Likewise with bars. There is always a risk that a bar is unlicensed, but if it is at a main business street and have been there for years you can be pretty sure that you’re not getting in to trouble.

It is clear that you can’t completely avoid breaking some rules in China. But to describe that as “be living in crime” or “on the edge of criminality” is pure hyperbole.

Also, I notice that ad hominem attacks feature prominently in this discussion. I can’t help wondering what kind of people I am discussing with ?

It seems that Claus simply doesn’t live in the same world as most of us expats. Sounds like he had the Expat Package from day one. For the rest of us, living on the edge of criminality is pretty much status quo, especially just a few years ago. Visas, residence registration, etc.

It’s not so much that people WANT to break the law, but rather the “laws” are so arbitrarily coded and enforced, and flagrantly ignored, that to the bewildered newcomer it seems almost as if you have to break the law on a regular basis to eke out a life here.

Of course, Claus is also the guy who frequently asks to have Laowai Comic punchlines explained to him, so I wouldn’t definitely wouldn’t expect him to understand this.

From a drug dealer’s standpoint, selling drugs in Sanlitun was a breeze. I’ve never seen people so brazenly offer drugs to strangers anywhere in the world. You’d think it would be different in China – a country that is so infamous for its hardline stance on drugs. So are we to blame the dealers for this toutishness, or the police who have obviously been letting it happen, probably because they were getting a cut? Because it’s impossible to imagine even for a second that the police just now found out about it.

Applauding arbitrary enforcement of excessive litigation makes you and True Media look heartless and ignorant. I’m sure your advertisers are just as pleased as your are, though.

You might not have a choice, and you certainly can’t always be sure the taxis you take are all licensed. Its the height of cluelessness to say you never take black taxis.

Additionally, you don’t know whether that bar is licensed or not. Just because its there doesn’t mean its licensed. Business licensing in China is a huge racket, and quite arbitrary. Most people in China are doing something illegal, you as well.

Frankly, that’s some sanctimonious crap from you. Oh, you never do anything illegal, perish the thought! I guess your shit don’t stink.

>> You dumb shit

Right…

It does have relevance because the sensitivity of the issue informs China’s current public and institutional attitude towards drug policy.

The same reason China is so touchy about FLG, Tibet, etc.

Because you urgently need to get somewhere and there are no regular cabs around. You dumb shit.

Hyperbolic bullshit. If you have a serious career, a family to take care of, a well paid job, friends and neighbors you care for, you try your best to stay within the limits of the law.

Why on earth should I use a black cab if I had the choice ? Why should I even put myself in a position where I needed one ? Why should I drink in an unlicensed bar when there is plenty of legal bars to choose from ? Why should I do drugs in China (of all places) where I know the society is paranoid about it ?

I don’t know why you would answer “yes” to any of that, but I know that if you’re living in another country, you’re a guest and should conduct yourself. If you can’t, you always have the option to leave and f*ck with the law in your own country.

If you want to see what drug dealers that are able to defend themselves do to a society, then go visit Mexico or Columbia.

Law abiding citizens prefer weak criminals over strong criminals any day.