Conspiracy corner #1

[ciphergoth]

Does organised crime use its political influence to keep drugs illegal?

Comments

[djm4]

I've often wondered this (or, at least, had thoughts in the general area).

[purplerabbits.livejournal.com]

I kind of suspect that they would, but they don't need to...

[andrewducker]

If by "Organised Crime" you mean "The Daily Mail" then yes.

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

No, no, that's 'organised hate-crime'.

(Or possibly disorganised-thought crime)

[juliet]

[agrees]

Is there any evidence about the influence of organised crime when the amendment ending Prohibition was going through?

[friend-of-tofu.livejournal.com]

If you believe Ben Elton!

It's a fairly non-stupid conspiracy theory, but is there any actual evidence of that? Even evidence from other coutries?

[autopope.livejournal.com]

I don't know whether they do or not in the real world, but it's a damned fine fictional premise (and I'm using it in the Merchant Princes series).

[ciphergoth.livejournal.com]

I don't know, which is one reason I ask!

I'm pretty sure that if it was happening there would be evidence - organised crime is sometimes good at keeping stuff secret, but a politician somewhere would slip, and these things come to light over years. So if there's no evidence that it's happening then it probably isn't, and purplerabbits's comment applies.

[skx.livejournal.com]

Which I've just started reading; and am enjoying immensely.

[biog.livejournal.com]

Hmm, its well know about the influence some organised crime gangs have had on politicians in the past. For example, blackmail of politicians has occurred aplenty. I think its safe to go as far to say that they will turn the screws on politicians they can gain influence over, in order to protect their "business" interests. Any more than that might be pure conjecture however.

[rasilon-x.livejournal.com]

There are various levels of influence. If politicians were being bribed, then yes it would come out. However, if they simply acted in such a way as to make legalizing drugs a guaranteed vote-loser it would have the same effect.