World

Guatemala President to Propose Legalizing Drugs in Central America

Guatemala President Otto Perez Molina to Propose Legalizing Drugs in Central America

Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina is set to propose legalizing drugs in Central America. (AP)

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina said Saturday he will propose legalizing drugs in Central America in an upcoming meeting with the region’s leaders.

Perez Molina said in a radio interview that his proposal would include decriminalizing the transportation of drugs through the area.

“I want to bring this discussion to the table,” he said. “It wouldn’t be a crime to transport, to move drugs. It would all have to be regulated.”

Perez Molina, a former army general who took office last month, didn’t give any other details about his proposal, mention specific drugs or say when the next meeting with Central American leaders will be.

He said he will bring the subject up with Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes when Funes visits Monday.

The Guatemalan president said the war on drugs and all the money and technology received from the U.S. has not diminished drug trafficking in the area.

“There was talk of the success of Plan Colombia but all it did was neutralize big cartels,” Perez Molina said of a U.S. initiative supporting Colombia’s fight against leftist rebels and far-right militias involved in the drug trade.

Perez Molina also blamed drug cartels for rampant violence in Guatemala, which has a homicide rate of 41 murders per 100,000 people.

The president took office pledging to wield an “iron fist” against crime.

Authorities say both the Zetas and the Sinaloa drug cartels are running and processing drugs in Guatemala and may be competing for territory, especially in the province of Peten near the border with Mexico.

Comments (143)

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  • mrmikejohnson
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:43pm

    Liberals never see the bigger picture. They’ll focus on one or two small points. They’ll say ,” oh, well violence will go down and taxes will go up with drugs are legal”. They don’t see that abuse will skyrocket because of cheap prices. Health care and social services (drug treatment) will explode wiping out any gain from taxes. Criminals will just find other ways to make money like child sex trafficking. It‘s not like the cartels are going to all go fill out Walmart applications if they can’t make money on drugs.

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    • Chase188
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:51pm

      You can smoke a crack rock for about $10, your saying there people out there who want to smoke crack but can‘t because they don’t have $10?

      Heroin ballon about $20, so their people out wanting to use heroin but don’t have the $20?

      Exactly which drug is so unaffordable which people can’t afford to buy??

      Henry

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    • Ruler4You
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:35pm

      Check his bank roll first. I’d bet he is already getting some kind of kick back.

      I‘m not so sure about claims of abuse ’skyrocketing’. Liberals predicted “TV wild west style” gunfights in the streets when Concealed Carry laws were passed. I think giving people freedom and liberty forces them to make critical decisions.

      Gun “USE” is a questionable term, itself. I’m a CCW holder, if I pull my weapon and prevent a crime and the attacker runs off, “IS” that ‘use’ of a weapon? Is ‘use’ only classified as when a “criminal” gets hurt by a law abiding citizen who uses a weapon to protect himself?

      And, IMHBLO, any time you have some one RUSHING to help you by DENYING you something or saying they are “protecting” you, you should be suspicious.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Chase188
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:39pm

      Child sex trafficking????

      Crime exploded in the US during prohibition, when prohibition was repealed there was a huge drop in crime.

      Why didn’t those criminals selling illegal alcohol just go into the child sex trafficking?

      The gov by passing prohibition they turned the legal rev from meeting the demand of alcohol consumption into illegal rev for which there were many criminals and non-criminals more than happy to collect it because it was so lucrative.

      The current demand for illegal child sex is being met now.

      It’s irrational and without basis that if you legalize drugs and deny the criminal gangs and cartels the drug revenue, that it would mean that the demand for illegal child sex would suddenly rise to the level of the current demand and revenue in illegal drug sales.

      On what basis do you claim this???

      Henry

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    • sillyfreshness
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:47pm

      So everyone should suffer (making drugs illegal) because a few can’t handle them? Nobody is holding a gun to anyone’s head telling them to use drugs. It’s all about free will. Legalizing drugs falls in line with free will from the Bible. You don’t have to take them, but suffer the consequences if you do. The vast majority of “drug users” are pot smokers. When these people talk of legalizing drugs, they are usually talking about pot. Not heroin, not crack, not cocaine, not LSD, but pot. I can understanding keep hard core drugs illegal since they can be deadly from overdosing.
      However, this Guatemalan President is just talking a pipe dream. The US will never let him legalize it. Drugs were legal in the US until 1914 and then, like a light switch, they were illegal around the world as well. In South America where marijuana was part of their culture, it was outlawed as soon as the US banned it here. That tells me the US used their “persuasion of power” to have those countries follow suit. So if this guy in Guatemala thinks he’s going to legalize drugs there, he will soon become a “Manuel Noriega” and will find Black Hawk helicopters visiting him at 2am and having his door kicked in and MP5s pointed at his head. This guy must really think he‘s rogue to challenge the US’s world policy on drugs. That law doesn’t just apply to the US, it applies to the entire world via our military.

      Report Post » sillyfreshness  
    • barnsy
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:29pm

      We should try legalizing drugs.What we’re doing now obviously isnt working.Alcohol prohabition didnt work.All prohabition did was to usher in the “golden age” of orgaized crime.I believe in the free market ,even if its sometimes ugly.If there is a market for drugs,people will get them. The paralells between the drug cartels and the 1930s crime ganges are obvious.I hate drugs ,but all the money and man power allocated to “the war on drugs” is a wast of time and resources.

      Report Post » barnsy  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:29pm

      Sentimental, biased garbage. As Al Capone said, “Prohibition has made nothing but trouble.”
      This is a problem created by the state because of the will imposed by “well-meaning” (sic) busybodies. You criminalize a behavior that amounts to human escapism & then p!ss & moan when elements who will provide the prohibited product step up to meet the demand. This isn’t someone buggering children or getting their jollies by putting others in danger; this is a person choosing to check, be it for a brief period or for the rest of their life (see Whitney Houston).
      By all means, when the junky brings his or her hobby into polite society, impose limits upon what he or she can’t do: Drive, have a firearm while f’ed up, perform surgery or process taxes. What I don’t understand is we allow pharmaceutical companies to sell their poison (yeah, Xanax is a SUPER alternative to the “bad” drugs.. & it will make you just as stupid, withdrawn & uncaring… oh, & addicted… as any illegal drug).
      How are you on food choices? The number one cause of untimely death in the U.S. is heart disease. But it’s okay for people to be addicted to soda, chips & cupcakes, If you’re going to criminalize drugs because of cost & social ills, you damn well better be ready for busybodies to tell you what you can & can’t put in your maw.
      Too much money & power at play on this issue. The DEA wants more money & power… screw your economic woes. Brilliant. Private prisons lobby for drug laws.

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    • IIIcorp
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:25pm

      There go the intercity gangsters and Paul supporters.

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    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:15pm

      The United States of America has the largest prison system in the world. The Unites States of America has the highest prison population in the world. The United States of America has the most Technical advanced Prison System in the world. Every prison in the United States if America is infected problem.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • crabbyoldman
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:04pm

      You are 100% right.

      Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 7:41pm

      He will be hung in a week if that goes through!

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 8:28pm

      .
      Yeah, like Guatamala is doing so well now.
      “Hey, U.S.A. You can be just like us!”

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
  • Chase188
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:40pm

    Legalize all drugs used for recreational purposes, all of it.

    Drugs don’t suddenly become available just because you legalize it, because all drugs are already AVAILABLE NOW!!!!

    Current policy of interdiction to eliminate the illegal supply of drugs is a complete failure, ALL DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE NOW ESPECIALLY TO OUR KIDS ALL OF IT.

    People can’t seem to get this through their heads legalizing drugs doesn’t mean we’re now making drugs available; ALL DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE NOW ESPECIALLY TO OUR KIDS ALL OF IT UNDER CURRENT LAWS NOW IN PLACE………….RIGHT NOW GEEEEEZ.

    I understand you don’t want kids to use drugs neither do I, under current laws ALL DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE NOW ESPECIALLY TO OUR KIDS ALL OF THEM.

    Since junior high drugs were openly sold in my school, first drug dealer I saw was in elementary school running through the school away from the police. I have never seen a dealer selling beer from a cooler or shots of whiskey with a Glock in his waistband on a street corner, never.

    Legalize all drugs for adults not kids, then randomly test all kids in school twice a month and if you test positive you go to boot camp for two weeks.

    In boot camp you go to class, do homework, eat boiled vegetables and boiled chicken, do exercise at 4.00 am, clean the facility at 5.00 am, class at 6.00 am, start home work at 2 pm, no TV, no cable, no laptops, no internet, no music, no iPod, no cell phones, no texting, no boy friend, no girl friend, no sports, no

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    • Chase188
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:45pm

      no sports, no central AC, no central heating and no car. You don’t do what you’re told and you get no credit for that day.

      Believe me 99% of kids won’t want to repeat boot camp and since a lot of drug use is peer pressure to fit in or be cool, a lot of the reasons why kids do drugs will go away.

      Make drugs available only in state licensed stores in out of the way areas, like industrial areas of town. The stores will not be advertised or in any way lit up with lights or anything.

      No name brands and no advertising all drugs packaged in brown paper bags with just safety information like at what level of usage according to body weight would do what damage to your health.

      The state will put out for bids for all drugs and the drugs will be provided under the same regulations all over the counter drugs are provided now. The result will be that legalized drugs will be will then be clean and a known quantity unlike now in which you have no idea what you’re buying or how potent it is or what it was cut with.

      Can’t use drugs in public like on sidewalks, in your car unless parked in your yard, in a parking lot and or in a park, $500 fine.

      Ban drug use in any commercial location like bars, clubs, malls, stores and or restaurants, $500 fine.

      Can’t have any private gathering with more than 4 people present where drugs is being used, $500 fine.

      Tax drugs sales to provide voluntary and mandatory drug rehab on demand.

      Set up special courts with dedic

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    • NavyVetGreg
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:47pm

      Great post, the only problem is drug testing.Go to the store, purchase a antioxidant drink, then go pass the drug test. It is done daily all over the country.

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    • Chase188
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:48pm

      Set up special courts with dedicated investigators (paid thru a tax on drug sales, drug would still sell for a fraction for what they sell now) where family members can present evidence to a judge for investigation that drug use is at a level of addiction that the drug users health is endangered or that of the public. Drug Court can order mandatory rehab up to max 3 mos, followed with mandatory residence at a halfway house.

      If addicted to drugs the user can’t live on the streets, will be placed in a drug rehab facility and then half way house.

      Drug usage like with alcohol while legal, if a person is at work (which requires sobriety like pilot, doctor etc…) or when driving the level of drugs in your body must be at level which is deemed sober and safe or $500 fine, suspension of professional license and or jail time.

      This just covers roughly the main issues that legalizing drugs would bring, the idea being life would go on pretty much as usual as it is now. We would discourage drug use like it was effectively done with cigarettes while focusing on the user and effectively putting all drug dealers out of business and drug gangs with their out of control violence too.

      As with alcohol there would be long term problems but as with alcoholics it will be manageable without turning the country into a police state like our current War on Drugs does.

      Think of the economic benefits the close to $100 billion a year coming from drug users (much of which from illegal s

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    • 13th Imam
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:08pm

      More SPECIAL COURTS??, .run by who?? If the DEMOCRATS get ahold of these courts, R‘s and C’s are doomed.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Chase188
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:58pm

      NavyVetGreg
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:47pm
      Great post, the only problem is drug testing.Go to the store, purchase a antioxidant drink, then go pass the drug test. It is done daily all over the country.
      _____________________

      Reply by Chase188

      People test positive for drug test all the time if it was so simple why is this so?

      Remeber these are kids in school we are talking about not hardened criminals.

      Yes the kids will beat the random test from time to time but that‘s all right because eventually they will test dirty or will see what happened to their friends when they tested dirty and the vast majority of kids will simply reach the conclusion it’s not worth it.

      Most drug use in schools is peer pressure of wanting to fit in or be thought of as cool to be in the “in” or popular crowd.

      Henry

      .

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:16pm

      @Chase188 At least you have thought this well out, irregardless of who may disagree. I believe this to be a State issue, as the federal Constitution gives Congress no power to govern in those matters. The State is free to prohibit, ban, restrict and regulate all those things reserved to them, and not delegated to the General Government, per the Ninth and Tenth Amendments. This drug issue comprises all drugs, whether given by Doctors, Pharmacies, or sold by Drug Companies. As for those illegal drugs, it comes down to personal responsibility, and the courage for the Church to step in. The federal Government has been a huge failure.

      I strongly encourage everyone to watch the following sermon, The Cause Within You:

      Go to the following page and watch it online (click on “Week 3”):
      http://newspring.cc/series/newspring-welcomes/

      It’s a great message, with some good humor too.

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    • The Gooch
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:56pm

      WHY are we so insistent on saving people from their own choices on this one matter? By the rationale that we must save the junky, then we must also “save” the fat turd who can’t go to the toilet without breaking a sweat. This is a PRIVATE matter that no one should have to pay for save for the junky who says he/she wants to clean up and whatever family &/or friends who want to contribute.
      I’m all for providing education, but too often substance abuse treatment is a tactic used by lawyers or enabling families to assist a client in not doing hard time. While I don’t believe you should throw any moron in jail who chooses to be ruled by drugs, this asinine song & dance is just money and effort being wasted on a population that overwhelmingly knows what drugs are doing to them… & don’t give a p!ss. Boo hoo.
      It’s funny how we cry the blues about govt. being up in a our business & we even have historical precedent as to how destructive & expensive prohibition inevitably is, but we’re still hellbent on “saving” the great American junky… no matter what the cost. This is insanity that is, believe me, NOT motivated (in general) by altruism.
      It’s funny that Gabby Giffords last recognized act in the U.S. Congress was to have her name associated with one more damn piece of legislation directed at illegal drugs. Whoopee. Leave asserting govt. can and should step on private choices and the govt. is going to save us from ourselves. I’m not moved.

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    • RedTexan
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:14pm

      Henry, prohibition gave organized crime a foothold, a beachfront if you will. When it was repealed they didn’t become law abiding citizens. They simply turned to other forms of crime. The Mafia families profited and became very strong because of prohibition. After that times got tough for them, families started fighting more, the field narrowed, alliances were made, and organized crime continued through robbery, black-market trading, kickbacks for politicians, and eventually… drugs.

      Very similarly, these cartels have consolidated a TON of power though the illegal drug trade. Making the drugs legal will hurt them, but it won’t get rid of them. As with the end of prohibition, they will simply choose some other crime and attempt to profit from it.

      It isn’t that they are choosing to be “bad” they are choosing to make a profit the easiest way they can– crime. Because, despite the popular saying, crime does pay… for those at the top. For the foot soldiers of the mafia family or the cartel (same thing, imo) it doesn’t pay, it kills you.

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  • SamIamTwo
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:38pm

    Genocide and torture allegations were lodged against this man back in the 80′s.

    “I have nothing to hide,” he told Reuters and said he was proud of his role in the civil war.

    By doing this, he will cool out those who would rise up against his regime. Just drug em and let them eat cake.

    Who murdered the bishop? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otto_Perez

    Prob Obama is lovin’ it.

    Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • NavyVetGreg
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:36pm

    So if they legalize drugs you will feel compelled to got purchase some and get strung out.There will be bodies stacked up in the street because all of America will be too stoned to pick up the dead.

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    • Chase188
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:21pm

      Do you find yourself compelled to drink a case of vodka because it’s legal?

      Do you find yourself compelled to become an alcoholic because it’s legal?

      Do you find yourself compelled to drink to the point you lose your job, wife and house because it’s legal?

      People make bad choices with legal alcohol and illegal drugs, it‘s the people making the choices not whether its illegal or legal that’s the deciding factor.

      Henry

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:47pm

      Just like I’m compelled to get drunk, drive a car, and go hit some one. You see there? All those things are illegal, yet alcohol is legal. At some point our politicians must realize, once again, that they can’t successfully govern behavior, only actions intentionally destructive to other persons.

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    • The Gooch
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:10pm

      This is the same “If…, then…” logic argument used to challenge gun ownership and right-to-carry laws. “Our streets will turn into the Wild West!!!” Sure you wanna hold onto that brand of nonsense?

      Report Post »  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:23pm

    Legalizing drugs may give you more freedom, but it curtails liberty. Remember freedom allows you to kill someone in cold blood. Liberty asks should you?

    The mindset in this country has become if it is legal it is ok. Look at abortion as an example of social issues. Abortion was once illegal; did its use and acceptability increase or decrease once it was “regulated” but legal? It certainly brought in more money and is taxed. Did it improve our society?

    Look at our debt, monetization, and banking practices for fiscal examples. All are legal behaviors but are they something that raises up our society to the next level of prosperity, or do they degrade it?

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    • Blazer123
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:47pm

      I don’t think anybody is saying you should use drugs, but if you choose to do so in the privacy of your own home I think you should not go to jail.

      I’m a disabled vet who uses Cannabis to treat chronic pain. I know it works better for me than the dangerous and highly addictive opiates which were prescribed for me. Do you think I need to be put in jail to be protected from myself? Do you think I am hurting society? I buy locally grown product (by the way, if everyone could grow their own it would put the cartels out of business) and I support my family working from home.

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    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:05pm

      Blazer,

      I don‘t think what they are talking about is making it legal by doctor’s prescription only. I believe they are talking about using recreationally, like alcohol where the only requirement is proof of age. I do not have a problem with people using it for legitamate medical reasons anymore than I would deny my mother her arthritis medication.
      Legalizing it for recreational use is a whole-’nother ball of wax.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:22pm

      Abortion is a crime committed against another human being. Personal drug use is personal. As with alcohol, of course, whenever anything is abused and used to cause harm to others, or to endanger the public peace, Law Enforcement should detain those who act violent or transgress the rights of others, bring them to trial, and have Judges rule the matter with exact judgement, and without respect to persons (status, occupation, education, etc.).

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:42pm

      Colt,

      “Abortion is a crime comitted against another human being”.

      I believe that, you believe that(in part because of a religious upbrininging), obviously not everyone believes that or it would be illegal. So why shouldn’t those who do not believe as you do with regards to abortion be allowed to do with their bodies what they please? (Devil’s advocate)

      You can believe that somehow drug use is a right to use your body as you see fit, and that is your opinion, I see it as destructive to the life which is your body, given to you by God and like suicide, is not entirely yours to do with as you please.

      where it can be enjoyed as a taste without pursuing the side effects of getting drunk. Drugs are used for the sole purpose of pursuing the side effects.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:55pm

      @axelphantom I believe that because of scientific research mostly, religion just confirms it. I don’t think that drugs, the one‘s we’re talking about, are good in any manner. I just don’t think that the Government has been successful at decreasing their use and improving society. I believe that this issue is mostly about individual responsibility, and is best taken care of by the Church, our friends, family, neighbors and community. One great example of this in action, is the work of a pastor down in LA. He delivered a sermon entitled, The Cause Within You, sharing his story:

      Go to the following page and watch it online (click on “Week 3”):
      http://newspring.cc/series/newspring-welcomes/

      Besides the above, I believe that drug related matters are best governed by the State, not federal Government.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:06pm

      Colt,
      We have had many discussions in the past and I believe you to be honest in your thinking and open to the pursuit of knowledge. Please look into the concepts of Natural Law. It is one aspect of Libertarianism many newer people are unfamiliar with. While the Constitution is great, the concepts of freedom and liberty neither began nor end with it.

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    • The Gooch
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:37pm

      Comparing drug use (legal or criminalized) to abortion is like comparing marriage to euthanasia. These are social & moral issues that (whether we agree with them in part, whole or not at all) define us & which people have dealt with since we started living in social groups beyond the family. These are the choices that will have limits placed upon them… or be altogether taboo.
      The arguments for gay marriage boils down to a privilege or choice being redefined as a right. Does a society have the right to define (& limit) a term based on historical precedent across time, geography and religions? In my opinion, yes. Should this matter be decided by govt. fiat? Nope. However, if it becomes the law of the land, I can accept it while still voicing my objection to the law.
      Drug use has been part of human existence longer than there has been govt. As a religious rite or plain ol’ escapism, some people choose to check out. As I’ve stated, social ills are still social ills regardless if the cause is drugs, the Internet or pan pizza. Keep it to yourself, I’ve no problem with your choice. I do know the criminalization of drugs robs me of money and health care.
      The problem with abortion is that some folks want no limits. Infanticide is deemed appropriate. I say once viability is met, your window of “choice” is closed. Euthanasia? Yeah, another issue where entities want to have ‘discretion’. Save us from govt. & its goons, not ourselves. Too much to ask?

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:37pm

      @AxelPhantom Thank you for the kind words. I’ve done plenty of research into the concepts of Natural Law, in which studies I myself base my opinions and conclusions, e.g. Bastiat, Smith, Vattel, Paine, Holmes, Hobbes, etc.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:44pm

      Colt,
      Then you are also quite familiar with the concepts of virtue as they relate in the success of free societies…. You cannot have a successful free society without a virtueous people. And as much as someday, I would like to think that we could leaglize drugs without destroying ourselves. Right now it cannot be accomplished because we are no longer a virtuous people.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:50pm

      Gooch,

      Marriage should not be the realm of states or federal governments it is a religious union between two people and God. If a church defines marriage between a man and a woman, they have the right to marry only a man and a woman. We already have civil unions on the books that allow for two people of any age, sex or proclivity to have all of the legal rights afforded to “Married” couples. But that is not marriage it is a legal union.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:04pm

      @AxelPhantom I’m very quote familiar with the concepts of virtue. However, I make a sharp distinction between the People and the Government, Society and Constitutions, Laws and Manners, etc. And I don’t falter from those principles much. Of course the Government has the power to ensure the happiness of Mankind (it’s Citizens), and to do those things which are most beneficial to the common good of society. But these general goals or made ever more complicated (detailed) when inalienable Rights, individual liberty, personal responsibility and private property are put into the equation. Which is why we have (or had) proper Courts of Law established throughout the Land. Judges are appointed to serve Justice and officers, to keep the order and peace. We are under a Republican Form of Government instituted by Compact (our Constitution). You‘re right in that today people don’t understand the virtue needed to administer even the elementary things of Representative Government. My goal is to educate and inform, but I personally will not compromise the message.

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:07pm

      Samuel Adams wrote a letter on October 4, 1790 to his cousin John Adams, who was vice president of the United States: “Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age, by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, of inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity and universal philanthropy, and in subordination to these great principles, the love of their country; of instructing them in the art of self-government… in short, of leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system. Knowledge apart from God and His truth is little better than complete ignorance, because the most important aspect of education is the imbuing of moral principles. All education is religious – it imparts a basic set of principles and ideals, a worldview. How the youth are educated today will determine the course a nation takes in the future.”

      ‘We have a dangerous trend beginning to take place in our education. We’re starting to put more and more textbooks into our schools. We’ve become accustomed of late of putting little books into the hands of children, containing fables and moral lessons. We’re spending less time in the classroom on the Bible, which should be the principal text in our schools. The Bible states these great moral lessons better than any other man-made book’” – Fisher Ames, (7/29/1789), Author of the 1st Amendment.

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    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:24pm

      Colt,
      Educate away, but the bottom line is that it cannot/should not be achieved as things stand now, at least if you give a darn about the immediate future of this country. Legalizing drugs as things stand now would be a catastrophy.

      If you know that this is so, why not instead work to re-establish virtue as the forerunner of re-establishing freedom rather than advocating for something that will work against it?

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:35pm

      @AxelPhantom That‘s what I’m doing. I’m not really advocating for drugs to be legal, I’m just saying, keep the federal Government out of it, they’ve been a failure. Let the States deal with it, and ultimately, the Church, family, friends, neighbors and community. The complex federal legislative and judicial process takes years to accomplish much, which is why we have a federal union of free and independent states. The Constitution guarantees the States a Republican Form of Government, wherein the State must be representative of the People therein. Basically, the General Government works for the States, and the States work for us.

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    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:55pm

      Colt,

      That all sounds great, but what do you do with a state like California that would find themselves swamped with drug users willing to move there simply so they could live in user heaven? As they fail as a state, it will effect the rest of the nation in a negative way. Being united and linked as we are both economically and socially. The effects of one drags the others down with it.

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    • The Gooch
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:42pm

      So it’s okay for the state to define contractual law, but the state also needs to control all aspects of drug use & criminalize a great deal of it in the process? The state has no business in mucking with marriage… because you believe traditional marriage upholds virtue & is a religious matter. So how is private substance use your business or the state‘s business because you don’t agree with a personal choice? Odd.
      Answer me this: Why is it okay for a large swath of the population to become fat, lazy & unhealthy, but it’s not okay for people to destroy themselves in what would be a less epensive & quicker manner?
      By your rationale, David Carradine’s death was illegal. He was engaging in private behavior that many prigs would find offensive & he ended up killing himself. Stupid (& if you wanna impose the qualifier “selfish”) behavior is not criminal. It’s just stupid… & sometimes funny. I never wished ill on the likes of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson & Heath Ledger, but I really can’t get too tore up about any celebrity… or Joe in the Gutter junky choosing to check out while not bothering me. To say this is tragic & “something should be done” would indicate the health police also gotta come to your home & check your cupboards & mandate 60 min. of exercise per day. Why is one self-destructive choice bad, but another that is more expensive okay? Spare me the “everybody has to eat” excuse. Addiction is addiction. Authoritarianism is not virtue.

      Report Post »  
  • NavyVetGreg
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:22pm

    Legalizing drugs will make it more difficult for children to get them. Go ask a school kid which is easier to get, alcohol or drugs. They will tell you drugs are easier to get. The store will not sell to children, but a dealer will deliver to a kids house anytime of the day or night.The beer store down the street won’t deliver and want an ID when you come in to purchase. A drug dealer does not care about your age, he just wants your money.

    Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:32pm

      Guess like most poll questions it is all in how you load the question; Ask a kid which is easier to get….. alcohol from mom and dad’s liquor cabinet, precription drugs from grandma’s medicine cabinet or drugs from a dealer.

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    • Blazer123
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:38pm

      Greg is right! Drug dealers don’t check ID. I grew up in Utah and I don’t know of a state that is more strict yet I ALWAYS had an easier time finding drugs when I was 16. Fortunately, Marijuana is a lot safer than alcohol, but I wouldn’t want my kid using either.
      Gary Johnson is exactly right when he says we need to treat drugs as a health issue rather than criminal one. I don’t know of any people out there advocating for jail time for tobacco smokers yet there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who die from cigarettes annually compared to 0 deaths caused by Cannabis.

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    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:01pm

      First drug dealer I ever met, I dated (yes, I was that niave).

      You can say that marijuana is harmless all you want but you would be wrong (I have seen a lot in my life). It alters the function of your brain and makes you care little for anything that goes on outside your little circle. You are less able to process information and react, less likely to complete difficult tasks, persist through challenges and consequently it increases your willingness to push responsibilities, like child rearing on to others.

      That is what is wrong in this country already. Apathy. Do you think increasing the number of apathetic people using marijuana will help or hurt this country?

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:29pm

      Blazer,

      Additionally, many of the people who smoke weed also smoke tobacco. Therefore confounding statistics abound.

      If cigarettes are dangerous and cause cancer well….When compared to tobacco smoke, weed smoke contains nearly 50-70% more carcinogens. In marijuana smoke, more than 400 chemicals have been found which cause cancer. This includes banzyprene, which is a known human carcinogen. Lesions are found in the bronchial epithelium of weed smokers, which are similar to those lesions caused by tobacco smoking. Weed tar results in tumors when painted on the skin of test animals

      This is far from “harmless”.

      Report Post »  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:09pm

    What they will have is a country of zombies. Seems no one know or teaches that doing good is much better then evil. If their country is like ours with a President that doesn‘t care enough and schools have a lot of teachers that teach false teaching and don’t care, We have a lot of repair work to do. We were born with free will but that will end with free evil if we don’t follow Gods Commandments. Come on people lets show responsibility and good sense. The states along the border is doing the best they can and what the evil ones do will be dealt with if not in this world in the next.

    Report Post »  
    • Blazer123
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:27pm

      Fun facts for imChristian: Prohibition empowers cartels and doesn’t reduce usage. If only we had an example from recent US history to refer to when people tried to impose their morals on the whole country.
      Ben Franklin and George Washington both wrote about using Cannabis, were they zombies?
      There are no commandments in the Bible forbidding Cannabis even though its use predates the Bible. In the thousands or years people have been using Cannabis there have been 0 deaths caused by the plant. Considering 80 million Americans admit to having used that’s a pretty staggering fact. Compare that fatality rate to those of legal drugs like alcohol, tobacco, Vioxx, Fen-Phen, or Asprin and you might realize that it’s seriously hypocritical to condemn Cannabis and not condemn Viagra and Ritalin.

      Report Post »  
    • Blazer123
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:17pm

      The fact that some Christians think God hates this plant should be irrelevant from a legal stance. Most wouldn’t suggest putting athiests in jail but for some reason take this stance with pot. Beck talks constantly about the coming caliphate and at the same time Christians here are trying to legislate non believers into heaven. Galations 5:22-23
      Christianity and cannabis don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:01pm

      Blazer,
      Let’s take a libertarian secular view then (as a life-long libertarian, I am perfectly comfortable doing that).
      Q: What are the purpose of man’s laws (positive laws)? A: To protect people from one person’s right infringing upon the rights of another, as in your freedom to throw a punch ends where my nose begins.
      Q: What is the purpose of Natural Laws? A: To protect society as a whole from behaviors which would not elevate society but destroy it, as in the right to protect your life.

      Which of the two were the cornerstone of this country? Positive law can be found in the Constitution. Natural is the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution was founded upon the back of Natural Laws and thus the purposes of the Constitution must coincide with Natural Law.

      If having a society strung out on artificial realities and inhibited in their mental function, be it through through choice, will lead to the destruction of society, it violates the precepts of Natural Law and thus are not an individual right that can be garanteed by the Constution.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:03pm

      As for industrial hemp, not necessarily “weed” or “pot”:

      “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, sow it everywhere.” – George Washington

      “The culture [of tobacco] is pernicious. This plant greatly exhausts the soil. Of course, it requires much manure, therefore other productions are deprived of manure, yielding no nourishment for cattle, there is no return for the manure expended… It is impolitic… The fact well established in the system of agriculture is that the best hemp and the best tobacco grow on the same kind of soil. The former article is of the first necessity to the commerce and marine, in other words to the wealth and protection of the country. The latter, never useful and sometimes pernicious, derives its estimation from caprice, and its best value from the taxes to which it was formerly exposed…” – Thomas Jefferson, Farm Journal (16 March 1791)

      “If people let government decide which foods they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.” – Thomas Jefferson

      Our Declaration, and Mayflower sails, were made of hemp. In some colonies, land owners had to grow hemp in order to sustain themselves and keep America independent of foreign goods. Hemp was used for cloth, rope, oil, medicine and paper, among other things. Even the US promoted hemp at one time:

      Hemp for Victory (Department of Agriculture)
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne9UF-pFhJY

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    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:15pm

      I find it funny that you would quote Jefferson in this instance as he was a health nut.

      1819 letter to Doctor Vine Utley:
      “Sir,—Your letter of February the 18th came to hand on the 1st instant; and the request of the history of my physical habits would have puzzled me not a little, it not been for the model with which you accompanied it, of Doctor Rush’s answer to a similar inquiry. I live so much like other people, that I might refer to ordinary life as the history of my own. Like my friend the Doctor, I have lived temperately, eating little animal food, and that not as an aliment, so much as a condiment for the vegetables, which constitute my principal diet. I double however, the Doctor’s glass and a half of wine, and even treble it with a friend; but halve its effects by drinking the weak wines only. The ardent wines I cannot drink, nor do I use ardent spirits in any form. Malt liquors and cider are my table drinks, and My breakfast, like that also of my friend, is of tea and coffee. I have been blest with organs of digestion which accept and concoct, without ever murmuring, whatever the palate chooses to consign to them, and I have not yet lost a tooth by age.” – Thomas Jefferson

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:52pm

      @AxelPhanton I’m not debating whether drugs are good or bad. I can quote plenty of statements made by our founding fathers regarding Health, and one’s well being, also. Benjamin Franklin‘s Poor Richard’s Almanac has plenty of nice tid bits on how to properly eat and how to get enough exercise for the body. These same founding fathers would sometimes accuse each other of doing drugs (narcotics~), but they would never criminalize each other over improper or self destructive behavior. Granted, if we had the same freedom today, our liberal culture wouldn’t know how to act responsibly, but Liberty is not for us to define, but to preserve. Samuel Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” This means that we, as a people, must ensure that society is moral, educated, and religious. Government cannot accomplish the same, and any attempt by the Government to do so, would lead to corruption and a distortion of our Constitution, for they have no Powers adequate enough to deal with an immoral and rebellious people. This is why we have Progressives and Big Government politicians today. They want to unconstitutionally expand or create powers (especially those within federal Government) to deal with our society’s problems, for which matters they are not made responsible, for they were never granted power to deal with them. Our churches, communities and families are the answer.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:58pm

      Colt,

      Therein lies the problem! Freedom and liberty are not interchangable words. You have the freedom to kill someone in cold blood, liberty asks “should you?” Freedom is designed by man’s laws, Liberty is defined by natural law.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:21pm

      @AxelPhantom OK. I see what you mean there. But freedom in that sense is more aligned with free will, which everyone has, and Liberty in that sense, is more aligned with Justice, which must be established equally for the protection of everyone.

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:30pm

      Colt,

      Yes, now you are getting it!

      Liberty is governened by Natural rights/Virtue (justice/judgement is a virtue) it is given by “The Creator”. Freedom is granted (and can be taken away) by man, thus our ability to jail someone.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:48pm

      @AxelPhanton Got it. This piece by Jefferson always comes to mind though:

      “1. That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.” – Va. Bill of Rights

      All men are by nature equally free and independent. This is where Progressives fail and slip off into utopia enacting innumerable amounts of legislation all based on good intentions for our own good. Which is why we have Constitutions, and why we base our Laws on God given Rights, not Government sanctioned privileges.

      “But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty, and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing. It behooves you, therefore, to be watchful in your States as well as in the Federal Government.” – Andrew Jackson, Farewell Address, March 4, 1837

      “No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.” – Mark Twain (1866)

      “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress…. But then I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain

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    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:53pm

      @AxelPhanton I understand your reasoning in all this. IMHO, perhaps I’m too anxious to restore America as the founding fathers intended it, and should take it step by step. Nonetheless, I won’t give up fighting for this country, as best as I can. God bless.

      Nice talking with you. Have a good day. : )

      Report Post »  
    • AxelPhantom
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:03pm

      Colt,

      Ha! Twain is my favorite author! He was quite a character as well.

      We have a huge long battle ahead of all of us. It will not be solved anytime in our lifetimes. The Constitution is great, but it is neither the begining nor the end of defining America.

      Just keep trying to get people (your fellow Libertarians as well) to not stop at the Constitution or with Jefferson or Washington, that they must understand the philosophies (many of them religious) behind the words to have a real understanding and take this country in the right direction.

      Report Post »  
  • Blazer123
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:57am

    Prohibition is great… For the cartels!

    Kick the cartels in the teeth by legalizing cannabis. http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/gary-johnson-talks-marijuana-refrom

    Report Post »  
    • Charles
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:21pm

      Exactly. Take the black market money out of the hands of the criminals and it knocks their teeth out. The hysterical Americans (ahem. . mostly “conservative” Republicans) will scream at the top of their lungs about this to the point Central America will not go through with it.

      Report Post »  
    • SamIamTwo
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:43pm

      Malcom X would differ with you. Cooling out the masses is just that. Keep your edge…and MMJ has some serious THC. It’s not what they use to smoke in the old days…one hit will take you away for hours. A brownie will take you on a 5 hour trip.

      Report Post » SamIamTwo  
  • qpwillie
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:33am

    Well hey, Paulbots, there you go. Just move to Guatemala and you‘ll have someone who wants to legalize drugs and thinks all the world’s evils are America’s fault.

    Report Post » qpwillie  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:57am

      How much you want to bet some would? Heck, many can’t stand the U.S. anyways, we might be better for it in the long run QP.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 3:13pm

      Ignorant comments like these will get us nowhere. Thanks for your input though… Oh, how much I have learned.

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 4:40pm

      We’re not rying to teach you anything COLT. You’ve already proven yourself closed minded where common sense begins.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 5:23pm

      Like I said…

      Ignorant comments like these will get us nowhere. Thanks for your input though.

      Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:32am

    I see a lot of arguing over Ron Paul here. You just have to ask yourself one question. If Ron Paul is so against the way that government is run. Then why has he been in it up to his eyeballs for over 20 years? He‘s just like the rest of them that couldn’t make it in the real world. He can’t act so the only thing left was politics.
    He is no conservative, and I wouldn’t go to his office if he was the last doctor on earth. He’s just like Obama about the letters he wrote over the last 30 years. He wants to blame someone else for the content.
    So he will not get my vote. Because if he gets elected then there any change at all from what we have now.

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  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:10am

    Let this country become the example to the world as I think that it will. Hope Ron Paul will pay attention to the destruction that he wants to bring to this country.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • flyoverbob
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:31am

      It’s about regulation,which translates to revenue.You think Obama wouldn’t go for this? It wold just be inctremental,just medecinal at first.You know you are depressed,high blood pressure,hypertension,in pain.
      Well that would cover all of us huh.
      Come on folks stop being so backward,bring on the tax money

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    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:24pm

      FLYOVERBOB, Of course I believe that the coke head 0bama will go for this. It is just lower on his list that it is on Ron Paul’s list. Regardless, it will ultimately be destructive for the country.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • TheCenturion
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:10am

    What? Gary Johnson is president of Guatamala?

    Report Post »  
  • Thevoice
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:06am

    Come on be real ..So we legalize drugs…And then what sell coke and heroin in the store next to the malt liquor. O..That would be good….And do this and say well its all good because it’s taxed….

    Report Post » Thevoice  
  • weneedhonesty
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:00am

    The War On Poverty seems to have increased poverty.
    The War On Drugs seems to have increased drug use and created a whole new underground economy of violence.
    War on gun ownership left good citizens defenseless
    War on Global Warming lead professors to make up statistics to get grants and free money.
    We look forward to see the results on the War On Obesity, War On Religion, War On Capitalism, and War On Freedom

    Report Post »  
    • NoNannyState4me
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:06pm

      This is the BEST post the Blaze has received in months. The Truth, plain and simple.

      “Hey, get her hands of my legal booze! I need to get F’d up and yell at illegal potheads!”

      Report Post » NoNannyState4me  
  • MFHorn3
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:58am

    Inspite of the fact that millions of Americans consumed illegal drugs peacefully with no serious repurcusions this weekend, we should make drugs super-mega-ultra illegal in the U.S. You shouldn’t be able to swing a cat by the tail without hitting a DEA agent. All the money we are spending on wars overseas should be used right here to wage war against those who peacefully consume illegal drugs in our country.

    Report Post »  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:57am

    I’ve asked it before, and I’ll keep right on asking…

    WHY aren’t Mexican citizens DEMANDING SECURE, SEALED BORDERS?

    Truly secure borders will dry up the drug market, virtually overnight.
    With no way to get their product (drugs) to market (U.S., Guatemala), the drug dealers will CHOOSE
    to go out of the drug business. They do not do it for fun. They do it for MONEY.
    If they cannot get the drugs to the customers, they will have no financial motive.

    Without the drug gangs/durg lords, there would not be the TENS OF THOUSANDS of MURDERS, KIDNAPPINGS, BEHEADDINGS, RAPES, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, and other related crimes AGAINST MEXICAN CITIZENS!!!

    So, I will continue to ask,
    WHY AREN’T MEXICAN CITIZENS DEMANDING SECURE BORDERS ! ? ! ?

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • MFHorn3
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:22am

      In orer to stop illegal drug consumption in the U.S., you would have to turn the country into a maximum security prison. Even that would’t stop it; inmates in maximum security prisons consume illegal drugs.

      Report Post »  
    • NoNannyState4me
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:14pm

      MFhorn is right, absolutely.

      Prohibition of anything is adverse to freedom whether it be booze, guns, religion or, yes marijuana.

      “The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this.”
      - Albert Einstein quote on marijuana

      Report Post » NoNannyState4me  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:05pm

      NoNannyState4me,
      Albert Einstein also said there is nothing faster than the speed of light, but of course now science knows there is something faster.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:54am

    What does it mean for the U.S? It means increased drug supply free flowing through Central America and will bring the battle on drugs directly to the U.S border because surely Mexico will follow by legalizing drugs. It means that the Central American and Mexican governments will help ensure the free flow of drugs. It means that just as it was in the early 1800′s the British Empire banned the slave trade, and the U.S became the boogieman to the world, so will the U.S become the boogieman in the legal drug world. It will end up meaning that the U.S would be in violation of international law as I‘m sure the international community would respect Central America’s laws over the U.S laws. It means nothing but problems for the U.S and is why the U.S should have legalized drugs a long time ago, and should have never made them illegal.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • KingCanon
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:52am

    When Jesus spoke about end time mayhem and lawlessness He meant globally. There
    you go, just one more step in that eminent direction! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!

    Report Post » KingCanon  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:47am

    Sounds like Molina has come to the conclusion that you can‘t stop people from using ’illegal’ drugs and the violence that comes with it.It‘s too bad our federal government won’t allow the states to deal with the problem,just end the prohibition on drugs and the violence goes away.People assume because drugs are legal we would have more addicts and that’s not true,other countries have legalized drugs and not seen an increase in addicts.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:56am

      We don’t need to guess at hypothetical legalization schemes. Our experience with legally prescribed narcotics has already proven it, and we now have an epidemic. This, despite doing everything the theorists have asked, from oversight to regulation to prescription requirements.

      Normalizing, de-stigmatizing, and legalizing illegal drugs lowers their price and increases their use. As a recent RAND study on California found, legalization of marijuana there would cut the price by as much as 80% and increase use from as little as 50% to as much as 100%. Just what California, just what our society, needs.

      As for the current drug policies curtailing personal freedom, the question is: Whose freedom? The drug dealers’, sure… the drug consumers, no.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:14am

      We ended prohibition on alcohol and we didn’t have thousands of bodies in the streets,when alcohol was illegal it created a black market and bootleggers and violence that goes with it.If drugs are legalized the gangs wouldn‘t be fighting over ’turf‘ to sell drugs and more people wouldn’t use drugs just because they’re legal.

      The DEA stops what 2-3 % of the drugs coming in here? The ‘war’ on drugs is BS we spend millions of dollars trying to stop the importation of illegal drugs and it doesn’t work,legalize it and be done with it.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:31am

      Prohibition in the US, much maligned by libertarians, was not such a failure. It had many good results… consumption of alcohol declined substantially, as did the cirrhosis death rate for men (cut by two-thirds between 1911 and 1929), and arrests for public drunkenness dropped 50 per cent between 1919 and 1922. The truth is, prohibition works well on a lot of things, and that’s good news. Bad things should be banned, pure and simple.

      Moreover, both the state and religious groups condemn many things, and want to see many things banned or prohibited: murder, rape, and so on. The fact that these things are discouraged or banned by the state clearly does not mean they are increasing. Indeed, rates of these activities would surely be much higher if they were legalised. Thus seeking to discourage certain behaviours and activities is both a good idea and a practical one.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • MFHorn3
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:07pm

      @Time-2 End….“Bad things should be banned pure and simple”
      I love it when you quote Kim Jung-il

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:21pm

      MFHORN3. That was, well, a very profound posting that you have contributed. Thank you! I really mean that! Can you also quote something from the Ron Paul Newsletters while you’re at it? I love quotes.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • MFHorn3
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:41pm

      Of course, I was quoting you. “Bad things should be banned, pure and simple.” That really does sound like something you would hear from a totalitarian dictator. The number of things one could consider to be “bad” would be infinite.

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 1:00pm

      […] a man, not having the power of his own life, cannot, by compact, or his own consent, enslave himself to any one, nor put himself under the absolute, arbitrary power of another, to take away his life, when he pleases. No body can give more power than he has himself; and he that cannot take away his own life, cannot give another power over it […] But though this be a state of liberty, yet it is not a state of licence: though man in that state have an uncontroulable liberty to dispose of his person or possessions, yet he has not liberty to destroy himself […]

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:43am

    Legalization of Drugs in Guatemala proposes a profitable distribution point then to push through Mexico to the United States of America so long as Catholics and Mormons fail to urge our federal government to enforce our current laws on border security.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • Sirfoldallot
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:52am

      I’m ready 2 drop the Cathlic faith if they cave in, wat a bunch of moe’s if they r weak 2 dictators. I’m pissed @ this faith 4 voting 2 pass this health care bill , now after they read it ,,WTH.

      Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:35am

    He must have been in the room when Ron Paul and Barney Frank were sharin’ the bong and forming a rather close bond for drug legalization here in the U.S. in 2011.

    AND just for the heck of it…

    Drugs, Guns and Madness in the Ron Paul Revolution aim.org/special-report

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:55am

      How dare you slander Ron Paul the only constitutional conservative running,Rep Paul doesn’t use illegal drugs sir.shame on you and your first born.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:04am

      Stop your whining SLAYER! Ron Paul is neo-liberal quasi-con and a foreign policy progressive. You insult me (a Conservative), and every other American Conservative by even mentioning Ron Paul in a sentence along with the word Conservative. Ron Paul is on the wrong side on most every important issue today (just like Obama) except for the economy (and he’s even a bit out there on his version).

      Slander my arse. Go get some fresh air.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:20am

      Wrong on all points as usual. Paul,the ONLY constitutional conservative running the rest are big government progressives with their oppressive control of the people,endless regulations and taxes.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:24am

      Getting back to Drugs SLAYER.

      Young people disillusioned with American society and government are being drawn into the “guns and weed” philosophy and leaving their families. It’s much the same thing that happened with the New Left, the SDS and the Weather Underground in the 1960s. One distraught mother who says her daughter was brainwashed into joining the Ron Paul movement. “I just wonder if the voters know what kind of political groups are backing Ron Paul’s campaign,” she tells me.

      These are young people who have “dropped out,” to use the vernacular of LSD guru Timothy Leary, but are dropping back in through the Ron Paul campaign. They have certainly become cannon fodder for the Ron Paul Revolution. Ron Paul is their Messiah, with Gary Johnson, the libertarian former New Mexico Governor and drug legalization advocate, waiting in the wings. The “Next Ron Paul,” as he has been called, has openly talked about the joys of smoking marijuana.

      It’s of course worthwhile that these young people have taken an interest in politics, but their political activities resemble something that we used to associate with the New Left and the anti-government radicals and communists of the 1960s. They are not only destroying their lives with drugs, but embracing a political philosophy that would leave America defenseless against real enemies abroad.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:35am

      Here’s one for ya yep,cocaine was legal in the 1800‘s and the country didn’t collapse because of too many addicts.Cocaine became illegal and what happened? Drug lords with lots of guns to protect their ‘turf’ and thousands murdered to keep their supply lines open.Corruption on both sides of the border to keep the drugs moving north.We end the ‘war’ on drugs and the violence dies with it.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 11:54am

      SLAYER. What I see is a another Ron Paul groupie trying to rationalize bad behavior and presenting lame excuses and examples to further an agenda. Deep down inside.. I know that older Ron Paul supporters know that this drug legalization pandering is just a way to get the kiddies on board the Ron Paul crazy train. C’mon…. admit it.

      Heck, I even read a Ron Paul supporter rationalizing drugs by using the example that George Washington used hemp as a way to treat the pain regarding his rotten teeth? I wish you would quit using the founders in that manner to further the insanity of drug legalization in the here and now.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • NoNannyState4me
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:28pm

      Using the founders to rationalize the ending of prohibition is not only the act of Patriot but also shows ones willingness to acknowledge historical cause and effect.

      Anyone who opposes this, thinks they are smarter than Albert Einstein. I am sure the t2etp offers himself as a superior intellect to Einstein, so let’s just take that as a given.

      “The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this.”
      - Albert Einstein

      Report Post » NoNannyState4me  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 12:53pm

      NANNY.

      “Using the founders to rationalize the ending of prohibition is not only the act of Patriot but also shows ones willingness to acknowledge historical cause and effect.”

      ROTHFLMAO!

      AND…

      UNBELIEVABLE! What some pot heads will do, write, say… or put a spin on to rationalize the druggie argument. I’m not specifically calling YOU a pot head or druggie NANNY… because I ‘ve read here that most Paul supporters don’t do drugs, nor do they know anyone who does. It’s just smart policy.

      Again… ROTFLMAO!

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • Sirfoldallot
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:33am

    Be for dictators take over they get the ppl on drugs & booz , hint hint .

    Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
  • Grasshopper42
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:33am

    That war on drugs is working as well as that war on terrorism.

    Report Post » Grasshopper42  
  • Cobra Blue
    Posted on February 12, 2012 at 10:29am

    Great idea..just turn the country over to the drug lords. Can you say…’there goes the neighborhood boys and girls.” Giving in to evil never, never works. Mark it down.

    Report Post »  
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