Since this is Potpourri I think this post fits best in this section.

See this blog: http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/20/when-growing-pot-don...dinates-in-your-gps/

Wow, 59 years in jail for that. Only in America!

Racine, Wisconsin, is very close to us. He really was a bit foolish, wasn't he?

quote:

Wow, 59 years in jail for that. Only in America!

That long? Or that short? Because in Afghanistan, they'd cut off your hands.

59 years for growing marijuana? I'd say the punishment doesn't fit the crime (too long). On the other hand, he only faces 59 years, so maybe he won't get that much. Still, I do think our sentences for some crimes are way overboard.

quote:

That long? Or that short? Because in Afghanistan, they'd cut off your hands.

Simce Afghanistan is one of the worlds main producers of opium I'd be inclined to doubt that - unless they don't want the competition!

quote:

Simce Afghanistan is one of the worlds main producers of opium

Among other things:Afghanistan is also a big producer of hashish. Sean may be confusing it with another country.

The Taliban banned opium production, and was known to cut off the hands of people who defied them. Afghanistan is the leading producer of opium, something like 70%, last I read, much higher than when the Taliban where in power.

True. And now that the British and Americans are (nominally at least) in power I don't know why they don't legalise opium production (let's face it, there a great legitimate need for its derivatives) and make sure the job is done properly and the profits go to the legitimate producers and distributors, rather than the warlords.

What are you, Richard, some kind of commie!?!?

quote:

What are you, Richard, some kind of commie!?!?

My suggestion seems to me to be in the true spirit of capitalism, not communism.

some kind of commie

I believe the legalization of so-called vices or victimless crimes is more in keeping with those of a libertarian political persuasion than a totalitarian one.

quote:

I believe the legalization of so-called vices or victimless crimes is more in keeping with those of a libertarian political persuasion than a totalitarian one.

It's not a question of being a liberarian, it's a question of good business sense. I was suggesting that the growing of opium in Afghanistan be legalised and controlled, as it must already be in many farms. (How would the legitimate users get their supplies otherwise?)

Legalise opium production and the warlords who presently control the industry will be taken out of the equation and everyone (apart from them) will do very much better.