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High Society: U.S. drug policy a total failure, say users and experts
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Sharon | 3:24 a.m. May 4, 2008
We don't just have a small problem here, we have a major war, bigger than
all the wars going on in all the world right now!! The war on drugs are taking
our youth by the thousands. This is an isolated story that is being reported,
there are some who for medical reasons, use. We have kids that are using,not
because they have cancer, they are using because they can, and they can get it
anywhere anytime. And they are dying, and they are killing their brains. They
are not capable of overcoming the use of hard core drugs on their own. And what
are we doing??? It is all of us who have the problem whether or not, we know
someone who is doing drugs, who has died, who is in our family, who is next
door,who has been a victim of a drug related crime, we all know someone. The
prisons and the jails are full. We are releasing kids & young adults that
need help. We all need to wake up. We need intense drug rehabs, we need parents
to wake up and parent, we need help, we need to pray we get help.
JWK | 5:02 a.m. May 4, 2008
Expert - A has been under pressure. And of course drug users would say the drug
policy is a failure. After all, anything they can say to get drugs legalized is
a 'high' accomplishment.
Like anything else, people just want to avoid the issues they face so they do it by means of illegal escape.
You want to escape? Go to a movie. Go hiking. Go help someone worse off than you. Don't do things that ultimately harm society.
Like anything else, people just want to avoid the issues they face so they do it by means of illegal escape.
You want to escape? Go to a movie. Go hiking. Go help someone worse off than you. Don't do things that ultimately harm society.
This is sad... | 5:22 a.m. May 4, 2008
Two blocks from where I live lives a small family whos mom has been a meth
addict all her married life and before. She has spent years in jail and prison
too. The father has been a user and is also an alcholic. They have two sons, one
who is now a teenager and another who is younger. I am sure they both know how
to make meth. Now, these children are being isolated by their peers because they
too are getting into trouble with the law, commiting other types of crimes. What
are we to do? Soon, I suppose the kids will be users and trafficers too. What
are we to do? It is all a sad story. The problem is epidemic.
Comments continue below
Why Drug War Failed | 5:59 a.m. May 4, 2008
I don't use illicit drugs because
1) I hear stories about users/dealers ruining the lives of themselves and others,
2) I don't want to hurt my mind or body with such drugs as cocaine (so psychologically addictive that users claim one time got them hooked), marijuana (which takes away many users' drive to succeed in work and school), meth or heroin (both of which ruins one's health and is so addictive that regular housewives will do anything, including prostitution, to feed the habit. Meth and heroin users both look worn out and ugly),
3) I don't want a felony on my record, which would highly restrict my ability to choose a career path and prevent me from legally owning guns,
4) I want the freedom of a life free of substance abuse. I watch shows and documentaries on people trying to kick a habit and realize they are so addicted either to drugs or to the "high" they bring that they have lost control of their life.
We lost the war on drugs when we stopped going after users and started concentrating on dealers. (continued)
1) I hear stories about users/dealers ruining the lives of themselves and others,
2) I don't want to hurt my mind or body with such drugs as cocaine (so psychologically addictive that users claim one time got them hooked), marijuana (which takes away many users' drive to succeed in work and school), meth or heroin (both of which ruins one's health and is so addictive that regular housewives will do anything, including prostitution, to feed the habit. Meth and heroin users both look worn out and ugly),
3) I don't want a felony on my record, which would highly restrict my ability to choose a career path and prevent me from legally owning guns,
4) I want the freedom of a life free of substance abuse. I watch shows and documentaries on people trying to kick a habit and realize they are so addicted either to drugs or to the "high" they bring that they have lost control of their life.
We lost the war on drugs when we stopped going after users and started concentrating on dealers. (continued)
Why We Lost War on Drugs | 6:16 a.m. May 4, 2008
When we used to prosecute drug users for drug use alone it was a great deterrent
to others from trying drugs in the first place. What high schooler wanted to be
kickded out of school, off the athletic team, put into jail and basically
ostracized from society, for the short term pleasure of taking an illicit drug?
Yes, there were some, but the idea of going to jail scared most kids witless.
Now users are treated as victims of a disease, and look what it's got us
-- not only more use of marijuana but also a plague of addictions to more
damaging substances, such as heroin. Also, the only surefire way to get somebody
to stop taking illegal drugs is to lock them in a place where they cannot
acquire them. Thus, our efforts should not be to make sure our prisons and
jails are drug free, whatever it takes, so that the inmates can break their
addictions. Once that is accomplished, let them go, but they will suffer the
consequences of being an ex-con.
Those of us who have avoided drug addiction want as little contact between users and our children as possible.
Those of us who have avoided drug addiction want as little contact between users and our children as possible.
PH | 6:56 a.m. May 4, 2008
This is a sad commentary on our world today. But I would agree that drugs
permeate every aspect of our society--both legitimate and clandestine drugs. We
take a pill for everything--to lose weight, to dull pain, to give us energy, to
keep from feeling sad.
Why should we be susrprised that there is such a drug abuse problem when we see drugs advertised on television all the time?
I would suspect drugs are the reason for most of our crime.
Why should we be susrprised that there is such a drug abuse problem when we see drugs advertised on television all the time?
I would suspect drugs are the reason for most of our crime.
Uh huh | 8:08 a.m. May 4, 2008
To:"Why We Lost War on Drugs"- prison time with a permanent felony
record? For smoking a joint? When mom most likely gobbles prescription happy
pills her doctor gives her to even greater effect? You're very naive, and
if you think hard prison time improves the character of children you are very
misinformed.
Nathan in CT | 8:20 a.m. May 4, 2008
To Why We Lost War on Drugs:
You obivously know nothing about drug use and prison. You state, "the only surefire way to get somebody to stop taking illegal drugs is to lock them in a place where they cannot acquire them." Huh? You seriously have never heard of drug use in prison? Do you know how much it would cost to 100% prevent drug smuggling into prison.
You think that by prosecuting the user instead of the dealer, it will scare people straight. Do you know what an addiction is? You can not be scared away from an addiction to heroin. You need medical help and professional counseling.
Also, you state, "When we used to prosecute drug users for drug use alone it was a great deterrent to others from trying drugs in the first place. What high schooler wanted to be kickded out of school, off the athletic team, put into jail and basically ostracized from society, for the short term pleasure of taking an illicit drug?" We still kick kids off athletic teams and ostracize them through our communities, yet they still do it. Your point is moot.
You obivously know nothing about drug use and prison. You state, "the only surefire way to get somebody to stop taking illegal drugs is to lock them in a place where they cannot acquire them." Huh? You seriously have never heard of drug use in prison? Do you know how much it would cost to 100% prevent drug smuggling into prison.
You think that by prosecuting the user instead of the dealer, it will scare people straight. Do you know what an addiction is? You can not be scared away from an addiction to heroin. You need medical help and professional counseling.
Also, you state, "When we used to prosecute drug users for drug use alone it was a great deterrent to others from trying drugs in the first place. What high schooler wanted to be kickded out of school, off the athletic team, put into jail and basically ostracized from society, for the short term pleasure of taking an illicit drug?" We still kick kids off athletic teams and ostracize them through our communities, yet they still do it. Your point is moot.
drug war | 8:48 a.m. May 4, 2008
Losing the war on drugs isn't just the illegal type. I see comments about
the illegal drugs and that they should do jail time, what about prescription
drugs and over the counter drugs that become addictive. I know of several people
that have enormous problems from prescription drugs and the doctors frequently
hand out the prescriptions in which they should be more cautious in doing so.
JTE | 9:28 a.m. May 4, 2008
I grew up in a home, where my poor Mother was taking over 30 pills daily to cope
with life, I swore I would take nothing more than an aspirin, if I needed
anything. I have been able to get through life and do it... however out of my
(5) children (4) were drug abusers...and it all started with marijuana. A
couple of my kids were in serious accidents, which introduced oxycontin for pain
relief, and from there to "staying high"...now I have (2) son in laws
with the problem, and they all loathe themselves...I know that jail does not
work, they come out worse for the wear because their self esteem, is lost, we
need programs, to help them get back to living real life, with real jobs, any
little victory, would propel them to belief in themselves again...Through all of
it, I will not give up hope, but obviously the system we are trying to work with
now IS BROKEN.
No Easy Answer | 9:34 a.m. May 4, 2008
I have no idea what should be done. But I do know that our drug policy is not
right when adults can use and abuse alcohol and prescription pills all they want
and the addiction and ramifications to these drugs are often just as severe as
meth, cocaine, speed, etc.
I believe we either need to criminalize ALL addictive drugs equally or decriminalize all personal use while focusing our resources on education, treatment, and criminalizing drug-related crimes rather than simply use. If an adult can drink themself silly in their own home why is it suddenly illegal to do the same with marijuanna? There are more addicted individuals and crimes committed through the abuse of alcohol than other drugs COMBINED. I don't know the answer, but there is very little reason and logic behind current drug policies.
I believe we either need to criminalize ALL addictive drugs equally or decriminalize all personal use while focusing our resources on education, treatment, and criminalizing drug-related crimes rather than simply use. If an adult can drink themself silly in their own home why is it suddenly illegal to do the same with marijuanna? There are more addicted individuals and crimes committed through the abuse of alcohol than other drugs COMBINED. I don't know the answer, but there is very little reason and logic behind current drug policies.
To: Why we lost the war on drugs | 10:12 a.m. May 4, 2008
Your statements are out of touch with the reality of drug use and addiction.
Putting someone in jail doesn't cure addiction. All you do in jail is sit
around but it doesn't solve the underlying issues of why a person is using.
An example to help you understand better why someone might use is this:
There was a woman who told me her adult daughter had been sexually abused by her father growing up. After hearing this I could see how this adult daughter that has never had any counseling was constantly on drugs or alcohol, I saw it as
an escape from the ugliness that she grew up with. I can understand why she numbs herself.
Also there are plenty of young athletes that get hurt and are started on prescriptive pain killers. Extremely addictive.
An example to help you understand better why someone might use is this:
There was a woman who told me her adult daughter had been sexually abused by her father growing up. After hearing this I could see how this adult daughter that has never had any counseling was constantly on drugs or alcohol, I saw it as
an escape from the ugliness that she grew up with. I can understand why she numbs herself.
Also there are plenty of young athletes that get hurt and are started on prescriptive pain killers. Extremely addictive.
Legalize It | 10:14 a.m. May 4, 2008
I am a former drug user but have not used drugs for almost four years and I
thought then and still think today the only successful war on drugs is no war on
drugs and the complete legalization and decriminalization of drugs in this
country. We flip out when our tax dollars are being spent on the most minor
things, health care, social security etc etc but do you have how much money in
the trillions is being wasted on this never ending war...? Not just this war
either, but overcrowded prisons that are filled with minor non violent drug
offenses... its insane, it's madness. The best part of it all is that all
these policies and increase in law enforcement hasn't even made a ripple in
this never ending abyss. Incarceration does nothing, and our treatment programs
are understaffed and underfunded doesn't anyone else see this major
discrepency. Legalize drugs which takes the true criminals off the streets, the
drug dealers and the drug lords. Increase drug rehab facilities and stop wasting
these trillions of dollars a year on a war that will never end and you'll
never win.
St. George | 10:30 a.m. May 4, 2008
WAR ON DRUGS is a failure, and does nothing but make criminals out of people.
IT IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF OUR RESOURCES, look at how the Nazi State has progressed under the war on drugs. We spend way to much on "Law Enforcers", Judges, Court Houses, Jails, Prisons.
The laws were passed by elected officials that are Lawyers (they are in the industry) these laws benefit them.
Time to step back and invest in something productive.
IT IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF OUR RESOURCES, look at how the Nazi State has progressed under the war on drugs. We spend way to much on "Law Enforcers", Judges, Court Houses, Jails, Prisons.
The laws were passed by elected officials that are Lawyers (they are in the industry) these laws benefit them.
Time to step back and invest in something productive.
uncannygunman | 10:44 a.m. May 4, 2008
Wow. Sometime you find the most amazing things in the unlikeliest of places.
This article is one such thing. Way to go D-News!
Now can you get the editorial page to follow up with a call for an end to the WOD?
Now can you get the editorial page to follow up with a call for an end to the WOD?
Jim Stephens | 10:49 a.m. May 4, 2008
Substance abuse is a problem, but it's better described as the symptom of
much deeper problems. In addiction to being a recovering alcoholic, I
personally know thousands of alcoholics and addicts, and I never met one that
became that way because they didn't see enough Public Service
Announcements.
And contrary to popular belief, 28 days in rehab barely serves as a long enough time for detoxification, let alone unraveling the underlying issues of someone's drug or alcohol addiction.
For those with the genetic and environmental predisposition for addiction, the substance is merely the vehicle they use to medicate so that they feel better than the awful way they feel normally. And telling such a person to not medicate and just face life, is no more effective than telling someone with diarrhea to just use willpower.
What we are doing right now with social policy and with addiction treatment is comparable to treating a sick plant by polishing the leaves to make it look better. But the problem only shows up in the leaves, where it lives is deeper down, within the roots. And until we place our focus and our funds there, nothing will change.
And contrary to popular belief, 28 days in rehab barely serves as a long enough time for detoxification, let alone unraveling the underlying issues of someone's drug or alcohol addiction.
For those with the genetic and environmental predisposition for addiction, the substance is merely the vehicle they use to medicate so that they feel better than the awful way they feel normally. And telling such a person to not medicate and just face life, is no more effective than telling someone with diarrhea to just use willpower.
What we are doing right now with social policy and with addiction treatment is comparable to treating a sick plant by polishing the leaves to make it look better. But the problem only shows up in the leaves, where it lives is deeper down, within the roots. And until we place our focus and our funds there, nothing will change.
realitycheck | 11:00 a.m. May 4, 2008
Everyone wants to make generalizations about things they're not even
educated about. I am bipolar and if I did not have access to prescription
psychiatric drugs, I would be dead. I think all you do-gooders should worry
about your own addictions. I'll bet you all have a few of your own like
food, shopping, sex, anger, porn, etc. Do you want the government regulating
your personal choices? Get your hypocritical noses out of other people's
business. Crime is caused by personal choice, not prozac!!!
cannibewell | 11:06 a.m. May 4, 2008
Being terminally ill is depressing, and when the safest, simplest, purest
substance that makes life bearable is so misunderstood, or even worse, by the
maliciously ignorant, I pray to the Lord, who placed this dignity saving
substance on this earth, to return us back just one century...before the
American Industrialists and Capitalists created interstate commerce laws that
started this intractable war of brother against brother as well as daughter
against mother...you poor children of the 80's and 90's...your brains
have not only been washed, they have been dry-cleaned with Reaganistic blurbs,
Clintonian hipocracy, and the Bush dynastic machine. Medical Marijuana
advocates are not pushing heroin! Please! Where in the world does such a
ridiculous argument arise from?
liberal larry | 11:12 a.m. May 4, 2008
American's seem intent on re-inventing the wheel. How do other countries
handle drug usage, and what is it about the U.S. that makes so many people into
addicts? I would love to see different states take different, innovative
approaches to drug use and abuse. We could then model a federal program on what
works, not what we think should work.
I do know that there is a veritable industry surrounding incarceration. The privatization of prisons has created a huge lobby that promotes stiff penalties for minor drug offenses. This lobby does everything it can to promote the construction of more prisons and tough laws to keep them full.
I do know that there is a veritable industry surrounding incarceration. The privatization of prisons has created a huge lobby that promotes stiff penalties for minor drug offenses. This lobby does everything it can to promote the construction of more prisons and tough laws to keep them full.
Avoid Two Party Pattycake | 11:22 a.m. May 4, 2008
The Democrats and the Republicans are not the solution to this problem. Their
sales of their votes to the prison-industrial complex, including law enforcement
agencies and the judiciary, have perpetuated the problem.
This is typical Deseret News to present a problem, but not offer a solution. Let's see if the moderator censors this comment too, because I will suggest an organization that can help end the failed war on drugs: the Drug Reform Coordination Network.
This is typical Deseret News to present a problem, but not offer a solution. Let's see if the moderator censors this comment too, because I will suggest an organization that can help end the failed war on drugs: the Drug Reform Coordination Network.
sean | 11:49 a.m. May 4, 2008
In the prison system, we have basically created a state-sponsored drug cartel. 3
squares, beds and video games for addicts and dealers? The Mexican Mafia runs
Mexican imports directly from the California penal system. the same can be said
about the Utah penal system. We had a war with drugs and we lost. This is the
real quagmire that we are stuck in. We need to end the insanity of living
through prohibition again.
Sean | 11:53 a.m. May 4, 2008
Avoid Two Party Pancake: You have to hand it to the Deseret News for tackling
this great unspoken tragedy at all. I was absolutley shocked to see this article
here. Good job, Joe!
Follow the money | 12:03 p.m. May 4, 2008
Prison unions and private prison operators give lots of money to politicians.
Then, prison union members supplement their income by selling illegal drugs to inmates.
Drug laws will never be reformed.
Then, prison union members supplement their income by selling illegal drugs to inmates.
Drug laws will never be reformed.
BBKing | 12:05 p.m. May 4, 2008
Please forgive the crass comparison but something to think about. A friend spent
about 8 months doing humanitarian work in Brazil. The women in the jungles do
not wear tops. When he first got there it was all he could do to not stare, etc.
After a few weeks he hardly noticed.
It is human nature to oppose restrictions, go for the forbidden fruit. The war on drugs has created generations of forbidden fruit.
Could the answer be legalization and regulation?
Also, a question for the legal minds on this list. How is it that in order to go after alcohol it took a constitutional amendment. To go after another substance ignores the constitution altother. The obvious answer is that the war on drugs is unconstitutional.
In any case, it has been a failure. All we have done is create an underground market. We need to approach this in a more sane manner.
It is human nature to oppose restrictions, go for the forbidden fruit. The war on drugs has created generations of forbidden fruit.
Could the answer be legalization and regulation?
Also, a question for the legal minds on this list. How is it that in order to go after alcohol it took a constitutional amendment. To go after another substance ignores the constitution altother. The obvious answer is that the war on drugs is unconstitutional.
In any case, it has been a failure. All we have done is create an underground market. We need to approach this in a more sane manner.
Bruce | 12:33 p.m. May 4, 2008
The worst drug is our society, that causes more broken families, abuse, and
violence than every illicit drug combined is....Alcohol.
The government tried to outlaw it, Taliban style. It doesn't work and neither will any of the tax-wasting law "enforcement" that goes on now. People are going to use drugs. People are going to drink alcohol.
The only thing that a society can do is provide education to the dangers and treatment for those who can't use/drink responsibly.
The government tried to outlaw it, Taliban style. It doesn't work and neither will any of the tax-wasting law "enforcement" that goes on now. People are going to use drugs. People are going to drink alcohol.
The only thing that a society can do is provide education to the dangers and treatment for those who can't use/drink responsibly.
CITIZEN | 12:42 p.m. May 4, 2008
You can get illegal drugs in prison,jails when you can't get them anywhere
else!!!The entire war on drugs is a farce,mockery,joke on the american
citizen!!!
Jeb | 3:54 p.m. May 4, 2008
The US has the highest incarceration rate of any industrialized nation. It has
one of the highest, if not the highest rate of drug abuse. It is, without a
doubt, the biggest market for illegal drugs. I wonder if that has something to
do with American society? I wonder if for all of it's material wealth, for
all of it's hustle and bustle, for all of it's bluster, that American
society is hollow, selfish, and doesn't provide for humanity what it really
needs. I wonder why so many people have to resort to the escapism of drugs when
America is such a wonderful, caring, nation.
Can't Say | 4:45 p.m. May 4, 2008
I have almost 20 years in enforcement and it is a joke. Non users are clueless
as to the reality of users and support harmful laws that punish, but don't
help users and those in their world. I've been thinking that I should
change careers and do some other work that doesn't seem to arbitarily
punish those that would be better off with help.
John Thomas | 5:13 p.m. May 4, 2008
As we see here, most Americans now know prohibition is a fraud - especially
marijuana prohibition. President Jimmy Carter said the penalties for marijuana
use should not be worse than harms it causes. Thirty years ago.
Let's do something more than talk. Now, with a minute of effort, we can end it.
H.R. 5843, an "Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults," has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Barney Frank and Ron Paul.
This measure, if passed, would strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible adult cannabis consumers.
Please go to NORML's web site and, with a few clicks, let your representatives know how you feel.
Just go to NORML / Take Action / Contact Your Elected Representatives / House of Representatives to Consider Cannabis Decriminalization!
Click through and a pre-written letter will be sent to your representative.
Spread the word, and spread the sanity.
Let's do something more than talk. Now, with a minute of effort, we can end it.
H.R. 5843, an "Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults," has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Barney Frank and Ron Paul.
This measure, if passed, would strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible adult cannabis consumers.
Please go to NORML's web site and, with a few clicks, let your representatives know how you feel.
Just go to NORML / Take Action / Contact Your Elected Representatives / House of Representatives to Consider Cannabis Decriminalization!
Click through and a pre-written letter will be sent to your representative.
Spread the word, and spread the sanity.
Meth Mom | 5:50 p.m. May 4, 2008
I have a large family--most of my children are extremely spiritual, hard
working, successful parents. But two of my children have fought meth
addiction--in spite of being raised in an intact home, loved, taught, and taken
to church all their lives. Our family geneology includes depression, alcoholism
and other addictive behaviors, so perhaps there truly is an addictive
biochemistry. BUT I've seen the system and I know that crime follows
meth--crime to finance the addiction, crime because, as my son said, "Meth
steals your soul." Child abuse, abandonment and neglect follow meth
addiction. Violence follows meth addiction. It took my daughter 20 years, in
and out of prison, before she was determined to get clean--she's now
working on her Master's degree and wants to work with at risk kids. It
only took my son one prison term--he's been clean now nearly 4 years, is
raising a good family and is determined to stay clean--after much prayer and a
6-month's wait, his wife stuck by him. WE ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH WITH
TREATMENT and WE ARE NOT CONVICTING DRUG DEALERS AND BUYERS OF STOLEN
PROPERTY!
A spiritual turn-around is the only thing that really works.
A spiritual turn-around is the only thing that really works.
Good job | 5:57 p.m. May 4, 2008
I'm in shock that the Deseret News printed this article. You're
correct. This war became insanity long ago.
Punishing drug users simple keeps them from seeking treatment. Too admit to their problem is admitting to crime. Drug addiction is feed on lies and darkness.
People have drug problems, they need treatment and support. Little is saved by lying about the problem. It's time to shed light on this subject.
Punishing drug users simple keeps them from seeking treatment. Too admit to their problem is admitting to crime. Drug addiction is feed on lies and darkness.
People have drug problems, they need treatment and support. Little is saved by lying about the problem. It's time to shed light on this subject.
Reader | 6:09 p.m. May 4, 2008
So everyones doing it so everyone should be allowed to do it.
I believe the island of Ceylon took this tack a number of years ago, much to their surprise it got much worse, not better.
Wink, wink, nod, nod.
I believe the island of Ceylon took this tack a number of years ago, much to their surprise it got much worse, not better.
Wink, wink, nod, nod.
SJ Bobkins | 6:19 p.m. May 4, 2008
I watched an interesting show detailing the problem Texas ranchers have along
the US-Mexico. They are being overrun with drug traffickers, along with Mexican
felons and illegal aliens. At night, newly constructed fences are cut and large
groups of drug carrying mules, cross the ankle deep sections of the Rio Grande,
and walk through the ranch land on their way to US cities.
When the ground is soft the trails which are worn deep in the brush, show shoe prints atop other shoe prints, showing how large the numbers of illegal border crossings do take place. The ranch owners and workers have to carry fire arms for protection against the heavily armed mules, in case there is a run-in in the darkness of night. The opinion of these men who raise cattle on land their families have held for many generations, is that the federal government has no desire to either keep the criminals, drugs, or simple illegals looking for jobs, out of the USA. There is little presence of the border patrol, the illegal activity goes on unimpeded.
On a local level we may be making progress. But on a national level, no one cares.
When the ground is soft the trails which are worn deep in the brush, show shoe prints atop other shoe prints, showing how large the numbers of illegal border crossings do take place. The ranch owners and workers have to carry fire arms for protection against the heavily armed mules, in case there is a run-in in the darkness of night. The opinion of these men who raise cattle on land their families have held for many generations, is that the federal government has no desire to either keep the criminals, drugs, or simple illegals looking for jobs, out of the USA. There is little presence of the border patrol, the illegal activity goes on unimpeded.
On a local level we may be making progress. But on a national level, no one cares.
We have the only solution | 6:34 p.m. May 4, 2008
A few years ago, the FBI conducted a study and found that some 70% of crime
(drug crimes included) were perpetrated by young men with no father in the home
(single parent families) The largest group of people living in poverty in
America as single mothers.
The only solution to crime and poverty is the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. Every other attempt to "fix" these problems will fail miserably, because they don't correct the problem, they just mask it. God has already given us the only solution to these problems. Too bad we never learn! It just might be that the "relgious fanatics" have the only solution to our problems. Other wise, if you think it is bad now, just wait!
The only solution to crime and poverty is the law of chastity and the word of wisdom. Every other attempt to "fix" these problems will fail miserably, because they don't correct the problem, they just mask it. God has already given us the only solution to these problems. Too bad we never learn! It just might be that the "relgious fanatics" have the only solution to our problems. Other wise, if you think it is bad now, just wait!
Follow the money | 7:58 p.m. May 4, 2008
When was the last time a Miller route driver shot up an Albertsons because he
saw an Anheuser-Busch route driver making a delivery there?
Not Surprising Testimonies | 8:32 p.m. May 4, 2008
It is not surprising that the addicts interviewed here do not think it is that
big of a deal--that is why they became addicted to drugs originally and that is
partially why they continue to use drugs.
Do you think all the indirect victims of drugs would have the same laissez-faire preferred approach to drug law enforcement, such as victims of child and spousal abuse and neglect, gang violence (which is so often drug related), robberies and burglaries, and the companies, families and friends whose employees or friends betray them and themselves due to their addictions and reneg on commitments and often forget respect and decency?
I would just expect that my aunt, whose son died due to an overdose, wishes that drug trade enforcement were, if anything, more rigorous. It is not as if alcohol consumption decreased after it became legalized post prohibition, or that tobacco use would be higher if it were illegal.
Do you think all the indirect victims of drugs would have the same laissez-faire preferred approach to drug law enforcement, such as victims of child and spousal abuse and neglect, gang violence (which is so often drug related), robberies and burglaries, and the companies, families and friends whose employees or friends betray them and themselves due to their addictions and reneg on commitments and often forget respect and decency?
I would just expect that my aunt, whose son died due to an overdose, wishes that drug trade enforcement were, if anything, more rigorous. It is not as if alcohol consumption decreased after it became legalized post prohibition, or that tobacco use would be higher if it were illegal.
newageblues | 8:32 p.m. May 4, 2008
12 years in jail for 2 hits of LSD. Now that is sick. Really, really, really
sick. My heart goes out to individuals, families and children devastated by such
barbarism. Alcohol supremacist bigotry in action.
control on drugs, not war | 10:12 p.m. May 4, 2008
I agree jail is NOT the answer. To send someone to prison who uses drugs and
have them bunk with others who raped, stole and murdered is wrong.
I think if you use, then you should lose certain privleges that distance you from becoming a threat to society other than being locked up in prison and have everything taken away from you. Such as community service, parole monitoring and random drug testing that if failed will result in loss of further privleges. Drug users shouldn't be labeled as criminals. Let's not ruin their lives completely, but rather monitor them more closely and take away certain rights as "punishment" but prison is not the answer, that just makes the problem worse.
I think if you use, then you should lose certain privleges that distance you from becoming a threat to society other than being locked up in prison and have everything taken away from you. Such as community service, parole monitoring and random drug testing that if failed will result in loss of further privleges. Drug users shouldn't be labeled as criminals. Let's not ruin their lives completely, but rather monitor them more closely and take away certain rights as "punishment" but prison is not the answer, that just makes the problem worse.
Rich | 10:47 p.m. May 4, 2008
So, what's the solution? If we legalize dangerous drugs, usage will almost
surely increase, and it will be the youth and the children who will suffer.
Thalman implies that countries with liberal drug policies have a lower usage of
dangerous drugs. His quote. "ingesting alcohol, prescription and illegal
drugs at 10 to 20 times the rate of any other developed country." Well,
that's so much baloney. Just one example. The estimate of cocaine usage
in Europe is 2%, while in the U.S. it's 7/10s of a percent. And Denmark is
said to have a higher rate of cocaine usage than the rest of Europe. More than
60 percent of cocaine users in Europe also carry Hepatitis C. If we are going
to consider legalizing dangerous drugs, we should see what has happened in
countries that have legalized those drugs before we do so. Drug users need to
realize that taking a dangerous drug the very first time is a crime. I'm
not talking about prescription drugs here, but even then ussers should be highly
aware that using a narcotic drug any longer than is absolutely necessary for a
medical condition is liable to lead to addiction.
Paul | 10:54 p.m. May 4, 2008
You legalization proponents have missed the boat. You're focused on the
criminalization and not the distribution. You weak-minded people. I want less
drugs on the street and not more, less users and not more. And the scourge of
durg use and distribution will increase with legalization and no fear of the
law. The complete freedom to use and have any drug would be a disaster. You
people make me sick. I want the law to keep it a crime to to give drugs to my
kids. I'll I heard in this pathetic article was criminal thinking errors:
rationalization, justification, minimization. Take responsibility for your
actions. That's what is wrong with our society. It's ironic that
those who complain most about our drug laws are those who break them. This
article was a joke.
RogerWilco | 11:04 p.m. May 4, 2008
The United States has around 5% of the world's population, yet we also have
25% of the world's prisoners. 1 out of every 100 adult Americans is in
jail or prison, likely because of a drug offense. Yet, as the article says,
drugs are more plentiful and cheaper than ever before. U.S. drug policy is a
failure.
But we keep going and keep throwing more money at it and more people in jail because, well, it's the American Way.
But we keep going and keep throwing more money at it and more people in jail because, well, it's the American Way.
RogerWilco | 11:11 p.m. May 4, 2008
So Paul, when your kid gets pulled over and searched and the cops find his
little baggie of marijuana, I guess you're OK with visiting your child in
prison, even though the kid is otherwise a productive member of society?
Don't say "my kid would never do that." Many parents would like to think so but they would be flat wrong.
Don't say "my kid would never do that." Many parents would like to think so but they would be flat wrong.
I'll be your expert | 11:17 p.m. May 4, 2008
I thought I was reading an article straight out of the San Franicsco Chronicle-
I can't belive what I just read. Mr. Cole calls himself and expert? these people destroyed their own lives; Mr. Cole, the enforcement of drug laws did not start 35 years ago- it has been going on since 1915 under the Dept. of the Treasury. The DEA was a consolidation of two Fed Law Enforcement agencies that had been enforcing drug laws for decades.
97% of coke and heroin users say they would stop if it was legalized- are you kidding me- and you people buy that line.
And DeSmet- typical doper. He blames everyone but himself- if find it ironic and comical that he and other drug users and dealers are the biggest complainers regardining our drug laws.
As a DEA agent, I've made it my personal mission to put every scum dope dealer in prison that I can. How dare you people loose sight of what is most important- how can you look your children in the face. If it means overcrowded prisons and $20K for an lb. of meth- to keep it out of my children's hands, so be it!!
I can't belive what I just read. Mr. Cole calls himself and expert? these people destroyed their own lives; Mr. Cole, the enforcement of drug laws did not start 35 years ago- it has been going on since 1915 under the Dept. of the Treasury. The DEA was a consolidation of two Fed Law Enforcement agencies that had been enforcing drug laws for decades.
97% of coke and heroin users say they would stop if it was legalized- are you kidding me- and you people buy that line.
And DeSmet- typical doper. He blames everyone but himself- if find it ironic and comical that he and other drug users and dealers are the biggest complainers regardining our drug laws.
As a DEA agent, I've made it my personal mission to put every scum dope dealer in prison that I can. How dare you people loose sight of what is most important- how can you look your children in the face. If it means overcrowded prisons and $20K for an lb. of meth- to keep it out of my children's hands, so be it!!
Mexifornia boy | 11:25 p.m. May 4, 2008
So since car thefts hit an all time high last year in California; it appears
that the war on car theft is not working. I propose that we legalize taking
someone else's car without permission. We wouldn't want to stigmatize
those less fortunate people who take cars and thus leave them with a felony
record for the rest of their lives. And while we're at it-we've also
lost the war against child sexual abuse- so I propose legalizing that as well.
It's epidemic you know, and it's an addiction and not their fault.
And more and more men are going to prison for child sex abuse- so the law is a
failure.
The level of blaming and lack of responsibility in our society is the problem.
The level of blaming and lack of responsibility in our society is the problem.
Puzzled | 11:43 p.m. May 4, 2008
I wonder if anyone reviewed the criminal histories of the inmates at the USP. I
would be shocked if there are any inmates out there who were only convicted of
mere possession. It's the related criminal acts that get most of them
incarcerated.
Rehab would be great for those who merely have a personal use issue. Too bad the tweekers have had to resort to check and credit card fraud, auto theft, armed robbery, and a plethora of other drug related crimes to stay high. Rehab early makes sense. Other criminal behavior is intolerable.
Rehab would be great for those who merely have a personal use issue. Too bad the tweekers have had to resort to check and credit card fraud, auto theft, armed robbery, and a plethora of other drug related crimes to stay high. Rehab early makes sense. Other criminal behavior is intolerable.
Anonymous | 12:23 a.m. May 5, 2008
Do we have the same policies for alcohol as we have for cigarettes as we have
for caffiene? No. So what is with this lumping of all "illegal"
drugs together? Every substance is a different story. Especially marijuana.
Prohibitionists are so frustrated that marijuana has no significant harms, they lump all the drugs together to try to cast the hard drugs shadows on pot.
As the DEA's own administrative law judge, Francis Young, said after an exhaustive review, "Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest
therapeutically active substances known to man."
Prohibitionists are so frustrated that marijuana has no significant harms, they lump all the drugs together to try to cast the hard drugs shadows on pot.
As the DEA's own administrative law judge, Francis Young, said after an exhaustive review, "Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest
therapeutically active substances known to man."
Anonymous | 12:29 a.m. May 5, 2008
'I'll be' says:
>>>"As a DEA agent, I've made it my personal mission to put every scum dope dealer in prison that I can."
Since you claim to be an "expert," you know marijuana is non-addictive and far less harmful than alcohol. So, you better put the scum alcohol dealers in prison first.
BTW, how does it feel to hunt witches?
>>>"As a DEA agent, I've made it my personal mission to put every scum dope dealer in prison that I can."
Since you claim to be an "expert," you know marijuana is non-addictive and far less harmful than alcohol. So, you better put the scum alcohol dealers in prison first.
BTW, how does it feel to hunt witches?
Pills | 12:33 a.m. May 5, 2008
Isn't there a pill for this? The strong praying on the weaker and making a
profit, the pitcher and the catcher, swing batter! If you understood basic
chemistry there would be no problem, but that imformation is kept sceret in
order to make porfit off your ignorance. Will that change? Not on your life or
anyone elses, not as long as I keep getting my money to keep this imformation to
myself. Pay up suckers or get a education. Ignorance is making me rich and
killing you and your children. Catch me if you can, your the dumb drugy.
Joyce | 8:09 a.m. May 5, 2008
I don't take drugs or pills, with the exception of an occasional aspirin
and I'm 79 years old.
People have just forgotten that THEY CAN SAY NO!!
We are on this earth to learn from our past mistakes and to learn that we are the ones who make our own decisions to do or not to do anything that would harm our bodies. If we choose wrong, we pay the consequences.
People have just forgotten that THEY CAN SAY NO!!
We are on this earth to learn from our past mistakes and to learn that we are the ones who make our own decisions to do or not to do anything that would harm our bodies. If we choose wrong, we pay the consequences.
Patrick | 8:58 a.m. May 5, 2008
what are we to do? first off..we need to make a hard distinction between
cannabis and all the other illicit drugs like meth, coke, heroin, etc..
If our society was shown some trust and compassion by our leaders ..give us this olive branch...legalize cannabis. If they did that, it would go a long way to
reconciling the wide divide that now exists between our government and the people.
If our society was shown some trust and compassion by our leaders ..give us this olive branch...legalize cannabis. If they did that, it would go a long way to
reconciling the wide divide that now exists between our government and the people.
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Michael DeSmet was arrested for possession of and intent to distribute methamphetamine. He says the quantity he had was for his own personal use.
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