Drug Laws

[jimnyc]

This will still be a "debate", but starting off with Perianne offering a proposal of sorts, and fj1200 will be the opposing side. I will let them both decide how the thread best proceeds.

** Reminder - this is to remain just between these two. Nobody else should be replying in this thread. Any replies outside of these 2 will be deleted and the offender will be banned from this section of the board. **

Upon completion, I will open a poll to see how the "people" would vote for their politician's stances.

Here is Peri's opening proposal, and fj1200 can respond and take it from there.

1. Increased length of incarceration for convicted drug users and/or anyone involved in the drug trade. Illegal drug dealers receive minimum 20-year incarceration.
2. No governmental aid to anyone using illegal drugs (that includes healthcare, food stamps, welfare, etc.)
3. Legalization of medical marijuana, with the provision that physicians who prescribe medical marijuana without just cause receive infractions against their license.
4. Any crime that is a person is convicted of having committed while (a) under the influence of, or (b) in pursuit of funds for illegal drugs, is automatic felony with three-strike rule.
5. If a person is convicted of causing the death of another person while under the influence of an illegal drug, the minimum charge is premeditated murder.
6. Monthly drug tests of all workers employed by the Federal Government with penalties to be negotiated.

[fj1200]

The original premise was that we were the leaders of each branch of Congress and as such were tasked with coming up with a law that would reform our drug policies on a national basis. Based on what has been presented I disagree with each point as most of those are state issues and are better handled at the state level. From a conservative standpoint I think this is an instance where the Federal government is doing too much and we need to look at doing things not just differently but better.

1. I think current penalties are sufficient regarding drug dealing. There is a difference with a kid dealing and a kingpin; they need to be treated accordingly.
2. Most welfare is administered at the states but I wouldn't be opposed to the states adopting such rules (I'll do some research). Does this apply to Social Security and Medicare?
3. I think this is unnecessary as I think marijuana needs to be decriminalized at the very least.
4. Again, I think this is a state issue and should be determined there.
5. I would be surprised if this wasn't a factor already.
6. No. Notwithstanding the bureaucratic nightmare of administering this type of program each Federal employee is innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. I would support easier dismissal of convicted Federal employees.

I'll do some research and have my proposal shortly.

[Perianne]

I'll do some research and have my proposal shortly.

It's been six months. Perhaps you have forgotten?

[fj1200]

It's been six months. Perhaps you have forgotten?

Perhaps. Would you at all agree to anything that doesn't comport to your vision?

[Perianne]

Perhaps. Would you at all agree to anything that doesn't comport to your vision?

Absolutely. I am willing to negotiate.

[fj1200]

Absolutely. I am willing to negotiate.

Color me skeptical.

http://www.debatepolicy.com/showthread.php?50922-Hearing