Comments on: Hey Kids, Drugs Are Bad

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:36:33 +0000

I cannot see why anything which does not effect anybody else is illegal in a so called free society.

Note to self do not drink and post on the internet at the same time..

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:18:28 +0000

I think the most dangerous drug is completly ignored by the government dihydrogen monoxide is present in the blood of 100% of people who have died ever.

Joking aside as a libertarian I cannot see why anything which does not effect anybody else. Why is it legal for me to drink myself to death, yet illegal to smoke a joint, which is a substance statistically far less likely to have any ill effects on me, in any case neither of these causes the slightest problem to anybody else, it is my body I should be able to put into it what I like. If I then steal/cause damage or anyting else to either fuel or while under the influence of any substance I have taken that is wrong and should be treated as such.

One thing which especially annoys me is why the Home Economics Minister bothers to pay for scientific study into the effects and suggested classification if the advice is only followed if the outcome of the study matches her pre-concieved opinion.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 07:48:05 +0000

As long as anyone continues to use the umbrella term ‘drugs’ when they mean illegal, recreational drugs we’ll get nowhere.
Might as well say ‘food’ is bad for you, or ‘gas’ is bad for you…

By: chartroose

chartroose — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:16:22 +0000

I agree, Jack. I experimented and I’m still here and my brain still works and I’m not addicted. And I’m tired of hypocrites like Kellogg’s who pull Michael Phelps’ sponsorship while continuing to sell unhealthy processed foods like Cheez-It crackers and Frosted Flakes. Hey dudes, take a few bong hits like ol’ Mikey did. They’re grrrreat!

By: JackP

JackP — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:31:46 +0000

Seb:
not just the environment — the way in which people are used & abused in the traffic of certain drugs. Alex James’s documentary on cocaine being an excellent example. If it’s repeated, watch it.

These are all good arguments which could be put forward, but generally aren’t. The consistent argument — “drugs are bad for you, they kill” — is weakened considerably by the fact that certain more dangerous drugs are legal and taxed.

Personally, I have fairly libertarian views (do what thou wilt — as long as you’re not hurting anyone else) but I am prepared to change my views and would certainly welcome a wider debate in society which doesn’t just have the “I do drugs and I won’t listen to anything bad about them” and “drugs and drug users are all evil” viewpoints…

By: Seb Crump

Seb Crump — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:33:03 +0000

As some people I know I work for COI who play a part in managing the FRANK campaign, so I’m going to avoid all comment on that for obvious reasons, and all the following view are personal (all mine, I tell you).

I think that drugs wreck the environment may be a good line to take - people seem to care about that these days, especially the younger more likely to take drugs(?) demographic. I was cheered by the initiative last year http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7413454.stm but it didn’t seem to amount to anything.

It always amuses me, in a sad way, the hypocritical hippy types who preach about benefits of organic this and eco that, but smoke (really bad environmental and people producers damage), use other recreational drugs, etc.

By: paul canning

paul canning — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:30:59 +0000

There’s another issue actually, the international agreements they signed up to. I believe this is why marijuana decriminalisation couldn’t happen as it would break some treaty.

By: paul canning

paul canning — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:53:44 +0000

The comments on Phillip’s piece are interesting. Most Mail readers want decriminalisation and recognise a failed policy when they see it!

By: JackP

JackP — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:17:45 +0000

Paul,
I know that’s what happens. And that’s precisely the problem. Because the media and the politicos are unwilling to let people discuss the issue, because they are unwilling to tolerate anything other than a zero tolerance, drugs are bad, kids approach, they will never win the ‘war on drugs’. They are crippling themselves with their own idiotic propaganda battle. And I suspect half of them know it - they are just scared to say it.

And it’s the gobsmacking stupidity of it all that annoys me…

By: paul canning

paul canning — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:34:29 +0000

This is why we never hear the sensible side.

They get shouted down. Or harassed. Remember what happened to Brian Paddick when he tried to change policing priorities.