I believe that there is the misconception that a libertarian who advocates ending the 'drug war' is pro-drug or is advocating citizens engaging in drug use. Personally, I believe that drugs are dangerous and should not be used and certainly not celebrated in culture as 'cool' at all. I dabbled in that area as a kid and it led to many problems. My life is much better as a result of adhering to socially conservative morals and behavior. In this, we are and always will be on the same side.
The disagreement comes with how to address the situation. I do not believe in giving the federal government the power to use force to impose drug laws. Like Prohibition, the result is the problem more than the well-meaning but flawed policy itself. Violent organized crime, unchecked and unconstitutional power to seize and incarcerate, and deterioration of the 10th Amendment are bad things. These things continue to grow in power and consequence, all while their effectiveness remains poor. I do not advocate drug use.
I do advocate following the Constitution to the letter and never ceding freedom to a Nanny State or a Police State. Democrats have no real incentive to win the War On Poverty, as an increase in dependents means an increase in constituents, budgets, and power. Does the federal government have any more incentive to 'win' the War On Drugs?
I would like to live in a country where we see a reduction in both the federal government's power AND the horrible effects of both the drugs and the violence, corruption and moral decline that surrounds them. I hope that we find a way to achieve both and find ourselves living in a nation that is more safe, more free, and more sane.
good post.
For years my sister lived on the street, getting high all the time, then went into prison for stealing to support the habit.
She tried to kill herself while in prison .
I’m totally against it because of how it ruined the family and what it has done to people I know