The Vienna Declaration.

[Smiles302]

Have many people seen this? http://www.viennadeclaration.com/

I think it is an interesting idea I have never really thought about.

I am listening to the webcast http://globalhealth.kff.org/AIDS2010

If there is evidence that decriminalizing illicit drugs is much better for society, I am all for it.

[Tony Williams]

It would be politically risky, since no-one can predict the outcome with certainty.

Politicians' thinking on this subject probably goes something like this:

1. If decriminalisation happens with my support and benefits society, great: but...

2. If decriminalisation happens with my support and leads to a worsening of the present situation, my career will be finished.

3. If I don't support decriminalisation, I avoid the risk of failure and can gain points with my electorate for being tough on drugs.

So, the sensible course of action for politicians who want to maximise their chances of being re-elected (and who doesn't?) is to continue to oppose decriminalisation.

Politicians will only change their minds on this if there is strong public support for decriminalisation, with the tabloids getting behind the idea (did I just see a pig flying past? ).

[smudge]

Have many people seen this? http://www.viennadeclaration.com/

I think it is an interesting idea I have never really thought about.

I am listening to the webcast http://globalhealth.kff.org/AIDS2010

If there is evidence that decriminalizing illicit drugs is much better for society, I am all for it.

I was unaware of this. Sounds like a worthwhile idea. Policy on drugs seems to be so prey to tabloid whim it would be comical if not so serious.

It would be politically risky, since no-one can predict the outcome with certainty.

Politicians' thinking on this subject probably goes something like this:

1. If decriminalisation happens with my support and benefits society, great: but...

2. If decriminalisation happens with my support and leads to a worsening of the present situation, my career will be finished.

3. If I don't support decriminalisation, I avoid the risk of failure and can gain points with my electorate for being tough on drugs.

So, the sensible course of action for politicians who want to maximise their chances of being re-elected (and who doesn't?) is to continue to oppose decriminalisation.

Politicians will only change their minds on this if there is strong public support for decriminalisation, with the tabloids getting behind the idea (did I just see a pig flying past? ).

My initial instinct is to agree, Tony. But if you substitute a few words in your three point list it becomes less certain;

1. If giving women the vote happens with my support and benefits society, great: but...

2. If giving women the vote happens with my support and leads to a worsening of the present situation, my career will be finished.

3. If I don't support giving women the vote, I avoid the risk of failure and can gain points with my electorate for not doing so.

Or perhaps a more recent example;

1. If relaxing pub opening hours happens with my support and benefits society, great: but...

2. If relaxing pub opening hours happens with my support and leads to a worsening of the present situation, my career will be finished.

3. If I don't support relaxing pub opening hours, I avoid the risk of failure and can gain points with my electorate for being tough on binge drinking.

Things can change despite huge inertia and vested interests. Such campaigns can make a difference. Either by influencing politicians or by educating the wider public.

[Tony Williams]

Female emancipation followed four years of WW1 during which women had taken over the running of the much of the country, while the men were at the front.

Allowing pubs to open for longer is unlikely to make you unpopular with the great majority of people.

It is a sad fact that politicians pay far too much attention to what the tabloids say. It is a brave MP who advocates and votes for something in the face of vehement newspaper opposition, fueled by emotional appeals from the parents of those who have died from drugs or had their lives ruined. Sadly, most MPs are not noted for courage or independence of thought.

[smudge]

It is a sad fact that politicians pay far too much attention to what the tabloids say. It is a brave MP who advocates and votes for something in the face of vehement newspaper opposition, fueled by emotional appeals from the parents of those who have died from drugs or had their lives ruined. Sadly, most MPs are not noted for courage or independence of thought.

Agreed.
But we do not have to wait for MP's or tabloids to change their minds. We can try to influence their views.
The example of female emancipation. Yes events (in this case WW11) can make a huge difference in enlightening people. But if there had been no pressure and debate about the issue prior to WW11 I wonder if the majority would have been happy to go back to business as usual? The campaign and debate was important.
Re pub opening. Accepted to an extent. Though the news this morning suggested the new government may revert to prior restrictive legislation!
Bans on smoking in pubs, hunting with hounds are also examples of decisions made by MP's with a clear risk of unpopularity but influenced by campaigns to encourage they take that risk.
I have no illusions about our flawed system. But we do have an influence on MP's even if it is small.

[Smiles302]

Plus there is the think of how much money you could make by putting a tax on these drugs, how many "bad neighbourhoods" you could clean up by putting drug dealers out of business, all the law enforcement resources you can free up to focus entirely on any kicking out the last of the dealers and keeping on eye on the possibility of them finding other things to sell.

MPs could take the "hero" stance.

Check out these guys http://www.tdpf.org.uk/

I've never noticed anything along these lines in the media ever... But they say that they have had some influence.

Maybe it will be mentioned in the Vienna Conference coverage and will get people thinking about it.