Joseph, I think the drug war is a major issue worthy of intensive discussion. Both of these candidates are ignoring the issue because neither has a plan to solve the problem. Meanwhile, more money will be wasted building prisons instead of schools.
It's my view, by emphasizing harm reduction policies deeply rooted with medical treatment, we'd take the money out of the crime, thereby reducing the incentive pressures whereby juveniles become dealers ('cause, if caught, their records criminal don't count). Peer pressure and the money, is a powerful lure when it comes to drugs. Again, I could go on and on.
Bottom line is I think we could solve a half or dozen or more of society's major domestic and international problems were we to tackle the drug war differently than we do. And, yes, drugs do help keep people in poverty. In fact, it's one way to fight off the poverty.
Isn't it interesting, however, that in nations which produce so many of the drugs America spends so much money condeming, that drug addiction isn't a problem for those folks. Why? Again, most people--here or there--have considered opinions about their lives and they don't want to destroy them. Sure, some will get in trouble; but most won't. |
