Blog #3

The topic i choose for my  term paper is the legalization of drugs. I am particularly focusing on marijuana. Recent research has lead me to find that Presidential nominee, Mitt Romney is opposed to the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use. He recently stated;

I would not legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes, and the reasons are straightforward: As I talk to people in my state and the federal government about marijuana, they are convinced that it's an entry way into a drug culture for our young people. The idea of medical marijuana is designed to get marijuana out in the public marketplace and ultimately lead to the legalization of marijuana overall. In my view, that's the wrong way to go.  If you'd like to get someone who is in favor of marijuana, I know there are some on the Democratic side of the aisle who will be happy to get in your campaign. But I'm opposed to it, and if you elect me president, you're not going to see legalized marijuana. I'm going to fight it tooth and nail.

On the other hand, President Obama "is just as opposed to marijuana legalization as Romney. Contrary to his campaign promises, he has presided over a crackdown on medical marijuana more aggressive than his Republican predecessor's. The difference is that Romney is candid about his anti-cannabis absolutism, while Obama pretends to be more enlightened and compassionate"

My Claim is: Marijuana is the drug most commonly thought of when you hear "illegal drugs" and this drug alone has the ability to not only reduce crime but majorly boost our economy. 

My Audience is: Congress.

Evidence:  Stamper’s (2010) article states, “Not only is cannabis the biggest cash crop in those 12 states, it’s in the top three in 30 states, the top five in 39.

 Marijuana is the greatest revenue producer of all agricultural products grown in the U.S. With production values of roughly $36 billion annually, the cultivation of marijuana is permanently entrenched within and integrally connected to the U.S. economy. And it’s illegal.” (Stamper, 2010)

Challenges With Controversy: “Studies show that the U.S. collects about $8 billion yearly in taxes from alcohol. The problem is, the total cost to the U.S. in 2008 due to alcohol-related problems was $185 billion. The government pays about 38% of that cost (approximately $72 billion), all due to consequences of alcohol consumption” (Stutman, 2009).

Individuals beliefs and personal experiences are the circumstances that mold the public view of the issue. If a family has someone close to them suffer from drugs or is hurt from someone because of drugs, they can  be opposed to legalization, but for someone who hasn't had these experiences, they can be advocating legalization.

 http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2010/03/legalize_mariju.html

http://reason.com/blog/2012/09/07/romney-vows-to-fight-marijuana-legalizat

Blog #2

First off, the reason I choose the side of legalizing drugs rather than keeping them banned is because from doing extensive research, legalizing drugs can only benefit the economy. Of course, it will take generations for people to respect the rules and not abuse them. When it finally is in place, it will just be something people are used to. 

In Germany, you are allowed to drink wine and beer at a young age. Also when one gets their license, they have to pay a certain amount. By the time they can actually drink liquor, they have a certain amount of respect for the laws. They do not abuse them like we do. They do not take advantage of being able to drive because they actually earned and saved up for a license. 

Despite all this, it is also very easy for me to understand why legalizing drugs is a negative thing. According to Jennifer Shaw, an employment lawyer says “it will make workplaces less safe, increase liability insurance costs and encourage worker lawsuits” (Gosh, 2010). "The last thing we need is another mind-altering substance to be legalized," says John Lovell, a lobbyist for the California Peace Officers' Association.We have enough problems with alcohol and abuse of pharmaceutical products. Drug users will not be able to perform at work and that passage could create a new class of protected California citizens” (Gosh, 2010). Also, “It is believed that if arrested on a drug related charge, people who have committed or are likely to commit serious crimes, are taken off the streets” (Messerli, 2011).

I really do not feel that different audiences are being targeted. Like I said in my speech, I am a person that does not abuse or use drugs and I’ve seen people lives be ruined by drugs I still am a firm believer that legalizing SOME drugs can benefit our economy. 

I also think that assumptions are definitely being made about the people involved. That is coming from both sides, people on the anti legalization look at the pro side and think they are all a bunch of pot smoking hippies. People on the pro legalization side look at the anti legalization side as people who are trying to prevent innocent citizens from expressing themselves. 

Finally each side frames the problem in a different way. The pro legalization people look at the crime rate and our financial status and say it can only get better and its worth a shot, where as the anti legalization people look at our current crime rate and say things will only get worse and we shouldnt try because we are already in a bad place.