His report also stated that 4.7 million people have tried methamphetamine and that its use is spreading. The importance of even one state, such as California or Alaska, reforming its drug laws should not be underestimated. These states provide a comparison and undermine the often-hysterical claims of law enforcement groups about what will happen if some drug use is legalized. Just like Vermont undermined conservative claims about how the institution of marriage would be destroyed if GLBT people gained equality, so will conservative claims about mass violence and anarchy be undermined after reasonable drug law reforms are put into effect. The issue is not simple, and there are legitimate grounds for debate.
Drug abuse is a real problem.
It ruins lives and can even kill. The fundamental question, however, is how we should solve the problem. After Nov. 7, the correct choice is becoming increasingly clear.