Conservatives say they believe in the Constitution, limited government, federalism, free enterprise, individual freedom, private property, and the free market. But, of course, this means absolutely nothing since they say they believe in these things even when their actions show that they don't believe in any of them.

Consider the drug war.

Does the Constitution authorize the federal government to have a war on drugs? Of course not. But that doesn't stop conservatives from supporting the DEA and the federal drug war.

Is a government limited to reasonable defense, judicial, and policing activities compatible with government interest in the eating, drinking, smoking, medical, and recreational habits of Americans? Of course not. The only limited government that conservatives seek is one limited to control by conservatives.

Do conservatives believe that all drug polices should be instituted on the state level and that the federal government should have nothing to do with prohibiting or regulating drugs? Of course not. Conservatives only believe in federalism when the federal government does something they don't like.

Do conservatives believe that free enterprise includes the freedom to buy and sell drugs? Of course not. They want the government to prohibit people from peacefully buying and selling drugs.

Do conservatives believe that individuals should be free to use drugs in the privacy of their homes? Of course not. They have no problem with SWAT teams breaking down your door in the middle of the night because they suspect that you have drugs in your home.

Do conservatives believe that what you do on your property is your business as long as what you do is peaceful and consensual? Of course not. They are okay with the government confiscating your property if you use it to facilitate commerce in drugs.

Do conservatives believe there should be a free market in drugs? Of course not. They want massive government intervention in the market when it comes to drugs.

But it's not just the issue of the drug war that shows the tyranny of conservatives.

Consider the issue of prostitution.

Now, just like I don't believe that anyone should abuse drugs, I don't believe that anyone should engage in prostitution. But if they choose to do so, that is their business, not my business, not your business, not society's business, and not the government's business.

Not so, says conservative Scott Yenor, a professor of political science at Boise State University, in an article written for the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.