22]

The anti-WOD crowd makes no sense here. First, they claim to want less taxes.. But then they usually say 'TAX DRUGS!'. Hypocrisy.

Second, if you're going to legalize pot, cocaine, heroin, you better also include valium, xanax, ambien, prozac, and whatever else, all OTC.

Some people just want pot legalized, but that's also hypocritical. The status quo is simply the best balance we can have..

[Phantom Lord]

Second, if you're going to legalize pot, cocaine, heroin, you better also include valium, xanax, ambien, prozac, and whatever else, all OTC.

I could go along with that. As long as the person buying it paid full market price, out of pocket if they bought it OTC. And those that get a prescription for it from their doctors can use their insurance to help cover the cost.

[Phantom Lord]

The anti-WOD crowd makes no sense here. First, they claim to want less taxes.. But then they usually say 'TAX DRUGS!'.

I want less taxes and lower taxes and the legalization of drugs, and I would have no problem with a sales tax on drugs. As long as it would be legal for me to grow and/or produce my own drugs without having to pay taxes on it. Much as home brewers do not need to pay tax on the beer they make.