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I rarely agree with the present, but I do agree in decriminalization of nonviolent drug offenses. These may all be 46 drug dealing murderers, but it looks like a semi-positive step.
As I said in another thread about this exact same issue, it's a nice gesture but actually changing the law might be a longer lasting effort. Which I would support. Prisons are too full of "criminals" as is. Given at least 50% are in for completely non-violent, generally drug related crimes, I have to question the validity of our current prison system.
I don't think the use of illegal drugs is ever a victimless crime. We all have a choice to take drugs or not. Those that do often get addicted and they will do anything to feed their habit.
I spoke with a relative this morning and we talked about drugs and she said there is a growing problem in her town where needles from heroine use are showing up on the streets, in the parks etc.. Imagine one innocent person getting stuck with a diseased needle. That one prick could ruin their lives.
If we are soft on addicts and treat them like they have a disease how about the dealers? The dealers are destroying lives and families. Talk about victims. It has to be terrible for someone to love an addict and not knowing when they will overdose or praying non stop that their last stint in rehab sticks.
How about the drugs coming into the country via drug mules that are either paid because they are desperate or they have no choice.
How about the violence that plagues the likes of Chicago. It is mostly young black guys killing other young black guys and drugs are usually involved.
El Chapo a drug cartel kingpin has just escaped a maximum security prison in Mexico. He certainly had help and either paid people off or threatened them.
The drug trade is not pretty from start to finish and locking up the key players has to be done. It is either that or we need to do what some other countries do and execute the repeat offenders.
We need to treat the addicts and lock up the dealers.
We will never stop people from using drugs. We can stop wasting millions of dollars on law enforcement, the judicial system and penal system by arresting, trying and incarcerating people for posession and use of drugs. It is a HUGE WASTE OF MONEY AND RESOURCES. These folks have their lives ruined, no treatment and are then put back on the street to repeat the cycle. Why do we allow this to go on? Put that money into education, treatment, and recreation facilities for the at risk youth who we know are headed for a life of drug addiction.
We will never stop people from using drugs. We can stop wasting millions of dollars on law enforcement, the judicial system and penal system by arresting, trying and incarcerating people for posession and use of drugs. It is a HUGE WASTE OF MONEY AND RESOURCES. These folks have their lives ruined, no treatment and are then put back on the street to repeat the cycle. Why do we allow this to go on? Put that money into education, treatment, and recreation facilities for the at risk youth who we know are headed for a life of drug addiction.
While I agree resources need to be more directed toward prevention and rehabilitation, getting involved in drugs is still a personal choice. I am from a bad part of Tennessee where drug use and dealing is common and did not get involved in the drug business, and am better off because of it.
As I said in another thread about this exact same issue, it's a nice gesture but actually changing the law might be a longer lasting effort. Which I would support. Prisons are too full of "criminals" as is. Given at least 50% are in for completely non-violent, generally drug related crimes, I have to question the validity of our current prison system.
Of course, you're such an authority on such things.
I think that juries and judges best at doing what criminal justice systems calls is intend for and not turning justice system into just another political issue.
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