Crist Never has Owned a House in Florida

[30ashopper]

That was probably me. I like Charlie and I definitely think he is an empathetic person, as well as a dedicated public servant. But I think he's reactive not proactive, and it would help to have a visionary guiding us. I do not know who that would be.

He has his hands full. The latest budget numbers are UGLY. As tax revenues fall, unemployment and Medicaid rolls are expanding rapidly, which does not help.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/article933430.ece

choice quote -

"Senate analysis shows that even though the inmate population has exploded this decade, and two-thirds of inmates need substance abuse treatment, the number of inmates getting such help has declined, from 10,547 in 2001 to 8,865 by 2006."

So 2/3rds of our inmate population are in on drug related offenses? That's rediculous.

Overall though, a 2 billion shortfall can be dealt with. Compared to states like California with 30 billion or more, we're weathering this pretty well.

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't think that is an accurate extrapolation - I would think many are in prison because of crimes they have committed either as result of their substance abuse or to get funds to buy the substance they have a problem with.

For example, a murderous alcoholic needs treatment, but isn't imprisoned because of a drug charge. A junkie who robs someone to get $ for drugs is likewise in need of help, but not being imprisoned on a drug charge.

 

[Bob Wells]

I think CFO Sink would be an awesome choice. Even though I did not vote for her, she appears competent and has a financial background. Even though she was a banker, I believe, and was endorsed by that lobby group and others. She has at least in my opinion shown a steady hand and has been calling for a special session to deal with the economy. The Governor seems to be bowing to what Speaker Sansom wants and he apparently does not seem to think we need to deal with this. Maybe he has other issues occupying his mind. CFO Sinks name has been rumored for Senator Mel Martinez office.

 

[30ashopper]

I don't think that is an accurate extrapolation - I would think many are in prison because of crimes they have committed either as result of their substance abuse or to get funds to buy the substance they have a problem with.

For example, a murderous alcoholic needs treatment, but isn't imprisoned because of a drug charge. A junkie who robs someone to get $ for drugs is likewise in need of help, but not being imprisoned on a drug charge.

I agree, but I have to wonder how much money is being spent on small time "crooks" who got caught growing, buying or smoking a little pot. Another big component is probably meth use, I figure if these folks want to make and smoke meth, assuming they do it in a responsible way, why should we put them behind bars?

 

[idlewind]

I think CFO Sink would be an awesome choice. Even though I did not vote for her, she appears competent and has a financial background. Even though she was a banker, I believe, and was endorsed by that lobby group and others. She has at least in my opinion shown a steady hand and has been calling for a special session to deal with the economy. The Governor seems to be bowing to what Speaker Sansom wants and he apparently does not seem to think we need to deal with this. Maybe he has other issues occupying his mind. CFO Sinks name has been rumored for Senator Mel Martinez office.

What makes her so competent? Whatr solutions has she proposed other than raising taxes?

 

[Matt J]

I agree, but I have to wonder how much money is being spent on small time "crooks" who got caught growing, buying or smoking a little pot. Another big component is probably meth use, I figure if these folks want to make and smoke meth, assuming they do it in a responsible way, why should we put them behind bars?

There is no reasonable use or manufacture of meth. It is incredibly dangerous to produce and cause side effects that lead to violent and sometimes deadly crimes. Legalize pot all you want, it is a naturally occurring drug. Meth requires so many chemicals to make that there is nothing natural about the end result.

 

[LuciferSam]

There is no reasonable use or manufacture of meth. It is incredibly dangerous to produce and cause side effects that lead to violent and sometimes deadly crimes. Legalize pot all you want, it is a naturally occurring drug. Meth requires so many chemicals to make that there is nothing natural about the end result.

Believe it or not, there is prescription meth sold under the name Desoxyn.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desoxyn

I think drug use of any kind should only be punished if it is tied to some kind of irresponsible behavior. This would probably mean that most but [not] all meth users would end up being prosecuted for something. So would a lot of alcohol users and even some pot users. I don't think whether it's a naturally occurring substance should factor into it at all. Insulin occurs naturally and it can be used to commit murder.

 

[30ashopper]

There is no reasonable use or manufacture of meth. It is incredibly dangerous to produce and cause side effects that lead to violent and sometimes deadly crimes. Legalize pot all you want, it is a naturally occurring drug. Meth requires so many chemicals to make that there is nothing natural about the end result.

Same with alcohol. We have crime against irresponsible use - driving while drunk for example, the same would be true with meth or cocaine or pot. The production safety issue can be taken care of by legalizing it and regulating the companies that produce it.

 

[Matt J]

Believe it or not, there is prescription meth sold under the name Desoxyn.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desoxyn

I think drug use of any kind should only be punished if it is tied to some kind of irresponsible behavior. This would probably mean that most but [not] all meth users would end up being prosecuted for something. So would a lot of alcohol users and even some pot users. I don't think whether it's a naturally occurring substance should factor into it at all. Insulin occurs naturally and it can be used to commit murder.

This is not the meth you find on the street.

Same with alcohol. We have crime against irresponsible use - driving while drunk for example, the same would be true with meth or cocaine or pot. The production safety issue can be taken care of by legalizing it and regulating the companies that produce it.

The only problem with that theory is again that although something might be available legally it doesn't mean people aren't going to try and make it themselves to save a few bucks. If my neighbors decide to brew their own beer or wine I'm fine if things go awry. However, if they decide to cook up meth and I step out back for a cigarette at the wrong time, kaboom me everybody in about a block radius is done for.

 

[LuciferSam]

This is not the meth you find on the street.

Yeah I know. Check out the movie "Spun" some time!