We are loosing one of our sanctuaries, Amsterdam, but nobody cares! I've been trying to start a conversation about it in a few forums, but nobody cares! I've been living in Amsterdam for the last 10 years, and since 2001 I have witnessed as the city, known for it's open society and a policy of tolerance, has been transformed into a commercial police state. Things are getting much worst here with random police searches and the big brother oversight. The Cristian Democrats government is trying to "clean up" the city, commercialize the weed and sex industry, and reverse the policies of tolerance. Now, the Tobacco Smoking Ban! Starting July 1st, it's not allowed to smoke tobacco in coffeeshops, unless they are partitioned. It's pure weed only in most of the shops now. The outdoor terraces are packed and the shops are empty. And, there is that 450 anti-tobacco squad to raid restaurants, bars, and coffeeshops. How long does Amsterdam have? 3-5 years! Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post! Edit/Delete Message
Really I have to wonder the same thing. Amsterdam is really going towards that way. I think it will take longer, but I can see it as well. I think we will look back in 15-20 years and say "yes you really could walk right in to a coffeeshop and order weed off a menu" I am going to go as much as possible the next 5-10 years or so before its all gone. Now maybe I am wrong and some tell me that the coffeshops will never be gone, but I say unfortunately that my guess is that they will.
