The War on Drugs

I want to take a moment and share a few ideas concerning what has been called "the war on drugs."

A related article on the same issue can be found here:
http://articles.cnn.com/2007-02-13/us/Dobbs.Feb14_1_drug-overdoses-drug-abuse-illegal-drugs?_s=PM:US

There is a great problem sweeping our nation, and it isn't drugs. It is the removal of our constitutional rights. It is government control of our personal habits and behaviors. It is the government's treatment of sick people as if they are criminals. It is the overpopulation of our prisons with non-violent drug offenders.

The fact that someone can go free after being incarcerated less than a decade (in many instances) for committing such crimes as rape, molestation, and yet people who smoke marijuana can potentially go to prison for life is simply absurd, but it is true none the less. Like I said, our nation's prisons are being filled beyond capacity with people selling illegal produce. The war on alcohol during the prohibition days was obviously counterproductive and cost many lives. These days no one would ever say that prohibition was a good thing, and we exalt the individual's right to chose whether or not to drink. We do the same for smoking cigarettes. Studies show that the nicotine in cigarettes is more addictive than cocaine and heroin and they also show it definitely causes cancer. This being the case, it is still up to the individual to chose whether or not to smoke. The principle of the fact is this, you can't go half way on an issue (freedom of expression) and bock out the other half based on ideals and an unrealistic desire to keep the people safe.

I believe that the federal government should not dictate a persons behavior or habits as long as they do not injure or defame others. That being the case, I do not believe that substances such as marijuana and heroin should be illegal. I believe that it is up to the states to provide control over these issues for the protection of children and impose other legislation as they deem fit. I know that it is controversial for me to say these things and let me assure you; I know people who are addicted to drugs and are losing a battle of their own. Do I want them to go out and legally indulge their problem to a lethal degree? By all means no! Under our current system, these people are treated as criminals when they should be treated as sick citizens who need urgent medical assistance. If drugs are made legal, you aren't going to instantly want to do them. The government is not protecting anyone with these laws and it has been proven time and again that these laws instigate the usage of drugs. Ultimately it is up to the state to set laws that protect children from making unwitting mistakes, and it is up to PARENTS to raise their children as responsible citizens who make wise decisions.

The war on drugs has caused far more casualties than the war on alcohol and some say it is leaving a greater trail than the war on terror. Violent drug related crimes are directly related to drug lords seeking more money because of greater demand and higher price due to stricter legislation. The drug lords and drug dealers are hoping that these substances are NEVER made legal because it would mean and end to their power.

Prostitution is another thing that falls into this category. I think prostitution should be legal when it involves two adults consenting to the act and dealing with the consequences. Does this make me a "prostitution supporter"? No!  Prostitution is wrong in my estimation and I will preach against it at any opportunity, but I cannot tell someone what to do and what not to do, and according to the constitution - neither can the government. It is also a point worthy of noting that the war on drugs and the criminalization of individuals in need of help has driven many of these women to prostitution. I would argue that prostitution is a major byproduct of the war on drugs (not just drugs themselves).

I am not a "pro-drugs" person either. I am a citizen who wants the constitution to be upheld. I want to see a government controlling and curtailing violent acts of humans on other humans and animals. I want to see a smaller government who steps out of people's personal lives and choices and gives them true freedom.

ANALYSIS OF RHETORICAL SITUATION:

timeliness: I think this topic is very timely as the next presidential election is approaching. It is important that people begin thinking constitutionally and stop thinking idealistically in terms of the laws that our government should uphold. I am sure that anyone who is interested in the upcoming race will know who I am voting for, and I hope this sheds a bit of light on the subject (hack and slash as it were).

Context: The context of this topic is obviously in the realm of politics. An article such as this (a more polished version, I'm sure) might appear in some periodical such as Time magazine or a news paper or even on TV. I have seen this topic infiltrating all sorts of media and spanning different contexts: from video games to religious doctrine.

Audience: I would expect the audience of such an editorial to be those types of people looking for a fresh slate in terms of the upcoming elections. This being the case, this topic is not a moot on at all. Like I said in the editorial itself, the war on drugs extends out into the war on terrorism, violence, and prostitution. Excessive government control is the core issue and I think even those who are not "politically minded" could find a place in this discussion.

Intention: My intention with this article initially is to offend. The freedom of speech and expression is just that, I have the write to believe and practice things that maybe different from what you believe to be best, but we cannot control each other unless something violent is occurring. To be honest, however, my goal is for people to get over their preconceived notions of right and wrong and stop and think about what the government's role in our lives is.