The "War" on drugs is lost. The cost of this foolhardy war is taking a huge toll on the economies of Canada, the USA and Mexico. Law enforcement is simply unable to control the illegal cross border traffic in drugs and the citizens of all three countries are paying the price.
Mexico has taken the lead by decriminalizing personal possession of small amounts of all drugs and Canada has long ago ceased prosecution for possession of small amounts of marijuana. We are all waiting for the USA to come to their senses as well.
Legalization would bring an immediate end to the violence on the USA Mexico border and allow millions of dollars per day of taxpayers money to go back into general revenue to help pay for things like education and health care. The extra taxes created by the sale of drugs as well as the income taxes paid by those involved in the legal production would further swell the coffers. It would be a win-win situation.
The New York Times has a very good editorial here: Link
Amen brother! But if you were as astonished as I when a black man was elected President, you won't be holding your breath for the US to change it's ideas about drugs. Every two-bit, half-whit, bible-thumping, dirtbag would be up in arms. Jeez, even a few decent people might think it a bad idea!
ReplyDeleteLegalization of drugs is only part of the solution.
ReplyDeleteThe drugs should be made freely available to everyone that wants them, just like socialized medicine.
This would eliminate all of the associated crimes that are committed by users to get the money for the drugs.
If the users become so incapacitated that they can no longer support themselves then they should be maintained on disability.
A win-win for everyone!