I was very happy to see your posts on the last blog issues (Robotics, Mesh, Neo-Evolution)!
Now, I'm on cloud 9, as my student Pamela (Philips-Healthcare) proposed this topic for blog discussion and sent 02 articles (see the links below) - one of them by our ex-president Fernando Henrique Cardoso - that bring controversial issues on drug decriminalization.
I also added a Youtube video talking about the Portugal case, clarifying the difference between Decriminalization and Legalization of Drugs.
Feel free to add any other article or video with more up-to-date information. Your contribution is always welcome!
1) Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work? - by Maia Szalavitz (2009)
Portugal and the Results of Drug Decriminalization - video with Dr. Darryl S. Inaba (CNS Productions)
2) The war on drugs has failed. Now we need a more humane strategy - by Fernando Henrique Cardoso ( The Observer - Sep. 2009).
Really hope to continue seeing your active participation here!!
Best wishes of a great time...especially with the English language!
Flávia
Hello Everyone,
ResponderExcluirI am Rogerio Araujo, from Lotti Araujo Law Firm.
As a citizen, I´m in favor of decriminalization, since this measure can reduce the levels of drug consumption, provided that there is medical assistance. However, it will be necessary to analyze the structural challenge that Brazil will face, for example, our geographical size and the lack of historical effectiveness of social local actions. Definitely, Portugal is a reference to follow.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi Rogerio,
ResponderExcluirThis is Pamela! I agree with you but in my opinion it´s difficult to afirm that the decriminalization will reduce the drug consumption. This is due to society problem that depends on their consciousness maturity.
This concept is a great step to decrease crime, although we´ll turn the trafficking problem focus into health problem focus.
On the other hand, Brazililian challenges will be different and harder than Portuguese reality as Rogerio pointed out, besides the cultural aspect.
What do you think about this? Do you agree? Do you think there´s any negative point?
Hi Pamela,
ResponderExcluirThis is Bruno!
I agree with you, and in addittion, I believe that in Brazil we have other basic themes to solve until the drug decriminalization or legalization. For example, I consider that most part of our population, especially teens, are without conditions and education to assume a responsible position in this case.
Best regards,
Bruno
Hello, guys.
ResponderExcluirWe are Telemedicine 3D animation designers (Carol, Beli and Carlos) and IT manager (Marcelo)to give our opinion on the issue.
If Brazil copies Portugal's model, it will not work, because Brazilians' mentality, maturity and culture must be changed.
Before implementing decriminalization, we should structure an action plan involving different areas (medical, educational, legal, social, including the drug users)to promote awareness.
There are some projects from Telemedicine Department ("Jovem Doutor" / "Catavento Museum" / "Telessaúde") and Government ones (SENAD - Secreataria Nacional de Anti-drogas. If you want to see some sites, please visit:
www.operadoresdodireito.senad.gov.br; www.jovemdoutor.org.br; www.telessaudesp.org.br)
Catch you later.
Hello,
ResponderExcluirDenise (microbiologist) and I (Elso - dermatologist) are from Telemedicine - USP.
Is the solution to these hard questions about decreminalization in the family nucleus?
For us, good part of the answers to this public health problem (drug use) are in the way families deal with children's upbring which includes limits, live examples, parents' behavior, and constant talk.
We believe that decriminalization discussion in Brazil is too premature because our government hasn't structure (financial, social, psychological assistance, and others) to give other alternatives to drug addicts treatment.
Finally, Brazilians don't have enough culture to know the difference between decriminalization and legalization. Besides that, it's essential to invest in information access, governmental programs and trained people in order to offer more appropriate approaches.
And what about the support to drug addicts' families?
Wait for your thoughts.