scottythecomic's whimsical rantings

The U.S. government is already fighting a losing battle with the War On Drugs. Rather than curtailment, more and more drugs continue to flood across our pourous borders, mainly from the south.

Now comes a Texas Represenative  from Waco, Charles "Doc" Anderson, who last year proposed a bill to criminalize the hallucinogenic compound, salvia.  Doc's bill failed to clear committee during last years session, thus he plans on reintroducing a version of the bill that would make the possession of salvia a misdemeanor.

I have to ask, why?

Is it truly in the interest of the citizens of Texas and/or the United States to criminalize everything that alters ones consciousness?  And what will be the result of this bill (if it passes), on those who dare choose to hallucinate...if they are caught?

To me it appears to be nothing more than a vain attempt to ruin lives, burden the taxpayers and create yet another law.  Therefore I am against it...totally.  Besides, once salvia is criminalized, it actually makes the drug more popular. Brilliant of you, Doc. Drugs can be bad enough without a campaign to popularize them.

For those unawares, salvia is an all-natural hallucinogenic that is either smoked like marijuana or chewed. The effects are near instant and are less powerful than LSD. It is available in over a half dozen locations in Dallas over the counter and, is legal in the USA.

Local hospitals have admitted that they have not seen any ER visits as a result of its usage, and this despite the fact it has been around for years. I am surprised that no one has experienced an ER vist as a result of the drug. OD'ing is not possible to the extent that you can't do enough, but I refer to the dangerous conditions presented when one indulges.

As bad as drugs can be I sincerely don't believe we do anything positive by outlawing recreational, personal usage.  It's akin to the failed draconian laws of the prohibition of alcohol.  Too, if local, state and federal law enforcement cannot curtail the myriad offenses of a deadly drug like alcohol, how can we expect them to do anything positive in curtailing a teen drug?

Your thoughts?

WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE IN THE VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uquo3cdIgaQ