Legalize Drugs?
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Martin Saffer
Mar 26, 2008
10:00 am
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Legalize Drugs?
I note a topic of interest on e-tater about legalization of drugs. First, two very potent drugs are legal and are killers: alcohol and tobacco. Second, many prescription drugs are legal but wind up being abused. So legalization exists already. The problem with legalization of drugs is that once a person begins to use them addiction always seems to follow. To prevent addiction, we need to prevent first use; hence criminalization of controlled substances. Remember the adage: The devil always wears nice clothing and of course "lead us not into temptation..." |
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Michael Holstine
Mar 26, 2008
10:40 am
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Re: Legalize Drugs?
Hey, Martin. As you know I don't write much, but think your forum is a good thing for ideas about the County. But, you know how I feel about the above and have to take exception to you lumping tobacco into this group about drugs. I do not subscribe to the idea that tobacco is even close to the demonization level of illicit drug use, and is even less of a 'drug' problem than alcohol. For the record, I am NOT a smoker - never smoked cigarettes, although my Dad did for years. I do enjoy a cigar and loose leaf every now and then. However, I do think that the demonization of those that smoke is completely outside of our jurisdiction as friends and neighbors, and especially the government. I absolutely agree that education is warranted and that underage tobacco use should be addressed. After all, it is the law. But once a person is of age, these are choices that educated adults should be free to make without being made to feel that they are scourges of the community. Yes, I know that these things are potentially harmful, but in no way are they as harmful with such immediacy as ilegal and powerful drugs. The 'truth' campaign utilizes such junk science as a fear weapon that it is sometimes unconscionable what is said. The real truth is that underage alcohol and tobacco use should be addressed and handled with all sincerity. Adult alcoholism should also be addressed and treated. But tobacco use and casual alcohol use should not be treated the same as drug use because it isn't. There are effects on society, but in no way moreso than McDonalds abuse, or vehicular abuse, or abuse of ham and eggs. It is just not the same as drug use. Just my opinion. |
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Martin Saffer
Mar 26, 2008
11:50 am
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Re: Legalize Drugs?
Well Mr. Holstine I must agree there is a difference and I do see your point as to the matter of "degree" and the matter of "adult choice". When alcoholics drink they become drunk and abusive, when non-alcoholics drink they are just fine. Alcoholism is a genetic disease and I/m betting drug addiction is akin to it. I smoked cigars for a period and cigarettes in my twenties and quit when I was hospitalized for pneumonia. I also drank but gave it up nine years ago as it was getting the better of me and my judgment. Now you must admit that rationalization is not reason and that tabacco is simply not good for you like too many big macs as you say....but its not cocaine or heroin and its not illegal. I don't want to demonize anyone who uses any drug. The point is to say that happiness is not outside yourself and that drugs are a false prophet of happiness. |
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Michael Holstine
Mar 26, 2008
1:50 pm
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Re: Legalize Drugs?
You're a man of honor and rational thought. |