I don't want to encourage off-topic discussion here, although I think it's important that both Bitcoin and Silk Road deal with the legal and moral implications of their current business model. However, if it's an act of defiance against our screwed-up drug laws and NOT actually engaged in any transactions, I wholeheartedly support it. Yet, from what I've learned so far, that does not appear to be the case.
If you, Phenomenon, eliminate government's role in drug policy aren't you then simply advocating the status quo and encouraging the prison-industrial complex along with a host of other serious social, economic and humanitarian problems? Somebody is going to control the drugs. Who or what do you recommend?
By eliminating the government's role in drug policy I would be changing the current situation. By definition this would be the opposite of advocating the status quo, so i'm not entirely sure what you are trying to say.
As far as "encouraging the prison-industrial complex along with a host of other serious social, economic, and humanitarian problems", again, I am unsure of what you are trying to say. By removing government from the equation I am definitely not encouraging prisons of any sort. To the contrary, I am discouraging people from being sent to prison as observed by BitterTea. I am proposing that each person must bear the responsibility of deciding for themselves if they wish to consume drugs, alcohol, or other mind altering or even hazardous materials. Obviously parents would be responsible for their children. You are going to have to be more specific about all these "serious social, economic, and humanitarian problems" you foresee, because I don't see any except that people must take responsibility for their own persons and their own actions.
Yes! That's exactly why I am seeking clarification from Silk Road, Bitcoin and anyone involved in the illegal drug market today. No one appears to be stepping forward, at least not yet, to give us an idea of where SR, etc. stand on the moral and ethical issues I and others have raised.
It's a great item for debate, that much is for sure judging by recent events and this lively thread.
Note about eliminating govt, it's often a choice of evils. Shall we surrender civil society to blood-thirsty thugs, as is happening right now in parts of Mexico and Latin America? Is that our future? Somebody is going to control (and profit) from drugs no matter what. Perhaps SR is something of a stepping-stone out of this quagmire. I'd be interested on what, if any, role they envision for govt. if there were to be significant changes to current laws. Or, does Silk Road consider itself above the law?