This discussion has been going on for several days and I’ve got to say its great not to see the names Obama, Hillary or McCain. I really needed a break. Back to the topic at hand. I suppose if we look at this as tackling one problem at a time, all of us have valid points. PD’s policy of legalizing drugs to minimize the need to prostitute and commit other crimes for drug money, certainly is credible and deserves investigation. But on the other hand, what does it do to curb the actual use of drugs or worse make drug use enticing to those who might otherwise shy away. For example, people for the most part don’t drink and drive not because they are scared of getting drunk and killing someone, but because they are scared of a DUI and huge $$$ spent on legal fees. Take away the legal threat and people will drink and drive. Prostitution and crime for drug money will probably be affected by the legalization of drugs as PD says, but we are still left with the drug problem and my contention is it will get worse if legalized and made readily available. Take a look at the various clean needle programs in most big cities. This allows drug use to continue, if not flourish, without the threat of infection. Granted, these programs were never intended to curb drug use. They were designed to stem the spread of HIV and Hepatitis and they do work well for the intended use, but drug use marches on. I have to argue the point of making new laws to curb drug use. I refer back to the comment of youth awareness and education, family support, community involvement in keeping street corners clean of dealers and so on and making this a priority in city governments. This is not say they are ignoring the problem. They are well aware of the problem and are doing all they can, but mayors, governors, community leaders, church leaders and school administrators all need more help from all of us. I don’t have the answers and God I wish I did. I’m 55 years old and I’ve seen an older brother come home from Vietnam a heroin addict that took 10 years to overcome and he nows runs a chapter of AA because he struggled with achohol at the same time. I’ve seen a younger brother and sister still battling cocaine and achohol and my youngest brother is spending 10 years in prison for forging checks and stealing cars to get money for his drugs and he will tell you prison is the best place for him because he would do it again if he had to. My point is if you legalize drugs and make them easily available, that might keep my brother out of jail, but it won’t keep him from killing himself. I think I may have rambled a bit, but this stuff hits me between the eyes.
JP