Election Day!

This election has been very eye-opening for me. Before this election I was not a part of politics at all, not only because I was not of voting age, but also because I simply had no interest in the subject. Through my college experience and this blog, I have been able to develop my own views and become opinionated as well as informed about issues in today's politics.
Throughout this blog project I have immersed myself into the political world, reading classmates blogs along with checking up on the news (reading the newspaper and paying attention to what it going on around me). Now that I have become more informed and educated on issues I feel more a part of society and the voting population. This election has definitely played a bigger role in my life than any past election, and is an exciting thought for new beginnings. Whether the candidate of my choice one or not doesn't change the fact that I have grown in my citizenship and am excited to learn what will happen next!

Insurance Coverage of Treatment

I recently heard a story of a 19 year old teen who is struggling through addiction because his family doesn't have enough money for treatment, and his insurance company claimed "he wasn't severe enough for in-patient rehab." From the story I received, he was actually in dire need of help at such a crucial time in his life. So, this led me to the question of what role insurance plays in treatment. I discovered a few things on some treatment cites including the need for a facility to prove everyday that the patient still needs care and that chances of coverage become slimmer if the person is not responding. These strict regulations are kind of scary when concerning someone's health and well-being.
I also came across the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 which "forces insurers to pay more for substance abuse and mental health-related problems." This will help people that have an insurance policy with benefits regarding treatments. But addiction and especially mental illness is very difficult to diagnose as a disease which makes it less likely to be insured on treatments for them. At the same time, many people don't predict a need for rehab/treatment when searching for an insurance policy, so what could guarantee that the people in need are the ones with these benefits. At least this Act is making progress towards helping those suffering from addiction or mental illness financially, but more can be done.

Punishment?

It is argued that prison is necessary over rehabilitation because punishment is essential to change people's ways and to create fear of disobeying the law. However, is rehab not punishment as well?? If someone is addicted to drugs, having to endure rehab can be excruciating as well. For instance, Amy Winehouse's husband was offered release from jail that would result in him immediately being emitted into a rehab facility. He declined this offer twice. It's hard to say why he continued to refuse rehab, however, many drug addicts don't like to face reality. The reality is that he needs help and a drug addicts mind is not willing to accept that fact. Often, they would rather be treated like a law offender rather than someone with a mental illness (categorized by their addiction).

Drug Testing

It gave me great reassurance to come across one of George W. Bush's progressions in the Drug War. He explained that he was giving $23 million to willing high schools to have random drug testing. He also pointed out that this would ensure that those individuals could get counseling or treatment to make sure that their possible one time usage doesn't turn into anything more. I think this is a great way to protect our youth from drugs and lifestyles that could have a great impact on their futures.
I also am an advocate of NCAA drug testing of athletes. Not only does this policy ensure that no one gets an unfair advantage but it also ensures that the athletes are focused and not using any other harmful illegal drugs (such as marijuana or hallucinogens). These kind of drugs can be career enders and therefore it is beneficial that these rules are enforced.
Drug testing is a lot less common among the work place because of many regulations that must be considered. However, it could be beneficial to increase the drug testing amount many professions and offer treatment/counseling for those tested positive.

Stance on Marijuanna (McCain)

When asked about the decriminalization of marijuana, McCain replies "I can't support the legalization of marijuana. Scientific evidence indicates that the moment that it enters your body, one, it does damage, second, it can become addictive." These myths are largely assumed by the population because of the way society looks down on marijuana. However, marijuana is better for you than tobacco and is one of the least addictive drugs out there. At the same time, it effects performance and is still abused by many people because it has become so popular. If marijuana is legalized, the peer pressure and numbers of youth trying the drug are likely to increase because it it will not frowned upon as much being a legal drug, such as alcohol. Another way of looking at legalization is a decrease in violence and the ruining of innocent lives because of possession, a minor offense. However, the many lives of children and family members must be considered when promoting such a drug. Marijuana affects your state of mind and can cause serious neglect of children or work and/or financial problems. Also, though being caught with marijuana cant result in jail time that may effect your future, marijuana use in general can mirror these same effects. Legalization of marijuana is seemingly not beneficial to society, however, possibly different punishment for marijuana related offenses could be beneficial.

Education

I think not only do our youth need to be educated on the bad effects of drugs, but adults and families need to be educated on how they can help and seek treatment for their loved ones. I feel that many people don't do anything about their family member's addiction because they don't know what to do if that person refuses treatment.
The Marchment Act of Florida says that if any one family member files a petition that the abuser is a danger to their self or others, then that person is emitted into a rehab center for up to 5 days. And after 5 days, if the individual still refuses to stay on their own freewill, the Act can be renewed. I am still searching for Acts like this in other places around the country, but I feel confident that many states have an Act similar to this one. It is just a shame that many people do not know about them. The education of the people is a very important factor when fighting this Drug War. I did find a very helpful website for families and info on treatment and what to do at www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/treatmeth.html. It is important for websites like these to be available to families in need of help and answers.

Widened View

Originally, I approached this issue very closed minded. Searching for all the evidence that backed up my opinion and not really taking into consideration the other side, but fighting it. Though my stance on the issue remains the same, my eyes have widened a great deal since I started researching the Drug War.
To begin with, I focused largely on major drug dealers/foreign affairs and drug prevention and regulation efforts. I feel strongly that drugs should be controlled and their use should be decreased. To back up my view point I found many shocking polls and statistics. For instance, a nationwide poll found that 1 in 5 adults have an immediate family member that was, at some point, addicted to drugs/alcohol. Along with these facts, I came across many stories of how drug abuse has ruined and affected so many families. It was also important to me to show readers that this drug problem isn't solely within the U.S. Drug trafficking is prominent throughout our bordering countries such as Mexico and Columbia. It was shocking to me that we are not controlling this distribution of drugs and that these major drug dealers aren't being busted. Through more research on the issue I have discovered that efforts are being made, but we first need regulation of enforcement systems and organizations in order to make the process effective. I continued my foreign affairs quest and took interest in Puerto Rico, a territory of the U.S that is largely neglected. Puerto Rico has the highest crime rates throughout the U.S along with highest rate of unemployment. I believe that the U.S government should take responsibility for this deterioration.
I also found both positive Drug War efforts and negative ones. I originally simply focused on the negative ones, and why they were negative. However, I have realized that many of these deregulations are in order to benefit our nation in another way. Therefore, these efforts are not made just because our government doesn't care about the effects of drugs and addiction. I do still believe that more positive efforts need to be taken though, but maybe in different ways.
Now, as I proceed to look for cures of our nation's drug problem my primary focus is not how we can eliminate the presence of drugs (though this is still a concern of mine), but how we can help those addicted and affected by them. I have altered my efforts in enforcing treatments and rehab centers along with education. Programs such as The Watershed Addiction Treatment help people that have suffer from drug addiction. The presence of programs such as this around the nation can help many families and individuals. Also, regarding drug offenses resulting in imprisonment, I believe programs such as Our Place should be enforced. Our Place is a program in D.C to help incarcerated women return and reconnect with society when released. More specifically, I think that rehab centers within jailing systems would greatly decrease the amount of prisoners who return to drug abuse or crime when released. Therefore, rehab should most definitely be an option when enforcing regulation and prevention.
I have discovered that it is essential to look at all sides of an issue before taking a direct stance, because though my views seemed in every way right to me, they can be impossible to carry out at the same time. There are many factors in initiating change, and many steps must be taken (in the right order) to ensure that change.

Commercials for Marijuana Decriminization Campaign

Boston Police Officers propose a lesser punishment for possession of a small amount of marijuana... What do you think??
Comercials

Everyone want the same outcome! (Update)

Regarding the argument of jail time vs institutionalization in the Drug War, both sides have similar goals...its just a matter of where the line is drawn between the two.
Those against jail time argue that the prisoner is not getting better by being thrown into a bad environment and not being provided rehab to overcome there issues or addictions. Those for jail time argue that the offense deserves punishment not catering too. They also might argue that jail provides somewhat of a rehab like atmosphere in that the person no longer has access to the drugs they were addicted to and is forced to face reality. Both sides want drug dealers eliminated and drub abusers to transition well back into society. So can't there be a blend of both ways in doing this?
Many rehab opportunities are very much prison-like. There are programs that restrict the patient to the rehab center, where they have their own tiny cubical (that is locked at night) and their day is filled with classes, lectures, reflection time, physicals, etc. There are restrictions (just like in prison) for visitation, phone time, and personal items.
Secondly, considering legalization vs illegal drugs remaining illegal there are many different opinions for both sides. Legalization is seen as increasing the availability of drugs and therefore knocking out major powerful drug dealers. Those against legalization only see it as increasing availability and ,therefore, use. It could be more effective to strive to eliminate major drug dealers working throughout the United States and even in bordering countries while also keeping the availability levels as low as possible (by keeping drugs illegal). Working together in a positive direction can bring us closer to the end of this massive Drug War!

Canadian Online Pharmacies

Just wanted to point out how easy it is to obtain drugs without a prescription through online pharmacies...
Check out some of these websites (there are thousands):
www.set-upblissfully.com
www.pearlrain.cn.com
www.totally-amazing-facts.com

Abandon all hope??!

Currently millions of dollars of annual budgets are going towards The Drug War and the decrease in abundance of dealers and addicts. The ONCP reports that the economic cost of drug abuse has risen to $ 180.9 billion. However, the issue is still remaining unresolved.
Drugs not only pay a big toll on society and our environment (directly effecting the youth of today) but, obviously, also effects the abuser...
Possible Drug Related Health Problems:
1) damaged nasal septum from snorting
2) collapsed and clotted veins
3) kidney, liver, and lung failure
4) damage to brain
5) diseases such as AIDS/HIV (spread by infected needles)
Possible Social Effects:
1) stays away from home
2) stealing/crime
3) job loss
4) withdrawal from community
5) embarrassing behavior in public
6) deterioration of relationships
These effects can also effect the families of these drug abusers. For example, it is found that drug abusers put their need to obtain their drug of choice over the wellbeing and security of their own children. This environment that the youth of today is surrounded by furthers the problem...If they have never known anything else then how will they be able to turn away from this lifestyle. That is why education is essential, and why we must continue to fight against drug abuse.
If the problem remains unresolved drug dealers will continue to make money (therefore gaining power), lives will continue to be ruined, and crime will continue to increase.

Bush Administration's Revision to the Bailout Plan

The Bush Administration has proposed a slight revision to the original Bail Out Plan previously passed. This revision declares that 300 billion of the 700 billion dollars in the bailout will go to nine selected major banks, in order to regulate them. This plan is being revised because the administration sensed a time of urgency that wasn't quite detected originally. They have realized that the government must take immediate action in more aspects than just the mortgage crisis in order to better the nation's economy. This action upsets many Americans who originally supported the bailout plan because they thought this money was going solely towards the mortgage problems rather than the recapitalization of major banks.
Both elements of the bailout plan seem to go hand in hand in that recapitalization of banks will allow them to lend money more easily which relates to loans given on mortgages. However, the republicans have become even more skeptical about the plan now that is calls for even more regulation and government involvement. At the same time, many advocates of the plan argue that it is essential because action must be taken quick, before things get out of hand. There is also the argument that tax payers will never see the benefit of their money going into this plan. But Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson says that there efforts will be directly rewarded by the much improved economy and financial situations.

Other Blogs To Follow:

First, the blog on Punishment vs Rehabilitaion (at http://punishmentvrehabilitation.blogspot.com) is an essential element to the war on drugs. The author argues that much effort is being put into inprisoning individuals rather than institutionalizing them for treatment, and because of this people released most often return to their crime filled lifestyles. If this attitude towards drug offenders changes and people recieve education and treatment before imprisonment (depending on the case) than we will be able to make a lot more progress. So check out this blog to read about what is going on in our country today regarding punishment vs rehabilitation.
Another very enlightening blog is imjumpingthefence.blogspot.com regarding Immigration and its impact on the United States. Immigration plays a large role in the War on Drugs as well. Many immigrants, such as Latin Americans, are blamed for our drug problems. Although a lot of drug trafficing goes on between the United States and many bordering latino countries, the problem is due to the United States high demand for such illegal products.
Lastly, the education of our youth is essential to maintain a life outside of crime. Many youths who grow up enveloped in a broken and crime filled home face no other choice but to follow in the footsteps. Generally these destructive families dont provide or have the money to send their youths to college. Therefore the blog dealing with the necessity for financial aid for those in need of education greatly ties to the War on Drugs and preventing it from spreading amoung youths. Visit this blog at debt-government-consequences.blogspot.com

Everyone want the same outcome!

The main arguments enveloped in the Drug War are Jail vs Institution (or education) and Legalization of currently illegal drugs. First of all, those against the Drug War argue that the focus is largely on putting drug offenders in jail rather than spending money to educate society about drugs or to provide rehab for users. They also suggest that our drug war causes an infringement of liberties while taking up space in jail as well. Considering the increased jail population due to drugs, the "End the Drug War" advocates point out that a large percentage of this population is African American. On the other hand, supporters of the drug war argue that jailing is necessary along with institutionalizing and educating and that legalization will simply create more availability and not solve the overall problem of addiction and crime. These many different arguments simply slow down the process. It is agreed among both sides that drug usage is a horrible problem and causes the destruction of many lives. Instead of laying the blame on individuals such as Latin Americans or African Americans it is more productive to simply take action. It is the total populations issue, it includes all races involved and discrimination shouldn't be an issue. It is necessary to utilize criminalization, institutionalization, education, and regulation in order to reduce drug use and help those affected by it. It is not a one sided issue as many people make it out to be...it is a blend of people and ideas trying to put a stop to the abundant use and dealing of drugs. So rather than arguing about it, if we work together to put an end to it...that end might actually come sooner than expected....

Effort vs. Enforcement

I just wanted to point out that, while is it depressing that The Drug War is still continuing and that drug use is so prominent, there is also evidence of efforts being made. I want to point out some of these efforts regarding the Philadelphia Police Department. The Philadelphia Police Department has developed anti-crime programs to prevent drug abuse and drug-related crime inside Philadelphia. For example, Operation Safe Streets works to prevent open-air drug markets while The Drug Task Force and Weed and Seed Program works to identify and target parts of the city that need extra law enforcement to battle their drug problems. These organizations seem very productive in helping to prevent drug use. At the same time, we cannot be so sure whether these organizations are strictly enforced, regulated, and overseen. While there presence and motives are very much positive, there may be corruption within them or a leniency in enforcing their goals. These kind of doubts are displaced throughout related organizations which is why there is a strict need for enforcement and regulation of these programs that are created to better the War on Drugs. The War cannot be won if the fighting is not done in the right way, to better society's position in prevention.

War On Drugs Unraveled

The War on Drugs dates back to the 1960’s when drugs increasing popularity began. In 1969 Dr. Robert DuPont found that 44% of D.C. jail inhabitants tested positive for heroine. This relates to the fact that half a million people are imprisoned today are behind bars for drug related reasons. So, should these people be imprisoned, or institutionalized for treatments and rehab? The Drug Policy Alliance Network argues that our Drug War does not provide adequate help for people enveloped in drug dealing and/or addiction. They argue that 70% of money going toward the Drug War is spent on police and prisons, where as the other 30% goes toward the education and treatment for drugs. Through this statistic it is argued that jailing people with drug problems is not always the answer seeing as how they will need help to overcome that addiction, not merely imprisonment. Another issue with imprisonment is people getting wrongly charged. For instance, an 18 year old girl was convicted of being part of a drug dealing conspiracy simply for answering the phone call meant for her boyfriend ,the actual dealer, and referring them to him. These kind of instances definitely provide skepticism on whether imprisonment is the right answer.

Obama addresses this point in a speech in September on 2007 when he claims that imprisoning drug abusers will do them absolutely no good. He argues that they will return back into the world depressed and more likely to pick up their addiction or drug dealing profession once more. McCain also agrees that treatment should be an option and that too many first time users are put in jail. He also expresses however that penalties for selling drugs should be increased. This assessment ties closely to whether conviction is necessary. The United States has many new developments that are able to contribute to convicting or revealing drug offenders. For instance, the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation are undercover operations that posses high technology and somewhat privacy invading instruments (such as telephone logs and electronic surveillance), to pinpoint drug dealers. These technologies, however, have only been used in one incident with Los Angeles gang member of operating Pennsylvania. If the government possesses these technologies, shouldn't they be utilized?

There is also much controversy over whether regulation of drug imports should be enforced. In July of 2001 the House passes a measure easing drug imports for individual use rather than wholesale or pharmaceutical use. On the other hand The Department of Health and Human Sciences has asked the Import Task force to consider limiting countries to which imports come from while also limiting shipments to wholesale agencies. Drug Importation is, of course, a necessary thing considering the need for prescriptive drugs to treat many illnesses; at the same time it is very dangerous because of the many illegal drugs that take the place of the legal drugs in this system. Bush has striven to decrease this danger with the passage of the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act which requires a prescription under a legitimate physician in order to receive medication.

Advocates of putting an end to the Drug War argue that legalization would create dealer's inability to compete with lowering of prices due to increased availability. The impossibility to eliminate drugs is not simply revolving around the profession it provides but also the fact that drugs are needed in many other cases besides pleasure. A main argument revolves around chronic pain killers such as marijuana and opiod analgesics. When asked whether he would support the legalization on marijuana for medical treatment, McCain responded that he would leave the decision up to the states. This response is not very reassuring, in that he doesn't provide his opinion and he leaves a serious issue up to individual states. Obama's position on legalization of marijuana is similarly unclear in that it has fluctuated slightly. He generally comes back to the view that marijuana should be decriminalized. Would the decriminalization of marijuana help chronic pain, or simply expand its use in the street and homes of America? For one, marijuana is not the sole drug that can be used to treat chronic pain. The DEA claims that the United States should be satisfied with using controlled drugs that cause no harm or side effects (such as addiction) to patients. Also, House Representative and retired physician, Joseph Miller, argue that marijuana isn't "a real medicine, nor a pure substance," therefore, stating that it is not exactly necessary to use it in the place of other medications out there.

The candidates have portrayed other vague policies for the Drug War. For example, Obama has made it known that he is a firm supporter of The Combat Meth Act while also supporting funding to fight meth through Byrne Justice Assistance Grants. This support shown by Obama shows that he is interested in improving the situation of the growing drug problem. However, regarding the Bryne Justice Assistance Grants Obama may be a little mislead. He frequently speaks of the racial aspect of drug conviction and this organization he supports is known for their "scrutiny for racial disparities, police corruption, and civil rights abuses" (due to lack of oversight). It is essential to make sure the right organizations are in charge of fighting drug addiction and dealing. McCain seems to have less opinions and views on drug policies but does proclaim that their is no similarity between alcohol prohibition and drug prohibition, alluding to the fact that drug prohibition does not bring the problems and unreasonableness that alcohol prohibition brought. The candidates unsureness and/or fluctuation regarding such a large crisis leads to the question of... where will the War on Drugs end up after the next election?

Targeting the Sources Part II

Another issue considering illegal drug accessibility is the presence of online pharmacies. Illegitimate online pharmacies, many of which are based outside of the United States, provide drugs to people without prescriptions and administer pharmaceuticals that do not have FDA approval. Having online pharmacies in general can be dangerous, because of the immense inability to regulate them because of the vast online networking systems.

Targeting the Sources Part I

First of all, The United States Department of Justice is aware of the major states to which illegal drugs are imported. They have noted that largely coastal regions, including New York, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and California have the largest numbers of drug importation. Many of the major providers are also well known. For example, Columbia provides 90% of our nations cocaine followed by Venezuela, another producer. Another country that is known for drug trafficking throughout the United States is Mexico. This is especially an issue because of Mexico’s proximity and the easy access to its (illegal) resources. Though all these major producers and providers are not part of the United States, we as a country are still greatly affected by their dealings. The fact that we know all the major providers shows that this nation is aware of where these illegal drugs are coming from yet still not showing focus in preventing such distribution in these specific areas. However, the Department of Health and Human Services seems to be somewhat moving in this direction. They have asked the Import Task Force to consider creating policies such as limiting countries from which importation can be permitted and limiting legal importation to wholesale shipments rather than separate individual ones. These revisions could potentially better our system and reduce the accessibility of illegal drugs.

LSD Production

Good point volt-air, LSD production has decreased, but is this due to regulation?
LSD is a very complicated drug that requires skilled chemists to produce and can take up to 3 days just to create 1-4 ounces. Similarly, LSD's purity lessens when exposed to light, air, and other normal environmental factors, making it considerably unreliable and less popular.
Therefore, the above qualities of LSD could also have contributed to its decrease in popularity and production. The process is simply much more difficult than that of marijuana, cocaine, heroine, etc. Drug trafficking and dealing of these drugs has become a problem ...this is where we need vast change.

Introduction to The (lack of) War On Drugs

Millions of people in the U.S and in surrounding countries are effected by drugs. The U.S (along with Australia) is the country with the highest drug related deaths. However, it is not only the abuser that is effected, it is their friends and family as well. Various organizations address drug related issues and laws, such as, International Narcotics, Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and U.S Drug Enforcement Administration. Though many of these organizations strive to improve the nation's drug problem, not much results are visible. In the words of Albert Einstein, "For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land that passing laws which cannot be enforced." This may be true, which is why we are in desperate need of change.

Drugs Regulation and the law enforcement surrounding them has become largely more present and effective since 1979 (when drug use reached its peak). But at the same time drug trafficking and underground drug trade is increasing every year. Not only has it become easier to receive illegal drugs through this illegal manner but also through unauthorized websites online.

There are many different views among the candidates on how to reduce the growing drug problems and how to deal with those with drug offenses. Lets explore the facts, their views on how to handle this phenomenon and their critics' views as well.