super soapbox rant
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
I get the gist of what your getting at, in that you want to be 100% 'free' to do whatever you want as long as it doesn't touch someone elses. To me that sounds like someone who just wants to follow his own desires. joshfl wrote: During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. I agree there is a hypocricy in the way Alcohol is treated vs Marijuana [This example could be extended to many things]. Though as a person who for Islamic reasons has no interest in either of them, it appears to me prohibition was struck down not because of any freedom ideals, but the majority of people [including those in power] wanted to drink and there were major interests willing to supply it. So they went about and changed the situation not because it was right or wrong but because they wanted to. Plain and simple. joshfl wrote: All in all, I just want to be left to do my thing. I don't hurt anyone. I've never assaulted anyone, stole from anyone, and I try to always be kind and treat others how I wish to be treated. I only wish to live my life according to my values with other like minded adults without being incarcerated. And dont worry stan, I dont need any welfare You are still a part of society. Sure everyone should have privacy, and no one should be snooping around. But as soon as something is done in the public sphere, it affects society as a whole. Quran Translation Intro Discover
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
joshfl wrote: People in the Netherlands are not getting shot over marijuana because it is a commodity over there Again this is not true. Small amounts are not illegal but growing and supplying the coffee shops is. This is the part of the trade that the tourists dont see and there is big money at stake. I lived there and the locals dont like it. 99% dont smoke it much. They think its a loosers activity and brings undesirable tourists. I think they are right. Now on to prostitution. It is legal here in Australia and causes a lot of problems. Girls are smuggled here from South East Asia under the pretext of a better life and are forced into prostitution when they arrive. Have you noticed how many of the working girls in Amsterdam come from Eastern European countries? Next time you finish with one ask her if she is happy with the way her life is going? Or just look into the eyes of some of the girls in the windows and ask yourself if she looks happy. That'll kill ya boner If you think your holiday to Amsterdam gives you any insight into the Dutch culture or way of life you are very mistaken. Get out of the city and talk to some of the real locals. You will see it is a very different place to what you think. And there is a lot more to the place that pot and whores. You can get that at home. They have a culture that goes back 1000's of years. Something that the US wont have for a long long time. Next time you think about going to a prostitiue over there go to a cheese market instead. You just might learn something
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry when I read this. I've never smoked dope or been with a prostitute and don't feel that I've missed out on anything. Don't get me wrong: I'm not condeming or moralising here: you have the right to find your own place in life and, provided you don't do any harm, go for it. I am just saddened that you should feel it necessary to 'enhance' your life with drugs and to feel such low self esteem that you feel it necessary to pay (okay, we all pay) so overtly for sex on such a regular basis. Still, having said that prostitution should be legal. It's just sex, it soes no hram and legalising may help to clean it up, make it safer for the women and we can tax it. And drugs should be legalised. Why? Because at present I pay a hefty sum in tax to 'fight' the drugs trade. This also means that large police resources have to be dedicated to 'fight' the drugs trade, thereby removing them from protecting me and mine. If it were legalised not only would it cost me less, the govt would actually make money from it, the drugs would be safer to use, there would always be clean needles and associated crime would go down. Lets face it, the 'war' can never be won so why not take a fresh approach? Personally I hate drugs and the life that appears to go with it but you have to be pragmatic. We've been trying since the early sixties (in modern times) to eradicate the problem and I doubt we've made even a tiny dent. I also realise that legalising drugs may bring up other issues such as mental health but with the money we'd be saving and the money we'd be making perhaps we'll be able to put more money inot getting people off of the drugs that control their lives. Just a thought.
Stoopid signatures...
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joshfl wrote: People in the Netherlands are not getting shot over marijuana because it is a commodity over there Again this is not true. Small amounts are not illegal but growing and supplying the coffee shops is. This is the part of the trade that the tourists dont see and there is big money at stake. I lived there and the locals dont like it. 99% dont smoke it much. They think its a loosers activity and brings undesirable tourists. I think they are right. Now on to prostitution. It is legal here in Australia and causes a lot of problems. Girls are smuggled here from South East Asia under the pretext of a better life and are forced into prostitution when they arrive. Have you noticed how many of the working girls in Amsterdam come from Eastern European countries? Next time you finish with one ask her if she is happy with the way her life is going? Or just look into the eyes of some of the girls in the windows and ask yourself if she looks happy. That'll kill ya boner If you think your holiday to Amsterdam gives you any insight into the Dutch culture or way of life you are very mistaken. Get out of the city and talk to some of the real locals. You will see it is a very different place to what you think. And there is a lot more to the place that pot and whores. You can get that at home. They have a culture that goes back 1000's of years. Something that the US wont have for a long long time. Next time you think about going to a prostitiue over there go to a cheese market instead. You just might learn something
Josh Gray wrote: That'll kill ya boner LOL - got my 5. IMO anyone who is emotionally immature enough to 'need sex' but not want any sort of relationship should stick to jerking off. Josh Gray wrote: Next time you think about going to a prostitiue over there go to a cheese market instead. You just might learn something Brilliant... Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
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I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry when I read this. I've never smoked dope or been with a prostitute and don't feel that I've missed out on anything. Don't get me wrong: I'm not condeming or moralising here: you have the right to find your own place in life and, provided you don't do any harm, go for it. I am just saddened that you should feel it necessary to 'enhance' your life with drugs and to feel such low self esteem that you feel it necessary to pay (okay, we all pay) so overtly for sex on such a regular basis. Still, having said that prostitution should be legal. It's just sex, it soes no hram and legalising may help to clean it up, make it safer for the women and we can tax it. And drugs should be legalised. Why? Because at present I pay a hefty sum in tax to 'fight' the drugs trade. This also means that large police resources have to be dedicated to 'fight' the drugs trade, thereby removing them from protecting me and mine. If it were legalised not only would it cost me less, the govt would actually make money from it, the drugs would be safer to use, there would always be clean needles and associated crime would go down. Lets face it, the 'war' can never be won so why not take a fresh approach? Personally I hate drugs and the life that appears to go with it but you have to be pragmatic. We've been trying since the early sixties (in modern times) to eradicate the problem and I doubt we've made even a tiny dent. I also realise that legalising drugs may bring up other issues such as mental health but with the money we'd be saving and the money we'd be making perhaps we'll be able to put more money inot getting people off of the drugs that control their lives. Just a thought.
Stoopid signatures...
legalAlien wrote: I've never smoked dope or been with a prostitute and don't feel that I've missed out on anything. Yeah, to be honest, I can't imagine getting my dick out for some chick I don't know, let alone care for. legalAlien wrote: Still, having said that prostitution should be legal. It's just sex, it soes no hram and legalising may help to clean it up, make it safer for the women and we can tax it. Apparently, the evidence points to legalisation creating an environment where women are further exploited. So I've read during recent debate where I live, anyhow. legalAlien wrote: And drugs should be legalised. Why? Because at present I pay a hefty sum in tax to 'fight' the drugs trade. This also means that large police resources have to be dedicated to 'fight' the drugs trade, thereby removing them from protecting me and mine. Yeah, although I don't do drugs, I agree with this, to a point. Some drugs are just SO destructive, that I think all were ever going to debate is where the line is drawn, we'll always need one. Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
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Josh Gray wrote: That'll kill ya boner LOL - got my 5. IMO anyone who is emotionally immature enough to 'need sex' but not want any sort of relationship should stick to jerking off. Josh Gray wrote: Next time you think about going to a prostitiue over there go to a cheese market instead. You just might learn something Brilliant... Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
You shopuld see the UK, just about everyone I know, sub age of 45, will do some kind of illegal drug or another. I used to smoke a fair bit of dope, but I stopped some years ago. I find I cant concentrate for a week after I smoke it, and I lack the sharpness of thought. As for coke and speed though, and more so coke than speed, I would take them at a party if they were going around. For exa,ple, I was at a party thrown by one of the guys I worked with. Evry one but the two owners, and one of the employees was there, they were all smoking or snorting! It is much the same in europe. Being 45 mins from Holland anyone can get dope here easilly. And, again, alot of people I know smoke it. Nunc est bibendum
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joshfl wrote: People in the Netherlands are not getting shot over marijuana because it is a commodity over there Again this is not true. Small amounts are not illegal but growing and supplying the coffee shops is. This is the part of the trade that the tourists dont see and there is big money at stake. I lived there and the locals dont like it. 99% dont smoke it much. They think its a loosers activity and brings undesirable tourists. I think they are right. Now on to prostitution. It is legal here in Australia and causes a lot of problems. Girls are smuggled here from South East Asia under the pretext of a better life and are forced into prostitution when they arrive. Have you noticed how many of the working girls in Amsterdam come from Eastern European countries? Next time you finish with one ask her if she is happy with the way her life is going? Or just look into the eyes of some of the girls in the windows and ask yourself if she looks happy. That'll kill ya boner If you think your holiday to Amsterdam gives you any insight into the Dutch culture or way of life you are very mistaken. Get out of the city and talk to some of the real locals. You will see it is a very different place to what you think. And there is a lot more to the place that pot and whores. You can get that at home. They have a culture that goes back 1000's of years. Something that the US wont have for a long long time. Next time you think about going to a prostitiue over there go to a cheese market instead. You just might learn something
My 5 :) The tigress is here :-D
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My 5 :) The tigress is here :-D
Well, of course a GIRL would give him a 5. It's almost as if you expect him to regard women as people, rather than providers of an anonymous business transaction... Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
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legalAlien wrote: I've never smoked dope or been with a prostitute and don't feel that I've missed out on anything. Yeah, to be honest, I can't imagine getting my dick out for some chick I don't know, let alone care for. legalAlien wrote: Still, having said that prostitution should be legal. It's just sex, it soes no hram and legalising may help to clean it up, make it safer for the women and we can tax it. Apparently, the evidence points to legalisation creating an environment where women are further exploited. So I've read during recent debate where I live, anyhow. legalAlien wrote: And drugs should be legalised. Why? Because at present I pay a hefty sum in tax to 'fight' the drugs trade. This also means that large police resources have to be dedicated to 'fight' the drugs trade, thereby removing them from protecting me and mine. Yeah, although I don't do drugs, I agree with this, to a point. Some drugs are just SO destructive, that I think all were ever going to debate is where the line is drawn, we'll always need one. Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
Christian Graus wrote: Apparently, the evidence points to legalisation creating an environment where women are further exploited. So I've read during recent debate where I live, anyhow. Interesting: one would have thought the reverse. I wonder how it works in Amsterdam or other places where it is legal and controlled? You'd have thought that pimps would have become redundant and the women freer.
Stoopid signatures...
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
joshfl wrote: I don't hurt anyone. Next time you pay for such servies, ask the woman if she truly likes what she does for a living.
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Christian Graus wrote: Apparently, the evidence points to legalisation creating an environment where women are further exploited. So I've read during recent debate where I live, anyhow. Interesting: one would have thought the reverse. I wonder how it works in Amsterdam or other places where it is legal and controlled? You'd have thought that pimps would have become redundant and the women freer.
Stoopid signatures...
In theory, I guess. I believe in practice that legalisation creates more demand, and also more supply, which leads to crime in other areas also growing, such as drug use ( and in the context of this thread, while drugs are illegal, they will continue to cause health problems, and also cause people to steal to pay for them ) Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
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In theory, I guess. I believe in practice that legalisation creates more demand, and also more supply, which leads to crime in other areas also growing, such as drug use ( and in the context of this thread, while drugs are illegal, they will continue to cause health problems, and also cause people to steal to pay for them ) Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
Who'd a thunk it? I'm sure you're correct but one would have thought that regulation would have driven criminals to explore other avenues that would be more profitable. Perhaps more than one stream of criminal income needs to be addressed at the same time so as to remove the incentive or need for them to be involved in and making money from certain classes of crime. In my mind, for instance, to decriminalise drugs and make them a government controlled monopoly with drugs and paraphernalia cheaply or even freely available would have removed whole areas of crime. Muggings, robberies, burglary where the intent is to acquire money to buy drugs would become pointless. But then I read fat_boys post which utterly dismays me. I simply do not understand drugs or taking or doing anything that could impair your perceptions.
Stoopid signatures...
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Who'd a thunk it? I'm sure you're correct but one would have thought that regulation would have driven criminals to explore other avenues that would be more profitable. Perhaps more than one stream of criminal income needs to be addressed at the same time so as to remove the incentive or need for them to be involved in and making money from certain classes of crime. In my mind, for instance, to decriminalise drugs and make them a government controlled monopoly with drugs and paraphernalia cheaply or even freely available would have removed whole areas of crime. Muggings, robberies, burglary where the intent is to acquire money to buy drugs would become pointless. But then I read fat_boys post which utterly dismays me. I simply do not understand drugs or taking or doing anything that could impair your perceptions.
Stoopid signatures...
legalAlien wrote: I simply do not understand drugs or taking or doing anything that could impair your perceptions. Yeah, agreed. Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
my +5 - as an age 60 old coot I don't disagree with anything you've said. Point in fact the war on drugs is a huge drain on our society and economy. As to looking to hookers, pretty big personal (health) risk but agree it should be a personal choice. Mike "We ain't stuck on stupid." badass Lt. General Russel Honore
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
Regardless of how perfectly any society is structured, your freedom to do something that you would like to do is very likely to be restricted in someway. No social order can give unlimited, carte blache freedom to every one all the time. You simply cannot have civilization without tyranny. Democracy does not change that, it merely changes how the power of tyranny is distributed. So, get used to it, you live in a tyranny, we all do. Those with the power have decided that smoking pot and prostitution should be illegal. If you believe otherwise, than you need to fight for the power to inflict your morality on the rest of us who disagree with you. (I happen to believe that pot is an extremly distructive social evil - I've seen it ruin many lives, just as with prostitution) That is simply how the game is played. "Capitalism is the source of all true freedom." -- modified at 10:30 Tuesday 27th September, 2005
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
joshfl wrote: I am very much on my own path. It's more like a highway where a handbasket is the primary mode of transportation. It does look like you are having fun...probably more fun than the women who are sold into prostitution everyday in this world. But, I guess that you haven't reached the point that you realize that everything is not about you. You claim that you have never assaulted anyone. How can you paying to have sex with someone, who most likely doesn't want to be in that position, be labeled anything other than assault? Gary Kirkham Forever Forgiven and Alive in the Spirit He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot Me blog, You read -- modified at 10:54 Tuesday 27th September, 2005
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Ok, so I meant to stir things up a bit with my post below but I don't feel that I am doing myself or my cause(s) justice by not fully articulating my thoughts on the subject matter at least once here for everyone to consider. This is a long post, not for the attention deficit folks.. I understand both of my points of concern are non-issues to most US voters (probably where my angst rises from) but I feel if there is to be a more united domestic culture, eventually these issues will have to become more important. Even if it does not effect you, it effects a lot of otherwise law abiding citizens that should be able to come out of the shadows and live their lives without fear. I happened to have chosen a lifestyle that put me at odds from the mainstream and its been a long strange trip ever since. Being on the other side of the law on these issues have given me a very unique insight into just how subtle tyranny can be right in front of a societies own eyes as well as just how relative the concept of freedom is. I smoke marijuana recreationally. I happen to feel from personal experience and observation that marijuana is safer than alcohol so I choose to smoke pot. When others feel like boozing I feel like smoking. It drives me nuts that while we teach in our schools of the failures of our prohibitionist era policies, we preach at the same time that it is wrong to smoke pot due to 'secondary effects'. It is a direct contradiction of values. During prohibition we decided that freedom is paramount and we recognized as a nation this value to our society. We made the detrimental secondary effects everyone was so afraid regarding alcohol illegal for what they were and allowed responsible adults to engage the behavior without breaking the law. It has worked out very well. Sure there are still the associated costs of freedom that irresponsible citizens (ie, drunk drivers, knuckleheads, etc.) make us all pay, but by and large with the alcohol consumed in this nation it is still a small minority of consumers that abuse it to the point of infringing upon the freedom of others. Most importantly we preserved in our approach to alcohol what should be highly regarded in this nation, our value of individual freedom. I think the same approach should be taken with marijuana. There is much more talking points on the issue of legalization. I could fill a book (and hope to) with my analysis and opinions of things relating to marijuana policy and why we should change it but I guess I cant write that boo
Figured I ought to weigh in on this one, being the leftist wingnut that I am. :-) First to Josh: By all means, save a copy of your original post. Read it when you are somewhere between 40-45, depends on how long it takes you to realize that not only have you grown up, you are now also growing older. I can assure you, you'll laugh at how you once felt so passionate about things that you no longer really give a shit about, LOL. As far as legalization: I don't know if it is a good idea or a bad idea. What I do know is that all we are doing now is making some problems worse, and wasting a lot of taxpayers money. Since this is clearly not working, why not try something else. My thoughts on a more logical approach are: Prostitution - nobody has really defined that. It occurs at many levels, but it is easier to define than the drug problem. Something needs to be done to get the girls on the street off the street - they are invariably part of a vicious cycle of crime, drugs, disease, violence and abuse. To me the logical thing is not to gpo after the johns or the prostitutes like we do now. Instead make pimping a much more severe crime since they are usually a big part of the real problem. Long prison terms and maybe castration - let them be somebody's "bitch" for a change. :-) The girls from Russia - you don't see them in the US like you do in Europe. But it is really sad. They need to be helped. Give them a little money and help them get passports (the traffickers generally take them away) and get back home. At the escort level, the girls are rarely "victims". They are entrepenuers, and they have no interest in legalization because they make wads (bad pun) of money under the table. I say you might as well make "escorting" legal, and make them pay taxes like the rest of us. Drugs: A lot more complicated. As people have said "where do you draw the line?" I don't know but I agree that the alcohol/marijuana laws are hypocritical, and mostly I'm just tired of wasting taxpayer's money on a useless "war". It's mostly a war on the working people's wallets. I think probably the best approach is a "practical" one rather than a "moral" one. Make pot legal and controlled like alcohol, and tax the hell out of it. LSD and mushrooms are mind toys for middle class white college students - they'll never be used by the majority of the population, and never be used by much of anyone on any kind of regular basis. I say take them off the statutes completely - no legal status, except for
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legalAlien wrote: I've never smoked dope or been with a prostitute and don't feel that I've missed out on anything. Yeah, to be honest, I can't imagine getting my dick out for some chick I don't know, let alone care for. legalAlien wrote: Still, having said that prostitution should be legal. It's just sex, it soes no hram and legalising may help to clean it up, make it safer for the women and we can tax it. Apparently, the evidence points to legalisation creating an environment where women are further exploited. So I've read during recent debate where I live, anyhow. legalAlien wrote: And drugs should be legalised. Why? Because at present I pay a hefty sum in tax to 'fight' the drugs trade. This also means that large police resources have to be dedicated to 'fight' the drugs trade, thereby removing them from protecting me and mine. Yeah, although I don't do drugs, I agree with this, to a point. Some drugs are just SO destructive, that I think all were ever going to debate is where the line is drawn, we'll always need one. Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++
Christian Graus wrote: Some drugs are just SO destructive Like alcahol (maybe) and tobacco (absolutely). The tigress is here :-D
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Christian Graus wrote: Some drugs are just SO destructive Like alcahol (maybe) and tobacco (absolutely). The tigress is here :-D
Trollslayer wrote: (maybe) maybe? When young people drink booze only for purpose of getting drunk (=>they dring large amount of it) then it is not "maybe". My friend (rougly same age as me) was told by doctors that he MUST stop drinking... or :~ Never forget: "Stay kul and happy" (I.A.)
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