Pubdate: Wed, 24 Oct 2007
Source: Santa Clara, The (Santa Clara U, CA Edu)
Copyright: 2007 The Santa Clara
Contact:  http://www.thesantaclara.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2775
Author: Jennifer Lesnick
Note: Jennifer Lesnick is a freshman English major.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Marijuana - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Marijuana and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

IT'S TIME TO BRING BACK PROHIBITION

I can say with some certainty that whether we like it or not, many of
us have problems with addiction.

Personally, I am hopelessly addicted to caffeine.

However, there are some addictions that are far more dangerous to both
the addicted and to the surrounding society.

Due to the unknown dangers associated with mind-altering addictive
substances, strict preventative measures are necessary in order to
maintain a moral society with high living standards. This is why the
only solution to the problem is stricter laws that prohibit alcohol.

Substance abuse of any kind should not be tolerated. As human beings
with amazing capabilities, our standards should be set for the best in
all aspects of life. When we stoop down to artificial highs, we lower
the quality of life for not only ourselves, but also those around us.
We sacrifice what is meant to be the best aspect of our lives: solid
relationships.

The claws of addiction can be deadly. Not only do you risk your
safety, but you also risk the safety of those around you. Although
marijuana seems harmless to many, I see it differently. I have seen it
cause distance to grow between friends. I have seen it almost cause
fatal car crashes involving those I love.

Alcohol, despite its popularity, leads to thousands of deaths every
year. According to research done by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving
and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17,602 fatal
car crashes occurred in the year 2006 due to drunk drivers.

This is only one demonstration of the dangers of drugs. I believe that
due to this risk, the government needs to maintain a firm alcohol
prohibition policy.

Few see alcohol for what it really is. Prohibition was probably one of
the government's better ideas. Just because alcohol has been ingrained
into our social backbone does not mean that drinking is a good idea on
any grounds.

Alcohol is a mind-altering substance and leads to destructive
behavioral cycles, just like any other drug. Such drugs cannot be
contained when legalized, which has been demonstrated quite
successfully over the years. Just look at college parties and you can
see one of the many reasons why alcohol is dangerous and, in some
cases, even deadly.

Although prohibition laws have never had a history of being 100
percent effective, they are a step in the right direction.

Education, along with patience for change, is also necessary to aid in
decreasing the drug problems that plague society. The government is
responsible for setting high social standards for our country to
ensure a safe, just society that promotes a high quality of life for
everyone.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake