according to that BBC article
they would merely decriminalise not legalise.

Meh it's obviously an error of conscience with me, but I find it difficult to give a damn about drug-abusers. It's their lookout, everyone knows the risks associated and if you choose to risk them and fuck your life up, then that's your own fault. How long before the first of the junkies tries to sue the government for making drugs available?
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:20, 2 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Thing is not everyone does know the risks associated.
Or they just don't consider them. Or they're so fucking depressed and down about their situation that drugs seem a fairly good way of quitting the universe temporarily. Think about it - if people are so well informed, and know what it's like to be a junkie and everything how desprate would you have to be for escape, any escape from your situation that something like Heroin seems a viable alternative?
(Fredz A graveyard of hopes, a dump of ambition, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:22, Reply)

Well then
rather than focusing on how to get the largest quantity of drugs to the people least suited to be able to cope once they are on them, people with mental health problems, depression etc who can't afford them in the first place, I think there are other more worthwhile avenues to put money in. Awareness of the damage they do, better education to provide an alternative, and better pinpointing of that vulnerable sub-section of society. Don't give them more to alleviate their pain, do something about it.

Edit: I should stress here, that I am not anti drug-decriminalisation but that I think it is far too complex to simply be implemented, and that there are other more worthwhile avenues. Plus weed shouldn't even be part of the argument. That should just be legalised
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:26, Reply)

Oh don't get me wrong
There's no way this would realy work without some form of pretty major social policy change - focusing on some of the more unpleasent aspects of society that most of us don't realy like thinking about - mental health issues, poverty gap ect... I'm just saying that decriminalisation and supply of cheap and clean alternatives would mean that junkies are not criminalised on top of their other problems and don't have to commit various crimes to fund their habit.
(Fredz A graveyard of hopes, a dump of ambition, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:33, Reply)

It's a difficult one
I think I'm probably just a bad person, because I have less sympathy in this instance. Other addictions you can see how they start things like alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, even cocaine etc. Smack and crack are a bit beyond my comprehension. Regardless it is society that needs to be fixed, rather than what is essentially a 'make life easier' for the junky fix
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:37, Reply)

Ah. Well I guess it depends
And I do totaly agree with you. There are aspects of our society that realy do need changing. Trouble is how to go about it. I personaly think that decriminalisation would be a rather usefull tool if it's combined with certain other social reforms.
(Fredz A graveyard of hopes, a dump of ambition, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:41, Reply)

Has anyone ever tried to sue the government
for making alcohol available?
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:27, Reply)

I don't think alcohol
is on the same level as crack. And I'd point out that several cigarette companies have been sued (success is not the point)
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:31, Reply)

Volenti non fit injuria would presumably prevent liability for the brewers etc
I suppose you could attempt to JR the government's decision to make alcohol legal but you would fail, it being a non justiciable subject and a whole host of other reasons.

In summary, your idea is made of fail.
( WormuIus, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:35, Reply)

What idea is that?
Amber said junkies might try to sue the govt for making drugs available, all I did was point out that this has not happened with alkies and the govt.

So, my post contains no idea of mine nor of anyone else, and thus in summary, your post is made of fail.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Tue 17 Aug 2010, 11:42, Reply)