11-01-2009, 09:47 PM
Hi,
If outlawing drugs actually stopped the use of drugs, then there might be some justification for those laws. Since it does not stop the use of drugs (as witnessed by the large number of drug arrests and convictions and all the indications of a large, international, drug trade) then the question becomes whether there would be more or less problems if drugs were legalized.
Since drugs are routinely and widely used at present, a bit of thought makes it clear that all the problems that will occur with legal drugs are already occurring. On the other hand, many of the present problems (such as theft to buy drugs) will go away. The question seems to come down to whether the improvements will offset any increase in drug use. But that question is a strawman. As our experience with prohibition showed, and as the experience of other nation with relaxing drug laws confirms, the legalization of drugs not only does not lead to an increase in use, it often does the opposite.
So, there is no pragmatic reason not to legalize drugs. The two groups opposing this are at the opposite extremes. On the one hand are those presently vested in the drug trade who stand to lose a lucrative living. On the other hand are those opposed to drug use for moral reasons. While morality is a good and vital means for an individual to determine his actions, it is not a sufficient reason for enacting laws.
One final thought, and it extends beyond just the laws banning drugs. It is, in my opinion, a symptom of a sick society if laws protecting individual choices are necessary. It indicates an intolerance barely held in check by legislation.
--Pete
Quote:Its not safe, but its safer than the alternative, which is the illegal drug trade and the war on drugs.Yes. Let me add to that.
If outlawing drugs actually stopped the use of drugs, then there might be some justification for those laws. Since it does not stop the use of drugs (as witnessed by the large number of drug arrests and convictions and all the indications of a large, international, drug trade) then the question becomes whether there would be more or less problems if drugs were legalized.
Since drugs are routinely and widely used at present, a bit of thought makes it clear that all the problems that will occur with legal drugs are already occurring. On the other hand, many of the present problems (such as theft to buy drugs) will go away. The question seems to come down to whether the improvements will offset any increase in drug use. But that question is a strawman. As our experience with prohibition showed, and as the experience of other nation with relaxing drug laws confirms, the legalization of drugs not only does not lead to an increase in use, it often does the opposite.
So, there is no pragmatic reason not to legalize drugs. The two groups opposing this are at the opposite extremes. On the one hand are those presently vested in the drug trade who stand to lose a lucrative living. On the other hand are those opposed to drug use for moral reasons. While morality is a good and vital means for an individual to determine his actions, it is not a sufficient reason for enacting laws.
One final thought, and it extends beyond just the laws banning drugs. It is, in my opinion, a symptom of a sick society if laws protecting individual choices are necessary. It indicates an intolerance barely held in check by legislation.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?