Legalize Drugs; Stop the Violence and Profit.

March 25, 2009

Article from CNN: Legalize drugs to stop violence

The status quo must die. The War on Drugs is the single biggest failure of the 20th and 21st centuries. Thank you President Reagan. Legalization and regulation of illicit drugs is the best way to address a slew of problems facing our country.

1) Economy - try and wrap your head around the numbers here: This year, to date, the powers that be in the US (local, state, and federal government) have spent nearly 12 billion dollars fighting the War on Drugs. The illegal drug trade will send anywhere between 10 to 25 billion dollars back to Mexico, this year alone. This number does not include what is being sent elsewhere. Does this eqaute to fixing our economy? No. But think about what the US could make in drug profits if it legalized and regulated the drug trade. This number could easily be 100 billion per year.

2) Crime - I have discussed this before. Our prisons are over-crowded with non-vilent drug offenders. The problem is, the prison industry is growing exponentially and there is big money to be made creating new places to store our “criminals.” If drugs were legal these people would not be covered by the taxpayers. How about giving them jobs in federal drug stores - punching out ration cards, distributing, or educating people about what these drugs will do to them.

3) Social Issue - legalizing drugs does not mean we create more problems. If you choose not to use drugs, then dont. Trust me, your kids will get their hands on drugs regardless of the legalities. Why not control the industry and profit, rather than fight a losing a battle against ever more brazen cartels who will kill your kids for getting in the way of a deal.

Commentary: I want to share a couple reponses from people who responded to the article linked above: legalize drugs to stop the violence. 

James says: “Rape hurts people too. Should we legalize that also?”

James, I’m just going to point out the obvious for you…You are an idiot. Comparing Rape to legalizing drugs is the stupidest connection anyone can make. If I choose to do drugs, responsibly, does not mean I am more or less likely to rape someone. Rape isa  violent crime which directly affects another person. Legalization of drugs is not even in the same category. Incredible.

Andrea says: “Any of you people who think this is a good idea are naive and have never dealt closely with addicts or addiction. Sure you trade violence for the total decay of the fabric of families and functioning society.”

Andrea, sweetheart, do you think addicts would cease to be addicts if drugs were legalized? Wake up.

Chris says: “Obviously you live under a rock. Legalization of drugs just makes it easier for young adults to buy them and that brings about a whole slew of other problems. Drug violence may decrease but what about people who think they’re Superman when they’re high?”

Chris, you are the one living under the rock. Laws about usage, being “high” in public, etc. would mirror the current laws on alcohol. Some people will still think they are superman, thats the break regardless of the legality.