Drug Wars

This topic of discussion requires the reader to think outside the box and with an open mind.

First, I will start with this statement... "I believe that the U.S. should no longer have a ban on 'illegal drugs'".

Many of you at this point may be shocked or confused. I certainly do not condone the use of coke, heroin, and other hurtful drugs. I do however think that America needs to look a little further when it comes to picking it's battles.

It is reported that over the last 14 months, there are nearly 100 deaths per week due to drugwars in the U.S.. This number is rapdly climbing. Why are there drug wars? The answer is quite elementary. Supply, demand, and money. Police departments in some cities are being overwhelmed and overtaken by the massive danger that accompanes the "illegal drug" industry. Many innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire. Millions of dollars are spent annually to fight this war.

These are all very horrible statistics. Nonetheless, I still stand firmly with the statement that I made earlier. "I believe that the U.S. should no longer have a ban on 'illegal drugs'". The reason that I say this is due to other "battles" that the U.S. tends to brush to the wayside that more negatively impacts our country.

Let's look at some facts.

The second amendment gives us the right to bare arms. I fully support this. However, did you know that there are 10,000+ more deaths caused each year from incidents involving firearms than deaths due to "illegal drugs"?

How about adverse reactions to persciption drugs? These drugs are "legal" and can be purchased at any Walgreens or CVS pharmacy. There are 15,000+ more deaths caused by adverse reactions to "legal" perscription drugs than deaths caused by "illegal drugs".

I'm not really a fan of the taste in a beer but I do enjoy a good vodka or rum from time to time. There are 68,000 more deaths caused each year by events that are connected to alcohol then deaths caused by "illegal drugs".

Most of us are aware of the poor health, poor diet and lack of physical activity that surrounds our country. There are 85,000+ fast food restaurants in the U.S.. Less than 16% of our population engages in any form of exercise on an average day. There are 348,000 more deaths caused each year by lack of health, diet and exercise than deaths caused by "illegal drugs".

The tobacco industry is one of the largest that the U.S. has embeded into our culture. You can buy a pack of cigarettes at any grocery store or gas station. There are nearly half a million more deaths caused each year due to tobacco use than caused by "illegal drugs".

Firearms, persciption drugs, alcohol, fast food and tobacco are all "legal" activites that we are all allowed to participate in. It is our right to eat at any restaurant that we chose. As previously mentioned, we can buy a pack of cigarettes whenever we please. However, "illegal drugs", the activity that has a much smaller "death rate" is something that we can be placed in prison for.

Where is the common sense in that? How can I be allowed to legally buy a 12-pack of beer which has a higher statistical risk than almost anything that I can choose to do but be locked in prison for buying a joint?

Again, I do not condone or participate in drug use. Please just look at the stats and think with an open mind. Use common sense.

Are we REALLY picking the right battles to fight?