Marijuana is branded as an illegal drug. Its use is prohibited in many nations of the world with the exception of The Netherlands. However, it is surprising that quite a lot of people still use it. Given the prevalence of use and the cost of the drug, it is debatable as to whether the drug should be legalized or not. With regard to this issue, Christopher Stifler and colleagues carried out a study titled Amendment 64 would produce $60 million in new revenue and savings for Colorado, to look at the potential benefits of legalization of marijuana in Colorado. By addressing their argument to the general public, Stifler leaves the audience pondering over the pros and cons of Amendment 64. This is a review of this argument primarily using the Toulmin method.
The Orwellian model for effective writing, consisting of five main rules, applies to this argument. Careful observation of these rules leads to effective writing. The first rule is that the use of dead metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech should be avoided. Second, use short words instead of long ones, to avoid confusing the reader or sounding arrogant and bragging. Longer words can distract the reader from a lack of meaning. Shorter words are effective in producing precise, accurate, and clear arguments. Orwell’s third rule is to cut out all unnecessary words. Words that do not add meaning to the writing only make it less powerful. His fourth rule is to use the active voice because it is shorter and more meaningful than the passive voice. The last rule is to avoid using a scientific word, foreign phrase, or jargon where a normal English word can be used.
These rules seem simple, but it is easier to break them than it is to follow them. Stifler is presenting his ideas to increase support for Amendment 64. As this appears to be an argumentative paper, this essay will evaluate it based on the Toulmin method of analyzing arguments.
Stifler argues that Amendment 64 would benefit the economy of Colorado. The amendment proposes that marijuana should be legalized in the state. This argument takes into account to the fact that marijuana is illegal in many US states and most countries in the world and so would be controversial to legalize it in Colorado.
Despite this challenge, Stifler explains why such legalization would be necessary. It increase revenues for Colorado that could be applied to funding the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program. This program would lead to the creation of about 372 new jobs in Colorado towns and cities. Because 217 of these jobs would be generated in the construction industry, it is arguable that these jobs would give people a higher standard of living besides increasing the revenues collected by the government.
There are various outcomes that can be realized from such an amendment. Stifler indicates that there are intermediate outcomes which go beyond the immediate tax revenues generated. These effects include changes in consumption due to the law itself, changes in production and distribution costs, reduced law-enforcement and prison costs, and legalization for medical users. Some of the factors and estimates affected could include criminal cost estimates, price elasticity and demand, new prices, and regulatory systems and excise tax. Tax evasion will be reduced, thereby boosting tax revenues. The consumption of marijuana could be reduced and there would be a positive net effect on the budget of Colorado.
Finally, Stifler points out that this legalization would reduce the amount spent on criminal investigation, legal prosecution and correctional services because there would be fewer marijuana related cases. This would reduce the pressure felt in the corrections department. . The money saved could be channeled to other programs instead of going into the prison system. To further emphasize the importance of marijuana legalization, Stifler argues that the act will not increase the number of people who use the drug. He argues that legalization would increase the production cost making it less affordable for teens, thereby reducing its consumption. Based on these arguments, Stifler argues that Amendment 64 would have a positive impact on the economy of Colorado.
Stifler satisfies the first requirement of the Toulmin method; there is a clear statement of the topic under investigation. From the onset, the reader understands that the discussion focuses on Amendment 64 and the legalization of marijuana.. Stifler states the thesis and it is clear to the reader that the argument centers on proving that legalization of marijuana would have a positive effect on the economy of Colorado. However, Stifler also understands that the position he takes is quite radical because marijuana is illegal in many countries and considers this in his argument.
In support of his argument, Stifler starts off by giving evidence on the economic impact that legalization could have on the economy. To do this, he uses monetary information and calculations. First of all, he indicates that after legalization, there would be $12 million instant savings realized from the reduction in violations of the laws against marijuana because the costs of enforcing the law would be reduced. . This cost reduction is a valid point. The legalization would increase tax revenue that could be directed to improving state services. Based on this that Stifler satisfies the provisions of Toulmin argument that require evidence for his argument.
Stifler does not stop at that. Rather, he further supports his argument through calculations on how marijuana legalization would have a positive effect on the economy. He indicates that there would be creation of new jobs in the state. He specifically states 372 jobs would be generated. This is a valid argument that gives credibility to Stifler’s argument. What’s more, he indicates that there would be other benefits as well. For instance, there would be $24 million new taxes in revenue from excise taxes on the wholesalers, $8.7 million in new sales taxes, and $14.5 million in new local sales tax revenues. This is solid justification for the fact that the legalization would have a positive impact.
Various justifications are given for his argument. The direct budgetary costs are calculated to show how the amendment can bring about a difference. There is a clear statistical presentation of the number of people consuming marijuana at the present, and an estimation of the average costs per ounce. In Colorado, approximately 12.9% of adults consume about 3.5 ounces per annum on average. Stifler indicates that this will not increase with legalization because the cost will be high. However, additional tax revenues in form of excise tax, state tax, and local sales tax will be increased.
Stifler goes ahead to justify his claims. He logically argues that the BEST program in the state is aimed at improving the lives of the people. However, more funds are needed for the program and this solved by exploring other means of revenue generation. It is evident that amendment 64 offers this solution by helping in two ways. First it saves on cost since the government does not have to spend much on the correctional services. Second, it generates more revenue. As Stifler indicates, legalization of marijuana would actually give the government an extra $52 million for use in the development agenda.
Lastly, Stifler gives the refuting arguments. He argues that some critics of the amendment have said that legalization would lead to more consumption of marijuana. . Furthermore, there could be instances of abusing the drug, just like with many others. Stifler offers a counter-argument to this claim proposing that the drug would be regulated just like alcohol. It would not sold to minors and neither would individuals be allowed to drive while under the effect of the drug. Effective regulation would help to solve this problem. Furthermore, Stifler (4) argues that marijuana has been legalized for medical services implying that any arguments against its legalization are baseless.
Looking at the above analysis, it can be said that that Stifler’s paper qualifies as a rhetorical argument, based on Toulmin’s theoretical perspective. This is due to a number of reasons. Stifler gives a thesis for his argument; from the onset it is clear to the reader that the argument is about Amendment 64, which aims at making marijuana legal in the state of Colorado. Examining the argument it is evident that Stifler’s argument satisfies Toulmin’s requirements. As such, it qualifies as a rhetoric argument.
Works Cited
Orwell, George. "Politics and the English Language." 1950 - 2013. George Orwell's Library. <http://www.orwell.ru/library/essays/politics/english/e_polit>.
Stifler, Christipher. "Amendment 64 would produce $60 million in new revenue and savings for Colorado." 2012. <http://www.slideshare.net/jesse4mayor2021atlanta/amendment-64-would-produce-60-million-in-new-revenue-and-savings-for-colorado>.
