I find it interesting that Milton Friedman was in favor of legalizing drugs such as marijuana, not only for economical reasons, but for moral reasons as well. I can understand his argument, but didn't he also weigh the potential dangers of not limiting people who cannot be responsible with those freedoms? I mean, I guess I can't really assume that some people would ruin it for everyone else, but it seems like a lot of people could end up hurt or killed (i.e. drunk driving).
I also remember being taught that illegal items bring in more money and productivity than if they were to be legalized? I can't quite remember where I'd heard that from, but according to Friedman, this is contrary to his belief. He agreed with a report stating that the legalizing of marijuana would bring $6.2 billion in taxes. Okay, yes, I could see where that would bring in some revenue. But isn't the whole point of smoking pot to "stick it to the man", and disobey the laws and regulations set in place? Once it were legalized, is it possible that use of marijuana would decrease?
I'm not convinced. Can anybody give me a better argument?
If manijuana was legalized I don't think it would decrease too much because people are curious and when people do this drug their bodies become addicted to it. Being addicted to anything is hard to give up so people will continue to use marijuana whether or not it's legal or illegal.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe legalizing marijuana would solve anything. Legalized or not people are still going to continue to do it. Yes it might cut the prison population in half but those who are still using marijuana and other drugs would still be out on the streets risking other peoples lives. Also, I don't think Friedman took into consideration how when people get desperate for drugs they will do anything to get that "fix", even steal. And what about all the innocent children living with their selfish drug addict parents? I could go on and on about this but I'm not convinced either.
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