Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Virtual Book Tour: Logic's Dicatate by Steven Gibson #scifi #sciencefiction #guestpost #rabtbooktours @xGibsonlibris @RABTBookTours

Science Fiction

Date Published: December 15, 2024

In a galaxy far from Earth, the advanced civilization of Merk extends a rare invitation to join their peaceful galactic continuum to worlds demonstrating true maturity. With Earth on the brink of a monumental transformation, all eyes are on presidential candidate Andy Brock, whose visionary policies promise unity and progress.

Earth has already made significant strides: the Koreas have united, NATO has dissolved following Russia's peaceful democratization, and the world stands on the cusp of unprecedented harmony. Yet, China remains a looming threat, with ambitions to seize Taiwan and a war with the U.S. on the horizon.

Amidst this turmoil, Rein, the leader of the Merkian delegation studying Earth, must decide if humanity is ready to join the Merk galactic community. However, her complicated feelings for Andy could either symbolize a potential new era of interstellar cooperation with Earth, or bring the whole mission to a grinding halt.

Through political trials, assassination attempts, and opposition from traditionalists, the path is fraught with challenges. Will the impending conflict with China derail Earth’s chance at interstellar peace? Can Andy Brock ascend to the presidency and implement his transformative vision for a brighter future?

Drug Legalization

Consistent with the philosophy that one should be allowed to do with one’s body that one would like, the policy proposal legalizes all drugs. The policy proposal, however, also imposes severe criminal penalties on any drug-induced act that adversely affects another person. So, if one drives under the influence (whether one hurts anyone or not), then a severe penalty is instituted. Of course, any drug-influenced harm to another person would be the subject of an even more substantial penalty.

Drug usage would not be permitted in public. If you want it, then stay at your place of residence and use it. This would diminish transport usage and public exposure. It is acknowledged that using drugs at a nightclub of similar venue risks driving under the influence. Also, using drugs in a park environment or the like would risk harmful interactions and unnecessary exposure to youths. As such, public consumption of marijuana would be prohibited, unlike today.

Drug sales would be taxed and monitored. Taxes would, in part, help fund educational efforts at use minimization. Taxes would, also in part, be allocated to public education and law enforcement. All users would be required to undergo mandatory educational courses on the harms of drug use.

Legalization, however, would help reduce the involvement of criminal elements in the sales process thereby taking away gang revenue and funds for other criminal enterprises. Legalization would also reduce the costs currently imposed on the court system by dealing with the range of drug-related crimes. These cost savings can be reallocated to educational and law enforcement.

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