Versus is a new debate series that’s using Google+ Hangouts to allow users to participate in global debates. Other Google+ hangouts have helped people connect under the sea with +World Oceans Summit and interview President Obama. Some people were able to interview President Obama via Skype while other questions from hangout followers were panned to and asked by the primary interview host.
The first live global hangout debate will focus on the war on drugs and has piqued interest with a video on Youtube that showcases the following quotes from political insiders:
“A world in which drugs were legally available might be an unknowable, unreversable but potential nightmare.” — Lord Ian Blair, Former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police
“Prohibition just shovels billions of dollars to very bad people.” — Misha Gerry, Journalist and Author of McMafia.
“Fight the real drug war against poverty and the money launderers.” — Ed Vulliamy, Journalist & Author of Amexica: War Along the Borderline.
“People should not be put in prison for taking drugs.” — Richard Branson, Founder of Virging Group Ltd.
“There is no war on drugs. Time to start fighting it.” — Peter Hitchens, Columnist for Mail on Sunday.
And a final daunting quote from Julian Assange, Founder of Wikileaks states that “A vast Prison-Drug-Industrial Complex has been created.
The debate will be facilitated by BBC newsreader and presenter, Emily Maitlis and broadcast opinions from the likes of Richard Branson, British funny man Russell Brand, Julian Assange, experts such as the former Presidents from Brazil and Mexico, and other guests.
This social media meets politics experiment is scheduled to air on the 13th of March at 7pm GMT.
People have been discussing issues and joining in the debate on a Google Blog dedicated to Versus. A few lucky posters will be selected to join in the live debate.
One Versus blog post quotes Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, reported head of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. Let me know what you think of the candid comments you have been reading on the linked blog and what your stance on the war on drugs means to you!