Hi Paul,
I understand that we have become pawns in the game and I suspect that it was deliberate strategy applied for several reasons and ends. However, as heppers, we come in many political flavours and colours so some will choose to fight this at a political level and others will not.
What we do all need to ensure is that the public for whose benefit this is being played out are aware of our story so they don't just write us off as "once junkies, always junkies" in which case everyone loses.
Edit: And part of that may include pointing out where various groups, be they political parties or professional associations or others, are using us for their own ends without regard for the impact on us.
G