I do understand why the marijuana cow is sacred. Ever since high school, some of my friends have been casual drug users, including a few very close friends. I used to have a "live and let live" attitude about those consenting, informed adults, and then I had a child.
Parenthood really does change one's perspective.
Somewhere along the way, I realized that illegal drugs were readily available to MY SON and his friends, because "consenting adults" kept the local dealers in business. And those dealers are always happy to accommodate new customers. Then the charming and delightful Mrs. Dr. Jekyll transformed onto a raving, frothing, rabid PISSED OFF MOTHER BEAR of a Mrs. Hyde.
So believe me, I get it.
I have a LEO cousin who worked undercover for years. He is now a regular policeman in a smaller NM city.
ReplyDeleteHe says all petty crime (drugs, prostitution, graffiti) attracts a criminal community that causes more serious crimes to flourish. Since he paid some heavy dues, his opinions matter to me.
@ WSF: That right there is probably the single best argument for legalization. If there is little or no demand for ILLEGAL pot, then the crimes associated with it should go down. It's been said the the War on Drugs has created far more innocent victims than it has saved. Has it? Are we paying the government to create crime zones in otherwise "safe" areas? Because our gut reaction to dope is, "I don't want that shit in my neighborhood! Somebody needs to DO something!" ?
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why we can't look at the issue rationally. It's like a religion in this country.
I lean toward legalization. I’m not sure if the crime rate will go up or down with legalization (other than carrying will not be illegal) but there will be a benefit of the new taxes. When it’s not a big deal anymore, will things ‘level out’? I don’t see that grass is any more harmful than cigarettes or booze. And like both of those legal items, grass will be around too. Why not make some legal money off it if. Designate that proceeds to school education and treatment.
ReplyDeleteWhile not a "user" myself, I think they should legalize and tax. How could smoking a joint after work be any different than having a glass of wine. But thats just me.
ReplyDeleteYou're completely right. Parenthood does change one's perspective.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how I feel about legalizing pot now that I have a kid. I used to be all for it (not only cuz I was "using" but because of all the reasons already stated). But now that I think about it, I don't think it's a good idea. Looking back I think it impairs you as much as drinking does. And if we legalize it then there will be a lot more people out there driving high. And let me tell you from experience, it is a trip to drive. I can see both sides. I just think it would cause more harm to legalize it.