Legalizing drugs- GO FOR IT!

[Altair]

Quote:

Originally posted by jango
The hippie movement died a while ago. Seriously, the world's not perfect, it's not going to be. Get used to it. Even modern day 'hippies' opposed to the War on Iraq, such as myself, think logically.

I like to believe that thinking logically encompasses living with integrity. Don't sell out in the name of complacency. Don't give up on love because hate seems to be around every corner, for that is what the weak and ignorant do.

Decide what kind of person you want to be. Stand firm and be that kind of person. There is no need to practice negativity. Those who practice positivity become positive and reap light in their lives. It's there to see if you want to see it. A positive life is there if you want to live it. And compassion is always inside, so let it out. Does it not make more sense to embrace every possible second with a sense of hope than to waste moments with negativity? And even if we cannot succeed in all our actions, shouldn't we have positive goals? Is this not logical? And, in our efforts, are we not succeeding even in failure?

So, I've heard a great many times that this world is not perfect. I always thought the world is what you make of it. Personally, I'm loving every minute of it, and I don't need to put others down, trash talk, and the like to get my ups. And when I do screw up, trash talk, boast, and think just for a second that I have the answers, I'm not afraid to try a little humility and move on. There comes a point of no return when you let go and start to realize true freedom. Let's do that together. Let's let go and accept others, their beliefs, our own fallacies, and take a step higher.

"Can you take me higher?"

Personally, I'm learning to let go and I'm learning to stand firm in what I believe, be it nonviolence, peace, flowers, butterflies, and mushrooms, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Turn that dial all the way,
shoot me like a rocket into space,
lovin' every minute of it,
lovin' every minute of it,
Oh yeeeeaaaaah!

[jango]

Quote:

Originally posted by Altair
A positive life is there if you want to live it.  And compassion is always inside, so let it out.  Does it not make more sense to embrace every possible second with a sense of hope than to waste moments with negativity?  And even if we cannot succeed in all our actions, shouldn't we have positive goals?  Is this not logical?  And, in our efforts, are we not succeeding even in failure?

Sorry, all I'm getting is pure B.S. When you hit reality, lemme know. You don't go through life expecting the best to happen. You plan for the worst and then reap the rewards of the successes that come your way. You sow what you reap. If you spend your life expecting good things to happen and constantly feeling as though the "cup is half-full," you'll never advance, and failure will await. Thus, you only set yourself up for a greater fall, which perpetuates the negativity. Granted, you can choose a positive reaction to these failures, but the cycle then repeats itself. Consequence: lack of productivity and overall waste of space to time and humanity. Negativity, pessimism, whatever. It's simply being realistic about yourself and others.

If every corner is filled with negativity, then the ignorant is he/she who believes positivity exists in the same place. Good try, though.

Your opinion is who you are. Simply by posting your thoughts, you defy your own logic. But keep on trying, you might get it one of these times.

ReadJDM: No hallucinogens, my friend.

[Read JDM]

This thread has gotten pretty weird all of a sudden.

[jango]

Quote:

Originally posted by Read JDM
This thread has gotten pretty weird all of a sudden.

Indeed. But these types of threads are the most interesting.

[Altair]

Quote:

Originally posted by jango
You don't go through life expecting the best to happen. You plan for the worst and then reap the rewards of the successes that come your way.

Yeah, I respect this philosophy. I have preached it myself in more or less a similar fashion. My way of seeing it is to hold no expectations, although I have yet to get to the point that I can do that all the time. In theory, it works. With no expectations, even the trivial can be amusing, be it good or bad.

Again, I see my words are flawed and have failed to convey my ideas. I didn't mean to say that I live a life expecting good things to always occur. I fully believe in both sides of the coin: good and bad. Actually, to take it further, I believe, on a deeper level, they are one and the same, part of a larger scope of things. It seems to me that we can learn to accept both sides, take the good with the bad, embrace them both, roll with the punches, or however you want to say it. You have to be willing to experience both, for they define one another.

Now, I would like to let you know that I have reached reality, and, in fact, have never been out of reality (for reality is all there is). What you see as "BS" is my reality. I'm not making anything up. I do, and have for a long time, lived a positive life, striving to respect my environment. Although I fall short of my goals from time to time, it is these goals I do adhere to. And I can say that I am advancing by being more able, through time, to remain positive in my everyday situations.

I can honestly say that the more I am able to respect others, the more I keep my chin up through adversity, and the more I spread positive vibrations, the more my life is enriched by friends, by joy, by opportunities. You cannot take this away from me, regardless of how much you try to disbelieve it. You cannot take away my reality with any amount of insults. Call it BS or whatever you want, you simply cannot take away my testimony that my life is better now than it has ever been.

I have been moving towards this moment, seeing this "way" more and more for over 10 years and it keeps getting better. The only way to experience it is to try it. The choice is yours. Will you try some compassion, will you maintain a degree of respect that eliminates reckless name-calling? Or, will you practice those actions that ultimately must manifest themselves in some kind of negative outcome (such as enemies)?

I'm sure I have enemies because my words seem so bloated and self-righteous. These are not my intentions, but are most likely real. I simply trying to propose ideas that might lead to some kind of desireable quality of life. I'm not that great at it, but I'm trying. Surely, with perseverance, I'll advance.

A part of me is insulted by your comments, but reason helps me turn this energy into a good challenge and an opportunity to share valuable experience, and in doing so, I am again free. How cool is that?

I could have said, "fuck you asshole!" but I realized there is a better way.

Thank you for this opportunity to practice what I preach, seriously.

[souldancer]

** peers in...her body stirs to fire off a post; her logic stalls with how to 'reasonably' reply; her soul moves to not offend anyone; her emotions respond to having a split personality and the stress of fight or flight ...she runs to a lighter thread - for now **

[Altair]

Quote:

Originally posted by souldancer
** peers in...her body stirs to fire off a post; her logic stalls with how to 'reasonably' reply; her soul moves to not offend anyone; her emotions respond to having a split personality and the stress of fight or flight ...she runs to a lighter thread - for now **

Having to wait, I guess I could do so expecting a piece of shit post from souldancer, expecting absolutely no insight, no logic, and complete foolish rambling, comeplete BS, and total absurdity. Afterall, the stupid idiotic bitch she is couldn't possibly have anything of any amount of intelligence to say, could she? With that, maybe she'll surprise us? Is this the logic I should be endorsing? Will this allow me to advance?


Just playing. :P

I am eagerly awaiting your reply, Souldancer, knowing it will be juicy with intelligence and wisdom. Precisely what you'll come up with, I have no expectations, so I'm sure I'll dig it.

[jango]

Quote:

Originally posted by Altair
I fully believe in both sides of the coin: good and bad.  Actually, to take it further, I believe, on a deeper level, they are one and the same, part of a larger scope of things.  It seems to me that we can learn to accept both sides, take the good with the bad, embrace them both, roll with the punches, or however you want to say it.  You have to be willing to experience both, for they define one another.

I would suggest that you read "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern" by Tom Stoppard. A good read with plenty of humor to compensate the effort, simultaneously addressing-in part-the very issue you raise in the paragraph above.

Now to the issue at hand. While discussing the prospect of legalizing drugs, we seem to have strayed from the issue into a much more philosophical debate relating to life in general, thereby undermining the objectivity of the root topic. A few misinterpreted statements lead to unnecessary banter. Essentially we agree.

I believe that it is foolish to live your life in a negative "aura." However, there is a time and a place for a realistic outlook on life. Indeed there are two polar ends to each 'side of the coin,' if you will. As in the political sphere, there are extremes involving both the 'right' and the 'left.' Too far to the left and you have a socialist government. In accordance, too far to the right and a fascist empire is born. If thoroughly enthralled with positivity, one can become too trusting, allowing the wolves of the world to grab hold. Conversely, an entirely negative person cannot benefit society nor his/her own person.

Yes, there is an ability for each individual to feel compassion and love. This point is quite possible the only one we entirely disagree upon. Your hypothesis on humanity seems to state that is up to us to restore positivity in society. This then takes away any opportunity for internal self-efficacy. I'd like to think that whether it be positive or negative feelings, they are generated by the person rather than the society in which they live.

Now on to personal matters. My "name-calling," as you view it, is almost exclusively held for one individual, who I deem well-deserving. Yes, this may not be a positive outlook, but it is one I'm willing to risk, and one alone. This was after much debate and frustration that I reached this point. I would advise that you address the individual as a whole before making hyperbolic and inaccurate statements about a person's character.

[Xterminator27]

Legalize drugs??

I have one bad thing about that

DRUGS KILL U
PEOPLE OVERDOSE AND DIE. there crim and accedent rates probly goe down cuz half the country is DEAD so theres not as many people to get into car accendents or crimes

[Altair]

Quote:

Originally posted by jango
I would advise that you address the individual as a whole before making hyperbolic and inaccurate statements about a person's character.

If I made any such statements, I apologize. I just simply believe that rampant name-calling isn't necessary (just trying to set a standard). Again, I think it's a matter of establishing integrity. While we do exercise freedom of speech on this board it would also be nice to feel that our ideas and comments are tolerated to the extent that we won't get ripped for making them. But, in the end, you are more than free to do so, just as I'm free to say, "Hey, chill out. Let's try to get along, eh?"

I, too, tend to stray. While I obviously advocate nonviolent communication, I am guilty of the contrary. Just a few weeks ago, I scuffled quite repulsively with a 7-11 clerk about a refill. At first, I tried to be rational about it, but when I was being flat out ignored, I decided to become boisterous. Actually, it was her mannerisms and general rude nature that ruffled my feathers. Within moments, the manager was on the scence and giving me the money she was trying to rip me off of. It ended in an exchange of calling one another assholes and the like. In hindsight, I made the wrong choice. While I did get the refill price I deserved, I exercised social violence to no good end. I should have maintained my composure and calmly asked to speak to the manager. In the end it was and is no big deal, but I sure didn't make any friends. I see it as a learning experience and I will continue to strive to solve conflicts in a more positive manner.

[Altair]

Now, as far as drugs are concerned...

I'm not an advocate of drugs. I don't use them (except for the occasional Crown Royale and Coke, Exederine, Albuterol, and Ranitidine). Hey, drugs are drugs, be them illegal or legal. Any reasonable person will admit that the most profound drug in our lives is simply food. But, that is obviously not the topic here.

Personally, I'm trying to move to a point where I don't need anything but an occasional piece of fruit (there's a lot to be said about the "fruitarian diet").

Now, while I don't advocate drugs, I believe that censorship is an even greater evil.

Many of you have made great comments about the probable problems with legalizing drugs. I have no answers to these problems. I do believe that they already exist and would escalate to a small degree if drugs were legal. It seems to me that the law is a poor deterrant. People use and abuse drugs regardless of the legal nature of them.

In my dream world, censorship would not exist and education would be such a prominent institution that people would refrain from drugs by choice. In fact, if there is a solution to our social problems, I believe that education is it. Unfortunately, we do not pour enough energy into education. Instead, we, as a society, tend to work on the tail end, trying to fix our problems by quarantine instead of trying to solve our problems with prevention. We spend way too much money on criminalizing nonviolent people who simply have a problem and far too little money and energy trying to education people who have our future in their hands.

[Bridge of Clay]

At first, it does sound crazy, indeed!

But think: if today it´s legalized, tomorrow its price will go down... of course, people, at first, would buy it...a lot...
but then, pharmacy industries would able to manage drugs and creating dosages that wouldn´t OD...

This would end with drug dealers...
a lot of junkies would suffer? yes... but in a long time, there´ll be no market for drugs...

I´m not finding the arguments to post... I do think we have to protect people from drugs, it´s horrible. And I don´t do it.

Milton Friedman, the economist, have an interest point of view about it, you could take a look on his comments... it´s somewhere on the net

[Read JDM]

Quote:

Originally posted by Altair
In my dream world, censorship would not exist and education would be such a prominent institution that people would refrain from drugs by choice.  In fact, if there is a solution to our social problems, I believe that education is it.

Welcome to my (dream) world, glad you could make it. I don't know if I agree with spending more money on education -- not just yet, I mean, because so much money is already unused/ unaccounted for; I'm all for it once people who know how to budget are in control -- but I do believe there's not enough stress on education right now and there's too much stress on cencorship. I can give you a perfect example that combines the two: Here in New Jersey, a proposal was made earlier in the year that would've taken the Founding Fathers out of the state's history curriculum.

[jedilee]

Quote:I personally believe we should go for it...I do not remember the country- but it is european and they recently went to legalizing small drugs and it has done a world of difference. Suicide from drugs has gone down, murders, smuggling, arrests...etc are on the decline.

This the dumbest comment I have seen. We should go for it. Either Creed1 is immature or not old enough to know better. I can't believe anyone would want to legalize drugs except your druggies. Get a grip on life man. life is more than having this inane argument about drugs. Again get a life, smell the roses get a job, do something, but get off this kick of legalizing drugs.
JUST PLAIN DUMB

[Weathered]

legalizing drugs is not a good idea...it will just make it easier for druggies to get and they will OD even more...not only that but i think it would make a lot more people do drugs b/c some people are afriad they might get caught...and then they wont have to worry about getting caught?