Murders related to narcotics rank as the fourth most documented murder
circumstance out of twenty four possible categories[1]. The United States spends
approximately six hundred dollars per second on the war on drugs and arrests 1.6
million people each year for drug affiliated crimes[2]. The war on drugs in the United
States is costing the average American citizen their life, their taxes, and their personal
freedom.
The crime rate in the United States, and in Prince George’s County in
particular, has increased greatly over the years. The murder rate in 2007 was at a high
of one hundred and sixty four in Maryland’s fourth congressional district[3]. Simply
stated, the war on drugs has ended up in incarceration of much of American youth
rather than them receiving the help they need. Most crimes all over America stem
from drugs. As seen during the prohibition of alcohol, the ban on the sale of alcohol
led to the rise of gangs, the mafia and other alcohol related crimes. The legalization of
drugs will not only decrease the crime rates in the United States but it would also
improve the overall quality of life in inner cities[4].
Although there are many pros and cons to the legalization of drugs, several
pros outweigh the cost of the cons. Albert Wynn, a candidate in the race for
Maryland’s Fourth Congressional District, admits that there is a serious crime matter
in Maryland. He approaches the issue of gang related activity with a solution of none
other than more funding. Wynn fails to mention the issue of drugs at all in his issues,
even though they contribute greatly to gang affiliation. Donna Edwards on the other
hand fails to mention crime, gangs, or drugs in her issues altogether.
The Libertarian Legal Code suggests that man is the owner of his body. He
can do with it whatever he wishes, provided he respects the human and property
rights of the other members of society[5]. Ending the war on drugs would foster
more freedom to the individual as promised. It would eliminate inconsistencies,
guarantee freedoms, and increase the effectiveness of the government’s anti-drug
beliefs[6].
Michael Babula greatly supports the end of the war on drugs because of the
many advantages it would have to Prince George’s County, as well as the United
States as a whole. He believes it would significantly reduce crime rates, facilitate the
economy, and improve everyone’s quality of life.
[1] Whithousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/crime/index.html ONDCP Drug-Related Crime March, 2000
[2] Babula2008.com Issues Legalization of Drugs
[3] Ibid.
[4] Findarticles.com Legalize Drugs Now! The American Journal of Economics and Sociology July, 2000 Meaghan Cussen and Walter Block
[5] Findarticles.com Attitudes Towards Drug Legalization Among Drug Users, American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, February, 2002. Robert A. Trevino, Alan J. Richard
[6] Findarticles.com Legalize Drugs Now! The American Journal of Economics and Sociology July, 2000 Meaghan Cussen and Walter Block
4 comments:
Katroccoli brigns up a great point. Gangs have been brought up due to the ban of illigal drugs, much like prohibition brought up the creation of gangs such as the mafia.
Present day gangs attempt to bring drugs into inner cities illigally in the same fashion as Gangsters during prohibition distibuted alcohol.
I strongly agree with your post. Legalizing drugs is an innovative way to approach the fight against crime, and Babula has been brave enough to endorse the issue in his campaign. His opponents do not address the issue of legalizing drugs, they only propose other methods that will probably not make as much of an impact.
I agree with Katroccoli. The legalization of some drugs may not be as detrimental as the public is led to believe. As long as usage of the particular drug does not have negative impacts on society, people should have the right to make their own decisions. As Katroccoli points out, the war on drugs may in fact be doing more harm then good. The ban of drugs inevitably leads to an increase in organized crime, as evidenced in the rise of the mafia during Prohibition.
Drugs will always be a gargantuan problem in this nation. Legalizing drugs in the 4th district may help economically, but dealers will travel there for the sole purpose of buying drugs at reduced prices and then reselling them in other cities. Babula is an outstanding candidate for congress, but this controversial issue could affect his campaign negatively.
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