To be fair, state execution has kept drug trafficking rates in Singapore pretty low (drugs are still accessible for the rich if you know the right circles). I will take that over a worrisome drug problem that will accompany a host of other societal issues.
Unfortunately, I think Singapore is too hellbent on weed even though it's not even remotely as harmful as alcohol or cigarettes. I find this double standard really distasteful.
I think that many people have a misplaced idea of the "draconian" laws here, I can tell you this as a citizen here, most of the petty crimes are lightly enforced with fines or either with one eye closed. It's like jaywalking or littering, no one cares enough to watch and catch you.
The more severe crimes have harsher enforceable penalties and I believe our low crime rates are a strong causation of that (inc. other factors e.g. social and wealth nets) and I'm satisfied with this outcome. After visiting many other countries, I realised that it is a privilege to feel safe in your own country and I think too many people get riled up by whatever moral righteousness that blurs them to this outcome.
Huh, “moral righteousness”?? I first want to minimize the systematic power vested in any entity to kill me or anyone dear to me, so it is first and foremost a choice of self-interest.
People’s impression of draconian laws in Singapore is not “misplaced”. Draconian is what murdering someone for the intent to sell weed is. Going easy on jaywalking is irrelevant.
Like I mentioned, I do not agree with the death sentence of smuggling weed. But other classes of drugs not including medical (permitted when prescribed), ought to have the death penalty. Think of it as a necessary evil, where are you willing to draw a line?
Everyone agrees that Hitler, who killed millions of jews deserve to die. Some people agree that a suicidal pilot who crashes his plane of 100 passengers deserve the death penalty. Some people agree that a guy who completed a premediated murder of somebody deserves the death penalty too.
Now, would you agree that a smuggler who ruins families and kills hundreds or thousands of people with drugs deserve to die? I do, why? It sets an example for others to be less likely to attempt it. As long as it saves more than 1 life, it is a net gain for society. Call me cold-hearted or sociopath, but it is purely logical to me.
Help us build the best running shoe review site for a chance to win a LetsRun t-shirt.Help us build the best running shoe review site for a chance to win one of 10 LetsRun t-shirts.