1 in 32 American Adults in U.S. jails, on probation or parole

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Does anyone know the statistics on how many USC can't vote because of a criminal history? That is what I would find even more interesting. Imagine the power of a government if the majority of its people ever lost the right to vote.

Excellent point!

[Em&Ed 0]

Since a few people here mentioned Holland and it's decriminalized drug laws I thought I'd drop in here for a second. I am from Holland and never have I seen so many people abusing drugs, dealing and all the other side effects from drugs than here in the USA. Does it mean that Holland doesn't have a problem with drugs, no it doesn't, but the government won't throw our a** in jail for smoking a joint or having some pot in your possesion. Now if you start dealing it on the streets or have your own home grown mini plantation in your basement, you will have a problem with the law, but it won't result in years and years spending behind bars. I personally find it ridiculous over here that people get jail time for things that in many other countries would only mean paying a fine or community service, but then again, that is my own opinion and I do understand that it is the way it is over here.

[roscove 0]

I never really understood why people compare the US to other countries. Look at guns for example. They are legal here and the US is way more problems with gun deaths compared to other countries that allow you to own a gun.

People in the US always do things to the extreme. If you make something legal then they will do it anyway possible because it is their "right". There is no concept of moderation in this country.

Also, my understanding was that Holland made "soft drugs" legal but "hard drugs" such as Heroin and Cocaine are still illegal. Also I do not believe you can mass import soft drugs to Holland. That is also illegal. So people should be clear when they talk about legal drug use. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[peejay 327]

Since a few people here mentioned Holland and it's decriminalized drug laws I thought I'd drop in here for a second. I am from Holland and never have I seen so many people abusing drugs, dealing and all the other side effects from drugs than here in the USA. Does it mean that Holland doesn't have a problem with drugs, no it doesn't, but the government won't throw our a** in jail for smoking a joint or having some pot in your possesion. Now if you start dealing it on the streets or have your own home grown mini plantation in your basement, you will have a problem with the law, but it won't result in years and years spending behind bars. I personally find it ridiculous over here that people get jail time for things that in many other countries would only mean paying a fine or community service, but then again, that is my own opinion and I do understand that it is the way it is over here.

I totally agree...somewhat. There is a huge difference between legalize and decriminalize. I am for decriminalizing small amounts for personal use, but the drugs should not be legalized. The government should focus on prosecuting narcotics smuggling and sale. Jail the dealers and smugglers. The users still shouldn't get off light though. Possessed personal use narcotics should be confiscated and there should be sanctions short of jail for offenders.

I smoked a little weed in my youth but gave it up 25+ years ago. Why? My job requires that I submit to regular unscheduled urine tests for drugs. And I will lose my job if my test is positive. If I submit voluntarily to drug counciling and rehab before being caught I can retain my job. If I get caught during a mandatory drug test...tough luck. And that includes testing positive for alcohol too.

For me...earning a good living is more important than smoking weed or showing up at work under the influence of alcohol. It is my choice to be drug free. I don't find these requirements to be draconian.

People cannot go through life breaking laws because they want to or don't agree with them and expect to get away with it. Change the law or suffer the consequences for breaking the law. There are free choices that these people in jail made. If you can't do the time...don't do the crime! But don't whine about it after the fact.

[Peikko 1,575]

I think the point is more that there is a lot of money wasted chasing small time users and jailing them, not whether any drug use (legal or illegal) is a good life choice or not.

Therefore to change the law would be to to try to reduce the ridiculous burden that drug use places on the criminal justice system as a whole and not to somehow condone drug use per se.

The arguments against doing this seem to centre on the notion that decriminilising or making drug use legal would somehow increase the risk of drug abuse amongst the general population. Personally, I find that a nonsense and not proven.

Would the risks be greater for first time users/children where it legal? Again, I don't think anyone would suggest handing these drugs out like candy but rather regulated and handled in a simlilar way to alcohol and cigarettes. I am not for one minute suggesting that cocaine/heroine and their ilk are safe recreational drugs either but the way things are now isn't exactly working too well.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I think the point is more that there is a lot of money wasted chasing small time users and jailing them, not whether any drug use (legal or illegal) is a good life choice or not.

Therefore to change the law would be to to try to reduce the ridiculous burden that drug use places on the criminal justice system as a whole and not to somehow condone drug use per se.

The arguments against doing this seem to centre on the notion that decriminilising or making drug use legal would somehow increase the risk of drug abuse amongst the general population. Personally, I find that a nonsense and not proven.

Would the risks be greater for first time users/children where it legal? Again, I don't think anyone would suggest handing these drugs out like candy but rather regulated and handled in a simlilar way to alcohol and cigarettes. I am not for one minute suggesting that cocaine/heroine and their ilk are safe recreational drugs either but the way things are now isn't exactly working too well.

Well said.