Social problems function like a revolving door. As one issue goes away, a new one crops up. In most instances, societal issues are regarded as separate from one another. The United States is besieged with numerous problems in the economic, societal, political, and personal fronts. Among the issues, the problem on medical marijuana, gun ban, and immigration are on the top of the list of problems that beset the United States.
Medical marijuana is a popular topic these days due to the increasing number of States favoring the use of marijuana for its medicinal benefits. Even though the Federal government claims that marijuana has no medicinal value whatsoever, 19 States have legalized its use as cure for certain illness, and at least two States have legalized marijuana use for recreational purposes. On top of this is how the Federal government intends to prosecute dispensaries even in States where medical marijuana is legal. To this day, Federal and State laws regarding medical marijuana remain in conflict with each other (Garvey, 2012, p. 3).
Another issue is gun control, which has been in the forefront of events due to the mass murders that occurred in schools and shopping malls, and perpetuated by young adults. The issue created a divide among people who support the use of firearms and those who push for stricter gun control measures. On one side of the fence are those who claim that the availability of guns makes way for crimes to happen, while another group asks how much of the crimes involved the use of guns (Moorhouse & Wanner, 2006, p. 103).
The war on immigration laws and policies complete the list of social issues in America. While there are staunch supporters of reforming immigration laws by imposing tougher and stricter laws to immigrants, some sectors of society recognize the value of immigrants to society. The main issue is about the economics of employment where one side views immigrants as competition for work, while another group claims that they complement native-born Americans instead of compete when it comes to employment opportunities. Apart from this, issues concerning immigration include the benefits, voting rights, education, and intercultural marriage, among others (Griswold, 2012, p. 2).
These issues are important because instead of uniting the American people, it is causing a huge discord due to varying beliefs on how to approach the issues. Marijuana use, for instance, could lead to abuse of use, distribution, and propagation of the plant, which is the concern of the Federal government. Without stricter measures on guns in terms sales, ownership, and handling, crimes and accidents will be rampant.
What I expect to happen is for the State and Federal governments to come to an understanding about how marijuana can be used medically, if there really are benefits to using the plant for treatment. Without this understanding, the two branches of government will remain at odds with each other. For gun control, it would be best that the government recognize that guns do not often cause crimes as other objects maybe used to inflict pain on another individual. However, what should not be forgotten is the role of psychology in the gun ownership issue. It is an epidemic and educating the citizenry about guns, gun ownership, and the false power it provides the handler, hopefully, there will be lesser crimes. Finally, in terms of immigration, I expect that there would be clearer guidelines about it regarding whom and how to help the thousands of illegal immigrants become regular citizens, especially when they have been good "citizens" already despite not having the necessary papers. Likewise, also hope that the people recognize how these migrants, legal or not, have contributed much to the American company.
References
Garvey, T. (2012). Medical marijuana: The supremacy clause, federalism, and the interplay between state and federal laws. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42398.pdf
Griswold, D. T. (2012). Is immigration good for America. Cato Journal, 32(1). Retrieved from http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/cato-journal/2012/1/cj32n1-1.pdf
Moorhouse, J. C., & Wanner, B. (2006). Does gun control reduce crime or does crime increase gun control. Cato Journal, 25(1). Retrieved from http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/cato-journal/2001/1/cj26n1-6.pdf
Simpson, S. (2013). Gun violence requires focus on young. Retrieved from http://articles.courant.com/2013-01-07/news/hc-op-simpson-gun-violence-requires-focus-on-young-20130103_1_gun-violence-metal-detectors-youth-violence
