Replies

This entire thread is for drug libertarians, got that. For the record, I believe certain drugs were made illegal for a reason, mainly due to destructive effects upon the user.

If it was only about destructive effects, alcohol and cigarettes would have been banned long ago, although some are making a run at banning both or at least shutting them out of mainstream America. I've known far more people that destroyed their lives with alcohol and presecription drugs than illegal drugs. Look at President George W. Bush - he had his driver's license suspended for two years for drunk driving - that could have very well ended his political career before it ever started. Not everybody is fortunate enough to turn their lives around after something like that. He was fortunate enough to meet the right woman and have a supportive family - many go the opposite way and lose their marriages and families.

FWIW I was subject to random urinalysis for thirty plus years active & reserve military. I don’t do the stuff so I came up cold every time.

I was as well, but if the WOD was truly a war, then it's been one spectacular failure, because drugs are still just easy to get. The only visible result is a militarized civilian police force.

Another visible result of WOD (I assume you are referring to drug testing) is a zero-tolerance military on the matter of illegal drugs. Strike one and you’re out, or it’s supposed to be.

And I’m not a hardliner on urinalysis because I am having to prove my innocence every time I get `selected’ because of the morons who are doing the stuff (well, actually I am) but I did serve as a permanent member of an administrative separation board for several years. The board is conducted like a trial; defense vs prosecution, witnesses. The prosecution consists of positive test results from command directed urinalysis. Defense consists of the biggest collection of phony excuses for popping hot that I have ever heard. Only a unit commander or first sergeant hears more. If it’s a first time, the board might recommend retention over separation. Yes, show up on time in proper uniform, beg forgiveness, promise you’ll never do it again, that actually works most of the time.

I just do not think that legalization will reduce drug abuse because it’s no longer forbidden fruit. As for alcohol, we’ve already tried banning it. Tobacco use is becoming marginalized IMO. Can’t even smoke in your own home if kids are present.

IOW, stupid people do stupid things and the law steps in when their stupidity has an impact upon others.

Would like to know just one thing: why is marijuana smoke less harmful to the lungs than tobacco smoke?

“if the WOD was truly a war, then it’s been one spectacular failure, because drugs are still just easy to get.”

Yup, I could make a phone call and have most any quantity of pot delivered to my door within an hour. I can’t get prescription drugs that easily!