Drugged to Death

Now comes Jeffrey A. Miron, a senior lecturer in economics at Harvard University. He’s concerned about the violence that is associated with Mexico drugs. We probably all ought to be. He has a solution —

The right policy, therefore, is to legalize drugs while using regulation and taxation to dampen irresponsible behavior related to drug use, such as driving under the influence. This makes more sense than prohibition because it avoids creation of a black market. This approach also allows those who believe they benefit from drug use to do so, as long as they do not harm others. [That’s possible? (my comment)]

In a commentary special to CNN, he goes on to say –

Prohibition of drugs corrupts politicians and law enforcement; Prohibition has disastrous implications for national security; Prohibition harms the public health. Prohibitions breed disrespect for the law because despite draconian penalties and extensive enforcement, huge numbers of people still violate prohibition; Prohibition is a drain on the public purse; Legalization is desirable for all drugs, not just marijuana.

I am sure there is a lot of popular support for this thinking. But I have a question. If a significant number of Americans can’t pay their debts, or continue to finance a home, find themselves unable to afford an automobile and the fuel to power it, or find a job because extensive lay-offs and bankruptcies in business are increasing, and then on top of that large segments of the population turn to drugged-up lifestyles (Heaven only knows how one affords that), does it not follow that we will collapse as a society even sooner?

We seem intent on destroying ourselves and our way of life. I know, it is easy to say, “Everyone else is to blame but me.” The Truth is that if we are not greedy, or drugged, or already suckling at the Government teat, we are at least apathetic to the point that we are just “waiting to see what will happen.”

God help us, if we don’t get this stuff right.