30. september 2002

Controversies about Ecstasy While mainstream media is filled up with horror tales about the dangers of MDMA (which some clever drug dealer decided to call Ecstasy), science does not agree about how dangerous it is. A number of studies has shown serious brain damage resulting from giving MDMA to animals, but critics chide these studies are deeply flawed. Usually, the test animals are exposed to dosages many times higher than what human users will take. One study which reported (at least in the popularized version) that even one dosage of MDMA may result in a hightened risk of Parkinson's, actually gave animals dosages that killed 40% of them! The governments sponsor many studies, and they seem to be having a serious interest in exaggerating the dangers. This erodes young people's confidence in all such results. The Washington Post quotes Marsha Rosenbaum, a director at the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance, saying that anti-drug agencies hurt their own cause. "Like everyone, young people stop trusting you when you bend the truth to scare them," Rosenbaum said in a statement. "Good science, not misguided fear, is what helps us talk honestly and effectively with our teenagers about drug use and their safety." It is much like the boy who cried "wolf," isn't it? The anti-drug activists and authorities have eroded their credibility with young people over in particular Cannabis, and may now be doing it again over MDMA. Warnings about really dangerous drugs (and MDMA may well be one of them) will not be heeded by young people who have heard the horror stories one time too many. 8:35:56 PM    comment []

Sale of Viagra in Pub Aroused Authorities A German pub landlord was forced to stop selling Viagra to customers by the Consumer Protection Agency, who considered it "unfair competition." 10:10:30 AM    comment []

Intelligence for the Masses If you are not satisfied with the opinions and filtered information mainstream newsmedia can provide about issues of security and military intelligence, there are a number of high-quality alternatives available on the Net. The information used by decision makers around the world are almost always classified information from national intelligence agencies. There are, however, some private enterprises that provide raw data for the masses, or, rather, those curious enough to look beyond the headlines. Jane's Information Group is the best known source for military and security intelligence on the private market. Jane's "Weekly List" is compulsory reading material for senior military staff worldwide. Access to the really juicy stuff is expensive, but Jane's do throw some bits to the masses for free, too.  GlobalSecurity.org has surely made an impact the short time it has provided its public websites. They provide quality satellite images along with professional commentaries and data from a large number of sources. This Washington-based think-tank provides some data that the powers that be rather have the public ignorant about. It also provides an excellent index of quality articles in mainstream media around the globe. 2:30:04 AM    comment []

Uranium Seized in Turkey, Maybe Am I the only one getting slightly suspicious about the timing of the seizure by Turkish police of 15 kgs of weapons grade uranium? It came at a very convenient time for those who argue that Iraq is attempting to obtain nuclear material for its weapons of mass destruction, and that an imminent attack is necessary. Turkey, after all, neighbours Iraq. It is highly unlikely that anyone could find a market for $5 millions worth of illegal weapons grade uranium in Turkey. True, it is not the first time Turkey has thwarted efforts to smuggle nuclear material through its country. And any conspiracy theorists should consider the fact that this alone is unlikely to persuade those who already oppose an attack of Iraq. Also, such a conspiracy would surely backfire if it was disclosed. It can not, however, be denied that the timing is convenient for the hawks. For all of us, it surely makes us wonder: how much nuclear material has already made its way across the border to Iraq? Breaking news and update: Turkish authorities have released the alleged smugglers, after finding out that it wasn't that much uranium after all. Also, while most news sources reported that this was indeed weapons grade plutonium, later reports said this was yet to be determined. There are much more fake material on sale than the real deal. Another example of inaccuracies in the mainstream media. 1:55:24 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2002 Jan Haugland. Last update: 01.10.02; 17:05:21.