Is drug abuse as bad as we're told?

Since 1999, I've been a member of the Libertarian Party and have supported the party, candidates and cause any way I could. In 2002, I even ran for city council in a non-partisan race and proudly announced my Libertarian affiliation. I did not win, but doubt that I would have if I'd have been a member of any other party either. There were five running and one walked away with the majority. During the campaigning though, I was surprised and pleased at how many people made it a point to tell me they agreed with the Libertarian platform of smaller government and personal responsibility. I was equally disappointed that I could not convince these people to change their party affiliation and lend their support to a party that upheld their principles. One interesting issue that continued to come up as a reason for not joining the LP was the party's belief that prohibition on drugs has not, does not and will not work, thus it should be ended.

I've always been able to explain the reason drugs should not be illeagal from a "personal responsiblity" point of view, but not nearly as eloquently as others. Recently, I was made aware of a group of current and retired law enforcement officers and other criminal justice proffesionals that are speaking out against the "war on drugs". They are called LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition). These are not kooks, hippies or political wackos. They are judges, sheriffs, military officers, commissioners, attorneys and prison officials. These are people that have spent their careers and lives in and around the "war on drugs" and have actually opened their eyes and decided to look at whether this "war" is working and what should be done about it now.

www.LEAP.cc is their website and is worth taking a look at. If for no other reason, the 12 minute video on the site is great and very enlightening. If your looking for a speaker for a meeting, consider checking their speakers bio page. Reading about some of these members careers and accomplishments is very impressive. On their home page, there is a quote by Walter Cronkite that says "Anyone concerned about the failure of our $69 billion-a-year War on Drugs should watch this 12-minute program. You will meet front line, ranking police officers who give us a devastating report on why it cannot work. It is a must-see for any journalist or public official dealing with this issue."

I hope you'll take the time to watch this.

A Fresh, New, Crispy, Non-PHO Blog

Geez, there's so much going on that deserves a little of my attention. I'm trying to decide to write about something personal, like me making the local newspaper. The Macon Telegraph did a little story on Dent Tricks and myself. For the story you can Google "Dent Tricks" and "Paintless Dent Repair".

I've also considered writing about my training for the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day marathon, but that would bore you to the point of hitting the "back" button faster than the Amish forgive. Which brings me to the not so personal topics.

I admire the Amish and Menonites both for so many of their characteristics, but I'm not so sure about this forgiveness issue. From my point of view, forgiveness can only be given to someone that shows remorse and asks for it. When you offer forgiveness your absolving the other for their actions, which relieves them of guilt or consequences. Many things, like murder don't deserve either, without true remorse and some sort of restitution for the wrongdoing. I believe a lot of people think they need to say "I forgive" in order to show they are not evil and "move on", "get past it" or "have closure". If you lose a loved at the hands of an twisted, psychotic, waste of skin, your not going to be at peace for the mere act of forgiveness. Things that bring pain, like a life-long abusive parent, someone robbing your house or a co-worker taking credit for your hard work, take time to get past and don't require forgiveness. Not forgiving can bring more power and peace in the long run and shows others or society that they can't just throw religion back at you and expect to be absolved for their actions. So, does it sound as if I'm sure or not about whether I agree with the Amish. I guess I have made up my mind.

On to lighter topics, let's talk, or rather let me talk about he wonderful tax system we have in this country. It penalizes productivity, encourages dishonesty, rewards laziness and empowers power seekers. It's a complete wreck and the most logical way to correct it is to completely end the current system and replace it with the Fair Tax.

If you enjoy mixing entertainment with education (edutainment), you'll really enjoy Aaron Russo's new film "America: Freedom To Fascism". It's a brief history of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Income Tax and where we're headed if it's not changed. Mr. Russo is the Hollywood producer of such movies as "The Rose", "Trading Places" and "Teachers". In his early years he was a music promoter that helped Led Zeppelin, The Who and Janis Joplin. I know, I know, enough kissing ass. Anyway his new movie can be viewed for free at the following link. I highly recommend it!

http://www.poodlecrap.com/Hateliars/HL_Video1.asp

I'll do this blog thing again real real soon.