This makes me sad. I lived in Bawldamer, B.C. (Before Crack). It has always been a tough town, but back then, I could walk my skinny white ass through the toughest neighborhoods, and not worry. Truth be told, I looked pretty scruffy, back then (student daze). I really enjoyed the town.

These days, the town is pretty scary. Even in the nice parts of downtown, you can turn a corner, and it's The Wire. I have heard Vegas is similar, if you go even a block off The Strip.

When it comes to drug policy, everyone has their axe to grind, pet theory, or scam going. Very, very few folks in actual positions of authority have a clue (or even want to know the real deal). It's great for politicians, because it gives them something to use as a talking point, without them having a fix.