Legalizing drugs is wrong way to help economy

Publication Date: 04/07/2009

 I know the economy is hurting right now and that everyone has an idea on how to get out of the slump. Please, though, let’s make sure we don’t lose our morals along the way. All this talk about legalizing drugs in order to tax them is making me sick! Supporters say it would end the war on drugs. I disagree, because to me part of the war on drugs is making sure that abusers can’t get their hands on them. If the government legalized them, then it would be a heyday for abusive users. Supporters argue that people need them for medical usage, the big one being marijuana.  We have come along way in medical technology and there are other medicines out there that can do just as well or better than marijuana. Plus, marijuana is still a danger. It has been linked to worsen the effects of ADD, ADHD, cause schizophrenia, impair judgment and cause hallucinations. Yes, it would increase tax revenue and provide the government with loads of money, but that does not make it right. Officers talk of drug money; well, that’s what the tax money would be. By taxing it, you would be providing an easier way for people of all ages, including kids to get their hands on it. I am appalled that people would even be arguing for this. This puts people’s lives at risk, including our children. It would be the worst kind of public policy in the history of the United States! 

Jimmy Cox
Senior, College of Liberal Arts