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Politics : Libertarian Discussion Forum -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Neocon who wrote (3074)	6/15/1999 9:36:00 AM
From: augustus	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 13056

Switzerland just passed a program to distribute free heroin to it's 1500 addicts. The program has been in effect for four years and has been successful in reducing crime. I suspect it also makes for nicer addicts. We could put 1/20th of the funds currently devoted to enforcement toward putting those media moguls to work on a permanent campaign to de-glamourize the drug scene, and we'd actually see some results. Throw another 2/5th at social programs to pacify the Democrats. Throw another 2/5th at the Republicans for tax cuts or reducing the deficit, and with the balance we could all have weekly barbecues in perpetuity. What you think? Do cost/benefit analysis apply? I could pass legislation like that easy - just promise a home theater system (from the savings) to every household in the country and hold a referendum. Regards, Augustus

To: Neocon who wrote (3074)	6/16/1999 1:40:00 AM
From: capitalistbeatnik	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 13056

Sweden's economy is contracting, Amsterdam has lower crime than any major US city despite legalized drugs and prostitution. So it all comes down to scoreboard, Amsterdam wins, and it's not all theoretical.

To: Neocon who wrote (3074)	6/16/1999 2:39:00 AM
From: Dan B.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 13056

"...and so also I take VISXbull's testimony with a grain of salt..." NEOCON!...as if the two were a study of the same philosophy? Surely you don't liken "moderate socialism" with "social libertarianism?" Trouble is Neocon, all that talk about Sweden's socialism working so well deserved your grains of salt- as those those policies are an anti-freedom test. The "social libertarianism of Amsterdam" ADDS freedom- hence you are now throwing salt at a pro-freedom test. Freedom(both economic and social) is the too little recognized key to best(not perfect) government. As Visxbull says, the scoreboard is already providing long-term results. It is NOT surprising that in both cases FREEDOM is shown to be winning while socialistic control is shown to be losing....expect that trend to continue...it's natures way because... Freedom works, better than you think. Dan B