Chris Rasmussen

Quote of the day:

The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages. As a precaution to ever committing major acts of evil it is our solemn duty never to do what we're told; this is the only way we can be sure.

- Banksy



Christiania under Siege by Sick, Right-Wing Danish Government with Financial Agenda

Christiania is a small conclave within Copenhagen that prides itself on having a Drug-Free Hash environment. A population of approximately 850 people, its mission statement is clear:

"The objective of Christiania is to create a self-governing society whereby each and every individual holds themselves responsible over the wellbeing of the entire community. Our society is to be economically self-sustaining and, as such, our aspiration is to be steadfast in our conviction that psychological and physical destitution can be averted."

My impression of the purpose of Christiania upon visiting weeks before was that it was a safe-haven for individuals living a peaceful, hippie-oriented life. By self-governing, it is meant that Drug Laws are strongly enforced by locals, to the point that local signs proclaim a Drug Free Environment. It, thus, is not a commune for heroin use or houses of such to start. As well, it is not an environment where drugs like speed, ecstasy, or cocaine are supported and used. What becomes clear is that the locals believe that Marijuana/Hash is not considered a drug and that Christiania provides a centre for people to enjoy Marijuana outside of the jurisdiction of Danish/EU law.

Within Christiania signs boldly demand “No Photographs” and upon leaving you will see that, “You Are Now Entering the EU.” It is obvious that, since its origin in 1971, Christiania has applauded itself as independent, certainly in its ideals.
More recently, the problem has surfaced that the Government of Denmark has found that the 85 acres of land that Christiania sits upon is financially valuable. Plans are in the process to build housing complexes over top of Christiania.

This is resulting in police brutality within the community. Constant strip searches and beatings are occurring. Without external interruption Christiania is a peaceful place with people who live off and work within the community. Marijuana is smoked and sold privately and there are no external problems resulting from this self-governing community.

I argue that Christiania is a fine and wonderful example of a conclave that should be placed within every city, allowing a population of people with these beliefs to lead their non-harming lives.

For more information, please see this documentary filmed and televised on CBC (The Canadian Broadcasting Centre):

http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/news/features/brown-squatters-070831.wmv

Further Reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freetown_Christiania

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