Warning: gzinflate() [function.gzinflate]: data error in /home/boozkerc/public_html/kneedeepincode/wp-includes/http.php on line 1787

This is part of the Land of the Free series.

As the great Abraham Lincoln once said:

“Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man’s appetite by legislation and makes crimes out of things that are not crimes.

Just change the word “prohibition” with “the war on drugs”. It’s the same thing and it’s just as stupid. As long as you are not hurting anyone but yourself why would this be illegal in the land of the free? In countries like the Netherlands where many drugs are legal, the drug usage is lower than the U.S. It’s also lower for minors in those countries than here.

Since the ban of just marijuana in the 30s its usage in the US has gone up 4,000% according to the Marijuana Policy Project. I don’t know about you, but this “War on Drugs” seems to be a complete failure even if every other drug was gone but pot, which increased by 4,000%. Unfortunately this is not the case, look at meth for example. It’s been increasing and as of 2006 “continues to be the number one drug problem” of America. All of this while we’ve been fighting a “War on Drugs”.

What’s the Problem? Another great quote from Abe about this subject:

“I believe that every individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruits of his labor, so far as it in no way interferes with any other men’s rights”

We’re supposed to be learning from the past. If Abraham Lincoln knew this back then why do we think we should be doing this now after we know what happens with prohibitions?

If America was truly the Land of the Free drugs would be completely legal. There would be laws restricting use, but the restrictions are to protect other people and not you. Just like alcohol, you shouldn’t be able to operate any sort of vehicle as it endangers others. Just like alcohol also, you wouldn’t be able to be high off heroin and walking, sleeping, or tripping in the streets. Once again, that’s to protect others. I don’t think many people would argue that being drunk and driving is a danger to others, but not many people would think that alcohol should be illegal.

All drugs should be accessible since it’s for your self and will not hurt anyone but you. Some drugs though are quite dangerous and without someone explaining of the effects and proper dosage for your body type shouldn’t be available until you visit a doctor or pharmacist first. You should not need health care or need to set up an appointment. Just a briefing of the effects is all. This way you can learn the dangers and be as safe as possible and get the proper needles if applicable.

Finally, all drugs and alcohol should be legal to anyone over the age of 18. It’s the land of the free, and when you are 18, you are no longer restricted by your parents for anything. Why should the government than have the power to restrict you on your consumption of a legal drug?

By the age of 18 you already have the right to drive, vote, fight in the military, work as many hours as you want, do adult films, strip, and even use tobacco, so why should we tell our adult citizens that they need to wait 3 more years for the final civil liberty, you know, to have a beer.

         

Posted in Philosophy