General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: It's his position against the drug war that makes Ron Paul so volcanically controversial here on DU. [View all]Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)To say Paul is opposed to 'The Drug War' means what, specifically? That's he is for legalization? No. That the federal government does not possess the authority to establish laws regulating drug possession. Does that mean there is no such authority? No, the States according to Paul hold the authority to regulate and make any drug laws they wish. So this means that Paul, who personally opposes any sort of recreational use would like to see each State craft it's own set of laws controlling drugs.
That is not really opposition to regulation of drugs. It is opposition to Federal authority in many areas, which encompasses drug laws.
All that aside, Democrats should own this issue, as well as issues of peace and human rights. The fact that they allow rhetorical territory to remain so wide open that a guy like Paul can seem to occupy that territory is the fault of Democrats. His policy is not good policy, it is just different policy. The country is sick of the old policy. It is rife with injustice and waste. Still, merely shifting the authority and arguments to the 50 State houses is not 'an end to the Drug War'. It is more likely the creation of many smaller drug wars.