Why is the War on Some Drugs not even a campaign issue?

[bedpanartist]

Because to me, one of the first ways that the GOP and the Democratic Party have helped pave the wave for our fascist future is the War on Some Drugs, which has turned many of our city streets into war zones and destroyed cities, helped promote the prison industrial complex, cost millions of lives, etc...

Why isn't this fascist war even being discussed?

[angrycarpenter]

1. simple

The GOP likes the status quo and as reform would entail lowering penalties for some offenders the dems do not want to seem soft on drugs.

[bedpanartist]

3. they have no problem with being seen as soft on freedom though

it always seems to be fear that is stopping the Dems from doing good for people.

[angrycarpenter]

5. exactly

If drug policy were treated as a public health problem rather than A crime problem we would have A lot more progress. This approach would take courage to fight against the "throw away the key" people who would just as soon kill drug abusers as do anything to help them beat addiction.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

2. Look for Gravel, Kucinich and maybe Biden, in a candid moment, to say anything.

Richardson has a decent track record in publicly recognizing its inherent flaws.

Edwards, not sure, although he's seen first hand the results of an incarceration society.

Since most in this country are law ablding, it's been cooked up as a threat, and treated as some kind of scourge, which has made some unsavory folks a LOT of money.

MKJ

[bedpanartist]

4. Didn't Richardson come out for legaliation or decriminalization of pot

in New Mexico?

[yella_dawg]

6. The answer is very simple.

When you add drug profits, the economic impact of enforcement and incarceration (jobs, etc.), and the tremendous influence of the for-profit prison industry, the economic reality is that changing our disastrous drug policies will require a massive effort. Such an effort will only come from the citizens.

Or, to expose my cynicism: Never gonna happen.

[Warpy]

7. The perception is that white suburban mommies and daddies

are 100% behind the drug war in the hope that little Johnny and Susie won't grow up and try pot.

I don't know how true that is because nobody even does polls on it. It's just one of those "everybody thinks..." that nobody has ever bothered to check out.

[eweaver155]

8. Because no political party has a true resolve for this issue.

The easy thing to do is target young drug dealers across this nation and support the industrial prison complex. The real solution is to STOP the vast shipments of drugs from entering this country by the tons daily through all means of transport. That means targeting the political systems of nations in South America, Afghanistan, Mexico, etc which means weeding out drug lords who are tied to their politicians, that then can be traced back to the United States. How can that be done? A WAR ON DRUGS. American military forces combined with government agencies, FBI, CIA, DEA, ATF and others. Sounds like a war to me, similar to the war in Iraq. A shit load of political and corporate types will be exposed around the world as well as the corporate and political ties to the U.S. and yes, America, it will cost, time, money and american lives. In others words, another war. Are we ready to stomach that reality? Maybe, but for now it's easier, convenient and cost effective in dollars and treasure to jail the neighborhood drug dealers, periodically stop a large drug shipment, let the MSM showcase it, so the politicians can say with vigor and conviction "Yes were are fighting this issue". Remember "JUST SAY NO"?

Just like that old saying "If you want to end some shit, you may have to start some shit".

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

10. Or just legalize it and let the free market take its course. Hypothetically.

:shrug: MKJ

[eweaver155]

11. You know, these fools would rather start a war than legalize it.

It would stain their credibility and wow, not get re-elected. Wrist slashing time. Too much to sacrifice! :crazy:

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

13. Welcome, ew155.

:toast: MKJ

on edit, how does one make one's post numbers equal one's screen name?

I'm guessing, guessing. MKJ

[MatrixEscape]

9. Also, when it comes to the Evil Weed ....

we don't want that nasty hemp gaining any political ground, no matter how huge an impact it might have on just about everything from agriculture to industry to environmental concerns, do we?

Emphasis there on huge, potential impact. Ah, certain, special interests have a lot to hold onto and shifting the Nation's economy towards hemp poses quite a problem for the American zeitgeist as it currently stands.

Of course, then there are the other issues about other "illicit" drugs that I am sure those who have done their homework already know. IT is not like there are not enough sources of rational, sane information on the subject.

[Hollow Shells]

12. Yet, another damn good reason

to vote Kucinich.

[rucky]

14. Because the government has a stake in the opium trade?

:shrug:

[MadHound]

15. Actually Kucinich addresses this well

And has done so consistently.

"My position on this issue is to face it directly, though other politicians run away from it. I agree with the many law enforcement officials and experts in the field that we must find a new way of dealing with illegal drugs.


I have studied the issue for decades and recognize that our "War on Drugs" has failed. In fact, because our War on Drugs drives up the price, it encourages violence. Prohibition simply doesn't work. It only creates thousands and thousands of Al Capones. Prison should be for people who hurt other people, not themselves. We don't jail people for merely drinking. We jail people when they drink and drive or hurt another human."
<http://www2.kucinich.us/issues/drugwar.php>

Sadly, due his lack of exposure by the MSM, his positions on various issues are not well known. I woudl recommend that you take some time out and check them out.

<http://www2.kucinich.us/issues>