Saving Phoenix

Decriminalization might be Phoenix's only answer to solve its rising crime problem. Today's CNN feature on the drug cartels investigates the kidnapping epidemic currently growing in Phoenix. The stories while shocking, are even more grotesque. I advise you not to read the full article if you just ate, as torture appears to be common in these situations. Below is just part of Jaime Andrade's story and what he had to endure while being held hostage.

Andrade was pistol-whipped and beaten with a baseball bat and the butt of a rifle. The kidnappers tried to gouge out his eye and slashed open his left eyebrow. They burned his back as well -- presumably, police said, with a blowtorch found at the scene.

Usually these kidnappings are criminal on criminal offenses but mistaken identity can only increase with the continued escalation and frequency of these crimes. Another story highlighted was an innocent 13 year old girl trying to play basketball in her driveway. Phoenix police have even formed a special unit to assist in investigations.

Phoenix police formed the HIKE squad in October after two years of unprecedented kidnapping numbers -- 357 in 2007 and 368 in 2008 -- gave the city the dubious distinction of being the nation's kidnapping capital. Home invasions were not far behind: 317 in 2007 and 337 in 2008.

It would be hard for any city to adapt to this increase in terrible violent crimes. The resources simply aren't there to combat the problem. It is growing too rapidly, alternative solutions need to be looked into. While MPP is currently fighting a battle to get a medical marijuana initiative on the ballot in Arizona, there is little evidence to prove it would be effective against cartel violence.