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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You casually skip over the other significant effect: the costs involved in perpetuating a losing war.
Consider: the war on drugs has destabilized many countries causing them to become more and more dependent on US aid (Latin America), has increased the level and nature of violence around the world, created black market empires out of thugs, increased the danger of narcotics by increasing potency that drug sellers push, aided and abetted the manufacture of methamphetamines as a cheap substitute for cocaine and other amphetamines as the government violently cracked down on cocaine distribution networks, put a disproportionate number of urban black males in prison, destroyed the lives of casual and non-violent users.
In the meantime, our police forces are slowly taking the form of a military and people are far more prone to having their rights violated by authorities under the guise of drug use today than any other period of time in our history. And you call that better?
- sumwatt July 24, 2008 2:01PM
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there will always be a percentage of folks that abuse, regardless of the indulgence. Remember the couple that let their baby starve to death because they were playing video games?
http://www.gamewithabrain.com/2008/02/22/news/couple -lets-baby-die-while-they-play-videogames-and-watch-tv
should we make videogames illegal now?
fact is the majority of folks are responsible users, with about 10% being the exception, JUST LIKE ALCOHOL. JUST LIKE HISTORY.
http://drugwarstats.com /
- goblet
July 24, 2008 9:01PM
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Making all drugs 'legal' doesn't make any more sense than fighting the 'war' the way it has been fought. Since unelected thousands within the government are now dedicated to it, it probably won't change any more than simplifying the tax system won't happen for the same reason - job security of those involved in the current system..
One simple step is to buy drugs at point of origin then destroy them, just pay the farmers more than the going rate. The back room chemical labs present a different problem. I'm sure with enough thought a simple solution can be found.
- CharlieBravo October 14, 2008 8:46PM
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Um... Just pay the farmers more than the going rate??? That is Funny! How many farmers do you think will be growing illicit drugs as the prices spiral forever upwards? That would be a real transfer of wealth.
- csmith January 29, 2009 7:39PM
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If drugs were legalized in this country, not only would it encourage responsible drug use because the freedom and responsibility is put on citizens' shoulders, but far more jobs would be created by the market filling out and taking up the new products that could be produced and sold. In the free market, they might even be made safer because smart consumers would want a safer and healthier experience. Even if you don't like drugs, that just means you are being responsible for your own life just like other people should be trusted to be responsible with theirs.
You are right that it would take a lot to change the current drug laws because of job security for government employees, and for many other reasons such as many Americans believing that all drugs are evil as they've been told by the government. However, for the good of this country and every individual in it, the drug war needs to stop. In our economic recession , legalizing drugs would stimulate the economy far better than the recent " stimulus plan".
- sunshiner424 September 2, 2009 5:07PM
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When is the last time you checked your facts David? It must have been around 1992. Because that's the year that Marijuana use was at it's lowest for high school seniors. Don't believe me? Check the ONDCP's (Office of National Drug Control Policy) own data.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/druguse/index.html
The figures are down the page a bit. It takes a little work to find them. But I'm guessing, based on your arguments (David), that you are just too lazy to actually check any facts.
Here, let me spoon feed them to you:
1975
Marijuana use was 27%
Cocaine use was 1.9%
All drugs was 30.7%
1992
Marijuana use was 11.9%
Cocaine use was 1.3%
All drugs was 14.4%
2001 (last year reported)
Marijuana use was 22.4%
Cocaine use was 2.1%
All drugs was 25.7%
So, as the war on drugs has raged on for the last 16 years, Marijuana use has doubled and cocaine use has nearly doubled.
David, do you want to explain yourself?
- csmith January 29, 2009 7:56PM
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The war on drugs is only effective if you put everyone on drugs in prison. Drug use goes up and down with the economy. When were 'ritch' it's cocaine, "poor' it's alcohol. but that's just a generalization.
- huminal March 20, 2009 2:44AM
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Illegal drug use might be down but what about prescription drug use? It only matters if people abuse illegal drugs? More people die every year from prescription medications than from ALL illegal drugs combined...
The "War on (SOME) drugs" is a failure. The money could be better spent on education and treatment instead of incarceration. Drug abuse should be treated as a health issue just as alcoholism is.
"What causes more crime and death on this planet? Drug addiction, or wealth addiction?"
-Eric Boucher
- OuttaLuck May 5, 2009 11:03AM
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The drug war HAS filled our prisons and destroyed the lives of those it was suppose to protect - it has made felons of people who are not criminals, separated children from their parents, killed many innocent people, and wasted billions of dollars; however, the one aspect the drug war CANNOT claim is reduced drug use .
American politicians actually believe they can control the drug use in Canada and Mexico too. The drug war is insane.
- HerbalRemedy August 23, 2009 8:20PM
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The war on drugs is a farce. It focuses on punishing drug users instead of rehabilitating them. It is expensive and shows no proof of being successful.
- Ralph July 16, 2008 12:22AM
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In addition, the War on Drugs has ruined most of Central and South America due to corruption and gang warfare. Much of the crime in our country is related to gangs fighting for control of various territories for drug distribution. Most of the other violent crime is due to addicts either robbing to feed their habits.
A large percentage of the prison population is related to this as well. The fact that drugs are illegal is an attraction to many.
I would legalize all forms of drugs and spend part of the money saved on drug rehab facilities.
Mexico, Central America and South America would return to normal, crime in the US would be drastically reduced, the prisons would empty and the gangs would have to seek other means of incomes since drugs would be readily available at your neighborhood drug store.
You don't see gangs fighting over the Advil or the penicillin market-share.
The War on Drugs has been a total failure... wake up!
- Bikerdoc February 12, 2009 10:27PM
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The war on drugs was implemented by nixon. he was a crook and had to resign but his war on drugs persists and ruins countless lives. It is a war on citizens which breaks up families and tacks felonies on non violent offenders so that they cant get a job. Marijuana makes up the lions share of arrests. cops love to arrest pot smokers because they have jobs and are not violent. the courts threaten them with incarceration unless they spend tons of money for lawyers and pay the court system. Its all about money using the court system to attack citizens! They always say they are protecting children which is a crock! two wars and economy collapsing and the DEA continues the assault on liberty and justice.
- Jackattack February 18, 2009 4:15PM
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We have lost this so called " war on drugs ". It is time for a new battle strategy.
I believe we should decriminalize ALL drugs and move the regulation of drugs out of the legal system and into the medical system where it belongs.
If we allowed addicts to go to a Dr once a month and get prescriptions for what they need, we would instantly put the drug dealers out of businees by taking the profit away.
We need to assign a new medical code to this particular visit and not allow it to be billed to insurance. This keeps the rest of us from having to fund it. The user would be required to pay cash at the Dr and the pharmacy, but they would pay much less because the drug store would sell it at retail instead of street price.
Crime would immediately be reduced.
Release every NON violent drug offender in the country. The money saved on jail cells, housing and medical costs would be more than enough to pay for quality rehab for anyone that wants it. All the person would have to do is tell the Dr that they were ready to commit to long term rehab and the Dr would facilitate an admission. We could afford to give these folks quality, long term residential treatment . This is far more sucessful than outpatient or short term programs.
This way we could at least know who is using and ensure that they have that regular contact with a source of help. Additionally, a user is not going to sell thier drugs when they know they don't have any more until time to see the Dr and refill the RX.
I don't claim to know that this will work, but I know that what we are doing now has failed miserably. If we want a different result, we have to try something different.
Bootleggers can't make a living selling liquor in a county that has a liquor store because of the price difference. The liqour store is required to check ID and they risk thier entire business if they don't.
As a teenager, I lived in a dry county. I can promise you that I was NEVER carded at the bootleggers. They, like the drug dealers, didn't care that they were selling to someone underage, because they were already breaking the law. Furthermore, they were just like most of the big drug operations in that they had paid of the local sheriff and judge.
The legal system is up to thier eyeballs in drug money and cannot possibly win this war due the corruption at the highest levels.
The definition of insanity is to continue to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. Continuing this current battle plan in the war on drugs is INSANE!!
- Smuggler March 25, 2009 5:25PM
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The statistics of 700,000 arrests for drug possession does not take into account that very few who possess small amounts of marijuana go to prison. Many people in prison on drug charges also had other charges and many plead down from higher to lower charges. I agree with John Walters that drugs are dangerous because they are harmful and addictive and contribute to many social problems. If we have a problem, we don't solve it by legalizing it. Prevention, treatment, and law enforcement are better than legalizing and creating a society of drug addicts that the rest of us have to pay for. Drug use cannot be eradicated, but it can be controlled.
- Lynn9 June 6, 2009 6:00AM
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Do you seriously believe that because something is legal , people will automatically use it? I know plenty of people who don't smoke or drink alcohol or coffee.
Education is prevention simply because people will be informed of the true consequences. Past that, people can make informed decisions for themselves. Most people will choose not to try addictive drugs because they are addictive.
Are you truly educated on the effects of drugs on the human body? Based on your logic, you have swallowed up all of the pamphlets in the nurse's office about how drugs are horrible and will ruin you.
Do some honest, independent research. And have a little faith in people please.
- sunshiner424 July 28, 2009 3:43PM
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Discrimination in the justice system should not be tolerated. However, it is misleading to suggest that drug use is somehow connected to Jim Crow. Jim Crow was about denying African-Americans the right to vote and other civil rights. African-Americans should not be sentenced disproportionally for drug-related crimes, but that does not mean that drug use should be condoned. I'm sure that people in these communities do not want their youth to be crippled by drug abuse and addiction anymore than those in other communities do. Unfortunately, many youth make poor choices and suffer hard consequences. Their consequences should be drug treatment, and if necessary, just punishment for repeated offenses, just as in the white community. As stated elsewhere, lax drug laws lead to increased drug use which wreaks havoc on families and communities.
- Lynn9 June 4, 2009 8:09PM
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If recreational drugs had absolutely no other use, the are still valued for the pursuit of happiness (some nations have thought this important from time to time), and most of them are less harmful than most prescription drugs, alcohol , cigarettes , cars, guns , or even tylenol in some cases.
Most of our drugs laws were blatantly racist until the 60's and 70's when the Drug War became the weapon of choice against the youth and peace movements. The last 3 decades the drug war has become to big of a business for most parties to be impartial about, especially political parties.
Where and when have lax drug laws lead to increased drug use ? And what problems resulted?
- Submariner June 12, 2009 4:04PM
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I agree that treatment rather than incarceration should be used for those possessing a drug, but that still involves arresting people for possession and offering them treatment as most people who have a substance abuse problem will not go into treatment on their own. Your assessment says that many people prefer to pay a fine rather than choose treatment for low level possession. If any drug were to be legalized, the chances of these people getting treatment would be lowered as the incentive of not going to prison would be reduced.
I've been involved in seeing options for juvenile treatment, and in my county they are very inadequate and don't work well. We need much better treatment programs. These treatment programs are cheaper than prison but still cost money , so prevention is better than treatment because once someone is addicted, the addiction persists.
Strong law enforcement for those who supply drugs should still be a part of the solution as well--legalization sends a mixed message and manufacturers will no doubt want to promote their products--so no to legalization.
- Lynn9 June 6, 2009 5:41AM
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In your country all of these programs are dependent on and ensconced in for-profit endeavors with little regard for the health and safety at large. The drug problem is caused by human nature (i.e. biology, psychology, sociology), but only the US Justice System can grow the problem to the epically proportioned failure our policy is today.
If the FDA had the resources to do its actual job (regulating content and practices in production of food and drugs) a great deal of the statistics bandied about to paint some of these drugs as dangerous (particularly MDMA and THC) would not even exist. Even some of the more villainous drugs, like cocaine have hardly caused the problems its mythological status maintains. High Fructose Corn Syrup has probably caused more damage. (Yeah, I know its just sugar, still...)
- Submariner June 12, 2009 4:30PM
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Having worked in addiction treatment and with drug users not in treatment for decades I can say this notion of needing law enforcement or any other 'stick' type motivation is insane! The wast majority of persons with problematic drug use are very interested in good treatment and are often immediately ready to go to such!!
What anyone who believes in treatment needs to understand is that you have to have resources to operate it and using said resources on arrest, adjudication and incarceration makes sure that insufficient resources are available for treatments. In Illinois, we spend three times in incarceration of non-violent drug offenders what we spend on all treatment combined. While brutalizing thousands of people via the criminal justice system I cannot get people into treatment who desperately want it! Does this system make sense to you?
Please remember that the addiction treatment system is relatively young and being early in development it is prone to many errors -- one of the most common such errors now is operating in a fashion that mistreats and alienates participants, often ignoring evidence-based practices and hell bent on financial gain. In time, programs will look to science for guidance and be extremely healthy and useful so it makes sense to support them in this process.
- Chicago Recovery Alliance July 9, 2009 10:52AM
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Should the U.S. Continue its War on Drugs?
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Legalizing removes the profit motive
The war on drugs is a lost cause! Let’s get rid of the profit motive and we’ll get rid of a lot of crime. That’s the fastest and surest way to put the traffic-ers out of business. Let’s get it under control and under supervision.
- redondo July 16, 2008 11:28PM
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It's a war on the people
Take a small slice of the population and wage war on them. This war has gone nowhere in 80 years, it can't be won. Treatment and medical solutions are more beneficial to the country than more police, soldiers and guns.
- John E
July 25, 2008 6:48PM
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too many victims
ABC News Tonight: The Tragic Death Of Rachel Hoffman — And The Tragedy That Is Pot Prohibition.
She was a college graduate who had gotten in trouble for possessing marijuana then selling marijuana to her circle of friends. They found a 1/4lb of marijuana in her house and about six ecstasy pills. Police said that she'd face 4yrs for the two felonies, or she could turn into a criminal informant. So they asked her to turn in two big time dealers. They wanted her to use 13k to buy cocaine ecstasy and a gun. She agreed. during the bust they lost her and she was killed by gun that she was supposed to buy.
This just goes to show that once you labeled a criminal your are less than human and therefor expendable. because they label drug users and sellers criminal they take away the human element from them in the eyes of the public. After that they do to you and your property as they please. This inhumane treatment has to end
just read these stories
http://www.mpp.org/victims /
- rchot July 27, 2008 1:14PM
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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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Pills?
Let's see what David has to say about prescription drug abuse, which has skyrocketed during the last 10 years. Sadly, it is far more beneficial to your kid (in legal terms, at least) to be caught with a pocket full of vicodin than an eighth of weed.
- DelBeano
August 1, 2008 10:28PM
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Ridiculous.
The prohibition of cannabis lead by America's first drug czar, Harry Anslinger was founded under untruthful notions, i.e: "There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."
And since there's been no reformation of policies regarding cannabis, the foundation of lies and racism still exist. More significantly, the government continually lies to this day about cannabis. For whatever [real] reason, the government does not want cannabis legalized. To this day they spread lies that cannabis is fatal, when infact, no one in recorded history has ever died from cannabis.
I have only scratched the surface, alas, it is clear that there needs to be a change in policy regarding cannabis.
- Dave Yas August 2, 2008 11:08AM
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The Drug War against Cannabis
Is built on lies and corporate greed.
- tRANIS
September 29, 2008 10:27AM
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Want to fund univeral health care for ALL Americans?
Easy stop the war on drugs I call it the War on the American People. The war is estimated to cost 100 billion a year, the cost of universal health care for ALL Americans is estimated to cost 70 billion a year do he math. We could use the 30 billion left to have a end of the war party! I live for the day! Let the 2 million non-violent good people out of jail (visit http://www.november.org / read there stories)! It is the least we can do they have spent years in jail for just being Americans. I am 60 and do not advocate anyone use drugs. But I will fight for you’re right to have the rights as Americans restored to you, called freedom of choice! I feel our representatives should be put in jail for waging this war for personal gain. Why else would they sacrifice our lives at the rate of one every 38 seconds for minor drug law BS. Many large corporations would lose money if it were made legal and they pay our representatives both sides of isles to keep it the way it is.
- Cherokee Fred hussein August 4, 2008 9:05PM
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Misreading polls
David Evans: "The public rejects legalization. A Gallup poll reported that over 80% of Americans held that legalizing drugs was a bad policy and a large majority feared legalization would lead to increases in addiction, drug overdoses, drug-related crime and drug use by children."
JohnInOhio: Mr. Evans' statement about this poll is misleading and either he is not qualified to make comments on social issues or he is intentionally misusing polls.
When we ask people if they think drugs should be legal, it is a very different thing than asking them if pot smokers or for that matter heroine addicts should be locked in cages with violent sociopaths or lose their civil rights as is happening today. Polls will vary dramatically with how you ask the questions and I suspect Mr. Evans knows that.
The so called War on Drugs can be ended without making heroine available at your local convenience store. There are a plethora of options for dealing with these issues, problems, and challenges.
- JohnInOhio
August 6, 2008 8:13AM
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There is no "War on Drugs"
Our Government, the Banking system, big business, and the CIA are all heavily involved in the business of illegal drugs.
All of this has been well documented, and FOIA papers reveal it.
Michael Ruppert's Book, Crossing the Rubicon, lays it all out in plain day. The "War on Drugs" is a myth to keep the masses in America thinking that law enforcement is doing something, while banks, governments, and the wealthy and powerful rake in mountains of dough.
If there were a war on drugs, then there would be arrests for money laundering, and banks shut down, credit card companies shut down. Ever heard of anything like that happening? No? I didn't think so. -see. There is no "War on Drugs".
- Principia1687
August 19, 2008 7:21PM
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The Drug war is a farce
It's an excuse for bogus government agencies to get a free swim pass in the nations tax pool and supports organized crime. Too many people are suffering because of this poor excuse for effective policy. prohibition only serves those who profit from it, not those it pretends to protect.
- Enjoy Cannabis
August 27, 2008 4:54AM
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End the war NOW!
Pop Quiz. Which of these are drugs: Marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine. Answer, all of the above, so why is one of those four treated differently? I don't do drugs but I also don't care what someone chooses to do in their home that has zero impact on my life. And as long as you are rambling about meaningless stats try adding in the thousands upon thousands of kidnappings and violent deaths that occur daily, not just on our streets but in Central and South America; all of which are attributable to one single thing: American Demand. We spend billions a year fighting the coke war in Columbia and have gained nothing. Why not really fight the war on drugs? Fight it by spending that money here and giving people something better for their lives so they won't need an escape. Spend the money on education so the urban poor wouldn't see selling drugs as their only way out. War on drugs my a$$, call it what it is. Its people like you ramming their morality down America's throat. Enjoy your three martini lunch but be sure to lock up little Billy for having a joint.
- Pliskin
September 8, 2008 6:46AM
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Smoke and Mirrors
(excerpt reprinted from: http://www.insurancefraud.org/drugDiversion . htm” ) Coalition Against Insurance Fraud
Start….
“America faces an explosive epidemic involving the illegal use of legal drugs, usually highly addictive painkillers. The crime wave is called drug diversion. It involves the abuse, and illegal obtaining and resale of prescription drugs on the black market. Prescription drug diversion is one of the defining drug crimes in America today. It has few equals for sheer size, speed of growth, resistance to deterrence, harm to people from so many strata of society, and large costs to insurers. Overdoses, deaths and injuries continue growing at an alarming rate. In fact, more than 20 million Americans—nearly 7 percent of the population—will abuse prescription drugs in 2007, based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Drug diversion’s alarming spread over the last five years is well-chronicled.
Insurance fraud is the main financier and enabler of drug diversion. Even so, few health insurers understand the pivotal role insurance fraud plays in a diversion epidemic that costs insurers up to $72.5 billion a year.”
….End
In my opinion:
The American society is drug addicted. Americans in general apparently prefer a drug-induced stupor to reality. Until this changes, all attempts at stopping drug traffic, illegal and legal, will be futile. The drug culture in this society is no accident and therefore stopping drug traffic, illegal and legal, is counter-productive and non-profitable. All attempts, no matter how well intentioned from the start, will be subverted before they can be successful. Until people do not want to take drugs, there will be drugs, illegal and legal. There are no pharmaceutical companies that would discourage drug use so expect that being bombarded by drug commercials 24/7 will increase, not decrease. The “War on Drugs” will continue also. Stopping “it” would also be counter-productive and non-profitable.
Imagine that there is no drug abuse. Then imagine who that affects financially. The affect it would have financially on the average American citizen would be positive, not negative. If the citizen is gaining, who is losing. The insurance companies paid someone 72.5 billion dollars. The people that are benefiting from drug abuse is where you will find the root of the drug problem. No drug abuse would mean a tremendous reduction in crime in all categories, not just drug abuse.
The government loses.
Illegal drug manufacturers and dealers lose.
Law enforcement agencies lose.
Medical professionals lose.
The judicial system loses.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers lose.
Pharmaceutical distributors lose.
Etc., etc.
Stopping 300+ million American’s dependence on drugs is like stopping their dependence on oil. The reason it doesn’t happen is because it is not allowed to happen. It is counter-productive and non-profitable. Just look at where the economy is now. A better example of the power of greed would be hard to find. It’s ok to destroy the world as long as there is a profit in it.
Drug dependence will not change until we become independent from drugs. As long as someone wants “it”, someone will provide “it” and if in the process, they can convince us that we need “it”, there is no end to the supply of “it” or profits from “it”. When we decide we do not want to buy drugs, they will go away. When we decide we do not want to be oil dependent, it will be replaced by an alternative.
The Department of Energy was created 31 years ago to reduce dependence on foreign oil. A $26 billion annual budget and 16,000+ employees has provided what? We have similar results from “The War on Drugs” at it’s 37th anniversary.
Smoke and Mirrors. Make no mistake, it’s all about the money. If we stop buying, they will find something else to sell.
- saga
January 8, 2009 8:36PM
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Lies and Greed
These are the two motivators of the war on drugs.
Take the money wasted trying to dictate freedom of choice on Americans. Fund universal health care for all Americans and have money left over!!! Then if someone gets a bad drug like Oxycontin they (if they choose) can get help. Quit putting Americans in jail for making a persona choice!!
- Cherokee Fred hussein February 18, 2009 3:15PM
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drug use is a medical problem
Legalize pot; use the money to open programs to help those that are addicted to drugs have a way out that is immediate ( it often takes 6 months to get into a rehab program); tax it ( yes people will grow it - do you grow your own tomatoes or make your own beer?)
The amount sold over the counter would pay for all medical needs for all addicted peoples.
I was a deputy sheriff; in Michigan; in Ann Arbor; and we were not supposed to arrest anyone for small amounts of pot. We did not have the room in jail. So now jails are bigger; and pot prisoners increase; and for what?
Look at how this war started; look at the motivations. Look how its going- its not. Its just a fun excuse for over invested cops to be bullies and bad guys.
The mindset of a criminal is that you get what you deserve. If you walk down a deserted street; you deserve to be robbed or raped or murdered. You were the fool; and you deserve what you get.
The mindset of the DEA is the same as the average criminal. You use drugs; you get caught; you get whatever they can give to you. Or take away- like your house; car and family.
We cannot win this war; when the warriors in it: have no more alliance with morality than the criminals.
Drugs are a medical issue - not a legal one.
- Elfking
February 18, 2009 5:40PM
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Good vs. Evil
Let's take a clear-eyed view here. On balance does the " war on drugs " produce more good for society , more evil, or is results neutral?
People want recreational drugs. That's a fact. Drug prohibitions = Enforcement costs. If the issue is under what circumstances can limiting drug use be cost effective, look to liquor for the answer. Driving, flying planes, operating machinery - yeah, prohibit that.
Allow almost all recreational drugs to be sold legally, regulated and taxed = happy people. A nation of zombies, or insane behaviors, probably not. Probably almost no impact on society at all other than releasing hundreds of thousands of " drug related offenders" and removing criminals from the equation. I'm sure Phillip Morris and Bacardi would be happy to provide the means of implementation.
Personally I got no dog in this fight. I stopped weed a long time ago and most likely wouldn't start again even when it does become legal. But I hate hypocrisy and stupidity and every other evil which defies common sense.
- Stark Raving Sane
April 15, 2009 12:58PM
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War on (some) Drugs is evil and stupid
Focus on actual crime . "Drug" users who are not stealing to support their habit shouldn't be persecuted any more than a "crazy cat-lady" who doesn't steal to feed her cats. Their choices may not be the best or smartest, but unless you own your own body and life, and that includes a right to destroy it if you wish, then you own NOTHING.
Most of the negative consequences of "drug" abuse are not due to the drugs themselves, but from the silly and immoral persecution of the users. Most "drug" users never suffer any ill-effects until caught. Most do their jobs safely and just as well as anyone else.
Chemicals don't affect performance or safety any more than emotional turmoil, tiredness, or distractions. Stop punishing people for "what ifs" and deal with the real world for a change.
- KentMcManigal May 29, 2009 10:59PM
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NO
MAKE ALL DRUGS LEGAL THERE WOULD BE LESS CRIMES AND DEATHS AND THE US WOULD SAVE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
The only way this would work is if you would not have to buy your drugs on the streets.
Make it where you can only buy them in a store of some kind like a head shop.
- zman
May 30, 2009 10:16PM
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Junkies don't care...
This question really raises other, much more important questions. Why do Americans consume SO MUCH drugs? Why is treatment only for the rich? What drugs should we fight? After 9/11, drug prices did NOT increase, so border security is a lost cause. We cannot stem the tide, we fund narco-terrorists with our drug consumption. For these and iother reason, I recommend a big change in drup policy and enforcement.
"Just say no to drugs" is absurd (se equestions above). Every drug dealer opposes legalization, along with the police . Makes you wonder, eh? That aside, I am all for decriminalizing pot. I miss that great tasting Mexican weed we used to get in the 1970's. From what I understand, most of the pot today is stronger than in the old days. With properly cultivated weed, you could sell it like beer, wine, liquor, and that lovely aged whiskey that costs $225 a bottle.
BTW, Yes, No or Uncommitted are too few choices in the poll to "Continue the War on Drugs?" - we need to look at what our current drug policy does, which is reward criminals and jail users.
- BostonGuy55
June 10, 2009 5:39PM
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What should.
Ok so what should we do? Stop and say ok, were done you win have fun with your drugs? Of course not, as of now there is no obvious and more effective way to stop drug use . People say tax the drug's like crazy if we legalize them. Well that does NOTHING, drug making will continue and drug dealer's will continue to make it because let's face it IF we pile on the taxes the drug dealers will just sell cheaper. And even more people who wanna "try" it will become addicted. Thous destroying America.
- Dylandts
August 13, 2009 9:15PM
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*note*
The one drug I think we should legalize is marijuana . Not because I use it but because it is so widely used, that the legalization would save the DEA a ton of money , and the tax from marijuana could benefit the DEA in stopping major drugs.
- Dylandts
August 13, 2009 9:21PM
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End the Drug War
The drug war is an evil war on the American public. A SWAT raid is a declaration of war. People and pets are killed or injured, botched raids abound, property is stolen. The drug war is very corrupt. The war has not accomplished anything good, only harmed the people it is supposed to be protect. The injustices are disgusting.
- HerbalRemedy
August 23, 2009 7:26PM
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