in my previous posts on this thread, i used the term "legalization". i prefer and should have used the term "decriminalization". FYI best, surfer
Well, if Surf had not quoted this I would not have read it. The assertion that your family patriarch was a punch drunk fool who pursued sexual liaisons in dirty alleys is the only sensible one you have introduced to this thread.
dgab, that you obviously disagree with them (quite vehemently) doesn't detract from the fact that hapa's introduced many interesting, thought provoking ideas into this thread. btw, the only one asserting his gramps was a "fool", is you.
just re-read my last post.....obviously when I said that these drugs were legal in the US in the 13th century, it was a typo...there was no US then. I meant to say 19th century. (even early 20th century) And I Surf, I agree, decriminalization is a better term than legalization.
In a legal sense, I would guess not much. But by implication, I would say the word "decriminalize" just removes "criminality" from possession or use. Much like in Oregon, and in Holland, and parts of Canada. So as far as I know, if one is caught with what we now consider "illegal" substances, they remain illegal, yet there are no criminal repercussions. No arrest, no fine, nothing. Legalization seems to imply an endorsement of the use and SALE for PROFIT of these substances. I know of nowhere where this is the case. Perhaps this is a viable change. If drugs were indeed legalized, then they could be taxed, controlled, regulated, as is alchohol. Maybe ultimately this would be the better solution. However, it seems to be a very slow and divisive issue. While "decriminalization" actually unofficially exists in many places (it did for marijuana in the City of Aspen when I lived there), it is more a matter of non-enforcement. While legalization is a complete change of law. Just my take. If you want a real answer Dan, ask a lawyer. Peace, Rs7
Thanks - admit it, it was the RANDY part at the end, wasn't it, baby?!? (cheesy Austin Powers smile goes here)
I do not dispute in the least that prices would fall if legalization took place. But everything does not "fall into place" in my opinion. Cheaper drugs means more addicts which means more crimes. As far as the cartels, what makes you think they would give up so easily? Yes, "there are other illegal lucrative projects" out there, but you know as well as I do that narcotics production and trafficking are arguably the most lucrative criminal enterprises EVER. Do you think men who have risen to the top of their "profession" via violence and intimidation, who have fought all their lives to reach the apex of their criminal careers, who have grown accustomed to the enormous profits and power that comes from their grip on this trade, are simply going to walk away without a fight?!? The stakes are too enormous for such men to just look at each other once legalization is announced and say, "ya know Pedro, it's over. Let's go open a bar in Miami and sell fake driver's licenses." I think you underestimate the ruthlessness and determination of these people to fight for what's theirs.
Mad Magazine, Def Jam Comedy Hour Volume III, and the movie "Once Upon a Time in America." Just kidding - except about Mad Magazine...Seriously though, did a research paper on the very subject in school. But by no means do I claim to be an expert solely on that basis. By all means, do your own research and if you come up with conflicting information, post it.....speaking of research, geez, if only the Internet had been this developed when I was in school. College students have it MADE!
ROFL! Ah, the last resort of a pathetic loser - insult your opponent's family. dGAB, you're the one who decided to extend your sorry attempts at mockery to my family, so don't get upset when you get it thrown back in your face. I swear to God, you lose IQ points every time you take a dump.