Slashdot Mirror
Smilin' Bob Not Smilin' Anymore
Consumerist reports an Associated Press release that Steve Warshak, 42, was found guilty of 93 counts of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. His 75-year-old mother, who has cancer, was found guilty of conspiracy and other charges, and was sentenced to 2-years, but is free pending appeal. US District Judge Arthur Spiegel, in Cincinnati, OH, denied Mr. Warshak's request to remain free pending appeal, but gave him 30 days to wrap up his affairs and report to prison. Besides Enzyte, Washak's company, Berkeley Premium Nutraceuticals, who also distributes products to boost energy, manage weight, reduce memory loss and aid sleep, will be allowed to stay in business — but must forfeit $500 million. Among their most egregious offenses was a requirement of a Notarized statement from a doctor certifying that they had a small penis. Amazingly, remarkably few customers availed themselves of the refund offer. Unfortunately, it looks like the commercials will still be able to continue...
I agree that the "war on drugs" isn't doing much to reduce the problem below current levels. But, it is my belief that after seeing plenty of people addicted to drugs in one form or another that removing what controls exist today on it would give many more people the justification to use drugs. There is a small group that really cares that they are illegal and without that, they would gladly use whatever was available.
So what do we do? Education? The problem is that we are fighting "escapism" in general. Educating people that getting away from the depressing aspects of their lives is somehow wrong or self-destructive doesn't work. Just let the druggies alone? The problem with that is without controls usage will expand significantly. High prices both deter use and create crimes to fund habits.
I don't know what the answer is. I do know that today in the US 20-30% of the population would agressively jump on the drug bandwagon if they knew it was safe and wasn't illegal. Maybe more. That isn't a solution, it is a disaster. I believe most people on the leading edges of the drug war are as frustrated as anyone else over the problem. Nobody has an idea what to do. Do we just write off a third of the population of the US?