Drug Users: Sub-human, second-class citizens?

[onlyrp]

People are going to go drugs (legal or illegal) regardless.... I agree that you might as well remove the legal ramifications and free the prisons up for the real criminals instead of housing non violent drug offenders. The private sector already enforces policies regarding drugs... we don't need the state to do it too.

Unfortunately, most people do not want to eliminate punishment of prison with "leave them alone", most Americans who want drug reform or legalization instead want to spend the same amount of money "rehabbing" or "helping" them, which is neither forcing them to take responsibility, nor discouraging them from doing it again. So unless and until we force people to take responsibility, legalizing or decriminalizing WILL be in effect encouraging and subsidizing.

If only we treated drugs the same way we treat abortion (encourage abstinence rather than safe sex, adoption).

 

[asurfaholic]

Unfortunately, most people do not want to eliminate punishment of prison with "leave them alone", most Americans who want drug reform or legalization instead want to spend the same amount of money "rehabbing" or "helping" them, which is neither forcing them to take responsibility, nor discouraging them from doing it again. So unless and until we force people to take responsibility, legalizing or decriminalizing WILL be in effect encouraging and subsidizing.

If only we treated drugs the same way we treat abortion (encourage abstinence rather than safe sex, adoption).

Who is "we" and how is "we" going to encourage ME to live or act a certain way?

 

[AFPVet]

Who is "we" and how is "we" going to encourage ME to live or act a certain way?

Excellent question!

 

[onlyrp]

Who is "we" and how is "we" going to encourage ME to live or act a certain way?

You mean nobody ever encourages you to do or don't things?

What law are you currently breaking? Who are "they" to tell you you can't do those law breaking activities? Oh please tell me you just happen to agree with 99% of what they outlaw and you weren't going to use those freedoms anyway.

 

[AFPVet]

Some interesting points.... Drug laws are not laws, but "regulations". Laws are violations of the others' rights (common law). Mainstream society tells us how we should behave; however, within our culture are "subcultures" which have different norms.

 

[onlyrp]

Some interesting points.... Drug laws are not laws, but "regulations". Laws are violations of the others' rights (common law). Mainstream society tells us how we should behave; however, within our culture are "subcultures" which have different norms.

That still doesn't change the question, what law does he break or violate. Who is anybody to tell him what to do?

 

[asurfaholic]

You mean nobody ever encourages you to do or don't things?

What law are you currently breaking? Who are "they" to tell you you can't do those law breaking activities? Oh please tell me you just happen to agree with 99% of what they outlaw and you weren't going to use those freedoms anyway.

Hmmm my family, my church, my wife, and my friends all play influential roles in my life.

Don't make those assumptions about me, I don't agree with 99% of anything, much less the laws on the books. You want to make me look like a loser criminal or something so you can ridicule me?

I want to know who YOU think should be encouraging PEOPLE in general to live a certain way. While I practiced abstinence, I certainly didn't do it because some official decided to encourage that lifestyle. I certainly didn't do it because that's what was taught in school. I certainly don't want anyone I dont know telling my daughter how she should live or think, once she reaches that age.

Responsibility can only be taught in the family because everyone's definition of responsibility is a little different. Anyone on a public payroll has NO BUSINESS mingling in the moral upbringing of ANYONE (except themselves)

 

[onlyrp]

Hmmm my family, my church, my wife, and my friends all play influential roles in my life.

Ok, so now I can ask, why do they encourage you to act a certain way? Because you let them?

Don't make those assumptions about me, I don't agree with 99% of anything, much less the laws on the books. You want to make me look like a loser criminal or something so you can ridicule me?

I'm not making assumptions about you, which is why I am asking. Somebody who lets church and family tell him what to do doesn't sound like a rebel to me. And I want you to be honest, whether it's being a criminal or being a coward. So tell me, what law are you so proud of disobeying? Or are you just a disagreer, not a doer? I don't need to ridicule you, you should be proud of what you do and not worry what I think, but I will call you what you are if it turns out to be.

I want to know who YOU think should be encouraging PEOPLE in general to live a certain way.

Whoever can.

While I practiced abstinence, I certainly didn't do it because some official decided to encourage that lifestyle.

So why did you? You weren't using that freedom anyway?

I certainly didn't do it because that's what was taught in school. I certainly don't want anyone I dont know telling my daughter how she should live or think, once she reaches that age.

Responsibility can only be taught in the family because everyone's definition of responsibility is a little different. Anyone on a public payroll has NO BUSINESS mingling in the moral upbringing of ANYONE (except themselves)

Are you suggesting "you can't legislate morality"?