The Solution to America's Drug Problem

     In a blogpost by my colleague Nicolette Loisel entitled "Drug offenders need rehabilitation, not punishment," she argues that the only way to solve the drug problem plaguing America is through treatment programs for addicts. She argued that drug users are real people and that punishing them with harsh jail terms only has negative effects on the users and their family and friends. She also uses facts from variously cited articles showing how not only is drug addiction treatment far less expensive than jail, it is also far more effective at helping drug users recover and become productive citizens of society. The combined use of emotional and rational appeals helps Loisel to persuade her audience, everyday Americans who are oblivious to or not effected by drug addiction, that "treatment is the only sane answer." Her concluding paragraph is effective in making others feel that action must be taken now to fix this problem. 

     Before reading this blogpost I was already in agreement with what Loisle was arguing. I believe her post only strengthened my views on this topic and made me more sure in my own opinions. One way she could have strengthened her argument would be by referencing drug treatment programs in place in other countries. The usage of this example would have shown that national government drug programs are very effective in reducing drug addiction. Overall though she did a great job at logically arguing her points and persuading her audience, at least me.