Another Reason to End the War on Drugs

Nearly everyday you can read about non-violent drug offenders being sent to prison or a police officer injured or killed trying to stop a drug-related crime, or a drive-bu shooting tied to warring gangs.

Today, the news is that more than 47,000 people have died from drug violence in Mexico in the past five years -- since President Felipe Calerdon began using the military to deal with drug cartels.

Not an American problem you say? If the war on drugs ceased in our country -- and if we decriminalized drug use -- who do you think would be clamoring to buy drugs from the Mexican drug cartels with the profit margin enjoyed by drug dealers in America?

Eliminate the profit margin in drug dealing...make it illegal for anyone other than government-approved sites to sell drugs...and the drug trade in our country will dry up.

But, oh my gosh, everyone in America will then be on drugs! Not so, at least not in countries who have already decriminalized drugs have found.

It is human nature to seek anything that is forbidden. When drugs are legally accessible, it removes some of the desire for it.

And let's be real. There are lots of people in America already doing drugs. If drugs were legalized and their manufacture and sale regulated, there would be fewer people using dirty needles or syringes. Dirty needles and syringes lead to HIV/AIDS infection and hepatitis.

I believe this is the common sense answer to the current drug problem. What are your thoughts? Have I gone off the deep end?


Here's a link to a news story provided by LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) on the topic of drug war deaths.

Let's Start the Bandwagon Rolling to Repeal the Patriot Act

Repeal the Patriot Act Petition

The recent change in student loan payments, lessening the payback burden for recent graduates, began with a citizen's petition to request a change. That's power in the pen and the combined voices of like-thinking citizens.

Call me naive, but I want to believe the democratic process works, even in this time of politicians who are often unresponsive to the dictates of those who elect them.

I believe the Patriot Act should be repealed. I felt it was wrong when it originated and feel just as strongly that that is so today.

Even as our president at the time of the 9/11 attacks promised terrorists would not realize their goal of making Americans live in fear, the Patriot Act was being formulated. The very name of the law suggested anyone who opposed its passing was un-American.

The Patriot Act requires all citizens to give up some of their freedoms for the sake of national security. No one can guarantee that the forfeiture of such freedoms will make us any safer than without this intrusive act.

I've initiated a citizen's petition that will be delivered to the White House when enough signatures are gathered. If, like me, you believe the Patriot Act should be repealed, will you please electronically sign the petition? Will you consider forwarding it to at least 3 of your friends or family members for their consideration?

Repeal the Patriot Act Petition