Ever since President Richard Nixon declared war on drugs in 1971, we've heard much talk about America's drug-prevention initiatives. Each year, billions of dollars are spent on keeping illegal substances out -- and reducing drug use nationwide. However, some argue the battle is ineffective or perhaps even counter-productive. Is this effort worth continuing, or is it time to search for alternatives?
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Drug Use is Down Among Young People
- From David Evans
By David Evans - Drug Free Schools Coalition
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I have to say something
I'm sorry, but after reading over your view, I felt the need to take the time to sign up and post a comment back. Now!, since i took 5 minutes out of my day maybe you can take thirty seconds to read and think.
To say that ANY drug policy in the US has worked while we still have the HIGHEST drug usage percentages in the WORLD is ludicrous.
And to say a "tough" war on drugs is in some way "beneficial" to kids is just as crazy, a "tough" war on drugs means little timmy with a J on the corner just trying to relax, gets busted, and now he cant find a decent paying job for the rest of his life.
So why continue this "tough" war on drugs, when we can switch to more forgiving policies (which have worked better everywhere else), and try to help people with their problems, not throw them in a giant bin with thousands of others with worse issues and a greater knowledge of the illegal trades.
Besides I want my taxes to go to something beneficial, another few billion in education couldnt hurt.
- jr3951 August 2, 2008 11:40AM
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deceptive comments on drug use
If drug use is down how come we have the largest prison population in the world? And most of the people incarcerated are imprisoned for drug use or implied trafficing. There is more pot around than ever before. It can be grown at home with higher quality and cheaper. the government spews nothing but lies and half truth. this guy is protecting his job so lying is a form of job security!@
- Jackattack
August 3, 2008 6:37AM
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You are obviously out of your league
David, the fact that you consider yourself an expert is proof enough that we need to change our policy.
Is this really the best you can do? You're lazy, or you're tired, or you simply don't have the capcity to come up with a convincing argument anymore. Hang it up buddy! Your facts are wrong and your arguments are old and dusty.
Check the facts here, if you have the energy.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/druguse/index.html
- csmith
January 29, 2009 8:07PM
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Inquisitive minds want to know
Are you a card carrying member of an organization that receives funding from the Government or any of it's agencies? Does your organization receive large donations from a man named Juan in Juarez?
- Clay
March 23, 2009 6:34PM
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statistics
One thing that should be considered about drug use statistics...a lot has changed in the last few years...most kids are now smart enough not to report drug use knowing full well what the consequences are ...do these statistics take into account that, fearing legal reprisal, no one in their right mind is going to bring the law down on themselves, especially after seeing the legal consequences are far worse than the actual act of using substances
- pcmike
April 1, 2009 8:15PM
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the real dealers are among us
Its great someone else sees the similarities between dealers and pharma cos...both buy political influence, oversight agencys..(cops/fbi fda /cdc/ftc)..and line politicians pockets with profits to keep the machine going(ie keep illegal)...Being originally from the police state of illinois,Ive first hand accounts of how the mob got a foothold by backing prohibition spouting aldermen,mayors etc, much graft and , look at the results, machine guns in the street, rival gang wars, mafia strength and we are still paying the cost in deep rooted corruption...and i dont mean that as a stab at obama ...look at how many of illinois govs have gone to prison...still one there now..not sure I trust anyone who backs prohibition of any sort...ever wonder what legalization will do to the anti depressant market? And here now we have a situation in mexico...chicago type violence again,mexico says its our fault because we create the demand...which in part I agree....can you imagine how many cartels would fold up like a paper cup if we legalized mj?Sure, theres demand for other drugs , but lets face it, people who abuse hard drugs recklessly tend to ,well, die , or at least get incarcerated ...mj people are generally hard working people integrated into productive society , and will be a market to these thugs in mexico for life. If we really want the violence to end...we got to start looking at who is behind this type of prohibition, who's making money at societys expense...follow the trail, and remember, lawmakers are allowed to invest in pharma thru a bill they passed allowing "exceptions"
- pcmike
April 1, 2009 8:18PM
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Clarification
Illegal drug use is down... Prescription drug ABUSE is up among young people
Kids are fed pills when they are little so...
- OuttaLuck
May 5, 2009 11:10AM
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