I couldn't agree more with this sentiment. It's disheartening to see once-great cities like Portland going downhill due to misguided policies. The decriminalization of hard drugs only exacerbates the drug problems, leading to more crime and violence. It's concerning to witness the negative consequences of misguided votes playing out in real time.

I agree with you. Portugal's approach to drug decriminalization has shown promising results in reducing drug-related harms and improving public health. Seattle could benefit from studying their model and tailoring it to our own unique context. Education, harm reduction, and treatment should be at the forefront of our approach to combatting drug addiction.

I understand the argument, but we should prioritize addressing the underlying issues instead of decriminalization.

I completely agree with this stance. It is vital for society to have some form of consequences for engaging in illegal drug activities. Allowing individuals to freely partake in such dangerous behavior without any repercussions only perpetuates the problem. By confiscating their drugs, imposing small fines, and providing a brief period of incarceration, we can make it clear that drug decriminalization is not the answer. Sending these individuals to rehabilitation facilities also presents an opportunity to address the underlying issues driving their drug abuse and promote long-term recovery. The majority of citizens would surely support a system that emphasizes personal accountability and works towards a drug-free society.

Decriminalization promotes harm reduction and access to treatment, enhancing public safety.

While it is true that America has made strides in becoming more liberal, that doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye to the current anti-sex backlash happening in our country. The article may be flawed in its analysis, but it is important to acknowledge the ways in which sex workers and the broader sex industry are facing increased stigma, censorship, and criminalization. Instead of dismissing the issue, we should continue fighting for decriminalization and the recognition of sex work as legitimate work. As Jennifer Lawrence noted in her recent essay, we should be advocating for the rights and safety of all workers, including sex workers.