Thursday, October 23, 2008

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

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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

Monday, October 20, 2008

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.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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

Monday, October 13, 2008

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....