A batch of budget amendments to be adopted by way of Asheville City Council’s consent agenda pertain to a local economic engine. Although this sector is not taxed, users are subject to 100% confiscation of whatever the cops can find. In that way, government has forged a strong public/private partnership with drug dealers. After the state has raked a take on the homes of unassertive grandmothers, the City of Asheville will be getting $45,900 for bulletproof vests and a memorial fund; another $59,000 coming back from the federal government will be used to buy tasers and train officers in building community relations. If that is not enough, the city will celebrate the receipt of an extra $15,000 to help grow Asheville’s Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. Think about it. If cities across the nation could boost the volumes of drugs transported and traded in their communities, they wouldn’t have to fire police officers. With beefed-up patrol units they will be able to brand themselves as safe cities. Tourist dollars will skyrocket, economic multipliers will do what they’ve been doing, and . . .