Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

Showing Original Post only (View all)
 

Yavin4

(37,182 posts)
Fri Sep 19, 2014, 03:02 PM Sep 2014

Just came back from Amsterdam, NL. My thoughts... [View all]

My first thought was how happy, well-adjusted, and normal everyone seemed. Everyone is on a bike. Young, old, families, you name it. Everyone is on a bike. Teens seem happier, normal, well-adjusted. They are fit, and very few are obese. I stayed in an area outside of the main city called Leiden, and it seemed like any other nice American suburb.

I say all of this because Amsterdam has legalized, open marijuana laws, as well as legalized prostitution. Yet, you do not see any of the negative effects on the population as a whole. You don't see strung out people on the street with needles in their arms. You don't anyof the ugliness that our media conditions us into believing.

Contrast that with my trip to Portland, Ore last year. There, all drugs are illegal, and all you see are homeless kids all over the street. We are being fed massive propaganda in order to fear and shame us into passing laws that damage our society.

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Just came back from Amste...