Global war on drugs 'has failed'

[sandinista]

Sandi, do you remember that time Ian wrote that he thinks the war in Iraq was a stupid idea? Do you remember him saying he thought marijuana should be legalized?

One of the biggest problems with the left these days are that they are trying too hard to stay on a moral high ground, not to lift others up to, but to look down on them from. Because once you're sure you're in the right, you don't have to think much about where you might be wrong or what common ground you might share with those who would appear to be diametrically opposed to you.

No, Robert, I don't recall. To tell you the truth I don't pay that much attention. Of course the Iraq invasion was "stupid" and marijuana should be legal. The problem I have is Ian's refusal to place any blame for either issue (well, I have no idea what his views on Iraq are) on the US state. The "war" on drugs was started and is kept rolling because of US policies. The invasion of Iraq is because of US policies. America is at fault. I point that out, he starts jabbering on and throwing insults. He can't see that when I (or others) am speaking about "america" the reference is either to the corporate government, the overarching culture, or the majority. Of course not ALL americans are sexually backward, racist, war mongering religious morons...but there certainly are enough that fit that bill to be called on it. I have good friends who are americans who have no problem at all criticizing america, it's only super patriot gi joe captain american types who get wound up and defensive.
"

[Coito ergo sum]

Responsibility for the war in Iraq and for the fact that marijuana is illegal under federal law is squarely on the United States government. No ifs, ands, or buts.

The war on drugs is a misguided policy and system of laws which has morphed into a Leviathan of overreaching and intrusive criminal regulations, and has turned into almost an industry in and of itself. It seems to feed on the war, rather than wage it.

People like to get drunk and high. So, they're going to do it. As long as they don't directly hurt anyone else, they ought to be able to do as they please. That, of course, should also entail the corollary right that people don't have to drugs and don't have to like drugs, and they should be able to freely associate or disassociate themselves from people that do drugs, and they should be able to hire and fire based on one's drug habits. Culture and economic pressures will come to bear to control a lot of use, and safety can be reasonably assured if it's legal, regulated and above-board.

I think what Ian sees is probably what I see - that even with respect to the government, you are one dimensional. But, then again, you had a lot more people on your side when Bush was President. Since Obama became President, his supporters have had a vested interest in attributing a bit more benignity to the government than they did before. Vast numbers of Obama supporters were happy to attribute nothing but the vilest and evil motives to the government under the previous administration. However, if they do so now, then they are attributing those motives to Obama, which they are loathe to do.

[JimC]

Legalize marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD and other drugs.

Allow licensed purveyors to sell the drugs provided they register with the FDA or equivalent non-US entity depending on where they are located. Pay a fee, pay sales taxes, and be subject to inspections, etc. Quality control the products.

However, employers should still have the right to prohibit drug use on their property, terminate employees for using drugs, or not hire those who use drugs (just like some employers are doing with regard to smokers of tobacco).

Mostly agree, but employers should only be able to prohibit the taking or possession of drugs at the workplace, and coming to work affected by such drugs, not simply the fact that an employee smokes some dope on weekends.

[JimC]

Sandi, do you remember that time Ian wrote that he thinks the war in Iraq was a stupid idea? Do you remember him saying he thought marijuana should be legalized?

One of the biggest problems with the left these days are that they are trying too hard to stay on a moral high ground, not to lift others up to, but to look down on them from. Because once you're sure you're in the right, you don't have to think much about where you might be wrong or what common ground you might share with those who would appear to be diametrically opposed to you.

Good points.

[Coito ergo sum]

Legalize marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD and other drugs.

Allow licensed purveyors to sell the drugs provided they register with the FDA or equivalent non-US entity depending on where they are located. Pay a fee, pay sales taxes, and be subject to inspections, etc. Quality control the products.

However, employers should still have the right to prohibit drug use on their property, terminate employees for using drugs, or not hire those who use drugs (just like some employers are doing with regard to smokers of tobacco).

Mostly agree, but employers should only be able to prohibit the taking or possession of drugs at the workplace, and coming to work affected by such drugs, not simply the fact that an employee smokes some dope on weekends.

Well, I tend to think if it's a free country for one, it ought to be a free country for all. And, if a guy can opt to not take a job for a pothead, one ought to be able to opt to not hire one.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

haha the fucking ian oldzilla show, you two are fucking ridiculous!

Poor baby, can't handle it? Suicide is always an option for you.

[sandinista]

haha the fucking ian oldzilla show, you two are fucking ridiculous!

Poor baby, can't handle it? Suicide is always an option for you.

can't handle it? I fucking love it, watching you squirm! Hilarity!

[Gawdzilla Sama]

haha the fucking ian oldzilla show, you two are fucking ridiculous!

Poor baby, can't handle it? Suicide is always an option for you.

can't handle it? I fucking love it, watching you squirm! Hilarity!

You have the most cluelessness a person can muster and still breathe without a ventilator. Sad sack of shit that you are, you do have your funny moments. Perhaps you wouldn't mind recording your death rattle? I'd like to use it as a ring tone.

[sandinista]

haha the fucking ian oldzilla show, you two are fucking ridiculous!

Poor baby, can't handle it? Suicide is always an option for you.

can't handle it? I fucking love it, watching you squirm! Hilarity!

You have the most cluelessness a person can muster and still breathe without a ventilator. Sad sack of shit that you are, you do have your funny moments. Perhaps you wouldn't mind recording your death rattle? I'd like to use it as a ring tone.

fuck, it's too easy, you old pathetic sack of shit. Too easy.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

haha the fucking ian oldzilla show, you two are fucking ridiculous!

Poor baby, can't handle it? Suicide is always an option for you.

can't handle it? I fucking love it, watching you squirm! Hilarity!

You have the most cluelessness a person can muster and still breathe without a ventilator. Sad sack of shit that you are, you do have your funny moments. Perhaps you wouldn't mind recording your death rattle? I'd like to use it as a ring tone.

fuck, it's too easy, you old pathetic sack of shit. Too easy.

Still aping me. Never an original thought. No wonder you're a closet fascist.

[sandinista]

No wonder you're a closet fascist.

'pat pat pat'

I think your diaper needs changing. Go cry somewhere else. I guess that would make you an out of the closet fascist. congrats shit bag.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

No wonder you're a closet fascist.

'pat pat pat'

I think your diaper needs changing. Go cry somewhere else. I guess that would make you an out of the closet fascist. congrats shit bag.

[Twoflower]

Sandy and Zilla, this is a reminder to both of you to please follow the rules and lay off the personal attacks

[sandinista]

No wonder you're a closet fascist.

'pat pat pat'

I think your diaper needs changing. Go cry somewhere else. I guess that would make you an out of the closet fascist. congrats shit bag.

[Eriku]

Jesus, get a thread.

The lot of you.