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This is the point that the libertarians never seem to want to discuss -

I believe that the situation is complicated by the nature of addiction, which is all encompassing, and often blurs reasoning and the ability to respond appropriately to the threat of punishment and the pressures brought by the court system. Addiction is not just a physiological or psychological phenomenon, but a moral dysfunction as well. It drives those under its influence to engage in the most decadent behaviors, criminal and otherwise.

And arguments like this one do not sway me -

LSD, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Ecstacy, and all other currently illicit substances would STILL be "off-limits to your kids" in the event of legalization. In fact, it would be harder for them to get, since licensed dealers would lose their licensing if found to be selling to minors.

Yes, because we see how compliant they are about not selling cigarettes to teens when fines and licenses are the issue.

Narcotics cannot be discussed in the same light as alcohol because the effects of addiction are not the same. If you doubt it, compare the alcoholics you know with the drug addicts you know. To continue to argue that drug legalization will have the same effect as the removal of Prohibition is disingenuous.

Narcotics cannot be discussed in the same light as alcohol because the effects of addiction are not the same. If you doubt it, compare the alcoholics you know with the drug addicts you know. To continue to argue that drug legalization will have the same effect as the removal of Prohibition is disingenuous

Ever see anyone with the DTs? It's as bad as any smack addict.

I have had two family members deal with addiction in the past ten years. The alcoholic is dead, having committed suicide while drunk. The cocaine addict has been clean and sober for the past four years, with a new wife and child that he provides for quite well. Neither spent any time in jail or government-sponsored treatment.

You were saying?

Narcotics cannot be discussed in the same light as alcohol because the effects of addiction are not the same.

You're right....alcoholism is much worse.

"Narcotics cannot be discussed in the same light as alcohol because the effects of addiction are not the same."

Maybe you'd like to join me in my volunteer work. I volunteer at a Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center. It is not government sponsored tho... and most of my contact is with the men (currently an all mens facility) and not the folks with the diplomas on their walls. You might change your opinion. My experience pretty much comes from the horses mouth, so to speak. We've often talked about how, basically, everyone has the same story... be their drug of choice alcohol, cocaine, meth, etc.