Power of Data Visualization

The United States has been fighting a war since 1971, and it’s been losing. Which country do you think is most to blame for illegal drug use across the globe?

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Illegal immigration is much more complicated issue than the usual dichotomy of "Illegal immigrants are destroying our country" versus "Illegal immigrants play a vital role in our economy." Before we even embark on the discussion, we need to know who we're talking about. How many illegal immigrants are there, where are they from, and how do they fit in to the economy?

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If you were to venture a guess, which of the following would top your list as the most lucrative black market in the world? Cocaine, Opium, Prescription Drugs, Marijuana, Cigarettes, or Prostitution? Stop guessing for a second and take a look at the graphic for the correct answer.

via standardmadness.com

With a bill to legalize marijuana on the November California ballot, the controversy over the prohibition has reached a new high. Supporters see the potential tax revenues as a solution to the state’s mounting budget crisis, while those against argue that the increased use of marijuana will bring with it additional health care costs that far outweigh any economic benefits. We couldn’t think of a more appropriate day than today, 4/20 to take a look at the economic implications of a repeal of the prohibition. Is this a viable plan to get the state out of the weeds or just some kind of reefer madness?