Legalization Of Drugs example essay topic

Argument / thesis : "Drugs: Should Their Sale and Use Be Legalized" is an interesting article as William J. Bennett, a proponent of legalization, advances several theories as to how legalization will decrease crime in the United States by reducing the cost of drugs to the user. Bennett is clear that he is not advocating the use of harmful drugs; but, he logically suggests that legalization will contribute to the alleviation the drug problem, while helping the American economy. In contrast to Bennett, in "Against the Legalization of Drugs", James Q. Wilson strongly believes the legalization or decriminalization of drugs would make harmful, psychoactive, and addictive substances affordable, available, convenient, and marketable. Wilson urges that legalization would expand the use of drugs, and would remove the social stigma attached to illicit drug use sending a message of tolerance for drug use, especially to youth. Supporting evidences: Bennett suggests that legalization of drugs will have great benefits for society.

First, because users will not have to spend as much to support their drug habits, fewer will need to commit crimes such as robbery and burglary to obtain drug money. Second, because the cost of drugs will decrease, so will the drug sellers' profits. Because drugs will no longer be a profitable business, and because addicts will be able to obtain their drugs from legal sources, the current black market suppliers of drugs - gangs, foreign cartels, organized criminals, etc. -will fade away. In the article "Against the Legalization of Drugs", by James Q. Wilson, the current status of drugs is supported. Wilson believes if a drug such as heroin were legalized there would be no financial or medical reason to avoid heroin usage; therefore, anybody could afford it (p. 602).

Wilson stated that during 1960's, British physicians were allowed to prescribe heroin to addicts until the number of addicts increased fivefold. Addressing the Opposition: In his defense of the current prohibition, the former director of the Office of Drug Control, William J. Bennett wonders about a world with legal drugs. He asks, "Would crack be legal? How about PCP? Or smokable heroin?

Or ice? Would they all be stocked at the local convenience store?" (Bennett, p. 594). In contrast, Wilson acknowledges his opposition by addressing how the advocates of legalization respond to his position. Wilson recognizes that that he may be wrong about his conclusions of drug legalization, yet he states if he is wrong, money will be saved, while if he is right, and the legalizes prevail, then millions of people, thousands of infants and hundreds of neighborhoods will live a life of disease (612). Tone: Bennett is very simplistic in his tone. He does not appear to be talking to his audience or at his audience, but rather with his audience.

He conveys the basic message " Get serious about drug policy (Bennett, p. 598). He has a caring and insightful attitude and is not judgmental and does not use anger to get his message across. Wilson's attitude is direct and vivid using graphic examples and statistics. Wilson sounds serious and is very critical of legalization. Style: Bennett presents a solid defense using an informal style and simple language that can be easily understood by diverse audiences. In comparison, Wilson's argument is stronger because he demonstrates his knowledge of the subject and supports it with many clear, scientific facts and historical examples of drug usage.

Audience: In this particular article Bennett was speaking at Harvard University and was initially addressing policy makers and opponents of legalization; however Bennett used this opportunity to address the American public as well for the sake of their fellow citizens. Bennett stresses that success in the drug war depends above all on what happens in America's homes, classrooms, churches, voluntary associations, television and movie screens, city streets and civic halls. Bennett invites "America's deep thinkers to get with the program, or at the very least, to get in the game (p. 598). "Against the Legalization of Drugs" originally appeared in the February 1990 issues of Commentary, a conservative magazine written for scholars to debate the enduring question of drug legalization. Reaction: Bennett's article "Drugs: Should Their Sale and Use Be Legalized" leaves readers believing that the legalization of drugs would save the United States a large sum of money: Bennett's article is effective, yet it is incomplete. The issues about how to stop drug use remain: Several different programs could be set up with the savings that the nation would enjoy as a result of drug legalization.

The nation could use some of the billions of dollars it would save to promote better programs on the effects of addictive and mind-altering drugs. The United States could also utilize these funds by creating more hospitals for people who are affected by drug addiction. In addition, the nation could conduct more research to find out how to treat those who are addicted to these drugs; drug use could be treated as a disease instead of as a crime. "Drugs" Should Their Sale and Use Be Legalized" by Wilson is a poignant unpredictable illustration of the need for additional research and public consideration over the strengths and weakness of each argument. Wilson is effective in moving readers to become aware of the grounds of both the disagreement and the agreement to ultimately form educated informed opinions.

Bibliography

Bennett, William J. "Drugs: Should Their Sale and Use Be Legalized?" Current Issues & Enduring Questions. Boston: Bedford / St. Martin's. 2002.
591-98. Wilson, James Q". Against the Legalization of Drugs" Current Issues & Enduring Questions. 2002.