FANTASY HISTORY

Putin believes that it would be fantastic to recreate the Soviet era. The DEA is saying that alcohol prohibition actually worked.

It is easy for Russians to remember being one of the BIG GUYS. It is uncomfortable for Russians to remember the fear of the knock on the door. Even highly placed communists could suddenly find themselves in a labor camp. Does Russia REALLY want to go back to the era where people stood in days long lines just to get a winter coat?

The US Drug Enforcement Agency wants to remain a BIG GUY. So suddenly one of the stupidest social experiments in modern times is hailed as a success by the DEA.  NO ONE else believes that alcohol prohibition was anything but STUPID, causing violence and allowing crime to be organized, and corruption to spread.

Russia and the DEA have the same problem. People have decided that both are bullies, using lies and intimidation to gain power.

FOR ALMOST 100 YEARS, RUSSIA HAS THREATENED ITS NEIGHBORS AND FINANCED REBELLIONS IN OIL RICH COUNTRIES.

FOR OVER 100 YEARS THE ADDICTION RATE FOR HEROIN USE HAS REMAINED AT ABOUT 1.5% OF THE POPULATION.

I worry about Russia, because I admire large portions of the Russian culture. If Russia gives up fantasy, then they can make the hard choices necessary to turn their country into a place where ordinary people can grow into an extraordinary people.

I worry about the DEA. As they ramp up drug enforcement in Mexico, they are destroying Mexico. Now 43 students arrested by the police have disappeared. It is impossible to know if a police officer is helping the drug dealers. THE ONLY WAY TO ADDRESS DRUG PROBLEMS IS TO TREAT A DRUGGIE THE SAME WAY WE TREAT AN ALCOHOLIC.

I love fantasy history, which is why I go to Renaissance Faires.