The US progressive left has been criticised for their drug “agenda” as states move towards easing policies.
Conservative radio host Jason Rantz joined Patrick Christys on GB News, where he speculated on the motives of those pushing decriminalisation.
It comes as Oregon became the first US state to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of heroin, cocaine and other illicit drugs.
Rantz’s hit out at the left’s “delusion” on the matter, claiming the policy has been an overwhelming failure.
Jason Rantz spoke to Patrick Christys
GB NEWS
“On the radical left, they argue this is about reducing the stigma”, he said.
“I don’t want to reduce the stigma. I want people to feel as if doing drugs and being an addict is not what is best for them, so they actually get help.
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“There is zero evidence that has been presented that suggests taking away the stigma actually gets them to stop using drugs at the end of the day.
“If they have some hurt feelings just for a bit, but we saved their life, I’m okay offending them.”
The law was approved by 59 per cent of Oregon voters in … who championed Measure 110 as an approach that would transform addiction.
Those who argued in favour of it felt an emphasis on recovery would prove more effective in the war on drugs in the long run.
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Those caught with small amounts of drugs can have citation dismissed by contacting a 24-hour hotline to complete an addiction screening within 45 days.
Those who opt to skip the screening are not penalised if they fail to pay the fine.
According to Rantz, it is minority communities who are being disproportionately affected.
“No matter how you slice the data, that is almost always the case when you look at the micro level or the macro level”, he said.
“The disproportionate number of victims are coming from first, the black community, then the Hispanic community.
“That’s what the data says, so they’re going to have to spare me all this nonsense about how the criminal justice system disproportionately impacts people of colour.”
