[Stu]

Originally Posted by ElProximo

I doubt the numbers are anywhere NEAR those. I really do. What I know is that they routinely pull dead heroin addicts out of the parks around Amsterdam (oh the tourists don't know about that?),
and,
I don't know I have ever seen a disgusting drug hole full of death and suffering and dirty humiliation as one can see (from an office window) in downtown Vancouver.
Where weed is virtually legalized and easy to access cheaply.

But hey.. the Dutch need to do something. That place is swarming with dirty freeloading hippies doing nothing but be bums and piss on the world in their passive-aggressive ways.
Swarming!

Youtube video

-Mortality from drug related deaths in Europe [The Netherlands is amongst the lowest].
http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/stats07/drdtab05a

-Heroin assisted treatment results [Addicts are weaned off the streets and the number of those dependent on Heroin has dropped 30% since 1983].
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2219559/

Not that I'm doubting you're fond ability for arguing with logic and statistics but these numbers don't lie. The Netherlands have less heroin addicts and less overdoses than the USA, and probably the likes of Canada and Ireland. Not only has their Cannabis policy been highly effective in pacifying their youth with amongst the lowest useage rates in Europe but the safe access to Heroin has been lauded by other member states and copied. And lord knows how much good that taxed dope has done for the country.

If you look anywhere you will find Heroin addicts injecting themselves in poverty. We have an area for that here in Cork just like you do in Vancouver. Just like they do in Amsterdam in certain concentrated areas. I'm well aware of the problems specifically in Downtown Eastside in Vancouver and to blame that on a liberal dope policy is absurd and without merit. Those people didn't decide to become hooked on Crack because you can get pot easily.

Have you ever actually been to Amsterdam? It's beautiful. Certain parks are dodgy which you can avoid. The Red Light district is a hotbed of all the things that probably make your winkie shrivel up in regret. But by and large it's a fantastic city and if you think it's a picture of depravity you must not have made it far beyond central station.

If you want to see one of the most potent arguments in favour of the relaxing of archaic drug laws then Google yourself 'drug decriminalization in Portugal' though. Spend a few hours having fun and getting educated.

Dirty freeloading hippies.