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!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
As controversial as I know this suggestion has been, I think that the only way to eliminate, or alleviate, the abuse of drugs is to legalize them. Obviously not things like crack cocaine or heroin, but drugs like marijuana. I believe if you take the taboo away from the subject, then many people will lose interest. Granted, this will take time, and there would most likely be an initial increase in drug usage, but I truly believe it would be more beneficial in the long term. If you look at the numbers, and the amount of money the US has spent in trying to destroy drug crops in South America and to deter drug dealers in the US and those that bring their shipments to the US, the results are bleak. The truth is, if someone goes down there's hundreds more to replace him.
We need to take a more progressive stance against drugs, maybe education is the key? Educating the future generations of Americans, so that instead of fighting off the drug dealers, we nip the problem in the bud by going to the consumers. This, I feel, is the only way to end the War on Drugs.
Post a Comment