Ever Notice Drug Deals in Supermarket, Walmart Pkg Lots?

[billwot]

Originally Posted by tcox4freedom

I don't me to offend; but it's this type of attitude that has allowed criminals to become so embolden. I believe if more people would pick up their phone and complain, our streets would be safer.

I've called law enforcement about such activities; and on suspected DUI and Road rage suspects as well. I never once have had to go to court; nor regretted my decision for any reason. I've never even had to give my name.

The way I look at is this: "If my family is going to be going "anywhere", it is my responsibility to keep them safe as possible." Sometimes calling and complaining about suspected illegal actvity is the right thing to do.

One of the biggest reasons for the rise in crime is civilians aren't willing to get involved. Most LEO departments appreciate it when the citizens take a role in reporting criminal activity.

Agreed. I have phoned in observed drug transactions and suspected DUIs. I gave location, description of vehicle, and license number. I figure a if a dealer just completed a transaction, he will have furhter evidence of illegal activity in his vehicle and/or on his person. In the case of a DUI, a LEO can quickly make that determination.

bill

[NDS]

Originally Posted by surfcc

Before you go off on me condoning crime, I don't see the value in spending a fortune to stop people from self-destructive behavior. If we would limit our crime-fighting resources to acting against behaviors that damage others and allow people to harm or even destroy themselves we'd all be better off.


Major problem with your argument is if we sanction drug use, then we must sanction the crime that follows with it. How the heck is the govt going to regulate the flow of drugs from the major drug cartels in Columbia and Mexico? Do you think for a minute these cartels will participate in NAFTA or even pretend to play by some govt's rules?

So, if I agree with you I must assume the Founding Fathers were wrong when they wrote the Constitution. The government should not have allowed US citizens to put whatever they pleased in their own bodies and should control their personal lives. In the last century the government has decided the citizens are government property and may control them completely. The crime, cartels, and social problems are a result of the government artificially creating a high price for forbidden goods. But, most people have a strong need to control the behavior of others.

Sorry, the only problem I see is your desire to continue the subsidizing of those 'criminals' by maintaining an artificially high price for their goods.

[surfcc]

Originally Posted by NDS

So, if I agree with you I must assume the Founding Fathers were wrong when they wrote the Constitution. The government should not have allowed US citizens to put whatever they pleased in their own bodies and should control their personal lives. In the last century the government has decided the citizens are government property and may control them completely. The crime, cartels, and social problems are a result of the government artificially creating a high price for forbidden goods. But, most people have a strong need to control the behavior of others.

Sorry, the only problem I see is your desire to continue the subsidizing of those 'criminals' by maintaining an artificially high price for their goods.

I never stated that I desire the govt to subsidize or tax anything. However, one would have to assume that anything that this govt does legalize which is currently not legal, would be heavily taxed and subsidized, would it not?

Okay, so if we do legalize it, no strings attached (no taxes, no subsidies, etc) and just let it (drugs) flow over the border freely....then what do you envision?

I don't care what people do to themselves (in the privacy of their homes), so long as it brings no harm to me or my family. So long as what they do to themselves, doesn't require them to rob, steal and even kill to support their own addicition, then I have no problem with that whatsoever.

[NDS]

If you wish to seriously discuss the mess this country is in and reducing the size and intrusiveness of government--that's good. Most people just want to complain about government control of them while still wanting control of others. So, I'll honestly answer you.

Originally Posted by surfcc

I never stated that I desire the govt to subsidize or tax anything. However, one would have to assume that anything that this govt does legalize which is currently not legal, would be heavily taxed and subsidized, would it not?

That is what I believe the government should NOT do. Government needs to restrain itself to its Constitutional duties only and divest itself of all other meddling.

Okay, so if we do legalize it, no strings attached (no taxes, no subsidies, etc) and just let it (drugs) flow over the border freely....then what do you envision?

Honestly? I envision a total and complete short-term disaster. I expect the country would enter a period of chaos similar to that in the years immediately following the Civil War (or war of northern aggression, war of southern rebellion--please, let's not have that discussion again). But, I'm afraid such chaos is unavoidable if we wish to regain our Constitutional Republic. And no, I'm not wishing for the problems, but at some point these unsupportable meddlings will collapse and we will have the price to pay.

I don't care what people do to themselves (in the privacy of their homes), so long as it brings no harm to me or my family. So long as what they do to themselves, doesn't require them to rob, steal and even kill to support their own addicition, then I have no problem with that whatsoever.

As I do. One of the natural consequences of drug abuse is a failure to see the limits of civilized behavior. If these people steal or initiate violence a free populace may stop them with means which could prove lethal. I'll refer you to:
Coffeyville Raid
I consider that a great example of civic responsibility (correctly being your brother's keeper) and citizen involvement.

We're probably not as far apart as you think. I'm just more strident in my statements.