Liberal Talk Radio

Thanks for the comments regarding my piece, “On Goon Squads.”

I feel like the (lost) War on Drugs is something that I’ve spoken and written about extensively (aside: the first essay I ever had published — in my high school newspaper — was about the ridiculousness of the drug war … for those who care about such things, at that time I’d consumed no mood- or mind-altering substance of any kind save sugar and caffeine). So this is an issue that I’ve been addressing for a long time, and my opinion has changed very little.

RMW wrote: “I like how Amsterdam handles it. They’re not as intrusive as the States are and they’re still proactive. I think the fact that they decided to separate how they deal with hard drugs and soft drugs was smart.”

And, in my mind, that’s exactly right. Drugs aren’t legal in the Netherlands — they’re decriminalized. It’s a subtle difference … too bad America is such an unsubtle country.

The key is that it’s a market-driven approach. By separating the markets for hard and soft drugs, the Netherlands have acheived heroin addiction rates below those of neighboring countries. Meanwhile, numerous econometric studies, including this one demonstrate conclusive, tangible benefits from a Dutch-style approach.

And in the context of my essay, legalization clearly obviates the need for goon squads. If junkies buy their smack at a corner store that’s run by the state, and are allowed to consume in their homes or in carefully monitored public places, then there’s no more need for tactical teams.

Of course, when have economics ever mattered to a conservative? They’re more interested in the ideology of hate than the logic of progress.