An international panel of government and business leaders has determined that the war on drugs has failed[1] and Congressmen have introduced legislation to legalize marijuana[2], yet the 40 year debacle of the war on drugs barrels on. The tactics used by law enforcement against alleged drug users and dealers has lead to a number of outrageous police actions that have caused the deaths of dozens of innocent people and nonviolent offenders. So-called “no knock raids”, during which SWAT teams burst into the homes of suspected drug users in order to deliver arrest warrants, have eroded the 4th amendment right to be free of unreasonable search and seizure.
Society is becoming increasingly aware of this absurd use of police power thanks to vigilant citizens and journalists such as Radley Balko. The most recent voice rising up against the growing police state is that of Toronto-based folk musician Lindy. Lindy recently released a video for his song “No Knock Raid”, an anthem for those opposing egregious police tactics in the on going war on drugs. I had a chance to ask Lindy about his music and his views on the drug war. This is what he had to say.
MK: “No Knock Raid” highlights a serious issue in American law enforcement and the war on drugs. How did you conceive of it?
L: I’ve always felt the war on drugs is a horribly misguided policy. One day I found Radley Balko’s raid map[3] and it blew me away. It read, “An epidemic of isolated incidents.” In the months that followed there were several raids that made the news. Somehow a song was forming in my head and one day it just came out.
MK: You’re a Toronto-based musician. What got you interested in American police tactics? Are similar raids carried out in Canada? Do you perceive a strengthening of the security apparatus?
L: The American led war on drugs has killed tens of thousands of people outside its borders. How the war is fought within its borders, against its own people is key to understanding how brutal the war on drugs has become. Similar raids are conducted in Canada but I am hopeful that the courts will clarify the knock and announce rule so that police officers don’t have to be in more danger and people’s constitutional rights are protected.
MK: What do you see as the solution to the problems presented by the war on drugs?
L: Much of the violence caused by prohibition will go away once the war ends. Drug use is a public health problem so treatment and education is key to resolving problems of abuse. For example, the majority of tobacco smokers who have quit did so because of years of intense education about the health hazards.
MK: What is your general philosophy toward government?
L: I feel better when it’s not around. I think government does far too many things it shouldn’t be doing. Smaller is better.
MK: Do you view politics as moving in a generally positive or negative direction? Why?
L: In Canada and the USA politics move very slowly. It makes me wonder if change is really possible under this system. It always goes back and forth between the so called left to the so called right. The only political change that might be happening is the growth of the liberty movement and that must be in response to the government and its current desire to give people a hard time.
MK: What political issues are you most passionate about and why?
L: I think lately I’ve been most passionate about the war on drugs. Mostly because I think it is a ridiculous response to drug use. It’s just not worth it and I can’t believe it’s still ongoing. I’m surprised that the hippies who fought so hard against the state in this manner would be the ones who still elect people who keep this policy going. I thought that generation was more hurt by their loved ones being locked up than from the drugs themselves yet they still somehow think it’s not important enough of a single issue upon which to vote.
MK: Let’s discuss your music. Would you care to give some highlights of your musical career and information on upcoming projects?
L: I’ve been a touring folk singer all my life since I was a kid, with my family, in Manitoba, Canada, where I grew up. I’m currently working on my seventh studio album. I’m hoping to have that out by the fall.
MK: “No Knock Raid” is a particularly politicized song. Is your music generally political in nature? What ideas do you attempt to convey with your music?
L: My music has never really been that political in nature. It is only recently that I have discovered this ability. My brother was always the one who could write political songs. I think it took me this long to catch up. Typically, I write songs about relationships between people, about love and loss. I plan to write more liberty oriented songs in the future. I will be releasing an EP of that collection as well.
MK: Your biography on your website states that you grew up in a family of musicians. Do you have any particular memories from your childhood that give insight in to how you write and perform today? Did you ever consider another path in life? Or were you always passionate about song?
L: I always wanted to have a job where I work in a cubicle but my parents forced me into that damn music! Ha ha, just kidding. We had an Icelandic folk singing group and we used to tour a lot when I was a kid. We were sent to the most remote places in Canada. When I was a teenager my brother wrote all the songs and I played the drums until one day I picked up the guitar. Then he and I formed a band and sang our songs together. It was such healthy competition. My dad is a brilliant songwriter too and his songs are still the ones that kick my ass.
I also learned a whole lot from meeting so many people over the years. People are awesome just about everywhere. I guess I just can’t stand it when bad things happen to them because of lousy ideas.
MK: Finally, speak freely. Is there anything you care to convey about government, music, life, love, etc.?
L: I can give some advice. I think if you want to have a happy life, don’t look to the government to solve your problems for you. Don’t look to them for hand outs. Don’t go to them for money. And never sick them on your enemies.
Listen to Lindy’s song “No Knock Raid”
For more information on No Knock Raids and the War on Drugs
