(Editor’s note: This is the first contribution by this author. He is originally from Carrollton and is a retired English teacher of 30 years and taught at Carrollton, Buford, South Gwinnett, and for the last 24 years at North Gwinnett. He was also a debate coach. He now lives in Duluth.—eeb.
By Michael Blackwood
DULUTH, Ga. | Let me first add that I hate to say this, but in the interest of our citizens and as justified by the preamble of the Constitution, I believe it is time for a radical change in the United States’ drug policy. It is time to not only legalize drug use, but for the government to supply it.
Blackwood
The problems police have with dealers at all levels, as well as the crimes committed by users, take disproportionate time and money. Note now that we have police forces who believe, with reason, that they need to be more militarized to deal with the problems in many areas of major cities. They see entire regions in Mexico under the armed control of cartels. These cartels exist almost exclusively on the illegal drug use of U.S. citizens. Without money from our users the cartels will dry up, a help to our country and to Mexico.
I would propose that we maintain and run first-class rehab programs. We should increase their numbers, but ensure they are not generic but geared to specific types of addiction. I would have a system where anyone could present themselves to be reviewed by an appropriate committee and, if confirmed as an addict, receive the drugs free of charge from clinics in their area. Doctors should determine the maintenance level and give nothing more.
Sounds simplistic, I know. However, this isn’t a monograph, but merely a brief outline. If we eliminate the market for drugs in our country, the Central and South American governments have a chance of regaining control of their countries. There would be no market mechanism to enlist users in America. If the user becomes addicted, the user gets free drugs for personal use.
This leaves the problems of teenagers, especially with ecstasy and fentanyl. Those are cheap party drugs outside the main problem. However, they apparently come in through the same supply lines as other drugs. Cutting the amount will at least help. I’m sure other people smarter than me can address that problem.
I know this idea is naïve, considering political will. We can’t even have a K-12 sex education program like most of the developed world. Our citizens and politicians can’t accept that we have problems that won’t go away.
Of course, many high-class and ritzy neighborhoods are dependent on the drug money to support the oversized homes. I remember growing up when most of the counties here were “dry.” People would say that legal alcohol was opposed by “preachers and bootleggers.”
Nothing has changed.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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