Fair Trade Cocaine.

Earlier in the program, Paolina commented briefly on the impact of Reagan’s “War on Drugs.” Her comment made me consider how we think and talk about distribution and purchasing power of drugs. Typically, one hears about those that are distributing and selling drugs and associated violence, but we often forget about those that purchase and use drugs—those that create demand. This situation is clearly illustrated by Flip Kiran Singh Sirah in his slam poetry rendition of “There’s no such thing as Fair Trade Cocaine” (watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1w6auvqmTk). It’s about the connections between people and trade and the relationships, interconnection, and potential violence that results. We are all involved. We are all connected.