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> these crimes can't be suppressed by legalizing, and in fact may be exacerbated by them. Since we're all pro-legalization, then this is a little funny thing t
by phillmv 15y ago
> these crimes can't be suppressed by legalizing, and in fact may be exacerbated by them.
Since we're all pro-legalization, then this is a little funny thing to be arguing about but I have a straight forward counter argument to the above.
There is a certain percentage of people who are straight up ruined by addiction. But they're a) a very small percentage of the population and b) since almost everyone has access to drugs (and at least in some of my social circles consuming drugs is totally normative) almost everyone who can be ruined by addiction already is.
This is bourne out by the experience of Portugal, which has decriminalized all drugs, etc etc yadda yadda.
- tptacek 15y agoViolent crime in Portugal has been rising steadily. Even if it had simply held steady after decriminalization (which seems not to be the case), that would still refute the idea that legalization is a good way to stanch the rate of incarceration.
- phillmv 15y agoAlas, it gets complicated to isolate variables when you consider the whole economic meltdown they're experiencing. Public policy is hard, let's go programming!
- angersock 15y agoControl for economic conditions, and then you may have a case. Policy matters like this are a tricky.
- spindritf 15y agoWe don't have enough countries to control for economic conditions, culture, form of government, etc, etc.