Final Remarks: Summary of the War on Drugs

After spending countless hours throughout the semester researching various articles and people’s opinions about the War on Drugs, we can conclude that it is still a polarizing issue in the United States. With that being said, however, this issue needs to come to end and be resolved. We cannot continue to allow millions of dollars to be spent, as well as losing thousands of lives to the War on Drugs. With many states beginning to legalize marijuana, we are delving into a whole new era. The amount of tax dollars that states are collecting is mind-boggling, and the money is going to be put to good uses, such as funding K-12 education or our health care system. This should not be a Republican vs. Democrat issue, a liberal vs. conservative issue, a poor vs. rich, or whatever else you can think of. We have seen the justifications for why the War on Drugs needs to be put to rest, but the rest of America needs to finally wake up.

Today’s News: Unexpected Drug Ring

A top story on NBC.com circulated today about two prep-school graduates running a drug ring in the Philadelphia area. Marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy were among the illegal drugs being sold to high school students. Neil Scott and Timothy Brooks were apprehended after a four month investigation. Scott was quoted as saying “…everyone between 15 and 55 loves good weed.” The district attorney stated, “they were using very traditional business principles. To take those skills and turn it into this kind of illegal enterprise is very distressing.” While the War on Drugs is associated with many stereotypes depicting who sells and who buys drugs, this story highlights how very diverse both those who sell and those who buy really are.

Young Adults’ Perspective

This is a news segment provided by BBC in their “Free Speech on” series. This clips discusses British young adults’ point of view when it comes to this war on drugs, and how the government should deal with it.This somewhat coincides with another video clip found on BBC expressing America’s perception of the War on Drugs. There seems to be some points that match, but others that have their own version of a solution.

The Consequences of the War on Drugs

The song featured in this video is a satire about winning the War on Drugs. From watching the video, you can see many facts on the bottom of the screen about the consequences of the War on Drugs. Specifically stated are the differences in arrests between white people and African-Americans and Latinos. It is a racist system that the government has set up, and the for-profit jails were created to not only make money, but to set people up for failure.

The War on Drug’s Stigma

This photo depicts Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) views on drugs and the War on Drugs. Most people can agree that taking drugs like cocaine or heroin is a bad idea, but the important thing to keep in mind is that society places a stigma on people who abuse drugs. Drug addicts need to get the help they deserve, and this is not happening since the United States is convicting so many petty drug offenders.

An Economist’s Thoughts

In this video clip, famed economist Milton Friedman explains the reasons why drugs should be made legal. One compelling argument from this clip is that crack cocaine was created due to the high cost of cocaine. By making drugs illegal, this allows for people to create new drugs, some such as crack cocaine, that are highly addicting and dangerous. The War on Drugs has a profound effect on society. Legalizing drugs would reduce the number of prisoners, the amount of homicides, among other things, according to Milton Friedman. Friedman continues arguing that the government shouldn’t impose a ban on drugs, as it is immoral for them to do so. If someone wants to do drugs, it is not directly harming other people, just the individuals using them.

26 Indicted for Alleged Drug Dealing in Baltimore

This is a scene of police who responded to a drug war in Baltimore. In this night, 26 people were indicted and involved in the case. It shows how even in a small scale, drug war is creating many issues to the public and society in many cities.

The War On Drugs Is A Failure (Autotune)

Attached is a video that presents politicians performing a sing along as to why the War on Drugs should be eliminated, with a special guest cameo of Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith.

Drug Bless America

 

Created by Rehabs.com, this infographic explains in great detail the statistics associated with the War on Drugs. The fact that the United States has spent one trillion dollars since 1971 on the War on Drugs is mind-boggling. Just think what else the government could have put that money to use on. The amount of people incarcerated on drug charges is simply staggering as well. We as a nation can take the majority of the blame for this widespread epidemic, and now is the time to put an end to the War on Drugs.

Aspirin More Dangerous Than Cocaine

This photo shows the actuality of a harsh drug such as cocaine. There are many myths apparent in the War on Drugs. The statistic shown in this photo lets us know that Aspirin is deadlier than cocaine. We are not trying to dismiss the harms that illegal drugs can cause, however, over the counter drugs and prescription drugs can be dangerous as well. So tell us again, if Aspirin has a higher fatality rate than cocaine, why is Aspirin legal while cocaine is not?