Forum: Close to Home
Topic: Viewpoints - Should illegal drugs be decriminalized?
Topic Posted by: Close To HomeDate Posted: Wed Mar 18 15:22:22 1998
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Posted by: Phil Sexton (philsexton@panamacity.com )
Date posted: Thu Mar 26 12:03:51 1998
Subject: Illegal substances
Message:
I hope that everyone accessing this site will read the thoughtful comments that preceded mine. The term "witch hunt" used by one of the responders is quite accurate. Anyone going public with their idea that substances aren't "sinful" attracts a reaction similar to the reactions attracted by those in Salem who disbelieved that the unfortunate women were witches.
Should illegal drugs be decriminalized? This is a somewhat strange question. I would much prefer "Should all drugs be illegal?" My answer would be a definite no.
Legislating against substances - making the use or possession of a substance punishable - is an extreme measure to be taken only with very great care. Punishable offenses should be limited almost entirely to behavior that has a direct negative impact on another individual.
It is instructive to compare the War on Drugs attitude - anyone using a controlled substance even in complete solitude and isolation must be punished - with the abortion rights attitude - it is a woman's prerogative to do what she wants with her body. And note that there is another life (by some definitions another person) involved in abortion.
Individuals must have the right to harm themselves. If they haven't that right, then they haven't liberty.
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