The war on drugs is on in Chicago, thanks to 2nd Ward alderman Bob Fioretti. That’s right folks, the alderman with some of the oddest hair on the city council wants to make it a crime to possess … tiny plastic bags?
So let me get this straight. Under Ald. Fioretti’s law — if it gets passed by the council March 12 — possessing a plastic, zip-top bag measuring less than two inches wide by two inches across is punishable by a fine of up to $1,500? And he really thinks this will help eradicate drugs from the streets of Chicago?
I think it is clear that Ald. Fioretti has not come into contact with many drug dealers. Now, I don’t claim to be an expert. My experience with drug dealers is nearly nonexistant. But I know that, at the very least, if a drug dealer cannot transport drugs in a tiny plastic bag, said drug dealer will find some other small container for said drugs. Though apparently Ald. Fioretti doesn’t think so, drug dealers can be very smart and clever people.
I’m thinking this law might not make it out of the city council chambers next week. Or at least it shouldn’t. The city of Chicago has passed some crazy laws (a law prohibiting the flying of kites within city limits) and some great ones (a smoking ban before the state legislature even considered it), but this one is just bizarre. I’m just not sure where Ald. Fioretti came up with the idea, and that may be what bothers me most about this proposal. It seems to have come out of nowhere. Let’s just hope it goes nowhere once it gets to the council chambers.
