This week's Calgary Herald column from yours truly looks at the Conservative government's enthusiasm for the war on drugs and why that is something "conservatives" should oppose:
...Broadly speaking, conservatism can be defined as a belief in less government intervention and more personal freedom (a philosophy I would subscribe to). Perhaps that is the standard by which we should judge the Conservatives.
For example, they have shown admirable respect for this ethos in their determination to put an end to Canada's long-gun registry.
There is merit in much of what's been proposed in the way of changes to the justice system, and dealing more harshly with violent and serious criminals need not be at odds with a mantra of less government.
However, the most profound disappointment is the government's unwavering and illogical support for the abysmal failure that is the war on drugs.
Perhaps this is the break-off point for conservatives and libertarians; where many conservatives draw the line in their belief that state has no business with the individual who is not a threat to others.
It is ironic that so many conservatives take such an approach to gun owners, but view marijuana smokers as in need of state intervention.
Conservatives are generally - and rightly - aghast at the nanny-state impulse to control our lives when it comes to unhealthy food, alcohol, or tobacco. But far too many conservatives become enthusiastic nanny-statists themselves when it comes to smoking a joint.
In every respect the war on drugs means less freedom and more government, so isn't it time that conservatives rethink their support of prohibition?
A recent Angus Reid poll found that 53 per cent of Canadians support legalizing marijuana - in Alberta support was at 59 per cent.
The Harper government, however, is doubling down. They've reintroduced a bill which, among other things, imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of six months for anyone convicted of growing as few as six marijuana plants.
Why is such a bill needed? What will it accomplish? The government seems incapable of offering a coherent explanation to either question.
Moreover, every problem the government claims it is addressing is a symptom of prohibition.
It is farcical to speak of a tougher approach to organized crime when prohibition itself remains a major boon to those same criminal organizations. Taking away that gift is what would make life difficult for them.
A recent report from the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS shows us clearly why the Harper government approach is doomed to fail.
Their review of 15 international studies found that 13 of them demonstrated that increased drug law enforcement was associated with increasing levels of drug market violence.
In addition, they note that US marijuana usage rates are higher that Europe, and that Portugal - which recently decriminalized all drugs - has the lowest rates in Europe.
I suppose to many conservatives, the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS might seem like some left-wing outfit, but it is worth noting that one of the study's peer-reviewers is a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute.
The Fraser Institute is a strong and eloquent defender of conservatism, and it's very relevant to note that it's been harshly critical of the war on drugs.
What we have in prohibition is a grim chimera of the worst features of the nanny state and the police state. It should be anathema to anyone who truly believes in less government and more freedom.
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