Victimless crime?
Drug users are only hurting themselves?
I don't know, but I'd say drug users aren't just hurting themselves. Many commit petty larceny in order to feed their habits, some go overboard too, so is it really victimless?
I had a guy I was enamored with. He was a coke fiend and you know, he really wasn't a bad type of guy, course right now he is in jail doing time for armed robbery... so victimless, no I really don't see that.
On the other hand I believe we either trust those who are judges or we don't. If we do then they should have the descretion to determine the penalty within a range set aside by the legislative bodies. Mandatory sentances that have a narrow scope are in my mind saying we don't trust the judiciary and we all know how that works in the long run don't we?
Is the war on drugs a war or is it a fob to society by those seeking election?
The whole 3 strike law really is more of a condemnation of the existing penal system than it is a cure for recidivism (okay where is the damn spell checker?). I mean if the penal system is to simply punish, then obviously with a high return rate punishment by itself simply isn't working.. so is the answer to increase punishment or to look for other alternatives?
In my mind, irrespective of the alleged crime, the answer is we are losing our compassion, and in turn reaching for harsh penalties in order to protect ourselves, from... ourselves. It is perhaps easier to say well they can't be helped and yes some fall into that, but all? I doubt if the majority even do, but then I am an idealist.
Anyhow just my pennies worth.
Ian