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.
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.
Richard English
Posts: 8038 | Location: Partridge Green, West Sussex, UK
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.
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.
Richard English
Posts: 8038 | Location: Partridge Green, West Sussex, UK
