Issue 3.1

Why is the drug debate so tantalizing?

Reading your post on Issue 3 my immediate thought was, "Is there anything more to say about the drugs?" Anyone who has given thought to drug policy seems to side with decriminalization. Honestly, I remember in a college class on applied ethics we looked at the best arguments on either side of this issue and the supporters' arguments for our current approach to drugs were incredibly weak. The strange thing is how unbelievably low the public's' appetite for dealing with it is. Yet, we love talking about it. Even though we seem to all agree on the solutions we just love talking about it.

Back to your ideas.

1) I think it runs into a problem that people who are rule breakers, even at such a minor level as dealing marijuana might not have a problem applying a "Certified Canadian" stamp to their product. I am not trying to apply a stereotype to drug dealers but they do not have a problem walking outside of societal norms. Setting this aside it is interesting in the same way that La Cosa Nostra is fascinating. People who have stepped outside of society creating a sub-society. This is the same thing you want drug dealers and consumers to show social awareness for the violence in Mexico.

2) Ditto for idea number 2, but slightly more pointless. Sorry that was harsh but my disdain for protests has no loyalty.

I will agree that these two ideas step away from Purantinism but I am not sure how any discussion in which "just say no" is not the only answer could become Purantanical? Could you explain what you mean?