Don't know... I'm a black or white type of guy. I do not like grey areas. If you did something where you landed in prison, then all rights should be stripped from you. Upon release, maybe some given back, but not all.

I think we can all agree upon the rapist or whatever losing all rights, forever, period.

I think about the 18 year old that got busted for drugs and sent to jail like this:

He's 18, should be held accountable for his actions. At 18, you are seen as a full adult. Depending on the amount of drugs (misdemeanor vs felony) several things can happen -
- A. Misdemeanor falls under probation, maybe one night in jail, etc.
- B. Felony is a several year prison stint.

Upon A. Sure, let teh kid keep his rights, we all make mistakes. But let the punishment be harsh and initmately understood that he is respsonisble for his own actions.

Upon B. Strip all rights, period. It was a conscious descison to sell, traffic, whatever the charge in a certain amount of illegal drugs.

Bottom line is that individuals are responsible for their own actions. Do I believe people can change? Sure. Do I believe some people get a raw deal in life (crappy home life, no father figure, etc)? Sure. Do I believe people are in charge of their own life and descisions no matter the circumstance? Hell yes. If we held people to a higher standard I bet things would turn around in a hurry. Instead our politicians and a lot of the voting constituency are themselves ex-cons, etc who want to "change" things to make what they illegally did, legal. Look at the marijuana wars currently taking place in our country.

Marijuana and such has been around for millenia. It is a naturally occuring plant. Native Americans used it in ceremonies. It is a mind altering drug, and it DOES lead to harder drug use. However, do I personally think it should be illegal? No, it is a naturally occuring substance. Do I partake in marijuana? No, I see no personal benefits in it for me. It is a mood changer, and I try to stay in control of my body/actions at all times. Do I believe it should be sold in stores or on street corners or in any way regulated? Definitely not. How would I vote for it? In the negative. I believe that is a personal descision that should be made. Should it be a crime to grow/possess? No. Should it be a crime to sell to minors, distribute, etc? Actually, I do. Hard to explain my feelings, but something along the lines of concrete and abstract emotional thought maturity occur at different times in childhood. Sometimes, depending on age, children do not have a solid connection on what something can do to them. Hence kids that stick their hands in electrical sockets when told not too, etc. Since the brain has not reached full maturity, smoking pot, etc can damage critical synapses that have yet to be formed and thus.... the dumbing down of our society... Kind of make sme want to go watch that movie "Idiocricy" again. HA.

Much the same thoughts on beer, cigarettes, etc. But I understand the gooberment needs some sort of tax income... lol.

Now I'm just rambling...Your thoughts?


In answer to Mutt's post... then the prosecuting attorney should be given the same fate! HAHAHA. j/k (Looks like the 80's was a busy decade for prosecutors!)