madlithuanian

I agree. It is a stretch, especially in this day and age. However, even just reading this wikipedia article...(and we know it's 100%, but I gurantee you can find more info out there)...you can see that racial elements do intertwine with the US's drug policy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_(drugs) I'm sorry if I wan't clearer on my take of "weakness" regarding drug users. There is honestly nothing than can or, in my opinion, should stop someone from taking drugs. Only that person's will power can or should stop that person. That will power can be helped along by friends, family, church, rehabilitation, etc. But only that person can make it happen or not. I basically refuse to be judge, jury and executioner...and nor do I want my govt to be that. If the person is weak and can't stop, at least give him or her safe haven to purchase clean needles, etc and untainted drugs. But, the moment that person drives, etc while on drugs, that's when I believe a crime is actually committed. I just disagee that harsher penalties stop crime. People still murder in states that have the death penalty. Penalty can be a deterrent, and is for the most part. But, you cannot truly stop anything via that alone. Prison scares the living hell out of me. I've seen Oz! But, that's me... Dang! I was in the Netherlands about 20 years ago and didn't feel that. I guess things have changed! Yes, it is a different land with a different history, etc. Maybe not a perfect comparison. But, they seem to have the correct philosophy on it. Unless it's turned into Detroit Rock City over the last 20 years! But, I also think Canada has similar laws or decriminalization. I basically disagree that the public needs to be protected from itself. Right or wrong, people need to make decisions for themselves. If ill is caused to someone else due to those bad decisions, then, and only then, should punishment be administered. At least, that's my view. I'm not sure your particular example of smoking in bars is applicable. I'm running on the notion that smoking is legal, therefore, smoking in a private establishment, in theory, should be legal. In a public place, like Federal, state, local govt buildings areas, no. I agree, bad habits can be infectious. But, just because they are, does not mean we show outlaw them. It is up to the individual to make a good or bad decision. Again, my personal philosophy. I am sorry you have had to deal with cancer issues in your family. Smoking is one of the worst habits both to those who smoke, and for those that have to occassionally deal with the smoky reprecussions (smokey cars, hotel rooms, etc...) And, I completely understand your "world as their ashtray" comment! Again, I don't smoke, and generally hate it when those around me do. However, one of the key notions of a free society is that people have the freedom to make both good and bad decisions. We may not like the decisions that are bad, and can try to influence certain behavior. But, at the end of the day, it is up to the individual. Making it illegal, despite your good intentions, only jails smokers that can't get over their bad habit, and ends up costing society more in the long run not only finalcially, but societally as well. I think anyone buying a Justin Bieber cd or watching a "Twilight" film should be jailed. But, that's a different topic... Making things illegal doesn't stop it. Just look at prisons. I'm not sure there's an easier place to get contriband than there. And you'd think, intrinsically, that there should be no more difficult a place.

Probably...which is why earlier in the thread I made a recommendation to put this thread in a different forum. But, in all honesty, all the dialog on this has been intelligent and interesting. No one's name calling (other than Russell being an idiot!), and everyone's been respecting opposing views. If only the world could get along so well! ; So, maybe we can all agree that Bears fans are the smarteest fan base around regardless of the topic at hand! Thus, making it fitting on the Bears board!

(...advance ps - thanks for making this a fun and intelligent discussion!) I completely agree that we shouldn't be surprised that law enforcement is going after this. However, what concerns me, besides the overall element of letting people do what they want in the privacy of their own homes, is that this could very well be an inroad to racist profiling by law enforcement. Many of our drug laws were set up with that premise in mind. Cannibis' name was changed to marijuana in order to reflect negatively on people of Latin decent. Many have argued that the tough laws on crack were set in place to incarcerate more minorites in urban cities. I'm not saying that this is indeed the case with this new cough medicine trend. But, I am weary. I do agree that making such activity, at minimum, de-criminalized, is nice in theory and will have serious issues to see it in place. However, it still should be attempted. Will we see a rise in usage? Probably. But, I would imagine, like in the Netherlands, you get a spike and then a deflation over time. People with drug problems aren't criminals, they are (for lack of a better term) weak. They need help, not incarcertaion. This is why we live in incarceration nation. Someone gets nabbed for drug use, goes to jail, gets hardened, goes out and commits serious crimes or similar, then returns to jail. It's a vicious cycle. The smoking issue is an interesting one. Here in California, it was first tackled. I'm a bit torn. I'm fully opposed to smoking in public places, however, I'm torn in private. At home, it should obviously be allowed. But if I own a bar, and I want my patrons to be able to smoke, shouldn't that be my right? If someone doesn't want to work there or consume there, they have options to go elsewhere. I will say, as a non-smoker, besides the occassion victory cigar, I love dining with no smoke! But, there's something oddly missing when I go to a bar. I'm drinking, so right off the bat, I'm not in there for my health! Also, when I see a blues show (yes, the rare one in LA), something seems deathly wrong with not being in a smoke filled room! I'm just old and dumb on that one! I agree about Russell. The guy is an idiot. I remember the farily recent skit from SNL Weekend Update where the reporters lambasted Michael Vick about his pot charge in the Miami airport (I think the segment was called "Really?"). How do these mega-millionaires not have a better cover? Here in LA, for years, it was known that rappers, Cypress Hill, would hire "roadies" basically to hold and transport all their weed, so in case they ever got nabbed, it'd only be for a tiny amount that they were just smoking. With the medical law in place, now they are free to be fried. In some way shape or form, how do some of these athletes not get a similar "roadie" to hold their crap or get a limo to drive them when they're drunk? It is ridiculous. You are right about if it is illegal it is illegal. Anyone caught doing it should expect reprecussions.

Seriously, nor do I. His poor decision making (while I think due to frustrations on many levels) deserves criticism. I could see their argument. No one Bear player appeared drastically better than the year before with an assumption that players should progress positively naturally. Thus, one could expect, with a top tier QB, they should be improving not just marginally, but significantly. We all know there are numerous factors involved, chiefly that of a poor O-line... But, the criticism is warranted. Just for me personally, I'm not basing my opinion on Jay after just last year. I want to see more, and I really feel he will be the stud we've all been waiting for... Of course, once Smith finally is ousted.

Bottom line, it's too early to make that call... One "interim" (w/ Turner as OC) season should not be what his career is Chi should be solely based on. But stories are limitied right now...so why not harp on pick-boy!?

Not sure what your ultimate point is on this matter.... You ,of course realize, that just because something is illegal, does not mean it's immoral or should be illegal? Treating blacks as equals was once illegal in this country. People fought against it, and did eventually make such laws illegal. But, those who broke that law before that, should be applauded, not jailed. If I were on a jury I would not find them guilty. I am personally from the standpoint that people should have the freedom do do what they want as long as it does not impede on the freedoms of others. Someone can be an alcoholic and drink themselves to death. As long as that person doesn't get behind a wheel and endanger others, then that person should be able to do what they want. Sure, their action will hurt their families and friends emotionally. But, govt. should not legislate against people acting like a-holes or jerks. You may well disagree with that philosophy...many do.

Man always seems to find something harmful and new every few years...

Lot's of optimism. I'm not sure my glass is that full...

Florio at PFT seemed to think that Ruskell's presence bodes well for Angelo to keep on going as GM, with no such thought for Smith. I'm curious as to what Ruskell will actually do for the Bears. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for now.

I'd like to say the same as I'm hitting 40 in August, but I still have the mentality of a 18 year old! (At least on Sundays...)

Man, I wanna party with you guys!

No. I mean tax dollars are spent unwisely on numerous things. Policing cough syrup is one of them. I have a feeling we probably differ in views on our "War on Drugs", but I'd be more than happy to debate it in the "Other Forum" where no one can take offense...and where it's non-Bear related.

This is just one example of many where America has some serious prioritization issues...

Please! Football is year round! And need I remind you.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om_yq4L3M_I

3b and 3c need to be moved up to 1a and b!

A Super Bowl Win An NBA Champtionship a Cubs Pennant another Stanley Cup a White Sox Pennant Winning it all supercedes any one player... But, I would be pretty freakin' thrilled to get James!

It's pretty open for interpretation I suppose! I follow your picks... Can't disagree.

Surprise, surprise!

Why am I not surprised... Does this really officially make him a Bengal?

Great points, especially your final one.

It is true... The kool aid is flowing freely at Hallas Hall and every other training facility in the NFL. I really take everything these guys all say with a grain of salt. Kreutz WAS elite. At least you base the comment on that. But to say Williams is elite is just pure rah-rah-ness. We could be worse.... 7 step drops will abound, and that could mean numrous O-linemen could turn into matadors as Cutler gets pummelled into oblivion. It should be better. But, I don't trust this coaching staff in the least. Any of them. So, I will refrain from thinking all is well and better until I actually see it in the regular season.

Yep...pass the dutchie on the left hand side Tice, becasue I ain't feeling that high about our O-Line...

Good read. Your guess is as good as mine! Benn seems like the only odd stretch.... I think part of the excercise is a bit of "dark horse" vs "disappointment"? Am I right in your approach to some degree?

I'm in agreement with what you'd like to see. I have no idea what will happen, since I know not who has nude pictures of Smith this season to blackmail him into a move that everone will question.

BINGO!