MrsICTFC

Feel free to PM me x

Well maybe you could bring something substantial into the debate? Anyone could go off grab loads of stats, google is fantastic!! I can't show you stats because there are none to suggest that decriminlisation doesn't work in the UK. I am not a housewife thanks. Nor do I fall to the government. I agree that adjustments need to be made however, I do not believe that decriminalisation is the answer. I would rather see more money pushed into research, prevention and treatment.

Probably because people were so off their faces that they couldn't kill a fly. If you look at that graph there is a long time line and I am sure there are many other factors that need to be taken into consideration.

Really? :P I'd love to see your stats on that!

It's not just harming you though. What about the people who are exploited to make the drugs, people who are killed as a result etc etc.

According to this document the figures for percentages of people in Uk prisons for drug offences (no indication of the amount of drugs possessed) are Scotland- Prisoners 7602 with 14.4% jailed for drug offences. England and Wales Prisoners 82240 with 15.5% drug offences NI Prisoners 1459 and 6.1% So that equates to 1095 in Scotland, 12747 in England and Wales, 89 in NI The main point though is that people caught with personal amounts of drugs do not recieve a criminal record meaning that there is no stigma attached to their lives, they can travel and work freely, the policy of our government to take a hard line on drugs means that young people who are experimenting with life can end up in a vicious cycle in the criminal world for doing little more than daring to try drugs which are not one of the two recreational substances endorsed by the government. I will look at all this later, I have too much work today! x

And I would like to ask how many people, commenting on this thread, have had small amounts of drugs at some point in thier lifetime. I have been spiked once, not sure if that counts. I have never taken drugs. I drink once in a blue moon.

Under Portugal's new regime, people found guilty of possessing small amounts of drugs are sent to a panel consisting of a psychologist, social worker and legal adviser for appropriate treatment (which may be refused without criminal punishment), instead of jail. On this point in the article - I would like to ask how many people who have small amounts of drugs here are actually jailed?

Can I ask how much it would be a month per payment?

In relation to the original topic I read this yesterday and thought it was interesting: Nobody would wish to belittle the ghastly fate that befell James Bulger. Letting his killers attempt to redeem themselves in peace does not do that. But we should be mindful of the fact that indignation is relatively easy to satisfy, and demands no sacrifice, no exposure to horrid experience, no damage to the soul. To continue feeding indignation against a 10-year-old boy who glimpsed Hell, and who knew it, is at best unworthy, and at worst is itself a manifestation of wickedness. " I'd apply the issue of 'right to know' to James' mother as well as the public in general. I do not think that she has a special right to insight into the lives of her son's killers - their time was served, they are not her property as they are not the media's. I think much of the pitchfork craziness around this story is very easily explained - people WANT Jon Venables to have committed some heinous crime. They want him vilified, they want evidence that he is 'bad' or 'evil' or 'rotten inside', that there is something inherently criminal and wicked within him. Because if he is evil, we don't have to look too long or hard at the failures that turned him into a killer. We don't have to accept blame. We don't have to try to understand the warped psychology of a damaged little boy or examine how differently things might have turned out. If Jon Venables is evil, it all becomes very simple and easy - we are absolved of the blame. My point still stands as a country we are failing if we cannot find the reasons why people re-offend.

Same here but that is the reason why we have a justice system. A justice system that not only allows them total anonymity for the rest of their lives, it actually helps them create new identities and all the encouragement they might need to start new lives. Venables and Thomson were free from custody after only serving just over half of their sentence. Who says crime doesn't pay? Why? If you read my first post you will see that the reason they do this is because of the fact that they would probably be murdered, hounded by mobs etc. They don't do that because they want them to go off and have a fantastic life! We live in a country where once you have served your time you are free and everyone is entitled to that right. I think what people forget is that this isn't the only murder since 1993. The press have highlighted this case and turned these two men (10 year old boys) into hated figures. What about all the rest of the criminals. The media sway so much. I had a relative who was beaten to death by her boyfriend. He no doubt will be out in about 6 years maybe less. I want nothing more for him to be rehabilitated so that he cannot do the same thing again. If not it means that the justice system is failing.

Same here but that is the reason why we have a justice system.

It is 100% correct that we do not know his identity. We seem to live in a culture where there will be a mob mentality. This is why they change their identities not because they feel as if they deserve it but because of the people who would try to kill them. Some may say this is OK however, I don't believe in an eye for an eye. I am in no way justifying the actions of this boy but how could we expect him to have any morals at 10 with the way he was dragged up.

I am 25 although I look about 18 and act about 30!

I think two things that have contributed to the downfall of Inverness was it's sudden growth and the internet. I remember I used to run about and play in the fields behind my house - that is now matalan/inshes etc. I remember the enjoyment of going into town - not anymore I use the internet for a majority of things. I am starting to dislike living here! On a positive note bring back the Jolly Green Giant!

So guys you are telling me if one of your mates went off with your ex with who you hadn't long split up with (also who you have a kid with) you would be happy? Yeah they had split up but there are unspoken rules about this sort of thing!

Well my car has now been stuck in the snow since 10am, a9 been closed on and off but I hear the weekend is supposed to be good. (I hope so as I don't fancy walking anymore).

Maybe they can come to my house and check out that I am eating healthy there?

I can't see any?

Sorry I nearly spat out my juice when I read that!

You sound like you read the daily mail too much. However, I agree with some of the sentiments in your post.

If I am correct there is no law on signs if it is a mobile camera re: signs close by. There is a van on the nairn road, always in the part of road before a dip. There are never any signs close to it. All I know is that as long as they aren't hiding drastically then there is nothing you can do besides obey speed limits!! Talking about speeding - does everyone know that outside the college (Longman) is a 30mph? I am suprised at the amount of people who think it's 40mph.