> First, let's not forget that jaywalking is one of those "crimes" that is used as a pretense by police to harass people, usually young people and people of color.
"Walking while black"
Recently saw a courtroom video where a black man was being charged with marijuana possession. The reason for the initial stop was jaywalking, but the cop didn't even ticket him for the jaywalking, just used it as a justification for performing a search.
Judge threw the case out. Scolded the cop for clearly just wanting a reason to search a black man, evidenced by the lack of a ticket for the jaywalking.
And of course, it's just wild to me that in some states, you can get thrown in jail for YEARS for simple possession of a single nugget of marijuana, while in Oregon, my grocery store receipts literally have ads for marijuana dispensaries on the back.
Yeah, and some of those pro-drug laws are likely going to be walked back.
To be honest, I'm not sure what has actually been happening. People claim hardcore drug (ie, cocaine, meth, etc., NOT marijuana) use has gotten worse, but I don't know if it's actually backed up by statistics.
I've always believed that drug possession and use should not be illegal, but that rehab programs should be well-funded and free, and only distribution of drugs should be criminal. Addicts are victims that need help, while sellers are enablers.
I get the impression that the decriminalization happened without the adequate health services to help people. Alternatively, many addicts simply don't want help.
But I openly admit that these opinions are based on feelings, and I don't know if drug use and the associated problems increased.
"Walking while black"
Recently saw a courtroom video where a black man was being charged with marijuana possession. The reason for the initial stop was jaywalking, but the cop didn't even ticket him for the jaywalking, just used it as a justification for performing a search.
Judge threw the case out. Scolded the cop for clearly just wanting a reason to search a black man, evidenced by the lack of a ticket for the jaywalking.
And of course, it's just wild to me that in some states, you can get thrown in jail for YEARS for simple possession of a single nugget of marijuana, while in Oregon, my grocery store receipts literally have ads for marijuana dispensaries on the back.