Columbia University Drug Busts

[Ghostwriter]

This is discouraging if it proves to be true.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...-lsd-pot-ring/

NEW YORK — Five Columbia University students were charged Tuesday with selling LSD-spiked candy and other drugs at three fraternity houses and other residences on the Ivy League campus, with two allegedly claiming they needed the drug money to cover tuition.

[SOM]

Originally Posted by Ghostwriter

This is discouraging if it proves to be true.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2...-lsd-pot-ring/

NEW YORK — Five Columbia University students were charged Tuesday with selling LSD-spiked candy and other drugs at three fraternity houses and other residences on the Ivy League campus, with two allegedly claiming they needed the drug money to cover tuition.

All too true Ghostwriter.
You may wish, if you have not yet done so, review thread on this story:
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=117272

[Ghostwriter]

Originally Posted by SOM

All too true Ghostwriter.
You may wish, if you have not yet done so, review thread on this story:
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...d.php?t=117272

I figured "exlurker" would be on top of it but didn't look in the "Greek Life" forum. Apologies for doublethreading. Is that a real word? Doubt it but it works.

[oldu]

There is an extensive article in today's (12/18) NY Times about this situation.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by oldu

There is an extensive article in today's (12/18) NY Times about this situation.

But you didn't link it!

Wait, you're not reading a REAL paper, are you?
Drug bust isn't notable except for its address
Article about the arrests 12/8

[Drolefille]

Wait, so is which troll is 408...

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by 408

...its really disappointing to be called out for trolling, when its my honest opinion. I'm greek. I do drugs. When I see drug busts amongst people my age, I lament.

I think the accused did a number of things wrong in this situation. They shouldn't of sold out of the house, that was the big problem. They probably should done a little more background on the undercover they sold to. I think it also would of been prudent to stay away from cocaine since that can really incite police involvement. I do think its interesting though, the times article stated that different houses specialized in different types of drugs. I thought that was pretty cool.

Regardless, I think the larger point here isn't that they were Greek but that they went to an Upper-Elite institution and its uncommon to see such a large bust at such an institution. Pretty captivating story if you ask me

Seriously. Just, wow.

[Ghostwriter]

^^^What she said. WOW.

You can't be serious and must be yanking our chain for reactions.

[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.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 408

I don't understand the point of this post. I was discussing a topic relating to the thread on a forum. Anonymity is part of the process.

Maybe you should lay off the drugs. My point is that your sentiment is not uncommon among college students, some of whom feel comfortable sharing this sentiment in nonanonymous settings.

As for your anonymity, that's nice but your drug use is not automatically something to feel liberated and proud over.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 408

I don't do many drugs, only marijuana and study drugs when I'm in a tight spot. Drugs haven't warped my decisions or effected my stance on this issue at all.

This is a common sentiment among drug users. Think about it.

Originally Posted by 408

Its about autonomy and money. I'd feel the same way about any issue that was intrinsically related to both of those

To avoid getting into an Afterschool Special on drug use, the illegal drug trade is about more than autonomy and money. While the law is cultural and socially constructed, and it can be argued that illicit drugs would be legal if the government had a means of controlling and taxing illicit drugs (see alcohol prohibition), think carefully about what you put into your body and how you rationalize and celebrate being a drug user.

Even the fact that you think you need study drugs "in a tight spot" should terrify you as it has become common among high school and college students.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by 408

I don't understand the point of this post. I was discussing a topic relating to the thread on a forum. Anonymity is part of the process.

You mean this anonymity?

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...05#post2013305

And QFP...

Originally Posted by 408

Phi - Delta, UMBC

I usually don't get moralistic about things like this but I do when the poster is a complete moron. You just outed your chapter, your school, and if your username is your scroll number, EXACTLY who you are.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 408

I'm arguing that the government needs to seize control of the drug industry via regulations and taxation, much like they control alcohol and tobacco. I think a better example is over the counter medication. In the scenario I'm imagining drugs would be in the same position as Tylenol and Robitussin

There are a number of reasons why the legalization of drugs would likely be more of a failure than a success. But discussing that would be an Afterschool Special.

Originally Posted by 408

I certainly do think about what I put in my body as well lol, I'm not stupid. There is a reason I've stayed away from substances like cocaine, heroin, lsd, and the like.

Drug users often try to act selective and nondependent. Good luck.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by 408

lol that's perfectly fine? I'm entitled to my own opinions. We do nothing wrong and we do nothing that nationals wouldn't approve of.

I have nothing to hide

Opinions are one thing, and straight up identifying yourself as an illegal drug user (in the post Drolefille QFPed) is another.

Seriously, when did college kids lose the ability to keep anything on the down low?

[als463]

Originally Posted by 408

lol that's perfectly fine? I'm entitled to my own opinions. We do nothing wrong and we do nothing that nationals wouldn't approve of.

I have nothing to hide

As a Chemical Dependency Therapist who sees addicts on a daily basis (some who started using it "recreationally" for exams and to help them "study"), I have to say that your entire attitude is scary. To say that you do nothing wrong that nationals wouldn't approve of is also a big joke. I'm pretty sure Lambda Chi would not like one of its members going into a forum, displaying who he is and what organization he belongs to, as you talk openly about your drug use. Is drug use seen as "okay" by your nationals? I doubt it.

Oh, and don't get me started on how you are "too good" to use certain drugs like heroin or cocaine. I hear that, all the time. Just because you don't shoot drugs into your veins doesn't make you any better than a heroin addict. What I tell my Patients is...."A drug is a drug is a drug." Just because you're some college-educated, Greek-affiliated (possibly upper-middle class kid), doesn't mean you are above the law or above getting truly addicted.

As far as making things "legal" maybe we should just legalize prostitution all throughout the U.S. or anything that is seen as taboo or illegal (snuff films, underage porn, etc.) because-hey...we can always tax it, right? I'm with everyone else when I say, "Just WOW!"