In Love with Militaristic Rhetoric: Dualistic Thinking and the Drug War
“The problem I face is much deeper than that, and it goes to the fundamental manner in which we confront the world: our basic stance is a warlike one. It is a perspective that splits the world into halves engaged in endless battle. In this sense, the wars we perpetually fight across the globe are only the external sign of the psychological and emotional conflicts that precede and give rise to them.”
One constant theme in our political and cultural atmosphere is the use of militaristic language to describe whatever latest crusade the state — with accompanying support from some members of the ruled — has decided to embark on. Witness the phrase “War on Drugs” — although it’s more accurately stated as the “War on Some Drugs” or the “War on People Who Use Drugs We Happen to Disapprove of” (unlike alcohol, Ritalin, caffeine, and so on) — for a perfect example of this phenomenon. The world is divided into two groups of individuals who are allegedly ethically separated by their consumption patterns with respect to illicit substances.
It’s not my intention to accuse any supporter of state involvement in regulating the sale and consumption of drugs — although as an anarchist, I’m a proud extremist on this issue who wishes to see the Federal Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency and so on abolished — of holding this dualism of “good” versus “evil”, but it’s clearly a view espoused by some individuals. One excellent example is former drug war czar William Bennett who has provided the following monstrous statements:
“Drug users who maintain a job and a steady income should face stiff fines…These are the users who should have their names published in local papers. They should be subject to drivers’ license suspension, employer notification, overnight or weekend detention, eviction from public housing or forfeiture of the cars they drive while purchasing drugs”
Source: Drug Warriors & Their Prey: From Police Power to Police State by Richard Lawrence Miller that gives LAT (Los Angeles Times), Oct. 21, 1994, A1, A27; NewsBriefs, Nov. 1994, 16.
“It is a product of the Great Deceiver.”
Source: Drug Warriors & Their Prey: From Police Power to Police State by Richard Lawrence Miller that gives Free Inquiry, Fall 1990, 39.
Note how Bennett does not even pretend to offer a “humanitarian” rationale for the drug war but simply engages in propagandistic demonization based on a dualistic world-view. The “evil” other must be destroyed, even if they are indistinguishable from what Bennett would likely view as normal — although I should make clear that conforming to what is ordinary is not something I would encourage 
— or worthwhile aside from illicit drug use. This kind of thinking is utterly disgusting and does immense damage. If people view Bennett’s arguments as being worthwhile for the basis of public policy , then they are offering support for the destruction of life and liberty on a horrific scale.
Unfortunately, the basic principles underlying Bennett’s perspective are at work in many outlooks a great number of people hold on numerous issues. In future posts, I will explore the problem of either/or models of approaching the world with respect to everything from romantic love to foreign policy.
Additional Info
There’s more to life than suffering and misery. If you’re looking for answer’s to life’s questions, you might want to find that delicate balance between learning, work and fun. People smoke and do drugs because its an opportunity to change your state of mind for the better. Other people find the same satisfaction in things like love, charity towards others and meaningful work. Nobody can tell you what your favorite food is; but you can figure it out with a little help from your friends.
That quote of William Bennett is sick! I’m great! And that’s all there is.