Lol, looks like the original article is cherry picking data. It said ODs have increased over the last 2 years, while ODs haven’t increased over the 3 years since the law changed.
If anyone wanted to be disingenuous, they could easily say decriminalization actually decreased ODs in just the first year.
Technically both are true, but not related to the law, just COVID.
“The county commissioners did not hear or solicit testimony from any supporters of drug decriminalization.”
Interesting. Why ever not? Surely they wanted to make the most informed decision they could about this?
Because conservatives are already set on it. Conservatives have always been pro-criminalization because they have a financial motivation in the form of private prisons, and most likely the people pushing for it are in bed with the cartels. The best way to make a profit of something is to make it illegal - and as we see from the southern US border an the way to the southern top of South America, having what is effectively one giant narcostate that doesn’t have cares about traditional nation-state functions is incredibly profitable, and well armed.
I think for now re-criminalizing it is the right option. I saw guy shooting heroin right in front of a store the other day.
Downtown Salem has become addicts just wandering around.
They need to build then support network and offer treatment instead of jail. Once they get the system working, decriminalize it.
Seems like that’s a perfect example if needing a safe injection site. Drunks have bars, junkies need SIS. Gets them off the street when using, and it’s a vector for getting treatment and additional safety precautions.
That doesn’t stop people. The only difference is we’re not putting people who are addicted in jail where they won’t get help.
We need treatment centers and other methods to combat this major national issue.
As I stated, we need to ramp those up, but until then, jail would be a better option.
Ah yes I’m sick please take me to prison. No not the hospital, I’d rather be left to die on cold concrete because apparently I’m subhuman.
Actually while we’re at it, get the flu? 3 months state prison.
And jail is a great place to do and get drugs.
