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Do the drug laws in this country need reform? Yes. Are the penalties for non-violent drug crimes particularly harsh? Sure. Is the entire system of law so contor

Do the drug laws in this country need reform? Yes. Are the penalties for non-violent drug crimes particularly harsh? Sure. Is the entire system of law so contorted and corrupt that it's completely the control of "those in power" as you call them? I rather doubt it. Such an extraordinarily claim requires extraordinary evidence and you've provided none. You've simply waved your hands around and grumbled about how judges "routinely" hand out multiple life sentences, without including any proof, context, or analysis how this alleged fact supports your argument. Clearly the angle you're approaching this issue from is that of marijuana legalization. Consider this: the fact that you are unable to have a rational view of our justice system is one reason why decriminalization/legalization is taking so damn long. Remember Prop 19? It is one of the most incompetent pieces of legislation I've ever read, mostly in part because of attitudes like yours that the justice system is completely broken and out to ruin the lives of every pot smoker in the US. A good summery of some of the more fundamental issues with Prop 19 here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1864578 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1864578 and here: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1865987 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1865987. Point is that the justice system isn't the boogie man, and the thought that it was is what caused Prop 19 to be such garbage. I honestly have no idea where the idea comes from. Last time I checked weed was decriminalized in 12 states and many townships in the US. I'm not trying to convolute the main line of discussion here, but the subtext beneath your post needs to be addressed. Finally, if you actually believe the rather macabre view of the justice system you're espousing, you should pack up and move out of the country. I for one couldn't live in a country with a justice system like the one you describe. There's a world of difference in believing the justice system in imperfect and in need of reform (my personal view) and your view which seems to be that it's completely broken.

fleitz 16y ago
Fiat justitia ruat caelum
Retric 16y ago
No individual or group in the country has all the power. However, most of the power is split up among a minority of players and corruption and abuses of power run rampant. Small scale: I know someone who did serious time because he picked up some drugs for a old friend who was trying to get a lighter sentence. This is someone who had never sold drugs, and stooped using a while ago. But transportation = distribution and "entrapment" does not count when the cops use a third party. Large Scale: UBS whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld is the only person to due time over a multi billion dollar tax fraud. PS: Don't forget the recording industry is only worth 12 billion a year, yet protecting that tiny cash flow is worth more than pissing off all those pirates.

fleitz 16y ago

Fiat justitia ruat caelum

Retric 16y ago

No individual or group in the country has all the power. However, most of the power is split up among a minority of players and corruption and abuses of power run rampant. Small scale: I know someone who did serious time because he picked up some drugs for a old friend who was trying to get a lighter sentence. This is someone who had never sold drugs, and stooped using a while ago. But transportation = distribution and "entrapment" does not count when the cops use a third party. Large Scale: UBS whistleblower Bradley Birkenfeld is the only person to due time over a multi billion dollar tax fraud. PS: Don't forget the recording industry is only worth 12 billion a year, yet protecting that tiny cash flow is worth more than pissing off all those pirates.