Free Essay

Drugs and Violence

In:

Submitted By jerbm
Words 1274
Pages 6
The Terror of Drugs and Violence

The Terror of Drugs and Violence
For over seven decades the United States has experienced an increasing drug problem in it's larger cities. This growing drug problem has destroyed lives and spread violence throughout communities in North America. Violence has also become troublesome for government and city officials to police, and in most cities when the drug sales increase the violence does as well. Drugs and violence are two separate problems facing America, but they are both key contributors to crime, poverty, and deteriorating health in large cities.
Crime
The continuous increase in drugs and violence in America has caused crime to reach an all time high. The drug market is a competitive yet lucrative business that employs thousands of street dealers in the United States. The competition in the drug market becomes violent when street dealers begin to fight over territory for the sale of drugs. Street dealers sometimes travel in gangs for protection against other dealers and gangsters. Drug dealers are known for conducting business on street corners, but as police departments have improved their tactics in finding and arresting drug criminals, dealers have moved to dope houses referred to as “traps”. These dope houses are manned with four to five dealers at a time and may contain multiple guns along with a variety of drugs. Here drug users may come and purchase the drug of their choice and avoid being seen buying drugs by family and friends on a street corner.
In the competitive drug market robbery among drug dealers is a method used to weaken or eliminate the competition. These robberies among drug dealers often take place in housing communities and apartment complexes leaving innocent victims wounded or dead. In order to eradicate their competition guns, drugs, and money are taken in these robberies leaving the victim with no means of protection or way of making money. Substance abusers are also known to carry out robberies, but against innocent members of the community in order to purchase drugs. These types of robberies are common in large cities because most drug users do not work and seek other methods to obtain their drug.
Countless lives have been at risk as drug related shootings have spread across America destroying and causing fear among families. As drug gangs continue their violent fight for territory they leave behind a path of destruction and death from the relentless eruption of gunfire. Disputes and theft among individuals in the illegal drug market are two of the primary reasons behind shootings.
Prostitution is another means in which substance abusers obtain the funds to purchase illegal drugs. Prostitution is a dangerous lifestyle in which men and women solicit sex to strangers for money. One study estimated that nearly seven in ten prostitutes were drug addicts (Flowers, 2001). While demonstrating these type of behaviors they run the risk of being raped, murdered, or becoming infected with HIV.

Temperament
In addition to size, a breeds temperament can also be a deciding factor when considering a working or non-working dog.
Dogs that are bred to guard usually have poor temperament. The doberman pinscher is a guard dog bred in Germany around 1890 by tax collector Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Doberman Pinschers have been well known for being alert, intelligent, and loyal, but have a tendency to be very aggressive when protecting their home or territory.
In recent years there have been other breeds that have made bad reputations for themselves due to poor temperament. One of those breeds is the Pit Bull or Pit Bull Terrier of North America. Pit Bull is name given to several breeds mixed with or related to the American Bulldog, American Stafford Shire Terrier, and Bull Terrier. These are working dogs mainly used to guard, and as of later years have earned the title of bully breeds. Some Pit Bulls have made great family dogs, but there have been a substantial amount of attacks since the popularity of the breed has risen. A few jurisdictions have banned the the breeding and ownership of Pit Bulls due to recent fatalities.
There have been some cases of non-working dogs demonstrating bad temperament. The Chow Chow or Chow as commonly used in North America has been known for its aggressive nature. The Chow is a unique breed of dog recognized by its fluffy dense coat. The Chow Chow originates from China and is thought to be one of the oldest breed of dog. This day and age Chows are mainly used as pets but tend to display discernment of strangers and can become fiercely protective of their owners and property.
Dogs belonging to the toy group such as poodles, chihuahuas, and miniature schnauzers can sometimes display poor temperament when provoked or scared. Miniature schnauzers are relatively thought of as friendly, calm, and loving. The miniature schnauzer was originally bred in Germany from the standard schnauzer and the affen pinscher. These really are great breeds, but from my personal experience they can be quite the ankle biter.
Health History
The Most important factor when considering a working or non-working dog is the breed's health history. Generally working dogs tend to have shorter life spans because of the wear and tear on their bodies, but an array of illnesses also claim the lives of non-working dogs. Some guard dogs may look ferocious and healthy but the truth is most are prone to hereditary diseases. The Bull Mastiff is one of those breeds that can grow to extraordinary heights and guard it's territory like no other. However, as strong and powerful as the bull mastiff is it's life span is only 7-8 years. Joint dysplasia ,entropion, and cancer are only a few of the diseases that shorten the life of this magnificent beast.
Other working dog's job attribute to their health problems like the Alaskan malamute. The Alaskan malamute is a large breed of domestic dog originally bred for hauling heavy freight because of their strength and endurance. Alaskan Malamutes can live up to 10 years, but owning comes with a string of commonly reported health problems such as cataracts, heart defects , and epilepsy.
Non-working dogs also suffer from a variety of health issues even small dogs in some cases. The pekingese is a small dog belonging to the toy group originally bred in China. The pekingese has a life span of 12-15 years or longer but they mostly suffer from non life threatening that make their everyday life uncomfortable. These beautiful little animal's leading cause of death is trauma. This breed is also known to lose their teeth at an early age and die from multiple heart diseases.
All large dogs aren't working dogs. The Great Dane is a large non-working dog from Germany known for their enormous bodies and great height. Great Danes have a fairly slow metabolism. This results in less energy and less food consumption per pound of dog than in small breeds. The average life span of Great Danes is 6 to 8 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy and many congenital heart diseases are also found in Great Danes
Conclusion
Working dogs and non-working dogs live in millions of homes throughout the world. Both type of dogs share unique similarities and differences ,but when considering either as a new family member one has to choose the proper breed. Determining if adding a working or non-working dog to one's family can be an outstanding decision, but you have to consider the size, temperament, and health issues of the breed. Once these three key points have been evaluated a easy decision can be made.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Drug-Related Violence In Mexico

...endure intimidation, harassment and violent attacks from crime organizations. Several of journalist have been murdered within the past decade due to their work. In 2017 alone, eleven journalists were killed in Mexico, compared to the 42 murdered worldwide, according to the Paris based Reporters Without Borders. Infuriated cartel members and political officials use violence as a way of retaliating or “shutting down” journalists who have reported...

Words: 458 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Violence Surrounding Marijuana

...Ian McPherson 11, 16, 2012 Violence Surrounding Marijuana The violence that surrounds marijuana is a major concern for a lot of people, some people believe that it can be changed by legalizing it and therefore taking away the drug cartels number one source of income. The U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy ... says that more than 60 percent of the profits reaped by Mexican drug lords are derived from the exportation and sale of cannabis to the American market (Armentano2). It is ridiculous to think that the United States can put out a statistic like this and ignore the fact that if they legalized the drug there would be less violence because there would be no point for Mexican drug cartels to try and smuggle the drug into the U.S. In the article “Blame Prohibition, Not Pot Smokers for Violence in Mexico”, published by AlterNet.org, Tony Newman tells us how the people who run the “Just Say No” campaign against drugs have a new scheme in which they plan to blame people who smoke pot for the violence in Mexico. They are hoping to stop younger people from smoking marijuana if they associate it with the murder of people by the drug cartels in Mexico. There are a few problems with these campaigns: They are inaccurate in some cases, and downright dishonest in others.Office of National Drug Control Policy It is disingenuous to connect the average American's marijuana consumption to the horrific violence of Mexico's drug war. The average pot smoker's growing and...

Words: 1068 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Drug War

...The Drug War: Will It Ever Stop? INTRODUCTION The United States and Mexico share a border that stretches 2,000 miles. The border is a product of the clash of the British and Spanish Empires. It is a place of lawlessness and violence. Drug cartels have used the border to smuggle illegal drugs into the United States for years. The United States market for drugs is a multibillion dollar a year industry. 90% of the illegal drugs that are smuggled into America come through our southern borders. As a nation we consume over 50% of the worlds illegal drugs, which exemplify the problem that America has with drug consumption. The demand for illegal drugs in the US allows drug cartels in Mexico to make billions of dollars by smuggling Marijuana, and Methamphetamines through the US/Mexican Border. Efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the US have been unsuccessful. Drug Cartels use various methods in the transportation of their merchandise. Such methods include using underground tunnels, semi trucks, automobiles, and humans to transport these illegal drugs. Only 3 to 8 percent of the drugs that are smuggled from Latin America into the United States is confiscated, which is a very discouraging number. Our border patrol and DEA need to do a better job securing our borders and preventing the flow of such harmful drugs into America. There are a reported 7 cartels that operate in Mexico; the biggest players in the drug trade between Mexico and the US are the Tijuana, Juarez, Sinaloa...

Words: 2571 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Prohibition

...Legalizing All Drugs DeVry University ENGL135 Advanced Composition June 7, 2011 Legalizing All Drugs Legalizing drugs has been a controversial topic to the American public. An issue such as this conjures up moral and religious beliefs, beliefs that differ from logical reasoning. Our government’s “War on Drugs” is being fought against her citizens, an effort to eliminate both drug distribution and usage. The government’s policies to eradicate drugs have failed only leaving a trail of political chaos and social unrest. Although the policy’s intentions are pure, it is causing undesirable effects that are rampant through society from the policies of prohibition: murder, corruption, assault, racial and economic marginalization, just a few examples of the effects fueled by the cold and inhuman policies of prohibition. The idea of prohibition is an old one and it is not practical to apply in our democratic government that is based on individual rights. The prohibition of alcohol during the roaring 20’s is the perfect example that proves prohibition is a failed policy that cost many people their lives. The legalization of all illegal drugs, will minimize if not eliminate violence related to drugs, will ensure safe regulation through the standards of pharmaceutical companies, and will save money in so many ways. Violence related to both the sale and use of drugs will minimize if not diminish if they are legalized. How are drugs and violence related? Drugs and violence are related...

Words: 3155 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Violence and Substance Abuse

...day. There are different consequences and effects of violence and substance abuse in the life of people. It is one of the rising concerns of people around the world as people using different kinds of drugs are increasing day by day. It has negative impact in the society as well. There are different organizations around the world which is working to minimize or solve these problems. As violence and substance abuse are interrelated, if we are able to minimize the use of substance abuse then the crime rate will decrease by itself. Tables of contents Abstract 1. Introduction 2. Findings 3.1. Use of substance abuse alter our decisions 3.2. Violence ,substance abuse and mental problems are interrelated with each other 3. Discussion 4.3. Reasons behind the use of substance abuse 4.4. Some solutions to solve the problem caused by substance abuse and violence 4. Conclusion 5. Recommendations Violence and Substance Abuse 1. Introduction Violence and substance abuse are two terms that are interrelated with each other. They are interrelated in a way that when there is substance abuse, violence is inevitable. The use of substance abuse among people is increasing day by day due to various reasons. We can say that it is not a good sign for us and our future. Violence and substance abuse have severe negative impacts on people’s...

Words: 1225 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Drug War in Mexico

...Mexico’s Drug War Drug trafficking has become an increasingly growing problem in the world today. Illegal drug trade is a worldwide black market consisting of production, distribution, packaging, and sale of illegal substances. Although today’s "War on Drugs" is a modern phenomenon, drug problems have been a common problem throughout history. The market for illegal drugs is massive, when we consider the estimated global drug trade value is worth $321 billion (Vulliamy). The most drug trafficking happens on the border between Mexico and the United States. Former Mexican President Felipe Calderon said, “Our neighbor is the largest consumer of drugs in the world. And everybody wants to sell him drugs through our door and our window” (Catholic Online). Mexico is the main foreign supplier of marijuana and a major supplier of methamphetamine to the United States. Mexico is responsible for 90% of drugs that comes from the southern border of the United States. Mexico has been a producer and distributer of illegal drugs for generations; the country now finds itself in a battle with powerful and well-financed drug cartels. The corruption in the Mexico, the trafficking of weapons and the violence has made it possible for cartels to keep operating. Since 2006, when president Calderon declared the war on drug cartels, violence in Mexico has increased dramatically. The country has certainly seen a big rise in drug violence, with cartels fighting for control of major shipment routes. Mexican...

Words: 3045 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Mei Ling Case Summary

...having a misdemeanor domestic violence criminal conviction against her? Rules: 1) § 3044. Presumption against persons perpetrating domestic violence is the first applicable law in this case. § 3044 states, upon a finding by the court that a party seeking custody of a child has committed domestic violence against the other party seeking custody of the child within five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that the person seeking custody, who has committed the domestic violence offensive, is detrimental to the best interest of the child. This presumption may only be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence. Cal. Fam. Code § 3044 (a) (Deering 2006). 2) § 3011. Best...

Words: 960 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Social Problems in Society

...impact on members of society. It either affects members directly or indirectly. These are problems that a community agrees to be acceptable or unacceptable. Things like abortion, poverty, drug abuse and domestic violence can be listed as examples of social problems (Linda, ‎David , & ‎Caroline , 2012). Drug abuse is excessive, irrational and self-damaging use of a substance resulting to continuous craving, psychological damage, illusion or death. Drug abuse is a societal problem mainly affecting the youth both in school and out. Most youths engage in drug abuse out of peer pressure from friends who recruit each other into cults. The use of drugs in societies is high where the level of literacy is low. Nana (2006) notes that learned youths who are struggling to find good job after they are through with their education, get frustrated and engage themselves in use of drugs. This is one of the major problems in many societies where people cannot find job that match their level of education hence find comfort in use of drugs. Easy availability of drugs in today’s society makes it effortless for many people to get access to drug resulting to even small children using drugs. There are so many outlets where people can get drugs at a cheaper price hence so many people engaging themselves in drug abuse (Bosco & ‎Moses, 2011). Abortion is getting rid of a pregnancy by removing embryo or fetus before it matures. Abortion is a social problem since there is division between...

Words: 667 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Noel

...Simon Waltzer Intro to Speech Communication 11/28/2010 Mexican Drug Wars In the early part of 2003 I went to the state of Michoacán in Mexico to visit my grandparents, because it had been since 1994 since I was last there. It was an incredible experience for me to once again see my family who many of them I’ve never met before. Never did I know that this might have been the last time that I would go visit them, no not because I didn’t want to but because of the circumstances surrounding the area of where my parents lived in. The reality was that Mexican Drug Cartel who has existed since the 1980s had become stronger and dangerous since newly elected Mexican President Felipe Calderon was in assumed office in December of 2006. Calderon hailing from that very state of Michoacán ordered 6,500 federal troops to the state of Michoacán to end the drug violence there. Ever since then, the drug violence between drug cartels and the Mexican Government has escalated to the highest extent. Although drug violence has existed long before the war with cartels and the government began, it was generally not as bad during the 1990s and early 2000s. This action is regarded as the first major operation against organized crime, and is generally viewed as the starting point of the war between the government and the drug cartels. As time progressed, Calderón continued to escalate his anti-drug campaign, in which there are now about 45,000 troops involved in addition of state and federal police...

Words: 1684 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Rough Draft

...Reduction * For Legalization: (short answer) * Policies creating more harm than drugs * Legalize so they don’t have to commit criminal acts * So many people are using it, should be legalized * Failed to reduce use and addiction * Prohibition has negative health consequences * Reduced drug price reduced violence * Crime would decrease less crowded courts and jails * Focus too much on illegal drugs focus on legal drugs * Against Legalization: * Alcohol has history of social acceptance in US * Prohibition is affective against illicit drugs * Legalization of drugs increases consumption increase in overdose and death * How come crack involves higher level of violence than cocaine if less expensive drugs results in less crime? * If legalized more people will start using drugs * Good Country Policies (essay question) * England: * Marijuana is not prescribed for medical use * Prescribe heroin for heroin addicts * Reach out to people to get treatment through the Justice System * When you want help you get help * Portugal: * Jail time replaced with treatment * People caught with small amount sent to a panel * Decriminalization decline illegal drugs, HIV, people seeking treatment doubled * Sweden: * Drug free policy it is illegal * Blood and urine tests whenever they want ...

Words: 937 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Prision

...Some of these key such as prison violence, prison rape and the drug policy issues are negative and does affect the prison. On the issue of prison violence, over the years, prison violence has been on the rise. This has causes major changes within the prions system, such as implementing strategies to control the prisoners and their criminal behaviors. Prison rape also has continues to rise. This issue has been will probably continue to exist. This is because the prison officials have yet to be able to control this kind of activity. Another issue that has been affects the prison system is the sentencing that are being handed out for drug charges. This has cause the prisons to be overcrowded. Prison Violence on the Rise Prison violence is on the rise, many prison conditions are a recipe for violence, by being overcrowded, understaffed, insufficient staff training, excessive solitary confinement, insecure facilities, mistreatment of mentally ill inmates, policies that weaken family ties, a culture of disrespect between staff and prisoners, and little accountability for wardens. These facilities are causing concern not only for inmates but, for those employed to supervise the convicted offenders. Inmate population continue to grow, staffing levels in most facilities either have stopped or decreased. Violence has increased in the prisons that carry these conditions. Inmates experience rape by other prisoners and staff, gang rape, gang violence, and excessive force from officers...

Words: 2155 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Why Children Kill

...WHY CHILDREN KILL PATRICIA LOAYZA ST LEO UNIVERSITY WHY CHILDREN KILL All through this century, social scientists have been concerned by the idea that crime and violence is too often the domain of juveniles. Even though the number of children who kill is small in the past decade has reached and all time high. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in 2008 the murder arrest rate was 3.8 arrests per 100,000 juveniles ages 10 through 17. This was 17 percent more than the 2004 low of 3.3 and three-quarters less than the 1993 peak of 14.4 percent. The search for an explanation of age and violence has led to comprehensive studies that have determined the importance of family and relationship bonds. One of these important studies was led by Cathy Spatz Widom, she studied 1,575 kids between the ages of 5 and 18 and determined that a history of growing up between physical abuse and neglect whether directed at the kids or loved ones around them is a immense contribution in participation of violence in later years, that includes a cycle of violence. Neglect and child cruelty can be defined as failure of caregivers to provide respect, love, protection, food, clothes, shelter and medical attention. In the article written on 15 February, 2010 by Susan Donaldson James for ABC News we can see a perfect example of Widom’s hypothesis; a 13 year old, Michigan boy accused of point blank killing. FarkTechnoratiGoogleLiveMy SpaceNewsvineRedditDeliciousMixx ...

Words: 1274 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Mexican Drugs

...Mexico: Drugs or Democracy Introduction Illicit drug trade between Mexico and the United States, estimated between $17 billion and $38 billion a year in 2009 by the Drug Intelligence Center, has a long and storied past. Cartels operated with relative impunity from government prosecution during the seventy year reign of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, (PRI). The movement from an authoritarian government system of the PRI to the liberal democracy initiated by the election victory of the National Action Party, (PAN), candidate, Vicente Fox, in 2000, disrupted the status quo. Election gains by PAN Representatives disrupted long standing agreements between the cartels and government officials which led to the increased violence that exists today. This paper will explore the history of the relationship between the cartels and the PRI. The effect of the increased violence from the cartels inhibits the efforts of PAN party officials to establish a lasting democracy. Literature Review Research shows the three distinct stages in the development of a cohesive relationship between drug cartels and government in Mexico and identifies the political and economic conditions that have allowed the drug trade to thrive. Comparing Mexico with Columbia, another narcotics state, provides an additional case study on the subject matter and highlights actions utilized successfully. A review of the current political and military efforts to curtail corruption within the government provides...

Words: 2903 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest

...state of mind and leaving the problems of the world behind. Drugs and medicine offer a path to a different state of mind where the user doesn't have to think about their problems. Another way to escape is by violently trying to overthrow someone who has imprisoned you. The prisoners of jails around the world have used violence to escape from the people holding them captive. The more people are regulated and controlled, the more they will want to rebel through violence. A third form of escaping can be from a source of entertainment of pleasure. When something extremely admirable is perceived, it can change the mood of whoever it is affecting. If someone is very passionate toward music, they might be able to escape their problems by listening to their favorite song. Other things like games can offer an escape because they take everyone's mind off of their problems and focus them on the game. Escaping is something that people do all the time without even noticing it. When someone feels uncomfortable or troubled they perform some kind of escape to feel better. The theme of escapism appears throughout the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey as well as in A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. The characters in both novels display their motives for escape in three main ways. They escape by using drugs and medication to alter their mind state and get them out of the present situation. In addition, they can use violence to escape or destroy their surroundings to break free....

Words: 2872 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal?

...logically apply to marijuana because marijuana is far less dangerous than some drugs that are legal, such as alcohol and tobacco. There for the most basic reason that marijuana should be legal is that there is no good reason for it not to be legal. Some often ask “why should marijuana be legalized?" but we should ask "Why should marijuana be illegal?" From an abstract point of view, we as individuals deserve the right to make choices for themselves. There is no logic why someone would be pushed to take legal drugs that are proven to sometimes be potentially worse for one’s body and mind. “Marijuana is far less subject to abuse than most drugs used to treat the same conditions. It is also less addicting. Dr. Lester Grinspoon, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, says that “Marijuana is safer than most drugs used to treat the same problems.” Since there is no known case of lethal marijuana overdose, that would mean marijuana is safer than aspirin. According to John Marx, one thousand people a year die of aspirin overdose. The side effects of aspirin can also harm young children. The estimated ratio of lethal to effective dose is 40,000 to 1. The second major reason that marijuana should be legal is because banning it does not help the country in any way, and causes a lot of problems. There is no good evidence that supports that banning marijuana decreases drug use, it might actually increase drug use because many people like to do the...

Words: 1208 - Pages: 5