Laurence M. Vance has a great article out at LewRockwell.com about alleged constitutional conservatives who don’t seem to care too much about the constitution when it doesn’t suit them. Such as in the case of the war on drugs.
Vance says:
One can search the Constitution morning, noon, and night with an electron microscope, x-ray vision, and night-vision goggles and never see a reference to the national government having the power to identify drugs, regulate drugs, classify drugs, set up a Drug Enforcement Administration, outlaw drugs, pass a single law related to drugs, or have anything whatsoever to do with any drugs.
Any drugs, whether they are stimulants, hallucinogens, or sedatives. Any drugs, whether they are opiates, cocaine, or cannabis. Any drugs, no matter how unhealthy, harmful, or immoral. Any drugs, no matter how addictive, potent, or dangerous. Any drugs, whether they are smoked, snorted, or injected. Any drugs, whether they are used for medical, therapeutic, or recreational purposes.
So why do constitutionalists support the drug war?
Because conservatives, of course, only like to wave around the constitution when it is convenient to them; usually when it is to cry foul about the latest leftist policy wish or expenditure. But when it comes to things like aggressive wars, surveillance/police state policies or legislating morality such as with the war on drugs, conservatives ask: ‘constitution? What constitution?’
Vance continues:
Constitutionalists claim to revere the Constitution. They say they adhere to the Constitution. They lambaste “activist” judges for not being strict constitutionalists. They criticize those who speak of a “living Constitution.” They talk about following the original intent or original meaning of the Constitution.
But Constitutionalists are hypocrites and enemies of the Constitution if they support the drug war. All of their talk about the Constitution is merely hot air.
Exactly.
And this is one of various reasons why libertarianism is not conservative, cannot be conservative, should not be conservative, should not vote conservative, and should not ever be allied to conservatives (except maybe on very specific issues).