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VAKEMP · 01-04-2010, 11:42

The only reason the Mexican drug lords have so much money/power is because Americans are buying their drugs. I think that those inclined to take illegal substances will always find a way to get their hands on what they want. I also wonder how much of the "sexy factor" comes into play with people who think it's exciting to participate in something that is considered taboo. Of course that isn't such a great idea with highly addictive substances, but I doubt that red flag pops up in the head of the average addict.

I live on the Navajo Reservation, and have lived here off and on since '88. Alcohol is illegal here on the 'rez, which I think is a perfect example of "good initiative, bad judgment" in relation to the topic of legalizing drugs. In an effort to prevent the abuse of alcohol on the 'rez, the Navajo Nation does not allow the possession, use or sale of alcohol on its land. A very noble endeavor, but us humans always find a way to get what we want. Some folks simply do their drinking off of the 'rez, and/or (typically and) bring some liquor back with them. The hardcore alcoholics end up becoming "glaanis" (beggars/bums), asking for money outside of shops and using the cash to buy booze (or hairspray if they can't afford the real stuff).

Then there are the bootleggers. One of my friend's dads has a small booklet FULL of contact info for bootleggers, and the info is just for that town! Of course they double/triple the prices for the booze, since they are providing it as a convenience. The nearest towns off the 'rez can be over a 3-hour drive depending on where you live.

There is also the fact that the bootleggers don't care who they sell to. They will sell to anyone, at any age. I remember going with my friends to pick up some Garden Deluxe from a bootlegger when we were in 6th grade. I had to hide in the bushes while they went up to the house, since the presence of a "bilagaana" (anglo) kid would probably make the bootleggers a bit uncomfortable. A few minutes later my friends returned with the booze, and off we went into the desert on our BMX bikes.

I'm not saying legalizing alcohol would prevent abuse on the 'rez. However, it's apparently difficult to address a problem that isn't supposed to exist since it's illegal. How many officials would be willing to approve some sort of alcoholics anonymous type of program when alcohol is illegal? I would much rather have legalized alcohol so there are controls in place to make it harder for minors to get booze, so they can tax it and educate the public on alcohol abuse (maybe throw a little $$ to the schools to improve overall education, too), and of course have one less opportunity for bad people to do bad things.

I understand why people want drugs to remain illegal: they turn people into addicts and ruin lives. I also understand the government's reluctance to legalize drugs, as I doubt it would take long for a parent to sue for "making" their child an addict. But personally I would rather have to deal with one idiot trying to break into my home looking for things to steal so he can get his next fix than a squad of assassins pulling up next to my vehicle with high-caliber weapons because I said hi to one of their ex-girlfriends.

01-04-2010, 11:42	#45
VAKEMP Auxiliary Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wherever I'm needed Posts: 75	The only reason the Mexican drug lords have so much money/power is because Americans are buying their drugs. I think that those inclined to take illegal substances will always find a way to get their hands on what they want. I also wonder how much of the "sexy factor" comes into play with people who think it's exciting to participate in something that is considered taboo. Of course that isn't such a great idea with highly addictive substances, but I doubt that red flag pops up in the head of the average addict. I live on the Navajo Reservation, and have lived here off and on since '88. Alcohol is illegal here on the 'rez, which I think is a perfect example of "good initiative, bad judgment" in relation to the topic of legalizing drugs. In an effort to prevent the abuse of alcohol on the 'rez, the Navajo Nation does not allow the possession, use or sale of alcohol on its land. A very noble endeavor, but us humans always find a way to get what we want. Some folks simply do their drinking off of the 'rez, and/or (typically and) bring some liquor back with them. The hardcore alcoholics end up becoming "glaanis" (beggars/bums), asking for money outside of shops and using the cash to buy booze (or hairspray if they can't afford the real stuff). Then there are the bootleggers. One of my friend's dads has a small booklet FULL of contact info for bootleggers, and the info is just for that town! Of course they double/triple the prices for the booze, since they are providing it as a convenience. The nearest towns off the 'rez can be over a 3-hour drive depending on where you live. There is also the fact that the bootleggers don't care who they sell to. They will sell to anyone, at any age. I remember going with my friends to pick up some Garden Deluxe from a bootlegger when we were in 6th grade. I had to hide in the bushes while they went up to the house, since the presence of a "bilagaana" (anglo) kid would probably make the bootleggers a bit uncomfortable. A few minutes later my friends returned with the booze, and off we went into the desert on our BMX bikes. I'm not saying legalizing alcohol would prevent abuse on the 'rez. However, it's apparently difficult to address a problem that isn't supposed to exist since it's illegal. How many officials would be willing to approve some sort of alcoholics anonymous type of program when alcohol is illegal? I would much rather have legalized alcohol so there are controls in place to make it harder for minors to get booze, so they can tax it and educate the public on alcohol abuse (maybe throw a little $$ to the schools to improve overall education, too), and of course have one less opportunity for bad people to do bad things. I understand why people want drugs to remain illegal: they turn people into addicts and ruin lives. I also understand the government's reluctance to legalize drugs, as I doubt it would take long for a parent to sue for "making" their child an addict. But personally I would rather have to deal with one idiot trying to break into my home looking for things to steal so he can get his next fix than a squad of assassins pulling up next to my vehicle with high-caliber weapons because I said hi to one of their ex-girlfriends.
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