I am definitely of two minds on this subject.
On the one hand I totally agree with Kevin and the argument for self determination in regards to ones own body.
But on the other hand, as a person who struggled with nicotine addiction, I know first hand how difficult it was to break the cycle of addiction.
But as a smoker, I could still function as a productive member of society.
Addiction to the harder drugs often impairs a persons ability to function in society, causing their lives to spiral out of control.
Unemployed but still addicted, these people often turn to crime to feed their addiction.
And that is where there personal freedom interferes with my rights.
So, while I would be open to legalizing marijuana and some prescription drugs, we'll need to find a way to negate the effects of addiction before I can in good conscience endorse the legalization of all drugs.
But isn't this kind of like the gun argument? If we outlaw guns, outlaws will be the only ones with guns because they will still find a way to get them.
Drugs being illegal certainly isn't stopping those who want them, from obtaining them.
That's a very astute analogy Paulie...carried a step further, guns like drugs have been misused by a minority of citizens to cause harm to society.
That misused plagues the conscience of those that support gun rights, but at the same time you cannot legislate based on the exception, to the detriment of law abiding citizens.
I'll have to give your observation some serious thought, but already I am leaning towards changing my vote.
Upon further reflection, I'm going to stick with my original opinion.
While there can be correlations drawn between the gun rights debate and the legalized drug debate, one important difference defines the argument.
Firearms serve many positive rolls in society to include self defense/protection, hunting, and sport/competition.
What redeeming societal qualities do illegal drugs possess to balance their destructive qualities?
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