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I’ve come to realize that the formal political process is not the panacea for social change, and that democratic systems have a number of avenues for progress, and for truly transformative change, we have engage in all avenues to achieve the results we desire. https://twitter.com/david_moscrop/status/1303758045374287880
I completely understand the electoral considerations of not fully embracing a progressive agenda on drug policy reform. I don’t view it as the problem with centrist politics but a reflection of where the country is at today. I don’t think voters are ready to embrace the science.
But, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t push politicians and the public. Or, the cause through the courts and health care regimes in each province. It also means that we shouldn’t recognize that this federal govt has done the most when it comes to sensible drug reform.
I don’t think we will get the reforms we need if we have politicians lead the way. Especially if there’s a sizeable contingent in suburban Canada who will not like these changes, and perhaps embrace a party that would rather see drug users die than embrace harm reduction.
This then raises the issue of what avenue is in place to advance the serious, life or death interests of drug users, a constituency of Canadians whose interests aren’t likely going to be championed in the formal political process by any party or politician.
I have literally placed my bet on the courts. The hope being that science and evidence will lead to sensible, informed decisions affecting the lives of real people. It’s not a guarantee but there needs to be an avenue in our system to champion less popular causes politically
I will be testing this thesis shortly and in a significant way. Hope that it provides the recourse we need because it is the only available option in that case
