Cruel intentions

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18161866%255E663,00.html

The above link goes to the Bali Nine herion trafficking trial. The two ringleaders recieved death sentences by firing squad the remainder were life in prison. Sounds harsh to western ears, but in a part of the world where shoplifting can get 20 years, not so much. So I thought a little commentary is in order.

I feel little mercy for drug dealers. They chose to traffick in Bali because of the high profit. There is such a high profit because there is such a risk if caught. More than a few Eastern countries offer up a death sentence for brining illegal drugs into thier country and I can't say I blame them. They have seen the ravages of drug abuse first hand and made a hard decision on a hard problem, and who are we to judge? Perhaps we are way too soft on drugs and thier traffickers. How many lives are ruined in our country due the the devastating effects of drugs?

These nine, from 19 to 26 in age, have sent a message that millions will hear: don't bring your drugs to Bali. If nine willing law breakers pay a heavy price for thier crimes, is it worth it?

The saddest part is, I actually approve of the legalization a marijuna. The taxible revenue would do wonders. I think there would be residual benifits I can't even imagine, but if a country takes a hard stance against drugs, should we feel bad about their plight? I can't say I do.