Monday, August 30, 2010

Talk of legalizing drugs in Mexico




Interesting discussion on the thought of legalizing drugs in Mexico. What do you think?

52 comments:

  1. Although I am not for using drugs, I think that some type of legalization is necessary, if only to strip certain cartels of some of their power. It is true that drugs are just one of the cartels endeavors. They have very diversified portfolios. I highly (no pun intended)recommend checking out the film "The Union" it provides several views on what strengths and weaknesses prohibition has afforded us. I think that expecting our drug problem to change and doing the exact same thing that has not worked is madness.

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  2. Amsterdam in the south, what a concept! Now that would boost their tourism, weekend visitors and SPRING BREAK, YIKES!!! To not make this a crime would take away the need to police the Marijuana trafficker. Not a good thing for the US, should this move into reality. If we think we have border control issues now I can only imagine the problems down the road. If California voters approve the possession of marijuana, CHA-CHING!! What a lift that would give our prison system, if they had to release all the inmates who were convicted of possession. And if all drugs were legal then it would be up to the individual to make good choices, just like with the food, alcohol and cigarettes. Just another freedom in boundaries.

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  3. The article never truly states what drugs Mexico is considering legalizing. Even though Marijuana is the major drug trafficked, I would be concerned that it is not the only one being considered. And I would have to agree with Kerlikowske, who oversees U.S. drug control policy, that “Mexico's gangs would still wreak havoc”. To think that legalizing drugs would stop a profitable, even though dangerous trade is not recognizing the entire problem. Legalization is not going to stop gangs from finding other ways to turn a quick profit. America has tried to get Mexico to work with them in stopping the drug trade, without much success. Then issues such as how much would be legal, what kinds of drugs, and other ramifications would have to be taken into consideration. Then dealing with all the people who use the “now legal” drugs would create a whole new problem. Mexico has so many problems in their justice system, that I would think that drugs would just be a small portion of the problem. I don’t know the answer to the drug problem. I wish someone could come up with a solution. I know some people compare drugs to the prohibition era, and legalizing alcohol did turn out ok, if you don’t think of all the individuals killed by drunk drivers.

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  4. C.Meeke
    The article never mentions what type of illicit drugs the Mexican President is considering wants to make legal. It was good to see the Mexican take a stand on the war on drugs. Making drugs legal in his country would not solve the gang violence or the death rate. I would tend to agree with Kerlikowske views that the cartels “would still wreak havoc” in society because that is what they do best. The cartels would branch out into other criminal activities that would become more violent which would make society on both sides of the border really unstable. I can understand the President of Mexico struggles to consider legalization of illicit drugs and I even understand his struggle to destroy cartel activity. What I am concerned about all the criminal activity that would go along with making drugs legal. If drugs are legal in Mexico will society craves more? Would this lead to an increase of intentional acts of crimes committed that would bog down the Mexican Justice system and drain law enforcement officials of their men power? Mexico already has major problems with their justice system and I find it hard to believe that the “ultimate solution would be to legalize and regulate drug trade for all countries”

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  5. Are we to legalize human trafficing to take care of that problem as well? Legalizing all narcotics seems extreme to me. We are supposed to trust that a government agency can control drug usage when they can't even contol corruption in the banking industry, social security, the food and drug administration or any of agency they have created. Will the revenue from drugs outweigh the corruption that will take place? They talk mention the death toll, due to the drug cartels reaching 28,000 in 2006. In 2007, traffic fatalities in the U.S. due to drunk driving was over 41,000. Seems like we would just be trading one problem for another.

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  6. Ok my first gut reaction after reading this was just exactly how much of the wacky weed is Calderón smoking and growing himself. I mean seriously to even to remotely consider the legalization of all narcotics is outrageous. I am of the mind that there is some form of under the table deal going on between the Mexican president and the drug cartels. How exactly is the legalization of drugs going to curtail the cartels activities? Take Prohibition for example, we made alcohol illegal and the mob grew in strength, it was legalized again and the mob strength did not diminish, they just focused their sights on other things like expanding the gambling scene and doing more murder for hire jobs. Before they can tackle the drug problem in Mexico that is spilling over into our country they need to get government officials in office that are not easily bought and sold, one that will increase the budget for law enforcement in Mexico to hire and train better equipped officers and provide better equipment for these officers. Legalizing murder wouldn’t stop murder, it would just make it legal to keep killing, so why do they think that legalizing drugs is going to stop the drug trafficking, it is only going to increase the demand. People that have never tried drugs before, because it was illegal, are now going to try them and get hooked, causing an increase in DUI incidents as well as seeing a rise in drug induced crimes that would have been less likely to occur.

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  7. After reading this article and learning that 28,000 people have died in less than 4 years, it is just unbelievable. I believe that a little less than 60,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War. The term “War on Drugs” really fits the actions taken between the Drug Cartels and the Mexican Government. I wonder how many of these 28,000 deaths were innocent bystanders? Mexico does have a serious problem that is affecting their country and The United States. If they legalize drugs in Mexico, then the United States is going to need a larger D.E.A. task force to deal with the drugs that will be lawfully warehoused along the US/Mexican border in preparation for smuggling into the U.S. for sale and distribution at a greater profit. When the Columbian Para-Military Group, “Los Pepes” eradicated the drug cartel in Columbia, the surviving drug kingpins just moved their operations north to Mexico. I guess that they won’t need to worry about moving further north into the U.S. if Mexico legalizes drugs, because they will no longer be hindered by Mexican police and they can just pump up the flow over their drug pipe lines into the U.S.

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  8. In my opinion the legalization of narcotics is a sensitive issue. If this option was to be considered, it should be an issue put to the public in the form of a referendum. The consideration of this should not be driven by pressure coming from media groups and businesses losing out as a result of the war with the cartels (like Ricardo Pliego). As is the case in California, a referendum would provide the Mexican population with their say on the legalization of drugs. It is important that Felipe Calderon takes into consideration the opinion of the people before any drastic decision is made, as deaths due to the war with the cartels is not the only issue at hand (potential addiction to these drugs if legalized is likely to rise if made available for public sale). The importance of public opinion being what it is, the Mexican government must also think about other potential negative implications which may arise due to the legalization. The risk to public health being an obvious implication, international disagreement with the legalization could effect economic ties with other countries.
    The war being at the stage it is at now makes legalization seem like a way out for a government on the back foot in a war against these cartels. However, turning the war with the cartels into an economic battle over the sale of drugs (which would boost government revenue if made legal) should not be a primary focus. Health issues as well as international relations must come to the fore before any drastic decisions are made, especially if such a decision is not certain to end conflict with the cartels that has cost so many lives already.

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  9. My views on this issue have progressively changed over time. These cartels have been slowly taking over their country and something has to stop to gain back order and safety for them, as well as us. If it means both countries legalizing drugs...then so be it. However, this group of people will find other avenues of revenue to generate or increase to make up for the short fall they will experience. i.e. human trafficking and illegal gun smuggling. These two categories continue to be huge sources of revenue and harm so many people. Then there is the issue of "better, stronger" drugs. How would both countries regulate what is considered a "legal" drug? This group of people would easily begin mixing concoctions of chemicals and drugs to create "the perfect high" that our governments would not approve or be able to regulate. Drug users typically say they are always chasing a "better" or more "ultimate" high and if there is a market to create new drugs, the ones profiting will come up with new ones on a regular basis and that, we would not be able to control. So...will it do any good to legalize? The ones attracted to the allure of illegal activity will always be looking for new ways to engage in them or profit from them.

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  10. "If you can't beat them.........join them"!
    Well i guess Mexico has decided to solve their problems with the drug cartel by helping their profits become even higher than it is now. Legalizing drugs in Mexico will not "solve" all the problems the country has endured. Where there are drugs....people will find them. If Mexico wants to legalize, then they should, and should not wait on United States to act first. Since marijuana is the most used (bought/sold) by the cartel, and the United States already have 14 states where one can receive a prescription for it, then the war with the ganja is already spiraling down hill.
    I am interested to see the specific drugs that Mexico are proposing to legalized. If Americans are the main source for the sales of the drug cartel then why does Mexico think it will "solve the problem". The Mexican gangs/cartels are not only involved with drugs, so legalizing drugs would just make them commit more violent and horrific crimes. I am very curious to see how this topic is fought and the final decision is made.

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  11. Before even reading this article, I thought, "So, your answer to a HUGE problem is to throw your hands up in the air and say you win?"

    Then I read the article and I still think the same thing. They keep referring to legalizing narcoticS. That tells me they want to legalize more than just marijuana. Nor did they say HOW they want the legalization to be handled. Medical use only? Super high taxes? Legalize narcotics with only certain ingredients? And they think this will slow down the cartels? No.

    Since the cartels are very interested in keeping their profits very close to them and kill off their competition, legalizing narcotics will only broaden their targets. These people do not care who gets in their way. The cartel just wants them gone.

    Let's say they do legalize narcotics. And, let's say, narcotics are only legal with certain ingredients because, studies show, that narcotics kill. Okay, so they alter their narcotic, make it legal. I certainly think that any crooked individual would create some other kind of narcotic that would make any narcotic user want "the better stuff". It's just a vicious circle.

    Yes, the cartel is huge and evil and kill without blinking an eye. (insert sarcasm here) I'm so sure that part of that $82 million that Mexico pours into their crime fighting was all paid out to good, law-abiding citizens. I am fairly certain that a large percentage of their police force help the cartel. Who can blame them? Their economy is really bad and the money offered by the cartel looks pretty sweet.

    *end rant*

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  12. Although I am from the Caribbean I do not do drugs, it just not for me. However I do agree with Vicente Fox and other Mexican politicians when they stated that legalization would cut funding to gangs and boost government revenue. Here is why I would agree with that statement growing up in the islands, yes weed is all around us it’s easy to find, but there in lies the golden key. Because weed is so easily tangible there really is not a great need for it in the islands, it’s like comparing it to cigarettes its easy to get to yet not everyone thinks it a big deal. Gangs member maybe a little angry about this because it could mess up their source of in come, as we all know gangs have specialties i.e. drugs, hit men, prostitution, etc. Now as a back lash to all this gangs may resort to other things like trying to close down the places where drugs would be legal or create a newer drugs that give people a better high. But legalizing drugs is in no way going to get raid of gangs, it’s like using an insanity defense not likely going to stop you from going to jail. At the end of the day if people want to do drugs they will, and it there choice so why not legalize it, if they die that’s just one less idiot on the streets for us to worry about.

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  13. Which drugs are under consideration of being legalized? It doesn't specify, but in my opinion such drugs as marijuana possibly need to become legal in the US. Not that I am a user, but if we taxed the sale of marijuana it could possibly bring us out of some debt. Its no secret that many americans use marijuana these days, and our prison system is filled with offenders that were involved with marijuana. It would ultimately cut costs and overcrowding of our prisons. Its merely an opinion to say that marijuana isn't as harmful as alcohol, but in my opinion it isn't. Alcohol impairs judgment to a far greater magnitude than the use of marijuana, but at the same time if you think America is lazy now, just wait until weed is legal!

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  14. I am not sure how they think that legalizing drugs is the answer to the problem. I mean the U.S. and marijuana, seriously. People are using marijuana as an excuse now for all kinds of crime; just imagine how much crime we would have if it is legal. Look at alcohol, DUI's and wrecks causing the deaths of innocent people. I understand that the Mexico cartel is a serious problem and innocent people are being hurt in the process there as well, but we have to think of a better way. We discussed in class about society and gangs and other things going on, but honestly how can adding something like marijuana make a change for all of the U.S? I know that there would be limitations and rules and regulations that would be put in place, but I just do not think that would be good enough for the American people, they seem to do what they want most of the time anyway, and seem to ignore rules they do agree with. I just don’t think Americans and marijuana mix, when they come together illegally they are a bad combination, just imagine if they come together legally and how bad that will be.

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  15. I think, even though small measures of legalization would relieve some of the tensions the abound in both the U.S. and Mexica, the crimes of the cartels are not limited to the selling, production, and transport of drugs alone. The violence has spread to the point of almost complete anarchy in parts of Mexico, as rival Mexican gangs shed blood over territory and old vendettas. Though drugs may be legalized in Mexico, there is no guarantee that violence would cease because not all crimes that the cartels commit are drug-related. The comparison with prohibition was made in the article, but that is only partly true. The revocation of Prohibition did not end the gang violence on its own. What brought the gangsters to their knees were the highly persistent, well-funded efforts of government agencies like the FBI to track down and deal with leaders effectively and often leathally. Compliance is the sign of a weak government and I think Mexico is a prime example. The government is too weak, too corrupt, and to unprepared to deal with its mob-rule so it instead abdicates to the wishes of said mob. We should not bend to the needs of these murderers because their needs will never be satiated. They must be dealt with harshly or the problem will continue to grow.

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  16. The war on the drug cartels in Mexico is out of control, and something extreme is going to have to happen to get them to stop. That is the one unarguable fact. But personally I do not believe in the legalization of marijuana. There is a reason for the law in the first place and just because we can’t control the drug cartels with any of the tactics used so far does not mean legalization is the answer. If Mexico were to legalize it then we would have more smuggling to the U.S. I think the legalization of marijuana in Mexico would give the U.S., especially the border states, easier access to the drug. This decision could affect the U.S. in a huge way, in a domino effect type of way. Which I don’t believe is the right answer to the problem. But you do have to consider the fact of how gangsters first originated from prohibition. The illegalization of alcohol started gangs and the mob, but later did the legalization of alcohol make those problems disappear? Nope. We still have gangs and the mob today. Because they found SOMETHING ELSE that was illegal. So I think in this case the cartels in Mexico will just find something else to move on to. For example in other countries that legalize drugs, they have a human trafficking problem. Say Mexico did legalize marijuana, it would boost their tourism of younger adults wanting to party. This puts the tourist at risk because under these influences they become careless. Even now we see the tourists are not safe in Mexico. I loved the quote from Kerlikowske, he pretty much answer the question clearly about whether legalization is the answer to the cartel problem. There is a better solution to this issue.

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  17. Mexico wanting to legalize drugs wont solve anything. Its just going to create more problems for the U.S. and Mexico. If they do legalize I believe its going to cause people to overuse certain drugs and possible overdose and create chaos out in the streets. Yes it may benefit the economy but the problems its going to cause will out way that. It may work and cause people not to use the drug since its available just like alcohol but I believe people will become addicted and there will be addictions problems especially with some of the harder drugs. There will always be drug problems if isn’t drugs it will be something else. There needs to be another solution to these drug trafficking maybe getting the military involved. I don’t know but something needs to be done because there are a lot of innocent people dying because of ruthless careless people. I know both governments are trying to do something to stop it but making drugs legal will not solve the issue I believe it will just create even more problems in the future like addiction and people dying of over dose. I believe governments should come together in a meeting of some sort and try and come up with a better solution.

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  18. I don't think that this idea will work. Yes legalizing some drugs will take away from the cartels but there are always other drugs. I do think that such drugs as marijuana possibly could be legalized and taxed and it would work out. It seems like the Mexican government is trying to choose the lesser of two evils on this decision. I do like the article saying that Mexico wants to legalize drugs but farther in the article it says "depending on what the U.S. does". It seems like Mexico is coming to the United States and going just putting it out there guys let me know. By saying this it seems that Mexico is going to try to put the blame on the United States if it doesn't work out and if there are more deaths. Also the article states that the Mexican government has other options but decides not to mention any of them.

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  19. Well legalizing drugs would definitely be a change in pace compared to other tactics done when approaching this type of situation. With every decision made there will always be pros and cons, with this and obvious con would be health problems and things along those lines. A pro would be it would put gangs out of business with drug trafficking and most likely would assist in stopping gang violence when it comes to drugs. However, this article never really specified the types of drugs that would be legalized. So until that is specified, this topic can’t really be further acknowledged because certain drugs that would be legalized would be way over the top and end up in more deaths and just make the problem of people dying worse. This will also put a lot of cops out of a job because who are they going to arrest now? Arresting people for possession or drug trafficking gave police more jobs. They higher those bad actions went up the more job openings for people to put food on the table and take care of their families, or whatever they would use the money for. If drugs are legalized in Mexico then drugs being brought into the United States from their will only is easier because it will be easier for people to obtain the narcotics.

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  20. Calderon has just made things worser since he became president. Mexico has always had a problem with drug trafficking,drug cartels and crime, but never this big of a problem. When Calderon declared war against drug trafficking, he basically declared war on himself. I'm very suprised he is still alive.

    When Fox was the president, yes drug cartels were out and yes crime was still a factor in Mexico's streets but he knew had to handle it. I was worked like: I help you & you help me!. legalizing marijuana is only going to make things that much harder. Come on Calderon.. Really? Now he wants to do something to fix the BIG PROBLEM he started by delcaring war on drugs!. I think he is just making Ignorant mistakes!. Mexico needs a new leader!!!! SOOON!!

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  21. I think this is a HORRIBLE idea. I understand that it is absolutely terrible what Mexico is going through but does Calderon seriously think legalizing drugs will solve everything? Not the least bit. We tend to think this is just Mexico's problem but think about what would happen if drugs were legalized in Mexico? It would affect the U.S. as well. Drug use would skyrocket because of easy access and ultimately the demand for drugs would increase in the U.S. as well possibly leading us in the same direction as Mexico is facing with the drug cartels now. No I do not think legalizing drugs is the way to fix the gang problem in Mexico. Sure it would be giving the gangs what they want but the violence definitely won't end when they see how easy it is to get the government to do what THEY want.

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  22. I think leagalizing any drug would be a huge mistake for any country, but especially for Mexico. The drug cartel is so huge there and I for one think legalizing it would just make matters even worse in the United States. We have so much going on as it is with the war in Iraq, and if they do this then it will bring more drug problems into our country and getting access to drugs will be even easier. People know cross the border to try to bring drugs into the U.S. but just think if everything was legal there then how many more people would try. They don't necessarily say which drugs they are wanting to make legal but overall nothing could would come of it. I see there point that they feel their fighting a battle that they will never win and the drug lords are so powerful, but the government should stand their ground and not give in. There may be less traficking if they legalize it and it may temporarily seem more quiter but other problems will arise, they always do.

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  23. Look how can we say let's make the world better. The president of Mexico has entered the debate over whether California voters should legalize marijuana.

    Mexican President Felipe Calderon told the Associated Press in an interview late Thursday that he was concerned about what legalizing pot in California would do to the larger drug war. He told AP that legalization would mark "a terrible inconsistency" in U.S. drug policy.

    Proposition 19 on the November ballot asks voters whether pot use should be legal in California.

    The measure would make it legal for anyone 21 or older to possess, share or transport up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use and to grow up to 25 square feet per residence or parcel. Cities and counties would be authorized to regulate and tax commercial marijuana production and sales. I think that if they legalize it, it will cut back on crime and traficking, not saying that I agree to legalzing it.

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  24. This article just angers me. I don’t think that government should give in to their domestic terrorists because that is exactly what these cartels and drug dealers are. Legalization of drugs should not even be considered. The article doesn’t even say which drugs would be legalized. This will cause more good than harm. Maybe the Mexican President should focus on the corrupt police and government because if you improve that than maybe the drug issue wouldn’t be so out of control. This whole issue is putting a negative stigma on all Mexicans and Mexican Americans. There is a reason these drugs are illegal. The borders of U.S. and Mexico are so close in proximity that there problems and actions can affect us. This ideology will not benefit because if you legalize one drug than the drug dealers will turn to another. It is a never ending cycle.

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  25. This can pose as a big big problem. Depending on what kinds of drug is legalizing the U.S might possibly see U.S citizens crossing the boarder to obtain the drugs. There will be greater crimes near the boarder with the legalizing of drugs. The drug cartels already poses as a threat to American Citizen think what might happen when drugs become legal. Drugs only brings out the worse in people. They become more violent and angry. Crime rates will occur. Not might.. they will occur.

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  26. First off this is the same guy who wanted the US to shoot down the legislation passed in Arizona without having first read it. The solution of legalizing drugs in Mexico is a dumb one. This is a solution that wouldn't solve the violence, but would theoretically put more money into the pockets of the Mexican government. Even the theoretical numbers I believe are wrong. To say a criminal organization that has been kidnapping and murdering, is just going to stop what it's doing and legitimize its business and pay taxes to the same government that it has been waging war against is idiotic. If drugs are legalized the cartels won't change. This however would make matters worse for the US. It would be as if Amsterdam packed up and moved next door to the US. People would be taking more trips across the border which also means more people trying to bring drugs back across one their return. This in turn would cause the US border patrol and airport security to scrutinize and search Americans returning from Mexico thoroughly.

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  27. i have mixed emotions on this. if mexico were to legalize drugs it would be a first. Mexico would be the test dummy to see if legalizing drugs does drop gang activity. to know if this works it has to be done by some country first. taxing drugs would slow the gang activity down some and also the government would profit. on the other hand, drug trafficing is not the only thing gangs do. Mexico has murder and kidnapping problems. legalizing drugs would not stop these two things from happening. i think this is a last resort for Mexico. its a make it or break it move for them. if it works then gang activity drop and if it fails they have legal drugs and the same amount of gang activity.

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  28. Pardon my french, but the old saying, "damned if you do, damned if you don't" comes to mind when thinking of the Mexican government's position they are currently in. They're hands are pretty much tied on this one. I think discussing the possibility of legalization can do no harm. However, as the government is already aware, this isn't going to bring an end to their gang problems. If Mexico even decides to pass this into law, it's still a long way off from happening. Unfortunately I don't believe that legalization is the key to their problems. Not that I have the answer, but I feel that, as the article points out, that it's going to take a lot more to end the gang wars in their land. Legalization would cut off one part of the gangs income, however they can't just legalize everything the gangs are doing (such as human trafficking, kidnapping and murdering). The Mexican government should probably turn from the issue of legalization and focus on targeting how to cripple the gangs, by taking out high ranking members and also trying to cut off their recruiting abilities (I know real easy, right). In the end this debate is a long ways from over and I can easily see this debate continuing for the next ten years.

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  29. The first thing that comes to my mind is it going to make a difference? I don't use drug so it differently difficult for me to support it. There are just to any open end question about this particular subject that requires a little more feedback on. Such as the psychological effect and physiological effect it might have on an individual. What message are we sending to the next generation. Why not legalized cocaine if help you to become stronger and bigger and quicker...just want to clear up my response to that question...I do not use drug based that response from Professional Athletics being suspended from their team for substance abuse. It must be cleared by medical personnel that can justify it use. You think now that we have problem with drugs....do some research and review some of the effects that other drugs have done on individuals...No one knows how a person may react...the old saying states you give a inch they will want a mile. I do not approved of such a request.

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  30. Is Calderon serious, or just plain scared and tired? His willingness to even condiser legalizing drugs shows this fatigue over the bloodshed created by the cartels. Although at least 14 states have approved pot for medical use, that doesn't mean the remainder of the U.S. States are as leberal and will follow suit. Even if they did, I don't believe it will slow down the Mexican gang's. In fact, I too believe they will step up their activities a notch or two and become even more brutal if possible. If the gang cartels lose even a small portion of their profits, they will resort to other criminal avenues to maximize profits and recoup any losses. If Mexico does decide to legalize drug use to weaken cartels even if the U.S. does the same, I still don't believe it would be effective.

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  31. When I first saw the title of Mexico wanting to legalize drugs I immediately clicked on the link. I understand that Mexico has a serious issues with the drug cartels but is legalizing drugs down there really the answer? I think not because this is what the cartels what them to do and this just goes to show everybody how much power that the cartels have. I believe that pretty soon Mexico is not going to be run by the government but by the cartels because the government act like it doesn't have any control over them. I hope the mexican government can find a better solution to this problem because legalizing drugs is just simply not the answer.

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  32. I as well have mixed feelings if mexico was to legalize drugs. I feel as though if drugs were legalized it could be a benefit on on society because maybe people would not think its so "cool" to do it if it was legal. Its like alcohol, its legal and its not that big of a deal if you see someone drinking a beer and having a good time, its common. But, marijuana seeing how it is illegal it gives people more of the "rebellious" feeling in knowing they are doing something illegal and are getting away with it, in some cases. But I also feel that it would become an addiction problem as well. If it was to become legal it would make it easier for anyone to buy it and it would become an everyday use. I personally do not think it should be legal considering it is still a narcodic that messes with the human mind and can make someone do things they would not normally do. I do think it will however end up coming legal with the way our economy is going.

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  33. Really? So correct me if I’m misunderstanding this little idea, but you’re leading me to believe that a group of people are seriously considering legalizing drugs in Mexico? This has to be the dumbest idea I’ve heard all day! If Mexico is where most smuggling is done then why in the hell would you want to make something like drugs legal for them to have yet something else to sneak over here to the United States?

    In the article, they stated that one reason they want to legalize drugs if to “cut funding to gangs and boost government revenue”. As I read that statement, the first thing that popped into my head was “So they’ve come up with a stupid excuse to try and further support that STILL stupid reason for legalizing drugs? (Sarcastically thinking) How smart of them!) Lol. This world is never going to progress with people that think like that tied into our government.

    Then they go to say how they are having huge problems with the violence rate in Mexico. But they still want to legalize drugs? Still NOT smart. If violence is the biggest threat, then why legalize something that is the main drive behind the violence? Note to self: pray harder for Mexico and the political incorrect weenies that they have tied into their government system.

    Oh yea, before I forget…

    Dear Mr. Ricardo Silinas Pliego,
    It’s already one thing for you to try and legalize drugs in Mexico, but DON’T be trying to urge it for the United States! We have enough problems as it is and we DON’T need your stupid ideas stirring up more problems. Keep them to yourself sir.
    Sincerely,
    U.S citizen (me)

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  34. Well I have read a lot of the arguments and people have covered almost everything I wanted to say. The legalization of drugs would be a great thing in my eyes. It would benefit the system a great deal and would also make a lot of people happier. Can you imagine the people though? They may think they are happier until they see what it has done to them physically. The article did say that the gangs would not stop and you are right. They would find some other way to exploit a person that is if we let them. I still stand by the legalization though. If we spent less time chasing them down, we could focus on our youth. They need the most attention.

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  35. The Mexican Government has been fighting the drug cartels for a long time. The government realizes that if they were to legalize drugs than it might cut into the funding of the drug cartels. Not to say this would actually work but this shows that the government is willing to try anything to gain the upper hand on the cartel.

    In order to be successful against the drug cartels the U.S. and Mexico must work together in a joint international operation. By setting new policies and exchanging information, I feel they might have a better chance. Also the number one consumer of drugs is not Mexico but the U.S. I also agree allowing the public to have a low amount of drugs that is taxed by the government. Taxing drugs would create a new source of revenue, and it would help free up some space from their overcrowded prisons. The drug cartels and the dealers should be the ones in jail, not the small time users.

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  36. Cartels take their "job" very seriously. I'm sure it'll be a great celebration for them when selling their product becomes legal, but why must the U.S. have to take part in Calderon's decision? Whether drugs are obtained legally or illegally, people still use them. I suppose certain drugs like weed to be legalized is beneficial to an extent. There will be less of a demand for it because it is so widely available. However, other drugs might not be such a good idea. Every drug that is used alters a person's state of mind. Drugs can make you paranoid, numb, aggressive, and so much more. There would be so many laws that would have to be put in place that would regulate it's usage. Like alcohol, there would have to be an age for using, repercussions if used in the wrong context or situation, as well as any crimes committed under the influence of the drug.
    It's a whole new aspect that needs a lot of consideration.

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  38. Mexican President, Felipe Calderon’s announcement advocating the possible legalization of drugs opens up a Pandora’s Box of possibilities. I believe a majority of Americans would entertain the idea of the decriminalization of milder forms of recreational drugs, such as marijuana.

    However, legalizing the hard stuff, such as heroine or meth would be a disaster. Just think of all the addicts, who would be walking around. If you think it is bad now, just wait. Just the very fact of hard drugs being Illegal prevents tens of millions of Americans from experimenting, or worse yet developing an addiction. Millions upon millions would not even be able to function in society, and deaths from a drug overdose would be common. Our health care system would collapse, along with other sections of our economy. Would any parent who loved their child, even if they are an adult, want to see them destroy their lives addicted to heroin or meth? We all know what eventually happens to users. Locking them up isn’t the answer either.

    Clearly, as of now, the war on drugs is not working. The majority of Americans don’t want addicts serving long prison sentences. The answer is counseling and rehabilitation. I don’t have the answer on how to reduce the demand, maybe educational awareness. Right now we live in a materialistic, if it feels good do it right now, I don’t care about the consequences’ culture. When people on the other side bring up prohibition and compare it to the war on drugs, they are wrong. The key judgment is what has been and what is socially acceptable to the general public. Before the introduction of prohibition, alcohol was regularly consumed by everyday Americans and used as a substitute for clean drinking water. I don’t have the answer on how to reduce cartel violence. I believe our culture has to change, if we are ever going to solve the drug problem. Not to mention the soon to be failed state south of the border.

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  39. I see no good that would come out of let drug being legalizined. No matter if you think that is a drug or not I do. Once they let that in then they will push for more. Then we here in the us will have to worry about what is coming in to our states more they will think they can get away with sell it here and putting on our street while we are trying to take it off the street and keep it from our kids this is a very bad idea and it will back fire. All they want is the money from the taxes.

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  40. Legalizing drugs after Calderon "declared War on the Drug Cartels" please has the heat gotten to him or is he just scared now. This would be like President Bush saying he was wrong about the war we have been in for the past years,who are current President Obama has said its over. If Mexico legalizes drugs ,then the U.S. will, when HELL freezes over.Drugs are wrong, they kill our kids, we have no place here for them. If you do drugs and get caught then you deserve everything you get and more.

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  41. We need to be realistic with this. Declaring a "war" on drugs was poor decision, because it is war that cannot be won, and is against an enemy that is ourselves. People have been using drugs for thousands of years, and declaring a plan to eradicate drug usage only in a few decades is a foolish conquest. We are no closer to stopping the drug trade now then when drugs were first declared illegal, if anything, it could be argued that we are further from ever to stopping drug trafficking. Attacking Calderon for CONSIDERING so form of legalization for drugs is ignorant and narrow minded. When tracing the roots of drugs problems, we cannot blame the cartel, they are just businessmen who are "filling a need". We should not prosecute the government if they decide to regulate it, because they would be saving money and working in the best interests for the citizens. If you want to find the real root of the drug problems, than you must look at us, the users. Every time an American kid wants to get high with his friends or go on a psychedelic trip, the cartel expands, increases revenue, and grows all the more powerful. As long as their are American teenagers who want to experiment with new things, the cartel will be supplying them with what they want. It would be much safer for our citizens if we were supplied by our government. I am for the (slow) legalization of (some) drugs. The drug problem does not involve a solution of violence, but instead it involves millions of American citizens who consider it a normal part of society. We might as well start to normalize it in our legislation as well.

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  42. The war on drug in Mexico to this day is only get more worse with time. The issues with the Mexican cartel are not going to be increasingly suppressed after the legalization of marijuana. This is an idea at face value seems would help to generate less friction amongst rival cartel members, but the fact of the matter is that these cartel members are not just fighting over the selling of marijuana. Another one of their major profiting scams is from kidnapping peoples family members and holding them for ransom. These members are extremely violent people who are not just focused on the selling of marijuana. My own person statement on the matter as a whole is thus once you legalize marijuana, the majority of their profits are cut back... So isn't it possible that they will look to gain success from other means. Selling harder drugs, or at that more kidding nappings. I feel as if Mexican officials are attempting to reduce the amount of violence in their country but are not taking into account the entire situation and weighing all the pros and cons of this issue. Also it is slightly entertaining that they believe that the true success in making this legalization truly become successful is by the U.S. also legalizing this specific type of drug. It does not work like that and this extremely dramatic issue is not something that will magically change because of two bordering countries legalizing marijuana.

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  43. The legalization of drugs, it sounds appetizing, to say the least, for those who do drugs, especially those who smoke marijuana. The talk of legalizing has both its pros and cons, but more bad will come of it than good. For example, with the legalization of marijuana, people that do crack or meth would want their drugs "legalized" as well, which would make the statement to the younger generation that addiction and the usage of drugs are ok. It's supporting addiction, which I firmly belive will increase drug trades and violence. if people will steal and kill now for illegal drugs, there's no telling how far people will go for legal drugs. The original problem will escalate into an even bigger problem that will destroy the fabric of society and thats from Mexico to the United States.

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  44. Legalizing drugs seems like a great way to go, but at the same time it doesn't seem like a good plan. Yeah it would be the easy way out, but it wouldn't have a good affect. He would basically be giving in to them. He'd be letting them win. If he let's them win then they would want more and know what they have to do to get their way. Reading other comments I see that it's not just the fight to sell drugs. It's much more. What if the violence is not only because of drugs? Then what? Also, the U.S will have no part in making drugs legal. I hope! Drugs (and much more) is killing our societies. They are destroying people from childhood to adulthood. I don't want my child (when I have one ) to be exposed to drugs legal or illegal.

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  45. I have to agree that legalizing certain drugs would help out and rid some of the problem Mexico is facing. But it wouldn't rid them of all of their major problems. It would help revenue and Mexico would gain profit from it but these drug cartels have taken over Mexico. These gangs are not only focused on drug sales and trafficking but are also seriously involved in violent crimes. They have taken over Mexico and it's residents and will continuously reek havoc on them. It will take more to stop all the violence they are facing.

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  46. Legalizing drugs is something I don't really even want to think about. It's just ludicrous to think that this is the answer to the drug war going on in Mexico. Think legalizing it and taking the profits from the cartels is the way to go? It's horribly scary down in Mexico now I can't even imagine how it would be if they legalized drugs. As for here in the US, I know we will never win the battle against drugs, but I don't know if the penalties for drug charges are the right answer as they stand now. I've seen some decent people who have gone to prison for drug charges come out true hard criminals where if they'd been sentenced to some sort of rehab maybe they could have ended up with a productive life after finishing their time. So I don't think drugs should ever be legal, including soft drugs, but I do think it's time to take a look at the way we treat drug offenses.

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  47. Legalize it and all is well...
    Mexico wanting to legalize drugs may be a good decision for them... if the president of Mexico believes he is loosing the war on drugs then the legalization may be an answer to ceasing the massive violent shootings and massacre's. The fact that the poverty level in Mexico is so high is one reason this war continues to rage. The cartels have VAST amount of money and power to which they appeal to the poor as a way out of poverty. To these people this is just a job for themselves and a way to support their families. The United States being the #1 consumer of all drugs brought out of Mexico doesn't help this fact either.
    Now the fact that the Mexican President wants the U.S. to jump on the band wagon and legalize drugs as well is just absurd. The legalization of drugs will have one of two effects.... 1. It will balance out their economy by bringing those who choose a lifestyle of drug use with out repercussion to inhabit mexico or go their for more tourism causing a steady flow of income and also those who are habitual users will die off from overdosing therefore creating more jobs for the "morally righteous". or 2. The drug cartel's, dealers, and users will gain control and massive chaos will occur causing an even more malicious living environment for the people of Mexico.

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  48. If Mexico was able to legalize drugs it might be a good thing and a bad thing. By legalizing drugs it may help boost their economy because people can buy the drugs without worrying about getting in trouble. This would allow people to do the drugs whenever and wherever they wanted. The bad thing is this would interfere with the drug cartels. The drug cartel would lose a lot of money thus running them out of business. This would upset the drug cartel and it might cause them to retaliate. Before they think about legalizing drugs, Mexico needs to think about the consequences this may have on the people and Mexico as a whole.

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  49. Talk of Legalizing drugs in Mexico

    I am not sure how I feel about the legalization of drugs in Mexico. Some made the commented of Mexico becoming the Amsterdam of the South…Really—it could be! I don’t think that this would be a good thing for the United States. I think that things would spiral out of control. I think this would further aggravate the situations at the border. Legalizing certain narcotics like heroin and cocaine would be really bad. The article does not specify exactly what drugs would be legalized. But, legalizing something like marijuana would not necessarily be a good thing.

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  50. I think that legalizing drugs will have a negative affect on Mexico’s economy. The cartels make a huge profit from drug trafficking. There is no way of measuring how much of the cartels profits end up in Mexico’s economy. If the cartel money that is currently ending up in the economy is taken away by drug legalization Mexican citizens will feel the result of it in their economy. There are those that complain that the US has a bad immigration problem. If Mexico’s economy is damaged by the legalization of drugs it will increase the amount of people migrating into the US

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  51. Personally, in my opinion, taking into severe consideration the death toll and the amount of violence that drugs cause, not only Mexico, but everywhere that drug cartels are a serious problem, I agree with everyone who thinks that some kind of legalization is a good idea, and in some sense, seems almost necessary. Legalizing, some of the drugs and allowing the government to take control may take some power away from the cartels, however, that would of course imply that the government isn’t corrupt as well, and well, that is most likely false. However, keeping in mind those horrible and saddening figures, it seems that the right thing to do would be to take some type of action, and to take into great consideration that drug cartels and problems associated with drugs have been around a long time, their seem to have always been people who want drugs, and people who want to sell those substances. Instead, of making it a problem, turn it into a controlled option for those who are going to do it anyways. (As much as I hate to say it, because I could never see myself doing drugs—it just seems so out of control, and the amount of people dying is really sad). The government wants money, that is why most of it in Mexico, and other “poor” countries, is fraudulent, maybe, if they could make more money by becoming regulatory then, the number of deaths would lower. ☹

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