Cocaine in the White House: What We Should Actually Be Focused On

What lessons should we learn from the White House cocaine 'scandal?'

Photo by Colin Davis on Unsplash

So, someone was doing some blow at the White House on Wednesday and now the airwaves and interwebs are laser-focused on the scandal. We don’t know who the partaker of booger sugar is at the moment, but all eyes are on Hunter Biden, who has been known to be a fan of the white powder.

Either way, members of the chattering class can’t seem to stop talking about it. In fact, it seems to have become yet another distraction designed to prevent us from focusing on important issues.

So I’m going to use this silliness to focus on something that actually is important.

While mainstream media is wringing their hands over the affair, others are highlighting the fact that, regardless of the identity of the person responsible, it is likely that they will not face the same consequences as regular citizens who commit similar offenses, assuming it happens to be Hunter Biden or another member of the ruling class.

This incident sheds light on the disparities within the justice system, particularly concerning the elites and the rest of us plebes. Moreover, it further illustrates the urgent need for ending the War on Drugs.

One cannot help but question the fairness of a system where individuals belonging to the ruling class are seemingly exempt from the same legal consequences as ordinary citizens. While it remains unclear who was involved in the White House cocaine incident, history has shown that those in positions of power often receive preferential treatment.

This discrepancy undermines the fundamental principle of equality before the law and erodes public trust in the justice system. It is essential to address this inequality and work towards a justice system that treats all individuals equally, regardless of their social status or position.

So what’s the best way to address this? It’s simple: Legalize drugs.

A staggering statistic looms large in this discussion: approximately 350,000 Americans, accounting for one in five incarcerated individuals, are currently imprisoned for drug-related offenses. Most of these individuals are non-violent offenders, primarily involved in the sale or consumption of drugs.

The repercussions of this punitive approach are devastating. Lives are disrupted, families torn apart, and communities suffer the consequences of mass incarceration. Even worse, the entire War on Drugs has been an utter failure. It has resulted in lives being needlessly ruined. Even after serving time for choosing to consume a substance, most wind up back in prison in large part because they cannot obtain gainful employment due to having the offense on their record.

The incident at the White House provides a powerful argument for the legalization of drugs. Prohibitionist policies have proven to be ineffective, costly, and have contributed to a myriad of social issues. By legalizing drugs, we can shift the focus from useless and devastating punishments to harm reduction, public health, and education.

Legalization would allow for the regulation and control of drug production and distribution, ensuring safer products and reducing the associated risks. Additionally, it would free up resources to invest in prevention, treatment, and support for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

A fundamental principle of a free society is the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies. Empowering the government to control what people put into their bodies infringes upon this basic liberty.

Adults should have the freedom to choose whether or not to engage in drug use, taking responsibility for the potential risks and consequences associated with their choices. Prohibitionist policies not only violate individual autonomy but also create an environment conducive to black markets, violence, and the marginalization of vulnerable communities.

Portugal's decriminalization of drugs in 2001 is a compelling example of a successful alternative to the war on drugs. Rather than punishing individuals for drug possession, Portugal shifted its focus to treating drug abuse as a public health issue. The country redirected resources towards prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services.

It is worth noting that drugs are still illegal in Portugal, but they have been decriminalized, meaning that one does not go to prison or have a criminal record if caught in possession of narcotics. The outcomes have been remarkable, with a significant decrease in drug-related deaths, HIV transmission rates, and drug-related crimes.

Additionally, individuals struggling with addiction are more likely to seek help without fear of criminal repercussions. The Portuguese model demonstrates that a compassionate and health-oriented approach can yield positive results.

The discovery of cocaine at the White House serves as a reminder of the systemic inequalities within our two-tier justice system and the urgent need for drug policy reform. Regardless of who is involved, it is clear that individuals in positions of power often receive preferential treatment.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Americans languish in prisons for drug offenses. The time has come to reconsider our approach to drugs, moving towards a system that prioritizes public health, harm reduction, and respect for natural rights. Legalization provides an opportunity to address these pressing issues, ensuring a more just and compassionate society for all.