Is War on Drugs Appropriate?

Throughout the history of our great nation, Americans have fought many enemies that threaten the safety of our great Nation and provided aid and resources to our partnering countries in their time of despair. However, the consequences were substantial, countless brave men and women lost their lives defending the freedom of Americans. Today American's fight a different kind of war; it is a war without a clear enemy or end in sight. Today, America fights a War on Drugs. In the early 1970s, the War on Drugs was still relatively new and drug smuggling continued, going virtually unbothered through the U.S. northern border .

 

For over 40 years, the War on Drugs (implemented by former President Richard Nixon) had cost the United States an estimated one trillion dollars, for what is believed to be nothing more than an objective to stomp out growing social discontent in the country. However by this time, the drug demand had increased significantly throughout the United States and many drug smugglers were beginning to create smaller organizations throughout Mexico, breaking all ties with the larger organizations. Furthermore, cash flow from drug sales wasn't enough and other methods for obtaining quick money were used to subsidize their income, such as; kidding napping for large ransoms, prostitution and auto theft.

 

With criminal activity escalating, President Nixon then created the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973 to declare an all out war. Drug production and smuggling was an essential way of life for many Hispanics throughout Mexico. This resulted in the increase of drug addiction in the United States and gruesome deaths throughout the country. In the mid-1990s, the United States government declared a Drug-Free America in response to the protest of the War on Drugs campaign. However, this step appeared to benefit political campaigns rather than providing support for a drug-free America. The drug industries in Mexico skyrocketed as Hispanic families were able to live a comfortable lifestyle from the popular demand of drugs throughout the United States. In addition, despite the repercussions government officials, law enforcement and prominent business owners were being bribed or persuaded into looking the other way.

 

Another significant factor, with the United States southern border being the most accessible location for drug smuggling (e.g., marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and prescription painkillers, etc.) it's estimated that over 90% of the drugs make their way into the U.S. in for distribution. Moreover, the demand for drugs was not only met but increased as the years passed. In addition, U.S Attorney General John Ashcroft reported America's spending over $62.9 billion on drugs in 2010. Despite the criticism and the protest to end the War on Drugs, violence in Mexico had caught the attention of social media. Younger generations will be influenced by an unrealistic trend leading them into a destructive path of an addictive, physiological substance that can and will affect every aspect of a drug user's life. With the increase of violence in Mexico and news media covering drug cartels slaughtering innocent citizens, these actions provoked legislators from both countries to proclaim tougher approaches, using more military resources as an intervention.

 

However, even with the military deployed as a method to combat drug production, smuggling and use. The effort proved unsuccessful as the demand increased in the United States so would the number of people protesting to end the War on Drugs. Additionally, equivalent polls suggest legalizing marijuana is favored more in the United States. However, over the past seven years violence in Mexico increased dramatically, from 2005 to 2008 as drug-related deaths in Mexico increased 500 percent. It is questioned, among Mexico's society if the War on Drugs has been responsible for more violence amongst police officials and innocent citizen, debating to call national debate to address this issue and ultimately end the War on Drugs. According to Kellner, and Pipitone, the first shootings involving police officials in Aguascalientes was at the hands of gang members fighting for control over more land to increase product production and would use any means necessary (intimidation and horrendous killings) to prevent anyone from obstructing the drug demand in the United States. With the ongoing demand for drugs in the United States increasing the

 

War on Drugs should be amended, leaving no reasonable suggestion off the table. According to the 2008 Zogby poll, more than half of Americans (or 29% a decade ago) believe marijuana for medical and recreational purposes should not be a crime but handled as a minor offense instead of incarceration and by that choice agree to end the War on Drugs with opinions to legalize the small stuff, this opinion varies throughout the nation and with over 100 million people admitting to having used marijuana in their life, the debate and act to end the War on Drugs seems almost definite. Will it be for the better or for the worse? Only time can answer that question.

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