[tdfx]

Well-armed criminal groups and government forces can have a war. I don't think anyone disputes that. But you can't go to war against a concept (i.e. drug use).

[gregholmberg]

Have a conventional war against a concept? No.

Declaring "war" on an idea allows the state to permanently oppress anyone who can be associated with the idea.

This is a powerful totalitarian tool. [0]

[0]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_war