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The Wonderful War On Drugs

By: Wes Hunt
E-mail: hunt_wes@hotmail.com

The Wonderful War On Drugs In recent years the so-called "war on drugs" has taken over the streets and back alleys of suburban America. It has caused a problem that mirrors the prohibition days of the 1920's and early 30's. Politicians trying to play "tough guy," are only contributing to more violence. Their laws have created an underground drug-trade, in which modern drug-dealers have taken the place of the bootleggers of old. The real question is whether or not this "war" is working. Most people would like to believe that it is, and there are a few statistics that show it has. But just watch any news program, and you will see this war has failed miserably. Drug-related crimes happen constantly in today's society, and in recent years have involved increasing numbers of innocent bye standards. Daily, police officers face ruthless dealers, who would rather shoot at a cop than spend 25 years in prison. On top of all that, there has been no real proof of a decline in drug use among people in America. Is this "war" really the best answer to America's widespread drug problem? Should the government be allowed to spend billions annually fighting this hopeless war? Looking at this information you begin to realize that, not only does this "war" affect every person in the U.S., but it is also a war with no winners. War is never pretty, and the war on drugs is no exception. For this "war" to work it must stop drugs in at least one of three areas. Either by stopping drugs at the border, stopping drug dealers at home, or preventing drug use within the country. Military and law enforcement has failed to accomplish any of these, and it is not because of limited funds. "Last year state and federal governments spent $30 billion plus on the battle against drugs"(Anony71). This outrageous spending hasn't made a dent in the modern drug-trade. Politicians are trying to approach the problem with supply-side economics. You try to block the...