I think Bill already posted this article, he's good at that. I ran across it this morning and wanted to re-post the first few paragraphs and add a little context. From Reason Magazine.
"According to a recent report from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, 19,047 hectares of poppies were eradicated in Afghanistan this year, 24 percent more than in 2006. Meanwhile, the number of opium-free provinces more than doubled, from six to 13.
Those victories were somewhat overshadowed by the news that the total amount of land devoted to opium poppies in Afghanistan rose from 165,000 to 193,000 hectares, an increase of 17 percent. Due to "favorable weather conditions," estimated opium production rose even more, hitting an all-time high of 8,200 metric tons, 34 percent more than the previous record, set last year."
I would expect that, if it were reported at all by the MSM, the headline would cite 19,047 hectares eradicated, 24% more than last year. See how my government is protecting us, taking the fight to 'em. All we need is more money, see how hard we're working to keep these levees standing.
My understanding is that the heroin on the street today is stronger than it was in my day. I don't know how much a match heads worth of the stuff weighs, but am lead to believe that's a strong single dose, and I'm not talking about those big strike anywhere wood matches either. Just to put it in perspective.
"Since their efforts have had precisely the opposite of the result they intended, U.S. drug warriors, predictably enough, plan to try harder, calling for more eradication, possibly including aerial spraying of herbicide, and more interdiction. Over the long term, if history is any guide, these supply reduction measures will have little or no impact on heroin consumption. Over the short term, they will continue to strengthen the Taliban insurgency."
Speaks for itself.
So no politician can get elected if he/she comes out for legalization, and keeping it illegal insures rivers, mountains of the stuff will be produced and find its way here. Self interest being what it is, it remains illegal. I really wouldn't expect someone to commit political suicide, what would be the point. What's it going to take for enough people to realize they are being conned? And that's just one drug from one country.
ARS |
