>>Additionally, I have yet to see recreational (ie. non-presecritive, professionally directed) do anyone any good whatsoever.
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>>As an escape from rality? Sure, no doubt. But a healthy one? I'd personally think not. I'd rather take a nice walk in the forest or on the beach.
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>One interesting tidbit I took away from a documentary on dutch prostitution and drug policy... The person said don't confuse "tolerate" with "condone".
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>One can turn a drug addict into a criminal or a patient.

Evan,

Understood. Look, my 'take' on drugs are that they are bad with little or no redeeming intrinsic value - apart from any possible medicinal issues of course. I think that they are an escape just like alcohol or going to the movies every night (I know someone who goes almost every night - a family member - and I think it's just as much an escape as drugs). Some folks would look at me and say that they think my faith is equally an escape from reality. <g> I'd disagree of course but I can see where it could be for some folks.

I guess I just want to live my life and not escape from it and I think drugs are an escape.

As far as the legal stuff goes I do have mixed feelings. I'm tending towards going easier on the casual user and reducing the 'three strikes' stuff and throwing the book at dealers, including and up to public executions like a good old hanging. Might sound harsh but those who peddle are a lot more 'evil' IMO than the weak individual who cannot resist. Singapore has little or no crime but don't spit on the sidewalk. <g> I think they go a little too far but you must admit it works. There has to be a reasonable tradeoff somewhere I'd think.

The problem with going easier on the casual user is that they still will provide an incentive for the pusher and as long as there's a market people will take the risks. You might be surprised to find that William F. Buskley, no liberl there, is in favor of legalizing drugs like marijuana. I believe he wants to tax them like cigarettes. If you could assure the removal of the criminal element that might not be a bad avenue (though I still believe drugs are intrinsically harmful)to go. At some point we idealists need to also recognize the nature of human nature and I think that's what Mr. Buckley is trying to do.

I see no reason why someone couldn't get some rehabilitative help but the pusher should be punished IMO.

Just my anachronistic opinion... <g>