Drug War Not Just a Failure, but a Security Threat
I consider the United States’ War on Drugs to be an utter failure. It was a war that could never be won. Prohibition of alcohol failed with disastrous consequences for our country (the creation of organized crime, increase in prison population, rampant corruption, etc.). Why did anyone think attempting the same thing on drugs would work? Instead, we’ve created a massive infrastructure to support the “war” (Drug Enforcement Agency, expanded prisons, a Drug Czar and office, etc.) and a very profitable black market filled with gangs, cartels and terrorist groups all cashing in on producing, smuggling and selling drugs. Now we’re learning that the Al Qaeda terrorist groups are linked up with cocaine producers and operating a rogue aviation network ferrying drugs from South America to Africa, where tons of cocaine are then transported into Europe. This is raising untold millions of dollars for this terrorist network as well as enriching corrupt officials and destabilizing already fragile governments in Africa. Happily, our crack Intelligence and Government agencies have been busily ignoring this connection for the last couple of years, allowing what was a developing problem to grow into a “global security threat.” Yes, that “happily” was sarcasm.
Hey, you know what would put a stop to this? End the unwinnable drug war. Legalize drugs, even the hard drugs that are addictive and deadly. Give governmental agencies the chance to produce, sell, and tax these products, since the people want them and will get them regardless. Remove the illegality and start regulating. Use and expand our existing addiction treatment centers and stop jailing addicts. Remove the illicit nature of drugs and you immediately cut back on the allure. There will still be ways for terrorist organizations to make money, but at least this incredibly profitable option will be off the table. In fact, our governments could stand to rake in a considerable amount of money from people finally able to legally purchase recreational drugs.
The War on Drugs cannot be won. Period. And while it seems seedy and perhaps immoral for governments to be drug pushers, we already regulate the sale of alcohol and tobacco (which are arguably much worse for people than some currently illegal drugs, like marijuana) so we have precedent. We also know the failure of alcohol prohibition. Factor in the boost to the economy and the reduction in gang and terrorist crime by removing their primary income generator and it just seems like common sense to me.
