Drug Legalization

918 Words2 Pages

Just say no? This is not exactly the philosophy that the vast majority of the United States population tends to follow. Drugs have become a routine aspect of everyday life in the United States. Neither a gigantic metropolis nor a minute town have gone without feeling the everlasting effects of drugs. Drug use has always posed a major dilemma for America to overcome. The banning of illegal drugs takes many back to the days of the Prohibition problems involving the banishment of alcohol. Prohibition obviously did not work in the 1920’s, and some modern day people feel that making drugs legal would solve the constantly rising drug problem. In his article Facing up to Drugs: Is Legalization the Solution?, Pete Hamill presents both sides of the argument very thoroughly. Using tremendous techniques in both writing and in major points, the author persuades the reader to give a great deal of consideration to the author’s belief that legalization is the answer to America’s drug problem.
In delivering his points to the reader, Hamill effectively makes good use of internal structure. Initially, the point of view utilized in this article exhibits an interesting way that the reader can personalize himself with the article. The constant use of “I” in the article lets the reader know that the author has had first hand experience with the drug issue. The first person point of view also reinforces the fact that this article is completely based on the ideas and beliefs of Hamill. In addition, playing a key role in this article, the audience remains convinced via the effective techniques in writing. In general, this article reaches out to everyone in the United States, and possibly the rest of the world. However, this article targets powerful individuals, and those in the government who can make an impact on the drug world. This illustrates the whit of Hamill in that he discreetly makes a statement to high ranking officials. Most importantly, the tone in which the author reveals with dignity gives a sense of truthfulness to the reader. The author overall writes seriously, but with a touch of sarcasm here and there. Adding to the seriousness, the author’s realistic approach to the situation on drugs tells the reader that the author means every last bit of what he is saying.
Although numerous internal writing techniques remain evident, some of the major points that Hamill illustrates in his article prove very effective.

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