Well, I wasn't going to chime in due to the nature of the subject, and the (sometimes) strongly conflicting views, but I do know that we are all family here, and even when we GREATLY disagree with one another, when it's all said and done, we can hug one another, and THEN take out the blades for some fun.
My view on a couple of things.
Drugs being legalized is a bad idea to me. I will say that there is not a drug out there that does not have medical benefits, when used in a responsible manner,(ie, under a doctor's close observation) however, due to the highly addictive nature of the illegal narcotics, people can not be left to monitor their own use, due to an obvious conflict of interest. Now, if by some means, you are able to control your consumption to the point of said drug not interfereing with your daily productive life, great, however I am afraid that you are in the minority, and since recreational drug use is not necessary for life on this planet, the minority is not large enough to justify legalization of drugs. Due to this being a subject of welfare, the steps go as such: Drug endulgence leads to addiction, addiction leads to unemployment, unemployment leads to poverty, poverty leads to crime, and crime, well that is what we do not want. Now again, I am sure there are cases where this little equation does not fit, however those are far and few between.
I will say for disclosure purposes that I have never done many things in my life, of which are: drugs of any type, never smoked anything, and never taken a sip of alcohol, well unless Nyquil counts. So I have never been drunk, or had a buzz, and never been high to any extent. This is what is right for me, and my choice alone. I would never tell anyone that they can not do those things when they keep to themselves. However, when your choice to do any of those things directly affects me or my family, (ie, stealing from me, driving drunk and hitting me and my family head on.) then yes, you obviously need to be controlled.
As for welfare, I believe that if you need me to give you my hard earned money in return for nothing, then you better be doing everything you can to get to a point where you do not need my money any longer. This means not having a 50inch plasma tv, no satellite tv with 500 channels, no eating out in resturants, no buying $150.00 shoes, no getting drunk or doing drugs, no further manufacturing of children, etc. Now you think that sounds harsh, and no fun? I agree, but then you are not paying for it. You want to do those things? GREAT!!! Get a job and then NO ONE can tell you what to do with your money. If I can go and get a second job to pay for the things that my family enjoys, then so can anyone else. The only times I think that someone can be exempt from this is if you have a child that MUST be taken care of constantly, or a spouse. If you are incapable physically of working, again, I really do not mind putting a few cents a month towards making your life a little easier, but being on welfare simply because it is the easiest way to sit on your butt and do nothing, you are a waste of human flesh.
Ok I feel better now, I spoke my mind. Again, I may not agree with everyone and their views, but it is good to see what someone else has to say, if nothing more than to make a better judgement call on your owns views. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
