[muir_redwoods]

"I applaud Friedman on the rest of his extraordinary work. On this topic I disagree."

And yet the logic and reasoning that is behind this and his other work is consistent.

[PGalt]

Looking at it through economic eye$, he may be consistent, but the cost of irrational behavior on individuals, families and nations is incalculable. Not even an economist of Friedman's merit can calculate those numbers or that devastation.

[Proud_texan]

While I can see the "logic" and have great admiration for the man I doubt if he has ever had to live in a crack neighborhood. I address his comments about legalizing all drugs.

"The harm done and the corruption created by these laws...the costs are one of the lesser evils."

There are families there that aren't on welfare and want the best for their kids. They work hard to try and improve their conditions. Think about how it would be to try and raise your kids in a situation like that. I don't see how legalization is going to help that situation.

This isn't bleeding heart stuff, I venture to say that none of us here would tolerate what a lot of people are struggling with every day. Do we owe them less that what we would expect in our neighborhoods?

Do Church outreach in those neighborhoods or do a drive along if your local PD allows it. It might be that all of a sudden drug use and prostitution doesn't look so victimless.

Obviously the current WoD isn't working and I don't have an answer, but is throwing up our hands, saying it's all okay and dooming a segment of our fellow American's a viable solution?