The province of British Columbia, Canada decriminalized drugs and it was an absolute disaster. More violence, crime, destruction, death and issues. It’s so bad that huge parts of Vancouver are now unlivable. It was so bad the province had to walk it back after 6 mos but it’s still a mess.
Minor point: decriminalization is what we should have, not legalizing. When you legalize something, then it has to be regulated for standards and commerce, like tobacco and alcohol are. This typically does not end well for recreational drugs, given typical government efficiency. But if you decriminalize them, that takes care of the needless incarcerations, which is the main problem with most recreational drug use.
There are some decent drug dealers, but they are often part of a crew. That way necessary violence can be delivered in an appropriately measured dose. Personally, I think the police here in Chicago messed up in clipping the top of the drug gangs. It just made everyone crazy paranoid and violent. The old style shops on notorious corners made enough money to keep the peace, pay off cops and make sure local residents were taken care of. That is all gone now, and the city is worse for it.
I strongly agree with your views on legalization, but it must be real legalization, not the political picking of winners and doling out privilege that Illinois has done with marijuana legalization. Drugs are already available to any who want them (something that is so obvious, yet I am shocked at how many people will jump through the highest of hoops to not believe). So we should simply sell them at liquor stores. The only problem I see is what the criminals will get into once the drug game is up. Will they force young girls into prostitution? We they engage in robbery? Identity theft? The people in the game are not exactly suited to the straight life. Some might make that transition, but many will find another hustle, and I suspect that will have a non-zero cost to society. I still think legalization would be an improvement, so long as it comes with the strict enforcement of vagrancy and panhandling laws.
Started reading this a few days ago and only just finished up. It would be more than understatement to suggest you have been through a few rough-patches. From what I understand you were trapped in them for a long time. This article offers fist-and, deep personal insights that I believe should be widely circulated, also republished. Very sorry that you have had such tough times in your life - today you are an inspiration for those still living such times. Keep writing about this.
Fascinating read, stylishly written. For a project, I researched the crack epidemic in Bed-Stuy / "The Killing Fields" -- your perspective on all of this is invaluable.
The province of British Columbia, Canada decriminalized drugs and it was an absolute disaster. More violence, crime, destruction, death and issues. It’s so bad that huge parts of Vancouver are now unlivable. It was so bad the province had to walk it back after 6 mos but it’s still a mess.
Good stuff
Minor point: decriminalization is what we should have, not legalizing. When you legalize something, then it has to be regulated for standards and commerce, like tobacco and alcohol are. This typically does not end well for recreational drugs, given typical government efficiency. But if you decriminalize them, that takes care of the needless incarcerations, which is the main problem with most recreational drug use.
There are some decent drug dealers, but they are often part of a crew. That way necessary violence can be delivered in an appropriately measured dose. Personally, I think the police here in Chicago messed up in clipping the top of the drug gangs. It just made everyone crazy paranoid and violent. The old style shops on notorious corners made enough money to keep the peace, pay off cops and make sure local residents were taken care of. That is all gone now, and the city is worse for it.
I strongly agree with your views on legalization, but it must be real legalization, not the political picking of winners and doling out privilege that Illinois has done with marijuana legalization. Drugs are already available to any who want them (something that is so obvious, yet I am shocked at how many people will jump through the highest of hoops to not believe). So we should simply sell them at liquor stores. The only problem I see is what the criminals will get into once the drug game is up. Will they force young girls into prostitution? We they engage in robbery? Identity theft? The people in the game are not exactly suited to the straight life. Some might make that transition, but many will find another hustle, and I suspect that will have a non-zero cost to society. I still think legalization would be an improvement, so long as it comes with the strict enforcement of vagrancy and panhandling laws.
Bravo!
Started reading this a few days ago and only just finished up. It would be more than understatement to suggest you have been through a few rough-patches. From what I understand you were trapped in them for a long time. This article offers fist-and, deep personal insights that I believe should be widely circulated, also republished. Very sorry that you have had such tough times in your life - today you are an inspiration for those still living such times. Keep writing about this.
Unexpectedly insightful, Ed...thank you!
Fascinating read, stylishly written. For a project, I researched the crack epidemic in Bed-Stuy / "The Killing Fields" -- your perspective on all of this is invaluable.
Glad you survived your experiences and lived on to thrive personally and share your stories.
Incredibly fascinating article.