Robert, how would you solve the drug issues facing society today?
Dave. It's not an easy problem to solve. I'd be pretty dumb to suggest otherwise.
However, what's happening today is that we are not applying the basic human principals to how we govern anymore. We are moving further and further away from that.
First and foremost...each person must be responsible for their own actions and be willing to face the consequences of their own decisions (good or bad). That is a value that should be engrained in us from the beginning of civilization. Unfortunately it is NOT. Society lives with a sense of entitlement and that they should not have to be responsible for their actions as well as not suffer any consequence for the poor choices they make. The consequences of one's actions whether it effects their health, finances, relationships....etc.....must be on their own heads. Expecting to be bailed out from government and taxpayers from one's poor choices is NOT how society should be run....but we are heading more and more in that direction.
Here is what I would try and implement...and make no mistake...this is an idea that I would run across and brainstorm with other conservatives who are experts in the legalities, logistics.....etc. I do NOT have all the answers for this and would consult with the right people to make sure it gets done properly:
For all the money we spend on 'band aids', I would build 2 or 3 massive rehab centers across the country. Any staff member caught smuggling in drugs for the addicts would be sentenced to death if convicted. Every hard street drug addict would have the choice to go there and get clean or go to prison for when they are caught breaking the law. Yes....being in possession of most street drugs is still a crime and not too long ago you'd get locked up for it.
Then....any drug addict who is put in prison would be in an environment where it would be literally impossible for them to get drugs. Same as the rehab...any staff caught smuggling in drugs for prisoners would be sentenced to death if convicted. The prisoner would be in there for at least a year (give or take)….that should be enough time to get the worst of the addiction out of them.
I think when released, you'd see a 30-50% 'stay clean' rate. The one's who went to the rehabs on their own will would be substantially higher 'stay clean' rate.
As for the ones who keep getting back on the drugs when they get out and continue to steal and break into people's personal property, there would be a 3 strikes rule, and then would register as a career criminal. This is the 3 strikes rule...Career criminals would go to prison for 5 years then released....if they reoffend, then 10 years....then the 3rd time life in prison. By this point it would be a forgone conclusion that this person has no intention of ever contributing to society.
Also, the 'Career Criminal' registration would not just be for drug addicts. Anyone with a long rap sheet would face the same label and prison time....and the 3 strikes rule.
People who don't contribute to society have no right to make life miserable for hard working tax paying citizens. Also, the only difference between a drug addict here and say a....thief, etc....is that the drug addict would actually get a total of 6 strikes before life in prison.
Again...this is just a brainstorm, but I'd like very much to see something of this nature happen.
Of course in this bleeding heart world.....we all know my idea would never survive the first reading.