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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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Should the U.S. Continue its War on Drugs?
War Is Damaging to Everyone
I have experienced the side-effects of the U.S. "War On Drugs." In my case, a group of friends and I were pulled over, searched, harassed, and humiliated on the side of a frequented highway because an officer "thought" he saw us smoking marijuana in the car and he "thought" he saw us hide a bag of marijuana somewhere in the car. He "thought" he saw all of this from his cruiser. There was no smell of smoke. There was no traffic violation. There were no questions. There was no marijuana. We were just heading home. The crime we committed was that we were shaggy-haired college students. The policeman was a search and destroy missile for marijuana prohibition.
We had done nothing wrong and yet we were guilty until proven innocent according to this officer. He actually told us we were going to jail that night.
The war is not working. The soldiers are no longer just attacking the "enemy." They are attacking anyone who "looks like the enemy."
It is time to rethink drug laws.
- jlwils10 August 1, 2008 6:32PM
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