Security Asks Woman to Remove "Hoodie"

[Guest]

I never claimed that decriminalizing drugs would eliminate crime, just greatly diminish it. And yes, I know that kids would still be able to get ahold of drugs under my theory, just as they are able to get their hands on alcohol and tobacco nowadays. Where there is will there is a way. If underage kids are caught with drugs they would still be arrested and prosecuted under my theory.

As far as driving under the influence of drugs, that would still be illegal under DUI laws, and would be arrested and prosecuted. The same as being under the influence of drugs in a public place, that would still be illegal. That is one of the reasons I say DECRIMINALIZE, rather than LEGALIZE.

Tired of this thread?!? You have to admit, I have stirred up some lively debate and gotten people thinking and talking. I thought that was the whole purpose of this board?

[Guest]

Herion is considered an opiate, yet you can still die from the WITHDRAWL side effects when you're trying to beat it, yet you don't think it is dangerous?

Yes, herion is one of the most dangerous drugs out there. But if you abuse herion the only one you are hurting is YOURSELF. If you want to destroy your life by sticking a needle into your vein, so be it, but you accept the personal responsibilities and consequences (i.e. death) of your actions.

With hallucinogens, the potential for hurting people other than yourself is much greater, and why I think they should remain illegal. I once had to deal with a young man who was high on PCP and nearly beat his mother to death with his bare hands. The man hallucinated that his mother was actually an alien who was going to kill and then eat him.

[Mr. Security]

I.....
No, I do not think the government should bear the burden of their health care costs. They should be paid for by the dummy. If the dummy cannot afford health care or insurance? Too bad, so sad for the dummy.....

OK. Let's play your scenario out. Thousands of so-called "dummies" need medical care because of substance abuse. They have no health insurance and don't qualify for Medicare. Now what? If you plan on not treating them unless they can pay for medical care, then they must find a way to get the funds needed or die. Since most will not choose to die, how will they get the money? That's right. Theft and/or robbery accompanied by the violence associated with such criminal activity. Guess what? You're right back where you started; more crime and overcrowded prisons.

Now, what about the innocent victims of drug abuse, i.e., family members, crime victims? Will you deny them the psychiatric/psychotherapy care and the financial aid that they need to recover? After all, they didn't choose to use drugs. Who will help them, besides the government?

[Guest]

Mr. Security,

You make an EXCELLENT point about healthcare. I do not pretend to have ALL the answers. However, here in California at least, there are social service agencies that provide medical care and other such services to the indigent drug abusers. This includes counseling and drug abuse treatment for both the user AND their families. I believe they receive some taxpayer support, but most of their funding comes from donations and like. I could be wrong; I know little about these agencies other than that they exist.

In my 18 years of combined police and security experience I have NEVER heard a drug abuser say they committed their crimes in order to pay for health care. They committed their crimes in order to get money to BUY drugs!

[Mr. Security]

Mr. Security,

You make an EXCELLENT point about healthcare.!

Thank you sir.

In my 18 years of combined police and security experience I have NEVER heard a drug abuser say they committed their crimes in order to pay for health care. They committed their crimes in order to get money to BUY drugs!

That's because emergency rooms are required by law to treat life-threatening medical problems and also due to government funded programs like Medicare and the like. Abusing one?s body is like taking a precious gift and ruining it. Imagine how you would feel if you gave someone a Lexus and he or she used it to haul manure? Similarly, life is precious, even more so than a gift. Mistreating our bodies by abusing drugs demonstrates contempt for the gift of life.

That's why the government sets forth some laws to protect those who, for whatever reason, are unable or unwilling to take care of themselves and avoid harming others. Do you see what I'm getting at?

[Guest]

Mistreating our bodies by abusing drugs demonstrates contempt for the gift of life.

I agree 100%. Just because I support the decriminalization of most drugs does not mean that I think doing drugs is a good idea. Quite the opposite, in fact.

That's why the government sets forth some laws to protect those who, for whatever reason, are unable or unwilling to take care of themselves and avoid harming others. Do you see what I'm getting at?

Absoultely. I just do not agree that it is the function of government to protect individuals from themselves. One of America's greatest strengths is that we have the freedom to polietly disagree with each other, even though I understand your position and respect it. In other countries such disagreements could lead to violence.

[Mr. Security]

Well, we can agree on one thing. We can agree to disagree.