Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Jim, Laurel, Maryland — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:22:27 GMT

He got in the drug trade (supplier of raw materials) and then was shocked at what happened. Almost as shocked as those farmers who stoped growing foodstuffs and started growing poppies and are now starving. see the connection?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Josh, Georgia — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:28:38 GMT

Jim,
What you fail to realize is that, in many of the countries that primarily function off of "drug" agriculture, it has not been until recently that a crackdown on drugs has occured. In the past, not only was this practice a common part of culture, it was often the most profitable practice... and the safest. There are commonly drug lords that will kill, kidnap, extort and generally make life hell for farmers who refuse to grow "drug" plants for them.
The best way for us to help is to continue witht he efforts to crack down on the drug lords, but we also need to reform the way that we monetarily help other countries. Problems like this, along with the global drug trade itself, would falter if the industrialized nations of the world would make growing corn, rice, or wheat more profitable than growing Coca plants or poppies.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

jorge — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:32:02 GMT

Too little too late. We've lost Afghanistan and anything we try to do over there is only going to make things worse. There is no excuse that we should have lost them except we just weren't paying them much attention. I hold the Bush regime responsible for abandoning Afghanistan in order to get us mired into the equally hopeless situation in Iraq. We have lost both countries and you can toss Pakistan in with them. Thank you George Bush. Thank you Dick Cheney.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

joy johnson — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:46:48 GMT

I would say no one FORCED him to sell his daughter. He decided she was one possession he could get rid of with the least pain and regret. This is just an example of how badly women are treated in Afghanistan. If she was sold ! then she is a slave bride. Tell it like it is.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Bill Fitzpatrick Delaware Co. Pa. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:59:18 GMT

Since our military is there ,right? And Dow chemical still the formula for Agent Orange,right.So,how the Hell come the Air Force has'nt defoliated that vermin infested Hellhole of a so called country, purely in the name of a world wide public service. And after the dust settles go in,round up all those "poor farmers" and those "bankers" and any one else involved,in drug and human trafficing, and shoot them on sight. The pain and misery that is exported from that toilet of a country,is nothing short of mass murder.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Himanshu shah — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:00:42 GMT

Why are we (the US) getting involved with these people? Let them grow what they want to. We need to protect our borders and our people. The main reason that opium and cocaine are sold because there is a demand for it. What do we do to stop the demand?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Bill R — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:20:02 GMT

The solution to this much simpler if a farmer is found growing drug crops instead of food crops, you simply execute them. Solves the problem on so many levels, 1) cuts down surplus population, 2) smaller population leaves more food for law abiding people, 3) sets a perfect example for those who consider opium farming a good idea, 4) daughter can no live a normal life without having an idiot for a father. Besides if you own somebody money, they should be taken the debt out of your flesh, not your children. That's why these people still are, and always will be a third world nation.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Laurie Rasmussen, Sun Prairie, WI — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:46:05 GMT

It's always the women and children who suffer from the stupidity of men.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Gloria Walker Bronx ,NY — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:23:39 GMT

What part of the game is this? Now that the production of Afganistan herion has passed all records there is to be a crackdown.
I think the crackdown only applies to certain growers.
Like drug dealers in NY, the turf must be controlled.
The crackdown is culling out the least favored dealers. Business will continue and Afganistan(under the US govt.) will continue to supply the world with US grade A herion. Sanctioned by our government and supported by our tax dollars.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Chris Corbray, Kirkland, Wash. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:24:32 GMT

I guess there's a "catch 22" everywhere. But I didn't see this one coming. Let's see how we try to clean this one up. Maybe we'll declare 'Opium Husbands' a new terrorist group, and a threat to our national security and send our troops to handle it.

p.s. did we inadvertantly start or create a slave trade in Afghinastan for these pushers?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

steve, louisville, kentucky — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:59:48 GMT

well i guess we could do what obama hussein wants us to do, surrender to the terrorists and withdraw our troops and let a newly formed taliban and reformed al qaeda control the opium trade.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Patricia R, SLC, Utah — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:07:33 GMT

If we would legalize drugs and tax the proceeds all this nonsense would stop.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Bob, Norfolk VA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:29:09 GMT

The real problem is here. If we would stop buying the stuff, they would stop growing it. Drug problem solved.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

CH — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:31:54 GMT

Has everyone completely forgotten that all the major drug companies also buy this opium product for their drugs like morphine, and all the other opiates that we (the American "legal" drug users) take on a daily basis. Oil in Iraq and Opium poppy fields in Afganistan... the only reasons we are in the Middle east... Merk, Phiser, Bayer, you name it, they all play a part in the drug trade more than the common street junkie, and they are controlling Washington more than you think.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Cinder, Monroe, WA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:52:38 GMT

If the US and other countries would decriminalize all recreational drugs, this problem would go away by itself. The major profits would go away, it wouldnt be worth anyone's while to produce opium...there would be more profitable crops to grow. Like crops for ethanol....
No one says drugs are good....but get rid of the moral argument and just let idiots abuse what they want. Anyone who wants drugs now, gets them. Prohibition proves we cannot win this war. Get off your moral high horses, decriminalize drugs, and then penalize anyone who commits crimes while under the influence.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

jay rayes — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:54:52 GMT

these people are so poor, that they cant come up with $2000.00 to save their life...and thats why they're growing opium. And thats what happens when people dont have any opportunities, they turn to things like selling drugs. the same things happens in poor neighborhoods in this country, people turn to selling drugs, or violent crime because they dont have any other opportunities.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Dave Irving, Tx — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:00:18 GMT

Ridicules, everyone knew Afghanistan was a country on the virge of rehab. If it's been almost a decade since the taliban was overthrown, and they're still on the program, that to me is a complete failure. The previous poster who mentioned the US shouldn't meddle in the affairs of other countries is blatantly biased and downright ignorant. Drug pushers and drug addicts don't abide by the law and they'll use every evil means to get what they want. You've got to cut off the head of the snake, and as long as the warlords are in power nothing will change. Look at Africa, how pathetic. Farmers and pitch forks are no match for today's technological warfare, you've gotta nuke them out of their shells.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Douglas Kelley — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:00:56 GMT

I am getting so disappionted with this world, I am wondering still, if there is more good than bad?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Jeff, Philadelphi, PA — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:27:46 GMT

A very simple answer - legalize it!
Then the Afgans will be even richer than the Saudis and this problem will disappear.
Of course with the huge number of small-minded idiots like the "Bills" above, that common sense answer will be never be used in this country. Instead, we will continue to waste billions of dollar on "The War On Drugs" with probably less success than the quagmire of Iraq. And young girls will continue to be sold into slavery. But at least Bill will be happy, and that's more important, right Bill?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

ART — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:34:35 GMT

Wake up. The REASON we invaded Afghanistan in the FIRST place, is that poppy is the NUMBER ONE cash-crop on the PLANET. Period. It makes oil, look like penny corn, and the US has been running drugs from other countries since the inception of the CIA. Look at Manuel Noriega. C'mon people, since we invaded Afghanistan, poppy production has almost tripled under our watchful eye, so, Think about it. Who has the equipment, gunpower, and sanctioned airstrips, to ship and insure that 100 BILLION dollar crop to all corners of the earth?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Jo Anne Simmons-Fitzpatrick, Little Rock, AK — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:40:30 GMT

If western political and economic powers did not declare opium and the painkillers it produces to be "Illegal" this would not be a problem.
Drug laws make the liquor and cigarette industries richer. Drug laws make non violent users into criminals by making their drugs so expensive they have to steal to pay for them. Drug laws make smugglers richer, organized crime richer, and ultimately, divert funds into an underground economy.

Where is there a benefit to the drug laws? I can not see it. Sure, if heroin were legal many unwise individuals would die from drugs, but wouldn't that be a smaller price for society to pay?

Its not like the drug war is keeping anyone from getting drugs, it just means they can not be regulated, checked for contimanants or poisons.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Angry Buddha — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:05:29 GMT

American tobacoo is the largest drug trade in the world. America was built on that drug trade and slavery.

So you Americans need to STFU.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Timothy Heilbrun, Walla Walla Wa — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:24:43 GMT

I find it interesting that so many Americans forget that drugs in any form will always exist. To be realistic the function of drugs is an essential component to modern medicine. Try getting a tooth pulled without them. As for the rest I will make this short--- We are in other countries fighting wars because no Red Blooded American will sit and tolerate another incident like 9/11. As American's from all nations of the world, we expect to be safe therefore, when an attacker threatens to bring war to our nation we expect our government to eliminate and remove that threat. So the question is---- do you want the war to be brought here or do you take a stand and accept the cost and sacrifice to keep it there. Like it or not the presence of the U.S. is essential to the stability of that entire region. Quit blaming and be proud you are an American and have the freedom to disagree!!!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Billy,new-york,N.Y. — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:44:31 GMT

Yo,Bill Fitz!
When our forefathers invaded this continent,they brought disease,firearms & alcohol to decimate the natives.They all came from Europe[very civilized& not a toilet of a country]and yet it was the Indians that we were shooting on sight,lets not forget.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Sparky — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:45:57 GMT

We've had a proven solution for years:

http://www.poppyformedicine.net/

The Afghan people, and most of the NATO allies are all for it. But the US is against it because drying up the enemy's funding would mean an end to the war. Fighting an endless war allows the defense lobbyist/campaign contributors to bleed the American taxpayers dry. It's a sweet deal for them and the politicians they get elected.

Never mind all those people in 3rd world countries who get Tylenol for third degree burns because they can't afford morphine.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Laine — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:05:05 GMT

This should bring a revolt of the female half of Afghanistan, giving them yet more freedom...more equality.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

wilfredo talavera, san juan Puerto rico — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:36:50 GMT

I bought a time share and couldn't pay for it. So I mortgaged my home just to preserve my credit. If the time share people had only asked me to sell them my wife....

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

chaos39, Buffalo NY — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:55:09 GMT

I'm sorry. Is it not possible for our governments collectively to purchase the poppy crops themselves? Can they not pay more than what the markets offer, no matter what that sum is? Why does this make sense for corn farmers in Kansas, dairymen in Wisconsin, cheesemakers in France, and rice farmers in Italy, but not in Afghanistan? If we are serious about denying the revenues to the terrorists and controlling the resulting flow of narcotics to the consuming countries, why are we not doing this? Buy all of it. Not some, not picking and choosing - all of it. It's easy to follow the money then, and if any of it goes in directions we don't like...well, that's what UAVs and smart munitions are for.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Bill F.'s conscience — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:59:43 GMT

Bill F., cool it! Afghanistan is not vermin infested! Yes there are some people there who have done horrific deeds but that doesn't mean that the rest of the country is bad! Stop stereotyping!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Bernard. Concord, NH. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 01:27:10 GMT

It's too bad that we create the profitable black market for these drugs in the first place. Did we not learn a lesson from prohibition? If the U.S. govt could legally buy the opium crop and use it to make medicine then the farmers would be making money AND would be supporting the U.S. as their best customer. Drug dealers would be cut out of the picture altogether, would have no turf and therefore no turf wars. Just like when they decided to regulate the sale of Alcohol. When is the last time you saw two bartenders shooting each other over turf?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

jill — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:13:00 GMT

I don't think the US inadvertently started a"slave trade" in Afghanistan for pushers. They made these choices. On the "lets creata terrorist group" comment, these are more real than we like to think which I believe will be proved out over the next few years.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Cheryl, Rockville, MD — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:39:22 GMT

Goes to show you how women are treated over there. I thought all of this was supposed to change once the Taliban was sent "on the run." The US missed a great opportunity to help this poor country. Yeah, Bush did a heck of a job. Not!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Jaffamaru — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:54:39 GMT

What many of you fail to realize is that afghanistan has a history of being screwed over by corrupt people. Being from that country I know it's a wasteland thanks to decades of war. And since farmers can get more bang for a buck with opium, and opium can grow in more harsh areas, its what gets them food on the table. As a matter a fact during the 1980's the russinans invaded afghanistan, in wich the musluim men in the world flocked to fight. In turn pakistan , saudi and the united states funded mujahadeen who were the precusour of the Taliban.
And Bill from Delaware you gotta respect other countries, the mentallity you have is exactly why war happens. It s one thing the farmers are doing something wrong, its another to degrade their presitge of that country.
ANd Bill R, that solution will only cause more problems, you only motivate the enemy, plus its morally wrong because now we have A surplus of widows and daughters who probably won't have a normal life without a farther, because women need men as a breadwinner in that country.
As for the opuim bride business its gotta stop. I hope these farmers realize that cultivating opium is forbidden, its against the Religon of islam to sell intoxicating drugs. And to sell your daughter out without her consent, but of course we have Radicals over there telling them whats right from wrong. The afghans will pull through though, they have a rep for toughing out rough situations

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Jimmy Crackhorns — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:57:26 GMT

Stupid Americans can't even deal with their own country, their own drug culture, their own absurdity at the height of arrogance. America is in deep doo-doo and we think the best we can do is distract ourselves in Afghanistan and Iraq when the real problem is right here in the collective mirror. This country gets exactly what it deserves.

Hey you fat pigs, keep driving thos big fat trucks to haul your big fat behinds to that subsidized pig farm you call home. I mean...wake up you dopes. Who do you think is buying the opium...duuuuhhhhhh....Americans?!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Jimmy Crackhorns — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:02:45 GMT

Pat Tillman was killed by his own troops because he was going to blow the lid on covert drug operations within the military in Afghanistan. He gave up $8 million to go fight a fricken war and when he saw what he saw he said NO WAY MAN, I'M GOIN PUBLIC...the next day they shot him down in some bogus canyon operation, plain and simple...murder...by corrupt American military, fighting a corrupt American War....you want to change something change your government and your own culture then you can go dancing around the world demaning tribal people live up to your hypoctite expectations. Guess what I'm trying to say is STFU Americans you have no voice left in this world unless it's attached to a gun.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Christi — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:29:08 GMT

I think that no matter how you look at it, it is a sad situation. It is probably an even sadder situation if you look at it from their point of veiw.(afghinastan). I would like to think that the little toilet of a country trys to do the best they can with what they have (which is not very much). Just like I would like to think that in this big bathroom of the world, we try to do the best we can from our giant gold toilet in the front, and neither one of us is excempt from making decisions that we regret.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Common Sense The Nations Capitol — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:54:00 GMT

There is always gonna be a demand for any drug because of all the stress and b.s. people in general go through. Some deal with it by watching tv or listening to music. Honestly people who cares! I think it's a terrible thing for a parent to even think about giving their child up because of a brain fart on their part, but people die and do dumb things every day. We should focus more the governments and leaders of these countries and ours. We would not have access to alot of negative thing if the government didn't feed it to us or let it leak to us. Things such as newspaper, CNN, and msn.com. Freedom of speech is wonderful but how much of it is a lie, really?

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Charles Runyon, Rochester, Mi. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:58:59 GMT

opium has been grown there since the beginning of time Bush didn't cause this! Here's an idea let's not engage these bastards and see where they strike next hopefully they fly a plane or drive their truck into your home! I know it's our policy they are against, my ass! Wake up and learn some history about the foundation of Islam.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Tom Collins for Prez 08, New Jersey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:13:30 GMT

It cost way more than $2k to send Jim Maceda and his film crew over there to try and make us feel guilty about poor, illiterate dirt farmers. Want to solve the problem? Don’t send Jim, give the farmer $3k and a bag of seeds after you destroy his crop. Then when the real drug dealer/smuggler comes for his money/drugs arrest or kill him. Where do we get the money? Well NBC probably could help out a little for exploiting the dirt farmers or take $3 from everyone who gets arrested world wide for possessing, selling, transporting etc. heroin. A quick search on the internet says 557,600 arrests in 2005 in the USA alone. $1.6 mil a year. Even with half of that money going to administrative costs at least 100,000 dirt farmers don’t have to sell their daughters next year. Plus the added bonus of cutting off 10 times that money to the terrorists, insurgents and Warlords. Give me 4 years I'll make it happen. Tom Collins '08

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

rudyjac,somerville,ma. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:16:52 GMT

We can thank the CIA for setting up this crap in the 60s and 70s so the "getto" could be rnundated with cheap dope. Now, years later, other young people have to pay the price for our lying and stealing,and killing,

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

leah — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:37:33 GMT

supply and demand....
no demand, no supply...
no brides.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Michael Gormly, Sydney NSW — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:49:00 GMT

Please, everyone see the elephant in the room... the whole problem is typical of prohibition which moves the drug trade -- 20% of the global economy by some estimates -- into the criminal realm where this stuff happens.

A legal, regulated, controlled system would enable us to ration supply to registered users, tax the stuff, reduce the number of people in jail and stop young girls being sold to unscrupulous drug lords.

This debate is about prohibition and this story is typical of the horror that it brings, without solving any of the problems of drug use itself.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Tony, Albuquerque, NM — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:45:04 GMT

You guys act like as if US is the problem or Afgan or the people. Its simple business, a dirty dirty one at that.

But what people in our own country wont let us do is to deal with it in the only language they understand. They dont have a geniva convention to uphold etc etc, they are not civil upclassed minds doing this, they are effect and brutal, and sadly brutal is very very effective.

So liberals, please leave us alone let us go in there deal with it the way it needs to be dealt with, no video cams please dont want your stomach to get upset, and deal with it. Trust me string up a few drug lords and their Helpers on stakes beheaded etc etc attilla the hun style and they will get the message...

dont blame bush dont blame anybody but people that wont let us deal with it the way it needs to be dealt with, blame them...

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Steve Nicoletti, Galloway, New Jersey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:27:52 GMT

I just finished one year teaching in Kabul at the American University of Afghanistan and can verify Afghanis don't want us telling them what crops to grow and not grow. It's a total scam when US AID encourages cotton production as a poppy-replacement crop but won't even consider industrial hemp, which is a food and energy source as well as a textile. We need to re-think our presence in Afghanistan.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

JAKE MONNETT/HAGERSTOWN,MD. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:56:12 GMT

I HAVE NOT READ ONE PATRIOTIC COMMENT FROM NONE OF YOU. YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS COUNTRY. ALL ANYONE DOES IS BITCH AND MOAN ABOUT HOW BAD YOU HAVE IT IN THE U.S. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT HERE LEAVE. WE CAN FIND A MONKEY ON A LEASH TO TAKE OUR PLACE.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

roger flemens — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:32:37 GMT

Folks,that old myth about creating a problem for those folks is just that,a myth.We have a Christian country, and those folks are primarily Muslims. they hate us,and the fact is,they will do anything they can to cause US a problem. Our money,and the rest of the worlds that buy their narcotics from them,are only funding their weapons purchases,and allowing them to do anything in their power to kill Christians.As for the "slave trade" get real, and study your history of that region. They were "taking" slaves for their own uses long before there was a United States!These people have fought and quarreled for centuries,and if anyone thinks it will stop soon,for any reason,then they are living in a dream world.Now, I am not being rude,nor a cynic,and I respect anyones opinion to say what they think about the situation there,but remember ,these people have made slaves of their own people, the United States didn't do it for them.As to the opium trade,when there is a demand for ANY product, there will be a supply if the profits are high enough.And the US is full of addicts,as are ALL other countries. Believe me, I have worked in 54 different countries in my life,and they are in all of them,not just the US..Our problem here is the fact that we should be taking care of our own first,and instead of paying for the other countries that are constantly trying to kill Americans with money we give them,show them publicly what we will do if our citizens are harmed in any way.And instead of supporting the Muslim countries,give them a taste of the same "religion" and "mercy" that they gave the Templars in the days of the butcher"Salidin" when he was raping,killing,and making slaves of anyone that would not convert to Islam after he had pillaged their villages!Believe me when I say I can back up anything I have written here whether you choose to like what I have written,or just plain want to argue out of not knowing the history of those"poor" people that are being made slaves of!When the bottom falls out of this country of ours,and believe me,it could happen,then you watch how the Muslims show US any mercy if we need any help!Thank you for your patience and I hope you all have a great day.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Chris S., FWB, — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:51:31 GMT

O.K. lets start at the top. Afghanistan has been ravaged by wars (remember the Soviets?) for decades and certain crops grow best in certain terrains. Like the Peruvians and the Colombians, he grew what was the most profitable crop to provide for his family in desparate times. And,like all producers of illegal substances, he sold to the local wholesaler who is (SURPRISE!!) a crime lord! So... what was this $2,000 debt? (Can we say indentured servitude? America practiced that and worse!) In a country where $2 a day is good, that's a BIG debt. Facing death and, loss of support for your remaining family, what would you do? Some of the international "charity" organizations are just as rife with self-serving, money hoarding (read: "whore"ding), management that there are no guarantees of where the relief goes. corrupt governments recieve the goods and determine whom, with favors owed, recieves said supplies.
Defoiliation ruins the fields for different crops so you have still sentenced the families to a slower death and greater depravation.
We must start at the top of the organization. Like the Hydra, chop off the head and burn the neck quickly, then move to the next. It is not about removing the demand (to dream, the impossible dream!)but to remove the profit. If it costs you too much to manufacture (more than the public is willing to pay)you will find another, more profitable enterprise and leave your suppliers to fend for themselves. We are one of the few nations to pay our farmers to not produce and still kept prices reasonable!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

c, somewhatnormalville, mn — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:55:15 GMT

if you don't have something good to say...

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Heather — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:05:02 GMT

I agree with Laurie, I would die trying to keep those men from taking my daughter. He had a choice and his daughter was worth 2 grand to him. Sad, but thats just the way it is there. As a recovering opiate addict I say the solution is getting rid of the demand for opiates, Period!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Eric Maloney, Ann Arbor Michigan — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:32:41 GMT

Laurie Rasmussen You surprise me with you regurgitation of the Feminazi Mantra. Here are the facts...68% of Domestic Violence is done by women. 87% of all child abuse id done by women. Women are 23 times more likely to murder thier children.

These are FACTS that cant be disputed unless your a women and just short of the brain cells needed to be considered normal.

Now when you say that this is all mens fault for hurting women and children.

Now lets see, you chose not to get an education and a job so you could sit on your backside while some slob goes off every day and kills himself just so you can leach off of him. You say that you took care of the children...i say so what! men can care for children just as well if not better than women...Just because you layed on your back and squirted out a kid donent make you better than anyone else even though you got your National Organization of Women and lesbiens to slant the family courts in your favor.

You think its abuse to be told that shince the man is supporting your fat backside that you need to get up and cook dinner...you think its abuse to be told to clean the house you dirtied in the first place while you were sitting watching Opra all day...

Why should men have to pay for blood suckers...this is a new milenia...

You wonder why men dont want to get married? your the reason men dont want any part of it.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Marty — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 11:59:04 GMT

I have to wonder, what is the matter with you people. First of all how can some guy in Afghanistan behaving this way be news? Second why it is every evil in the world is rolled up on our door step and instantly George Bush or whoever the American president at time's fault.
I question the intellectual capacity of those whose thinking leads them to this irrational type of comments. If you had world history classes (and you did if you went to school in America) you would know that this culture has been doing this type of stuff for thousands of years. This is nothing new, not even the commodity that created the debt is new.

If there is blame it is rightly placed upon the father who gambled with the life of his children and lost. He alone will pay the price for this on judgment day!
I applaud the crackdown, if they can prevent even a small portion of this poison from reaching the streets to kill and destroy lives I am all for it!!!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Douglas Andrews — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:22:06 GMT

Hey Bill Fitzpatrick!! If your fellow Americans did not purchase the stuff!! No reason to grow!

CASE CLOSED!

And what makes you so high and mighty? Hey, lets send the troops to Kentucky and "eradicate" all the pot growers there! What a brilliant idea!

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Iam Smarterthanu, Reading, PA. — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:27:49 GMT

I am amazed at the ignorance displayed in some of these responces. It is apparent that many of those who think that they understand the situation in Afganistan and Pakistan do not even no the difference between a Peshwur and a Pashtun, or a Tajek and a Uzbek, or even why knowing this would help them gain a clue so they would not sound so stupid. The Bush haters seem to be the dumbest of all. The extent of their intellect cannot see beyond their hatred for Bush.If you can put your political blindness aside and study the history of this region you will see the trouble started about 60-70 years before Bush came along, it started when borders were drawn up with little thought concerning the tribal areas. Still Afganistan and Pakistan showed great potential for themselves and the rest of the world. Before the Soviet invasion of Afganistan in 1978 it was very progressive. It is relevant to note that this occurred during the Presidency of the "Great" Jimmy Carter. It seems that the Soviets didn't think that the U.S. was much of a concern at the time. This is because they were not, because Jimmy Carter was a weak uneffective idealistic president that all of the United State's enemies loved. Kind of what can be expected from Barrack Obama should the U.S. suffer another lapse in judgement come November. The Soviets did not count on the resolve of local tribes and them getting assistance from the United States under President Reagan. The tragedy is that the United States did not remember the lesson that world learned after World War One. Where if you leave a region in shambles and poverty after a conflict there is the probability that a group of bad guys are more than likely going to take control of the area and that is never good and will eventually bite you in the ass. In this case Bill Clinton was President, the economy was booming, the Republicans were enjoying their new power in Congress and were busy being corrupted by all the money and power that the Democrats had enjoyed for the prior 40 years. Nobody cared that the Taliban had taken over what we did not want the Soviets to control. The U.S. still did not view radical Islam as a serious problem. The United States missed a incredable opportunity to be a friend to this region after the Soviets were driven out. The old adage " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could not be more appropriate. The question yet to be answered is: Have we learned that ignoring threats and problems will only hurt us more severely later? Do we have the resolve to do what needs to be done? Are we smart enough not to make the same mistakes that the Soviets did? (Obama has said " If President Bush won't go into Pakistan after Osama Bin Laden I will". Another clueless Democrat President???) The Pashtuns,Peshwars,Tajeks and Uzbeks are not our enemies and we need them to be our allies. This will not happen overnight. We will have to demonstrate much better judgement and resolve than we showed during the 90's when the Taliban rose to power. A large kick-ass war did not work for the Soviets and it would be worse for the United States, But so would doing nothing. So if your brain can't see past your political party, take a good look in the mirror and see how stupid you are before you sound off. Please do it for the good of humanity if nothing else.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Susan Faux — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:22:19 GMT

Dear Steve of Louisville,

We attacked a sovereign nation. In my book that makes US the terrorists.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Ashley, Boulder,CO — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:04:11 GMT

Wow Maloney...lets not get all high and mighty about having an education when you cant even spell. I have a hard time believing you can even decipher those statistics judging from your obvious lack of intellect. Additionally, it is my experience that men with your mindset do everything they can to prevent women from getting jobs. Even when its spouting this kind of discriminatory drivel which in the end only makes you look like the idiot. Remember, asking for equality does not equal radicalism

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Ray Miller — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:08:48 GMT

All of the persons writing in this blog that put down the United States of America and what this Nation has always stood for does not deserve to live in this country and these kind of people are the ones that are going to destroy this great Country. Shame on you, everyone of you.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Todd Nelson, Seattle WA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:25:43 GMT

Opium wouldn't be such a lucrative crop if it's price were not artificially inflated by prohibition.

It's our stupid laws that create the famers' incentive to grow opium.

Today a heroin addict breaks into your car and steals your stereo system that you bought for $1000. He sells it on the streets for $100. He takes the money and buys a quantity of heroin that a British pharmacy could buy for $1. Insanity!

Legalize it all! Do it now!

You tee-totalers are a big part of the problem.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

LuckyBrett — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:33:58 GMT

''decriminalize drugs, and then penalize anyone who commits crimes while under the influence.''
Cinder, Monroe, WA
...
brilliant Cinder... you do realize that the drugged out desperate inexperienced newly created mass of criminals will be costing you untold increases in basic SHOPPING fees(to offset all their theft), raping you and your children, carjacking and murdering your husband, and - because it's the right thing to do - whenever anyone of them ARE CAUGHT, you and I will have to work extra hours and forfeit measurable freedoms to provide legal counsel and housing, and treatment because, after all, the poor kids're all suffering from ADD and well... their addictions are all to the newly LEGALIZED drugs..
Think before you suggest idiocies...

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Edjua Payne, ROCKFORT, ILLINOIS 61103 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:51:33 GMT

The drug game. The inside looking out. The out side looking in. How ever it is presented to you. Either you in it or you are not . Any way you look at it;its a big business that no doubt generate that money that needed to do or live how you want to. So manufacturing , selling, disributing on a major scale or minor scale depends on who you know. But sense we are putting the light on heroin. Meaning cocoa is about to lose it shine. Anew administation comes anew habit. anew money sceme. So either you're smoken that weed or you will be smacken veins and or snorten heroin. You will have your dedicated cocain lovers. America is d-country. What makes you think that , that gone stop. Every body gets money. This is how the country gets back on its feet.You all ready know who the fall guy and girls is ? Its the youth ! All of the old people are to scared to relinquished power and money. Not because they think the young people are going to do any bader than them. But that envy will set in. Its what i would like to say. taking away that shine. or taking away that crown. Thats what we call selfishiness and greed. Dont none of these people really want to see altimate peace. or every body having the same thing : food, clothing, housing, money. every thing ive seen in my life has come by way of making sure i keep the next man down inorder to get up and stay up. Some people want to helped and some like their situation. It shows or they will let you know in some kind of way. The way this whole world thing is playing out. I dont really see any thing good coming out of it. Except dealth and deception for (material) idols which is. who ever god of choice. It not mine at all. Why do i say that is,because, The god i serve is the one that says money is root of all evil and that he's not a respector of men. He's that god that says : A third of the world is going to die, famine, deceases, earth quakes in diverse places, It will become hard to tell seasons etc. All yeah ! people will take upon them selves false teachers, They will also elect kings that should not be kings. All true princes and kings will be assinated and abused badly. Alot of people are bound for that fire. So , continue to nuke prep.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Mike , Dallas Tex — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:52:54 GMT

IF you don't want to do shoot up heroin or smoke opium then don't buy it. Don't Try to control others. Have some self control. Leave the afghans alone..... maybe if the pharmaceutical companies didn't make synthetic opiates the afghans would have someplace to sell it to legally. But thats too easy.

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Mike Kaplan, Philadelphia PA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:03:22 GMT

Eric Maloney, your post is Baloney.

First of all, the term "feminazis" is pretty offensive, and lets us all know what an ignoramus you are. The Nazis killed at least 30 million people, many through the most horrific torture. How many people have been killed by feminism? Do you, sir, have no sense of decency? (You certainly have no sense of proportion).

As to your statistics- why don't you admit that you made them up? They're bull. They're not even close. How many men are killed by their wives, as compared to how many wives are killed by their husbands or boyfriends? It's not even close, you moron.

You should also learn to spell. Are you in fourth grade? You obviously haven't mastered the apostrophe. And another thing, it's "lesbians", not "lesbiens". And what is "donent"? And it's not "layed", it's "laid". Go back to school.

Mike Kaplan
Philadelphia

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

Mike Kaplan, Philadelphia PA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:08:26 GMT

The ignorance on display in this blog is just breathtaking. I don't think most Americans are this foolish, so it must be that this sort of bulletin board really brings out the knuckle-dragging morons. MSNBC, maybe you should stop running these bulletin boards. They do not produce a useful exchange of ideas- mainly stupid people saying stupid things to each other.

I look forward to an intelligent administration (that is, the Obama administration) that will put you morons where you belong- on the fringes, instead of running the government (like Dumbya).

Poppy crackdown gives rise to ‘Opium Brides’

K Mansfield Richardson, TX — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:27:44 GMT

It's just sad that most of the commentors assume after they have read one article they have the expertise to judge or solve the problem faced by these people.
Please educate yourselves on real history from different view points. Hegemony, racism and emperism depends on your ignorance. I am embarrassed for you.