Please understand that what I present here is only part of what was discussed, a short summary of a discussion that extended over several hours.
It seems that there are a lot of threads started by others here at EvC explaining what it is I think.
Perhaps one day there will even be one that is close to accurate.
Let me try to explain my position on this. Please excuse the length of this post and if possible, read all of it.
For many decades, we have been, as a Nation, pushing and funding something called "The War on Drugs." So far there are absolutely NO indications of any success. Drugs are plentiful and ubiquitous as are users, pushers and crime. Our prisons are filled with people convicted on drug related charges, our police forces spending too great a portion of their time and resources trying to deal with the problem, our court systems overwhelmed dealing with those charged.
Continuing to do the same things over and over while expecting different results is simply foolish. We need to try something different.
The cost of the drug problem in the US involves several factors.
- higher crime rates resulting from territorial distribution disputes.
- higher crime rates as users look for funding to support their habits.
- higher crime rates as the drug suppliers try to influence the legal system through bribes, coercion and intimidation.
- lost productivity.
- increased taxes to support policing, court systems and prisons.
To me, it seems the first question to ask is "Can we reduce the cost of the drug problem in the US?"
I believe that the answer is a resounding "Yes!"
What I would like to do is first describe what I believe is a possible solution.
I think we need to address the biggest issue first. If we can find a way to take profits out of drugs, so that there is no way to make any money selling drugs, the all of the criminals involved will be forced out. They cannot compete when there is too small a profit margin.
How can that be done?
Simple. Give the drugs away for free.
If all of the drugs now sold were available at no cost, then the drug lords and cartels would be put out of business immediately.
How could that be done?
First you must understand that the actual manufacturing costs of drugs is almost nothing. Many, such as Marijuana and Opium Poppies and others that are plant based could be grown as cash crops in the US. Others are byproducts of current pharmaceutical manufacturing.
How would the drugs be distributed?
The drugs should be distributed free of charge at local neighborhood health clinics where health care, counseling, and treatment would also be available.
What other sources of revenue would help pay the cost of manufacturing and distributing the drugs?
The major cost today of the War on Drugs is the expenses we currently pay for with our taxes. Those taxes pay for the extra police and equipment, the costs of the courts system (public defenders, judges, bailiffs, clerks of courts, buildings, janitorial staff, prosecuting attorneys and for the housing/incarceration system.
Since a large percentage of those costs are devoted to things that would no longer be illegal, those funds could be redirected to the manufacturing, distribution, and most of all treatment, counseling, education and health care for those addicted to drugs.
Why make the distribution through the neighborhood clinics?
By using neighborhood clinics or doctors offices as points of distribution, you bring the addicts regularly into an environment where their health and changing life conditions can be noted. Other side effects of drugs can be addressed and where possible treated.
Aslan is not a
Tame Lion
™ Version 4.2