by Kevin Mechels
6 September, 2002

First off I would like to state that I do not condone the use of drugs. They have a tendancy to ruin relationships, families, lives, and more; I don't think anyone wants this. With that being said, let us continue.

Before we decide to legalize drugs we must first take in to consideration treatment. Our current treatment is locking away drug addicts for a few years. How does this fix their problem? It doesn't. It is the government turning its back on a serious problem and hoping it will all go away. Sounds like a compassionate ideal to me.

The first step in the solution is opening "heroin clinics" which supply clean needles and spoons to users. While this doesn't stop drug use, nor provide assistance quitting, statistics show that the number of infections by blood-born diseases (such as HIV/AIDS) decreases.

The second step is to open up more low cost/no cost rehab clinics. This, obviously, helps those willing to be helped. This would help both current and future addicts get the help that they need. And with legalization, comes more addiction (for a period of time), therfore, the government would need to be prepared.

The last step is to redesign ad campgains. Stay away from scare tactics and outdated research. Do you really think someone intent on buying/trying drug cares if he's supporting a terrorist organization? Just give the facts.

Now, for the reasons why drugs should be legalized. My first point: The War on Drugs. Drugs run third world countries, so what makes you think that supporting a government corrupt by drugs is going to win a war on drugs? wishful thinking. Drugs are found almost everywhere. A war on drugs is as senseless as a war on terrorism; it will never end.

Second point: the Black Market. The Black Market generates billions of dollars in illegal sales. Huge profits are made with little effort. For example, Ketamine®, a veterinary sedative which is commonly abused, costs approximately $3.00/ounce. By the time it reaches the streets the approximate cost per ounce is $27.00. By legalizing drugs, the government could sell this drug for its actual value and drug dealers would not be able to compete. Thus, a substantial portion of the Black Market would crumble. This also means less money for terrorist organizations.

Third Point: taboo surrounding drugs. By legalizing drugs, you take away much of the taboo involved with drugs. A person becomes less of a "rebel" for doing drugs, and also, interest is lost. This is based on the idea that if you tell a kid not to do something, he/she will want to do it even more. I will be the first to admit that this is the least valid reason for legalizing drugs, though it should still be taken into consideration.

Fourth Point: Taxation. Once the drugs are legal, tax them. it becomes a new source of income for the government. This in a time when Social Security and government health plans are losing money; possibly becoming non-existent for the next generation. For the world's next leaders.

Now I'm sure some of you are saying to yourself, "I don't want my country filled with drug addicts and dirty thieves..." Look around, there are already billions of drug, alcohol, and nicotine addicts thoughout the world. Some are law-abiding citizens, others not. Regardless, is it right to lock up and forget the "bad" ones; to continue our pursuit for a perfect, moral country at any cost neccesary? I certainly don't think so.

By legalizing drugs, we provide a more practical solution to some of our nation and the world's worst problems. We also help those who many wish to forget: The addicts; the ones with problems. Let us provide a practical and compassionate solution to this problem.