“As to the word “innocent” to describe addicts, I don’t think that’s the right word. You are responsible for your actions. However, describing them as “careless victims” might not be too far off.”
In other words, they are weak minded and unable to make rational decisions for themselves?
> In other words, they are weak minded and unable to make rational decisions for themselves? <
For at least one moment in time, yes. And as I said previously, drug dealers wait for that moment in time.
Your mileage may vary, but I have a certain amount of sympathy for addicts. They do not set out to hurt anyone, even themselves. But their weakness sends them on a terrible downward spiral.
If I were the US drug tsar: Not prison time, but mandatory rehab for addicts. And by rehab I mean places where you work all day in a garden, then go to meetings in the evening. Nice housing, but barbed wire all around.
Oh, and one more thing. The death penalty for traffickers. Singapore has got it right on that.