Bob’s answer to “Enjoyed very much the continuation of the Stone series. The positive tone, the progression of the c…” > Likes and Comments
Like
Thank you for your comments! I agree that we seem to be spinning our wheels in the war on drugs. A positive, different course of action would be welcome! I appreciate very much your willingness to look at some of the issues at the same time as you tell a great story. Unfortunately, as you say, the problem is complicated. Even if we eliminate the criminalization of drug producers and dealers, we will still have the problem of the crimes committed by drug users. My son is a drug addict. He has plenty of income (medical discharge from the army), so paying for drugs is not a problem. Nevertheless the emotional and economic costs for our family and for society as a whole have been massive. Since he is rarely in his right mind, his money always evaporates. Then he lies, cheats, and steals from anyone (including loved ones). He has been banned from Walmart and other stores for stealing. He destroyed his marriage. The army has paid incredible amounts for his short term rehab. The taxpayers have paid through the nose for all his legal complications. His driving puts everyone else in danger. I could go on. His friends who are addicted are all very similar in these respects. I mention this just to make the point that even if drug use were legalized, he would still behave in ways that cost everyone in society. His drug use is not victimless in that sense. I don't have any answers for this part of the problem - I wish I did. Interestingly, I have read that during Prohibition crime in general took a nose dive - although gang-related murders went up. I read that on the Internet so it must be true, right?? In other countries where drugs are being legalized, is crime in general (not including arrests for drug use or drug dealing) going up, going down, or the same?
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Richard
(new)
Jun 07, 2021 12:50PM
Thank you for your comments! I agree that we seem to be spinning our wheels in the war on drugs. A positive, different course of action would be welcome! I appreciate very much your willingness to look at some of the issues at the same time as you tell a great story. Unfortunately, as you say, the problem is complicated. Even if we eliminate the criminalization of drug producers and dealers, we will still have the problem of the crimes committed by drug users. My son is a drug addict. He has plenty of income (medical discharge from the army), so paying for drugs is not a problem. Nevertheless the emotional and economic costs for our family and for society as a whole have been massive. Since he is rarely in his right mind, his money always evaporates. Then he lies, cheats, and steals from anyone (including loved ones). He has been banned from Walmart and other stores for stealing. He destroyed his marriage. The army has paid incredible amounts for his short term rehab. The taxpayers have paid through the nose for all his legal complications. His driving puts everyone else in danger. I could go on. His friends who are addicted are all very similar in these respects. I mention this just to make the point that even if drug use were legalized, he would still behave in ways that cost everyone in society. His drug use is not victimless in that sense. I don't have any answers for this part of the problem - I wish I did. Interestingly, I have read that during Prohibition crime in general took a nose dive - although gang-related murders went up. I read that on the Internet so it must be true, right?? In other countries where drugs are being legalized, is crime in general (not including arrests for drug use or drug dealing) going up, going down, or the same?
reply
|
flag
