The nation where ‘Freedom Rings’ has more of its citizens incarcerated by percentage than any other country on the planet. An industry is being built around these men and women as corporate run prisons compete with oversea companies to provide products and services at prices with which few American companies can compete.With little hope for rehabilitation, redemption, or a future career following their release, most of those released use the skills and relationships forged in prison to become real threats to society. The majority of those released, are back in prison within 5 years. This isn’t just about legalizing drugs, it is also about creating a society where each child grows up feeling that he/she will be a welcome part of a society that will appreciate them and the efforts they make to make of themselves, better people.It is sad that ConGov seems to feel that our prisons are being under utilized and permit people he considers to be ‘druggies’ to walk his streets. It would be interesting to learn what paradigm has created this mindset.Respectfully,C.
If we allow those who do small amounts of drugs to walk around, at some point there will be no concern of repercussion to one’s own actions. Many say that weed does not effect the way a person functions. That is incorrect, if it alters the way the mind works, it is then altering their ability to function properly. Many of those who have been prosecuted are not the ones that have a joint or two. I have been witness to those who show lack of enthusiasm after smoking, they also went on to feel the need to get high more often. They say it takes away the worries and pain from life. How is that good? Isn’t that what alcoholics say? I was injured at work by someone who had done weed earlier and was in his comfort zone. That caused him to not be attentive of his fellow employee that he was helping at the time. I don’t say that they should be incarcerated, I just do not buy the assumption that it is not an issue that people are altering their minds with drugs. If we are not supposed to drive or operate heavy equipment on legal prescription drugs because they alter ones ability to respond in time, what makes you think it is different for those who use weed? Not everyone reacts the same to all things.
A google search of academia websites could give you the biochemical reasons some people fear/resist change, or progression as you call it. We are most comfortable with what we ‘know’ especially as we mature. Fortunately, there are many progressives in our nation, some are Ds, some are Rs, but all try to think independently.^@ onguard – The most dangerous place in the world is a friendless community. Drugs are abused by all parties, races, classes, religions, and cultures. Prescription drugs especially. ^@MStevenson58 – The lesson of Dr. Seuss’s Sneeches has nothing to do with drugs. ^http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yJomUhs0g^The scenario you present is only one of a many. Good people make mistakes and for whatever reason end up in prison. Most prisons do not have resources to protect good people who must now deal with bad people, perhaps even lifers. Most prisons/states do not have the money to provide educational tools to prepare prisoners for their return to a skeptical, even hostile, work place. Not all people put in prison are criminals, and not all criminals are evil. And sadly, it is not criminal to be evil, as long as you obey the law – just…as…it…is…written.And who is writing the laws?Respectfully,C.
I wish I understood your paradigm, Onguard. Standards and Disciplines… be more precise, sir. What standard do you set and for whom? How is discipline to be applied? It should be taught by parents but underpaid, overworked parents are not home to teach the standards and discipline you demand. If in my efforts to find rational solutions you feel I am making excuses for behaviors, you are wrong. Understanding a problem does not mean one approves of the problem. I would love to see a link to some site that tells me the Standards you would set and the type of Discipline you would impose. Then I can consider the extent to which they might work.You say my ideas would ruin a society. The methods of those you support, combined with the hubris of the Democrat leadership, is ruining our society and dividing our people. Where are you solutions, sir? You are quick with the judgmental opinion or insult, but like the republican party itself, you rarely provide an alternative idea of substance.So harsh.Sadly,C.
Try Standards and Disciplines. They work every time."Sure… it’s working great! Now, if we can just lock up the gum chewers & people who don’t pick up their dog’s poop, our society will be perfect.
“Define “non-violent”. Does a pick pocket or a car thief qualify?”Yes, those are non-violent crimes & is a clue to understanding the problem. The prison overload has been driven by mandatory sentencing for drug violations. Judges can use some discretion when sentencing a pick pocket, or even a violent offender in many cases. As a result we often see lenient sentences on non-drug offenders.
@ConserveGov I don’t like enemies of freedom and other violent thugs such as drug fighters and illegalizers roaming my neighborhood.
Regarding what is a crime and who are the criminals, I have two questions for ConserveGov or any other illegalizer: Suppose that you were peacefully walking down the road minding your own business when a heavily armed gang attacked you, threw you to the ground, pushed your face into the pavement, pointed a dozen guns at your head, and blew your head off if you resisted, just because they did not approve of what you ate for breakfast — would you agree that they were violent criminals or would you conclude that you were the criminal?
Second question: Suppose that a similar gang, armed to the teeth, kicked down your door, invaded and ransacked your home, terrorized your family, stole your property, and murdered anyone who resisted, just because they or others did not approve of what you chose to drink or smoke — would you agree that those thugs were violent criminals or would you conclude that your family were the criminals?
pam Miner over 10 years ago
Clark Kent speaks truth. and I say also; end the war. Legalize and tax . Regulate quality.
ConserveGov over 10 years ago
I don’t like druggies roaming my neighborhood so keep them locked up. Or send them to Clark’s trailer park.
chazandru over 10 years ago
The nation where ‘Freedom Rings’ has more of its citizens incarcerated by percentage than any other country on the planet. An industry is being built around these men and women as corporate run prisons compete with oversea companies to provide products and services at prices with which few American companies can compete.With little hope for rehabilitation, redemption, or a future career following their release, most of those released use the skills and relationships forged in prison to become real threats to society. The majority of those released, are back in prison within 5 years. This isn’t just about legalizing drugs, it is also about creating a society where each child grows up feeling that he/she will be a welcome part of a society that will appreciate them and the efforts they make to make of themselves, better people.It is sad that ConGov seems to feel that our prisons are being under utilized and permit people he considers to be ‘druggies’ to walk his streets. It would be interesting to learn what paradigm has created this mindset.Respectfully,C.
neuturn over 10 years ago
If we allow those who do small amounts of drugs to walk around, at some point there will be no concern of repercussion to one’s own actions. Many say that weed does not effect the way a person functions. That is incorrect, if it alters the way the mind works, it is then altering their ability to function properly. Many of those who have been prosecuted are not the ones that have a joint or two. I have been witness to those who show lack of enthusiasm after smoking, they also went on to feel the need to get high more often. They say it takes away the worries and pain from life. How is that good? Isn’t that what alcoholics say? I was injured at work by someone who had done weed earlier and was in his comfort zone. That caused him to not be attentive of his fellow employee that he was helping at the time. I don’t say that they should be incarcerated, I just do not buy the assumption that it is not an issue that people are altering their minds with drugs. If we are not supposed to drive or operate heavy equipment on legal prescription drugs because they alter ones ability to respond in time, what makes you think it is different for those who use weed? Not everyone reacts the same to all things.
chazandru over 10 years ago
A google search of academia websites could give you the biochemical reasons some people fear/resist change, or progression as you call it. We are most comfortable with what we ‘know’ especially as we mature. Fortunately, there are many progressives in our nation, some are Ds, some are Rs, but all try to think independently.^@ onguard – The most dangerous place in the world is a friendless community. Drugs are abused by all parties, races, classes, religions, and cultures. Prescription drugs especially. ^@MStevenson58 – The lesson of Dr. Seuss’s Sneeches has nothing to do with drugs. ^http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3yJomUhs0g^The scenario you present is only one of a many. Good people make mistakes and for whatever reason end up in prison. Most prisons do not have resources to protect good people who must now deal with bad people, perhaps even lifers. Most prisons/states do not have the money to provide educational tools to prepare prisoners for their return to a skeptical, even hostile, work place. Not all people put in prison are criminals, and not all criminals are evil. And sadly, it is not criminal to be evil, as long as you obey the law – just…as…it…is…written.And who is writing the laws?Respectfully,C.
chazandru over 10 years ago
I wish I understood your paradigm, Onguard. Standards and Disciplines… be more precise, sir. What standard do you set and for whom? How is discipline to be applied? It should be taught by parents but underpaid, overworked parents are not home to teach the standards and discipline you demand. If in my efforts to find rational solutions you feel I am making excuses for behaviors, you are wrong. Understanding a problem does not mean one approves of the problem. I would love to see a link to some site that tells me the Standards you would set and the type of Discipline you would impose. Then I can consider the extent to which they might work.You say my ideas would ruin a society. The methods of those you support, combined with the hubris of the Democrat leadership, is ruining our society and dividing our people. Where are you solutions, sir? You are quick with the judgmental opinion or insult, but like the republican party itself, you rarely provide an alternative idea of substance.So harsh.Sadly,C.
Uncle Joe Premium Member over 10 years ago
Try Standards and Disciplines. They work every time."Sure… it’s working great! Now, if we can just lock up the gum chewers & people who don’t pick up their dog’s poop, our society will be perfect.
Uncle Joe Premium Member over 10 years ago
“Define “non-violent”. Does a pick pocket or a car thief qualify?”Yes, those are non-violent crimes & is a clue to understanding the problem. The prison overload has been driven by mandatory sentencing for drug violations. Judges can use some discretion when sentencing a pick pocket, or even a violent offender in many cases. As a result we often see lenient sentences on non-drug offenders.
Uncle Joe Premium Member over 10 years ago
“You really would be easier to tolerate if you inhaled!”He’d probably be easier to tolerate if I inhaled, but I don’t “roll” that way.
Freedom_First over 10 years ago
@ConserveGov I don’t like enemies of freedom and other violent thugs such as drug fighters and illegalizers roaming my neighborhood.
Regarding what is a crime and who are the criminals, I have two questions for ConserveGov or any other illegalizer: Suppose that you were peacefully walking down the road minding your own business when a heavily armed gang attacked you, threw you to the ground, pushed your face into the pavement, pointed a dozen guns at your head, and blew your head off if you resisted, just because they did not approve of what you ate for breakfast — would you agree that they were violent criminals or would you conclude that you were the criminal?
Second question: Suppose that a similar gang, armed to the teeth, kicked down your door, invaded and ransacked your home, terrorized your family, stole your property, and murdered anyone who resisted, just because they or others did not approve of what you chose to drink or smoke — would you agree that those thugs were violent criminals or would you conclude that your family were the criminals?