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Legalization Of Drugs

Legalization of Drugs

Legalization of Drugs

Man, as a creature, is inherently bored. Since the dawn of time, it has been the
natural instinct of man to find alternative methods to enhance his being. The
many means by which man has turned to include sex, gambling, and the consumption
of substances beyond the requirements of nutrition. The consumption of
substances can be further broken down into legal and illegal substances. The
question then becomes, who are we to place labels on certain substances by
deeming them legal and prohibit others by creating penalties for their use?

The issue of prohibition is certainly not a new one to our nation. In 1919, the
18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale or transportation of alcoholic
beverages. "Suddenly honest, responsible Americans who just wanted a drink, were
turned into criminals. Respectable bars became underground speak-easys, and
legitimate liquor manufacturers were replaced by criminal bootleggers." Gang
warfare, bribery, and criminal activity reached an all-time high. Standards on
illegal alcohol were much lower than those on the previously legal alcohol which
led to the blinding or death of many consumers. Finally in 1933, politicians
buckled and repealed the 18th Amendment. The Prohibition attempt of the early
20th century provides the perfect historical support for the decriminalization
of drugs.

"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species
of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that
it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of
things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very
principles upon which our government was founded."

The rise in violent crime over the years has been a concern to most. A major
cause of this increase in crime is the illegal trafficking of drugs. As violent
crime continues to increase, we are unable to devote our financial resources and
time into preventing and prosecuting those who commit crimes such as murder,
rape, and assault. The reason we are unable to devote these resources where they
are needed is because we are foolishly spending them on a battle that we cannot
win-the "War on Drugs."

Prior to Ronald Reagan's "War on Drugs," America's crime rate had been declining.
Since the introduction of the new wave drug laws, violent crimes have increased
32% between 1976 and 1985. Eighty percent of all violent street crimes are now
drug rela

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