The legalization of Marijuana in the United States would promote a strong economy.

1. "In 2005 alone, Border Patrol Agents encountered 773 attacks from smugglers trying to breach the U. S. border. In 2008 that number rose t 1,097, over 41%. Within the United States violence is encountered throughout all 50 states dealing with the distribution of Marijuana (I will be focusing on New York due to the amount of time it would take to collect all the information from each state). Marijuana distributors, particularly Jamaican posses, engage in violent crimes to protect their turf. Law enforcement agencies in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse have reported an increase in drug-related violence resulting from an influx of Jamaican criminals who are challenging drug distribution areas long controlled by local marijuana distributors. Cannabis cultivation occasionally is associated with violent crime in New York. Typically, growers cultivate cannabis outdoors with booby traps situated among and around the plants. Reports indicate that traps closer to the cultivation site are more dangerous and sophisticated and target those who might steal the cannabis. Last time I checked, Anheuser Bush hasn't taken any shots at Marlboro. " Here, I'm quoting the whole argument because first I would like to point out something about the sources cited. In the first source where you claim that "figure 11" has relevance to your argument, I can't find anything beneficial to your case or anything relevant. However, what I DO see is this: "CIR data (Figure 8) show that deaths decreased steadily from a high of 344 in 1988 to a low of 171 in 1994. " What I see this to be is an admittance of the deaths on the border decreasing by somewheres near 50% over a course of 6 years. **Also, all of these crimes that you refer to are crimes based upon the fact that Marijuana is illegal. For example, "Typically, growers cultivate cannabis outdoors with booby traps situated among and around the plants. " They wouldn't have to booby trap their crops if it was legal. 2. "Dutch sales of cannabis alone totaled 1.2 billion euros ($1.86 billion) in 2001, according to the most recent figures available from the nation's statistics bureau. While in 2003 annual alcohol sales were $115.9 billion and tobacco sales were $333.4 million in 2001. I'm no mathematician but a combined sales of $449.3 billion compared to $1.86 billion is just a little bit higher, in fact its over 242% more in sales. " I'm afraid your numbers are either old, wrong, or the fact that it was the Dutch sales makes it irrelevant. The fact is, that in California, "A bill to tax and regulate marijuana in California like alcohol would generate nearly $1.4 billion in revenue for the cash-strapped state, according to an official analysis released Wednesday by tax officials. " Marijuana on the streets isn't being taxed, therefore the revenue WOULD be considerably less. Keep in mind that this 1.4 billion dollars is only for the state of California, imagine the whole United States. [1] 3. "Simply because it is being distributed illegally, how many drug dealers do you think are gonna pay there taxes for there marijuana sales. Excuse me kid, that will be $10.00 for the dime bag and oh, .70 cents for sales tax, have a nice day! Yea not happening sorry. " I think the correct term you were looking for is THEIR Marijuana sales. In any case, there wouldn't be drug dealers selling Marijuana. It would be distributed mainly through stores. The sales tax would work just like buying cigarettes. 4. "Gang violence related to the distribution of marijuana as I stated in #1. " Gang's aren't the only people affiliated with Marijuana. The big gang raids and things of that nature tend to follow more important drugs, Cocaine in particular. Give me some facts of how gang violence is a factor in the distribution of Marijuana please. 5. "As stated in #2, sales cant even begin to touch Alcohol or Tobacco alone, let alone added together. Hell McDonald's annual sales in 2008 was $28 billion. " I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say here. And I didn't say "Hell McDonald's annual. .. " I don't think you meant to include that as a part of my quoted argument, but you did. Voters, don't be confused. 6. "Can't say this is exactly a factual assertion considering it is speculation based upon the Tobacco industry. As far as my standing on this, to say that there will be 200 Americans employed will be just as good as your "factual assertion" due to the fact that it is only speculation. " "All and all as you can tell through actual facts and numbers Marijuana sales taken from a country where it is actually legal and the sales are recorded, this would not "strongly" promote our economy or promote it anymore than Mcdonald's does. The legalization of Marijuana in the United States will have no strong or near strong promotion in our economy. " I'm running short on time. Restate this in the next round and I will reply on my next argument. Thank you. [1] - . http://www.cbsnews.com...