The Hypocrites and the Haters

The 'war on drugs' has failed. Billions of pounds have been spent here and abroad to try to stem the flow and consumption of drugs, and it hasn't worked. Just as prohibition in America didn't work. It has also provided a bonanza for violent criminals who cause enormous misery. But why has all this money and time been wasted in a useless war? And why should individuals who use drugs recreationally, be prevented from doing so?

Those who oppose drug use point to the harm caused by illegal drugs such as cannabis. But millions of people have used cannabis for centuries without causing harm to themselves. Not long ago experts in the UK re-classified drugs, both legal and illegal, on the basis of harm and found that alcohol was more harmful than cannabis. Of course this classification was treated with scorn by the anti-drugs lobby, many of whom, like Peter Hitchens, like a glass of wine now and again.

Hitchens, who is a tinpot fascist, came out with the classic anti-drugs rant on the Today programme on Wednesday 27th February. During the 'debate' with Matthew Taylor, an advocate of treatment rather than punishment, Hitchens repeatedly shouted his opponent down. He then accused Taylor of interrupting him when Taylor tried to get a word in edgeways. Of course bigots like Hitchens believe that drug users should be flung into gaol. This apparently is to save them from harming themselves.

But what is the real motivation of people like Peter Hitchens? Do they really want to save drug users from harm? Clearly not, because being imprisoned is, in itself, a form of harm which they are quite happy for drug users to endure. No. The real motivation of the anti-drugs lobby is a bigoted hatred of drug users.

Not only are members of the anti-drugs lobby like Peter Hitchens bigots - they are also hypocrites who continue to enjoy their drug(s) of choice whilst seeking to deny that right to others. The sooner that recreational drugs are legalised and controlled the better. Honest education, and regulation of recreational drugs, is the best way to ensure that the harm that the anti-drugs lobby are supposed to be so concerned about is prevented.