Yvonne,
Like “So Easy,” I’m moving toward supporting the legalization of drugs. This is a natural Republican position, or, at least for those on the Libertarian wing of the Republican party. Why not legalize? We could sell drugs like we sell alcohol. We could tax the sales and use the money for rehab centers.
As a libertarian, I want the smallest government possible. I also want maximum individual freedom without impinging on the freedom of others. Thus, what people do in the privacy of their homes isn’t my concern, even if they do drugs. What they do in public, though, does impact me. If they do drugs and drive, for instance, their private behavior has public consequences. Thus, we should severely penalize anyone who acts dangerously in public because of drugs.
Those, like me, who have never touched a drug won’t be effected at all. (I would hazard a guess that Democrats abuse drugs far more often than Republicans so legalizing drugs would coerce Democrats to act with more maturity.) Those who already do drugs would probably continue to use drugs. Those on the edge could try it and then choose to continue or stop. It isn’t my concern, again. As individuals, we are all responsible for our own choices and the consequences of those choices. Legalization recognizes this fundamental responsibility and places it where it belongs — on the individual.
The biggest impact of legalizeing drugs would be in the inner cities where the drug trade is underground. These places would be instantly set free from drug-related criminal activity. When legal, there won’t be a need for bootleggers or pushers. They’ll be unemployed. Additionally, the income from the sale of drugs would be removed from the underground economy.
And the drug lords in Mexico, at least those who send their stuff to the United States, would have to find another way to subsidize their criminal activity. Here in Arizona, where I live, the drug lords of Mexico are a physical threat. I don’t hike or mountain bike anymore. Its just too dangerous. My neighbor mounted a gun to his handlebars just so he could safely ride in the desert. Also, illegal immigrants have set up makeshift camps in the desert, spewing garbage and leaving old mattresses in the middle of pristine areas. Its truly sickening. A couple years ago, I was hiking off trail when I came upon three little children hidden among boulders. They were hot and thirsty, left by their parents for the day to fend for themselves. Anyway, the illegals in Arizona have endangered both our communities and themselves. It is time to send them home to their indiginous communities where they were raised and used to work. Even though poor, it would be better for them — and us — if they returned to their familiar homes.
As far as I can tell, legalizing drugs will have a net positive impact.
What do you think?
Hermy
