Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Kirk plays stupid politics

Mark Kirk's (R-IL) political game to cement right wing voters is both foolish and expensive. Kirk's plan for stiffer penalties for high potency pot would throw more resources into the failed war on drugs. Dear Rep Kirk, if you have not been paying attention, stiffer sentences will not solve the problem. The United States has a higher percentage of it's citizens in prison than any other nation on earth. Putting more people in jail for a longer period will not solve the problem. Should we have made stiffer penalties for more potent moonshine during prohibition? Right. Marijuana should be legalized, regulated and taxed. Problems with children and drugs are more complicated than longer sentences. Poverty, abuse, and neglect are the fuels of the fire. Address these issues, Mr. Kirk, and you will have done something.