Propaganda
Subverts Culpability
To
the Editors:
When
we approach issues that reach as far and permeate as deeply as terrorism,
drugs, foreign intervention and propaganda, it is essential that
we explore them as fully as possible. Otherwise, we risk ignoring
crucial elements that must be acknowledged if we are to decisively
alter these policies impact on society.
Thus, the problem with Noah Hellers Feb. 22 letter to the
Review is the failure to recognize the consequences of the governments
decision to broadcast ads equating the purchase of illegal drugs
with the support of terrorism.
Heller argues that the problem can only be dealt with if individuals
begin to take personal reasonability for their actions. That is
exactly what the new ad campaign is trying to do.
On the contrary, that is the very last intention of this campaign.
Instead, it is yet another saddening example of members of the Bush
junta attempting to divert attention from their own complicity in
the ever increasing trampling of human rights across the globe.
Right now peace, justice, freedom and democracy are being pillaged
in our names in the interest of a sense of security and safety that
is neither secure nor safe.
Yes, we must redouble our efforts to prevent drug use. We must recognize
the reality that drug addiction does exist and promote viable alternatives,
and we must do so while simultaneously removing the stigma currently
associated with drug use. It is essential that we implement a restructuring
of our society that prioritizes education, a worker-friendly economy,
civil rights and adequate recreational opportunities so that drugs
will not have the same allure. In the meantime, decriminalization
is essential so that genuine treatment can be pursued openly and
proudly.
However, the current ad campaign threatens this possibility, and
consequently threatens the possibility for individuals to take responsibility
for their drug use. Meanwhile, it further distorts our governments
own role in supporting the violence associated with the drug trade.
In just one well-documented example, we could look at the CIAs
introduction of crack cocaine into California. In that case, this
extremely addictive drug was sold to support the Contras in Nicaragua.
Without delving into the disparity in sentencing laws between crack
and powder cocaine, or the further complexities of the Iran-Contra
scandal, we can recognize how deploring such actions are. It would
be naïve to assume that similar activities are not currently
underway.
Furthermore, we must question who and what really is to blame for
the sort of violence that has destroyed Bogota. We can
draw on one of the classic examples used by drug-law reform advocates
to support decriminalization of drug use: Prohibition.
As we know from that case, it was the criminalization of alcohol
consumption and the lack of a regulatory apparatus for its distribution
that allowed violent mobsters such as Al Capone to terrorize Chicago
and other cities. While other factors were involved, as are currently
involved in Colombia, the profits derived from alcohol smuggling
were central to these gangs operations, just as cocaine and
heroin profits are essential for the operation of modern-day syndicates.
However, it was not the demand for alcohol that spawned these profits,
but rather the lack of price controls or any regulation beyond the
token police or FBI raid.
Regardless of the reality that Plan Colombia is not really about
drugs, we can see a similar effect here. Certainly, legislation
and lobbying are two of many effective tools for activists to oppose
a policy as undemocratic as Plan Colombia, but they are limited
by the pressures legislators face. Moreover, the effectiveness of
any legislation is severely hampered by these ads given the present
political atmosphere especially during an election year
wherein it could be extremely risky to oppose legislation that our
propaganda machine is selling as a tool to fight terrorism.
As Göebbels ghost creeps into our airwaves we must demand
truth, we must demand accountability and we must demand justice.
Bill Lascher
College senior
|