Columbian Hitmen
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/14/colombia.hitmen/index.html
I thought this article was real interesting, especially considering that the gang violence is a result of arresting the former bosses. What do you guys think? Is it possible to curb cocaine smuggling when these people have nothing else? What is the greater evil - allowing these cartels to exist or allowing the power struggles? Or, is that a false dilemma? (i.e. can we both get rid of the cartels and prevent a power struggle?) Concerning the American government, does the interests of the American people (keeping cocaine out of the country while creating a power vacuum) trump those of the Columbian people who are safer under the rule of the cartels?
This is an issue which I find very perplexing and I don't have many answers, but I'd love to hear yours.
"[B]eing good is a fearful occupation; men strain at it and sometimes break in two." - Ray Bradbury
Drugs were legal in the U.S. at one time. Cocaine and heroin were sold in bottles over the counter. The government grew Hemp. All we're doing by keeping drugs illegal is putting alot of money in the pockets of the cartels and crooked cops and politicians. Everythings legal in Amesterdam and they seem to do alright.
Mexico has legalized personal usage and the violence seems to have mellowed out a little (for now).
If governments legalized, regulated and taxed drugs then it would be a win, win situation for them cuz they ain't EVER gonna keep people from doing drugs. I lived on the border and would watch semi-trailers full of drugs being busted on TV. Officials even admit that they only confiscate a small percentage of smuggling so why waste all the money and jepordize so many lives. Legalize it and make money. It's that fucking simple.
Drugs don't kill people, people kill people. Just like toast don't toast toast, toast toast toast.
i aint here to live, i'm just here to dream
Hmm, can't edit first posts. . .
Here's part one: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/13/colombia.drug.war/index.htm...
"[B]eing good is a fearful occupation; men strain at it and sometimes break in two." - Ray Bradbury