[lbo-talk] it's inevitable

[Wojtek Sokolowski]

Justin:
I'm for decriminalization myself, but note that
alcohol does cause a lot of criminal behavior, and
probably so might somew other drugs if legalized.
Speed, for example. Coke, especially crack. Probably
not pot or, if kept affordable, opiates. 

Doug:
> So if drugs cause criminal behavior, the crimes
> themselves can be 
> punished. Why criminalize the drugs, which normally
> don't cause 
> criminal behavior?

John A:

I assume the reasoning is: When you take away the economic problem of 
paying for the habit, it's stimulants generally which cause both 
violence and accidental carnage. Consider how alcohol facilitates 
interpersonal violence--that's stimulant behavior.

I'm not so sure anymore it's the right thing to decriminalize the heavy 
stimulants. 

[WS:] One thing that baffles me about this list is a particular form of
discourse in which people respond to a post indicating their disagreement,
and then they merely rephrase the same position with which they professed to
disagree.  

I think I was quite clear that I consider the current drug policies in the
US quite idiotic (the term that I used), and that I am in favor of
decriminalization of mind altering substances.  However, I also acknowledged
that the use of certain mind-altering substances may involve high social
cost, and it is that social cost that should be the subject of government
policies.  So why are you guys using my posting as a scapegoat for
expressing your dissatisfaction with the current drug laws?  Just because I
have the habit of questioning the received wisdom?

Dennis C:

I don't know what you get out of this Mickey Spillane of the Left 
posturing and I don't see how it contributes to serious discussion 
anymore than the crocodile tears you complain about.

[WS: ] Interesting.  I've been trying to ask you the same question for some
time - what is that you are trying to tell me?  Clearly, my postings rub you
the wrong way and you are trying to snipe at them every time you have a
chance, without being very clear what your objections really are.  I am not
quite sure what your problem is - is it something that I said, or you just
need a punching bag to feel good about yourself?  But let's keep it civil.
Once again, I suggest you ignore my postings and I promise to do likewise.
Otherwise, I will have no choice but to add your name to my anti-spam
filter.

Wojtek