It looks like the Conservatives are hell-bent on proving that there are only two things that matter: pushing a conservative social agenda and giving in on ideals as long as they benefit politically. As far as I can tell, the Conservatives’ new anti-drug bill shows that they are completely ignorant of science and statistics when it comes to social values. They really need to face a few facts:
the war on drugs (not there really ever was one) was lost
tougher drug penalties do not decrease drug crimes (USA has shown this)
tougher drug penalties will likely benefit criminals the most by increasing their profits
tougher drug penalties increase the cost to tax payers with incarceration costs (USA has shown this)
I think most people would agree that the world is a better place without your average heroin dealer, be it street level or top gang level. Most people don’t want those people hanging around. Tougher penalties just do not accomplish that though. It is so predictable, it’s just sickening. Does anyone really believe that if this bill passes that in a few years we’re going to see less drug dealers, less dealing, less drug addicts, etc?
The continued battle against pot boggles the mind even more. Study after study have shown the decremental effects of criminalizing pot. The sheer number of Canadians that have tried pot or continue to use pot is significantly large which most reasonable people would take as a signal to its social acceptance. Why pot would be criminalized while alcohol or cigarettes are not makes no sense at all. It takes a small mind to not see how a historical law-making decision has completely demonized pot. Consider some of the reasons why pot is illegal:
1. it is perceived as addictive
2. it has no acceptable medical use
3. it is historically linked to narcotics
4. it was originally associated with ethnic groups: blacks and mexicans
5. it has liberal lifestyle associations
6. historically linked to psychotic effects
#1 and #2 are very generic in nature and alone, consider how many things fall into these categories (booze, smokes, coffee, chocolate, etc. Studies have shown how pot is grossly exaggerated in terms of addiction. The truth of #3 is surely false: I bet there are about 10million Canadians that will attest that smoking pot does not lead to the use of narcotics. #4 was a big issue in the US in the anti-mexican and anti-black movements of the 30′s. #5 obviously fits in nicely with the views of social conservatives.
Here are some quotes from Harry J. Anslinger, the first Commissioner in the US Bureau of Prohibition, who lead the charge against pot (for his own political aspirations):
“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others.”
“…the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races.”
“Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death.”
“Reefer makes darkies think they’re as good as white men.”
“Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing”
“You smoke a joint and you’re likely to kill your brother.”
“Marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind.”
The thing that is truly crazy is that the above quotes still reflect beliefs that people carry today! On occasion I speak with people that for whatever reason have had very limited exposure to drugs. They tell me things like “pot leads to hard drugs,” “it makes people crazy,” “you just want more.”
It’s not really a war on drugs, it’s a war on truth.
(having said that… Grady & Emma May: If I catch you kids doing drugs you’re in for a world of trouble!)
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