Reply #19: Drug use as it exists is not a victimless crime, in my opinion

[dddem]

In my suburb, thanks to Oxycontin and heroin, car thefts and home break-ins are on the rise. Gun violence and murder are not as shocking as they once were. I blame the use of illegal drugs. if the government had control over the distribution and quality of what the addicts need, and if there were controls, and regulations in place, you would greatly reduce the criminal element. Also, there is tax revenue to be considered (think tobacco and alcohol). And there would be clinics with people to look out for these poor slobs. Lets face it, nobody thinks "I want to grow up and be an addict". It happens. And when it does, I think addicts need to have access to rehab, not jail. With government oversight, I think that's a real possibility. I'm not advocating allowing folks to engage in any and all behavior with no government involvement - on the contrary, I think the government should be in the thick of it - promoting education, safety and abstinence, all while taxing the crap out of FDA approved narcotics. BTW - I enjoy the occasional martini, but that's the extent of my substance abuse (unless you count chocolate).
Peace