[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 408

Warning: Long Post

I'm seriously not. I am very supportive of drug policy reform. In my opinion, the war on drugs wastes billions of dollars every year. That money would be well spent on other policy initiatives. I feel that some drugs (read: the majority of) should be made legal for a number of reasons. Primarily, I believe that drug use is a personal choice. It should be treated in a similar manner as alcohol and tobacco products.

It does cost the government financially when they have to take care of individuals who make poor decisions as a result of drug abuse and misuse. However, legalizing the substances and then fighting the ill effects of drugs from a harm reduction stand point would be a preventive measure which allows the government to recoup their spending over time. Additionally, if illegal substances are treated like alcohol and tobacco then the taxation on drugs would rake in millions upon millions of dollars

While it would be hectic at first, I really think that legalizing drugs is beneficial in the long run. State and local governments are in a serious deficit crises all across America. A fraction of the profits earned from illegal drug taxation would go a long way towards improving public schools, funding government pension programs (which are going to the shitter btw) and expanding public works programs.

I watched 60 minutes the other night and Gov. Chris Cristie of New Jersey went into detail on his state's budget crises. There simply isn't enough money to pay for all the things they have allocated money for. Governmental profits off of illegal drugs can stimulate the economy.

Additionally, it would help ease the tensions on the border where drug cartels are waging war with DEA agents, The Mexican army, and with each other.

Of course, there are limitations to this plan. The immediate impact of these drugs on the market would certainly negatively impact many Americans. But again, over time and by using harm reduction we can negate these effects.

This plan will never happen though. Its politically impossible and lobbyists from Big Tobacco and Big Alcohol would never allow it because substances like marijuana would dent their profit margin.

Honestly The only problem I have are the students linking the drug organization to their chapters. I see no reason to be discouraged about college students selling drugs when the actual Government is wasting billions of dollars every year trying to stop them.

I would like to note, though, that they should of been more careful in the situation. Five months is not a long time.

Honestly I have had college students tell me this before. They didn't choose an anonymous forum to share their thoughts but I was generous enough to listen without taking it a step further.