Responsibility #37
(written prior to July 1992)
To the People of the United States of America:
In Responsibility #36 it was proposed that our nation enact the principle that it "will do all that it can to limit and control the production, distribution, sale, and use of products and services that are subversive to the life, health, and happiness of citizens and residents of" the USA.
Specifically it is recommended for tobacco:
1. All subsidies or other support for tobacco end.
2. All advertising & promotion be against the law.
3. No visible displays be permitted.
4. Packaging be utilitarian and drab.
5. Distribution outlets be reduced as demand decreases.
6. All retail purchases be accompanied with notification that the substance is harmful and considered subversive.
7. All media be precluded from including tobacco use in any new movies, programs, or pictures. Any previously produced films (etc.) be purged of tobacco use suggestion to the extent economically feasible.
8. Health and physical fitness courses in schools emphasize the health hazards and subversiveness.
9. All costs of tobacco use be passed to users.
10.Allow reasonable discrimination against users.
The danger of drugs is not new to civilization. Use of drugs has occurred for centuries. It began to be a major problem for Americans, with the moral breakdown of the 1960s. Now it is sapping the strength of our nation, despite gigantic efforts to stem the flow of drugs, and to alleviate the effects of its use. It is time that we cease the rhetoric of "War on Drugs". Congress declare that such a state exists against all drug perpetrators, foreign and domestic. All means be employed to bring the drug trade to an end.
Actions advocated for the War on Drugs:
A. Request the United Nations to declare War on Drugs and, enlist all nations to join the fight.
B. If the UN opts for lesser or no action, request one by one all nations to become allies with the USA in the crusade.
C. If necessary go it alone, keeping the UN advised of the actions that will be taken, and requesting their acquiescence.
D. Like World War II, lay out strategies and establish organizations and bases of operation. Wage economic, psychological, and where necessary military operations against countries that produce, traffic in, or aid and abet the drug trade. Have Congress make individual declarations of limited war against individual nations, advising them and the world of our limited objectives.
E. Internally, advise the citizenry that the USA is on a limited war status for the duration of the struggle with drugs. All traffickers and users of drugs be considered subversives in the wartime sense.
F. Trials of drug traffickers be expedited. Those convicted immediately lose their citizenship, and not be permitted to return to American society. When they have served their prison time, they be restricted to foreign or domestic enclaves, where residents will be subject to military or autocratic justice. Their only avenue and hope be that some other country will accept them. They be subject to capital punishment if they escape or otherwise return to the USA.
G. Drug users voluntarily, or if arrested and convicted, be" sentenced" to "Adult Discipline Assurance Schools". There their addiction be treated, and they be appropriately prepared for the duties of citizenship. The costs of attendance at the ADAS be borne by the users in accordance with their ability to pay. If after completion of the ADAS, the "graduate" continues to be subversive, the courts may take away his citizenship and restrict him to an enclave like a trafficker.
H. All media be precluded from including drug use in any new movies, programs, or pictures, except as it is intended to assist in the War on Drugs. Any previously produced films (etc.) that have material that may encourage drug use, be purged or removed from circulation and use.
I. Health and physical fitness courses in schools emphasize the health hazards and subversiveness.
J. Special courts be designated to timely hear requests for imposition of drug tests by industries, businesses, government departments, etc. Opposing arguments by unions, employee groups, et al, be heard. Decisions be based on the general welfare.
Alcohol too is a subversive substance, when it is used in excess, or when it results in intoxication. We the People pay prohibitive life, health, safety, unhappiness, moral, and economic costs in these instances.
However when used in moderation, alcoholic beverages can add to the quality of life. There are even suggestions from time to time, that temperate use of alcohol can be therapeutic. In any case, our nation has learned from the Prohibition experience of the 1920s and early 1930s, that a total ban is not the way to go.
The alleviation or elimination of alcohol abuse is within reason and is achievable. Individuals, families, and the alcohol industry must be made to appreciate that drinking is a privilege that is accompanied by a responsibility, to do it only in moderation.
Means, to permit the consumption of alcohol, but to alleviate or to eliminate alcohol abuse, will be the initial subject in the next essay.
Publius IV
