Darwin would probably have had something to say about the recent heroin-related deaths in New York City. And I gotta admit – on the face of it, this seems like a self-limiting problem.
NY officials probe heroin link in 6 deaths
According to the article, there’s a bad batch of heroin on the streets right now. Since NYC has something like 900 deaths a year, it took a while to identify these six as related to one another.
Phew! Luckily for all of us, officials have identified the problem and are no doubt working hard to warn all those main-liners to be careful. Hmmm…. Maybe it’s a plot to illustrate why we should legalize (and then regulate) drugs. Sure would help with the federal deficit!
Or…. it’s a new manifestation of the “war on drugs”, this time in an insidious form of Russian Roulette (also designed by the government – I’m feeling strangely perverse this morning). Possibly they’re thinking the junkies will stop shooting up if they suspect it could be fatal. Officials need to get a whole lot louder about it in the press, if they hope to convince any addicts that their habits are any more dangerous than usual. Of course, this scenario assumes the dopers are rationally considering the issues and problems… or even reading the papers at all. Seems like a long shot.
Darwinians and Libertarians likely have the best answer for this problem. Ignore it and let the junkies take their usual risks. Ultimately they’ll either die off or get rid of their habits.
Update: This morning, I’m either really punchy-tired, or there are some truly idiotic news items out there. Just came across this Local10.com article (Miama / Ft. Lauderdale):
Judge Says 78-Year-Old Man Accused Of Bomb Threat Might Be ‘Really Stupid’
The whole situation reminds me of the 11-month-old baby who is on the “No Fly” list. What a bunch of insanity! Everybody needs to take a deep breath (in-two-three, out-two-three… repeat….)
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