On Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:38:56 -0700, slide
wrote:

Bruce in Bangkok wrote:
On Tue, 3 Mar 2009 14:52:29 -0600, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:


And something like a half a million are in the slammer for non-violent
drug related reasons. Seems like the drug eradication program isn't
working.


I don't care if the drug violation is violent or non. It shouldn't be
illegal to take whatever drugs you wish. Making a product so highly
desired by folks illegal forces enormous distortions in society. This
may manifest as violence. It surely manifests in crimes such as burglary
which hurts those who may have no interest in taking drugs.

It sounds like a powerful argument.... until you remember that the
prohibition people used similar arguments to outlaw booze.

Make drugs legal and you end up with almost no need for police, empty
prisons, folks safe in their homes, no motive for drug dealers to try
and hook children, no more girls moved into prostitution to feed an
expensive drug habit - it'd be a new and better world.

But those who are religionists won't have it and neither will the
police, politicians, prison employees, etc. who profit from all the misery.

I believe that the Dutch have un demonized drugs. Has their crime rate
changes as a result?
Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)