The effect of the War on Drugs

[danarhea]

The following link gives a little history about drugs, and the war against them. Prior to 1914, you could go into any drug store and purchase the drug of your choice. The addiction rate at that time was 3-5%. Today, 40 years after the "War on Drugs" began, guess what the addiction rate is? It is 3-5%. Does that tell you anything useful, or are you one of those few who has some crazy idea that we are winning the war on drugs?

There are a whole lot of better things we could pouring resources into than the War on Drugs, which is a total waste of taxpayer money.

Link is here.

 

[Lerxst]

As a former "soldier" in that war, I can tell you it's a futile effort. It's a failed political experiment that nobody wants to reverse because it's created an industry and it's still a good political platform from which to beat your chest.

 

[Thorgasm]

I like how they think they know how many people are addicted to drugs. I've never heard of anyone getting polled for that. :lol:

 

[Devil505]

As a former "soldier" in that war, I can tell you it's a futile effort. It's a failed political experiment that nobody wants to reverse because it's created an industry and it's still a good political platform from which to beat your chest.

Another former soldier who agrees ........it's a futile effort, doomed to failure just like Prohibition was.

So one might ask....Why did you choose a career in the DEA?.....Good question for which I have 2 honest answers:

1. They were the only federal (1811 series) criminal investigators hiring at the time
2. I was 25 yrs old &..................Liked the DEA badge! (FBI badge is horrible)

 

[First Thought]

The War on Drugs... Spending roughly 20 billion per year to accomplish absolutely nothing.

 

[Devil505]

The War on Drugs... Spending roughly 20 billion per year to accomplish absolutely nothing.

I would disagree with that by saying that DEA's main effectiveness is against other types of crimes that go hand-in-hand with narcotics trafficking: ie terrorism, gun running, money laundering, etc.

Anti-drug accomplishments...Negligible
Anti-Violent crime accomplishments...Significant

Often, the easiest way to infiltrate a criminal organization is through drug sales which are highly profitable & allow for easy access.

 

[First Thought]

I would disagree with that by saying that DEA's main effectiveness is against other types of crimes that go hand-in-hand with narcotics trafficking: ie terrorism, gun running, money laundering, etc.

Anti-drug accomplishments...Negligible
Anti-Violent crime accomplishments...Significant

If you were to legalize the illegal substances, you virtually eliminate the violent crimes surrounding them. Of course, that would make too much sense.

 

[Devil505]

If you were to legalize the illegal substances, you virtually eliminate the violent crimes surrounding them. Of course, that would make too much sense.

Can't argue with that logic.
In addition you'd free up most of our prison space, provide new federal income through taxes on these drugs & release many police assets to concentrate on violent crime as their main job.

 

[First Thought]

Can't argue with that logic.
In addition you'd free up most of our prison space, provide new federal income through taxes on these drugs & release many police assets to concentrate on violent crime as their main job.

...and yet here we are, throwing away lives and money. It's a damn shame. :shrug:

 

[Devil505]

...and yet here we are, throwing away lives and money. It's a damn shame. :shrug:

How much money does this country still waste fighting Prostitution?
(we're (Americans) just not mature enough to accept reality I guess)

 

[First Thought]

How much money does this country still waste fighting Prostitution?
(we're (Americans) just not mature enough to accept reality I guess)

Like drug use, another victimless crime. I do not know, amigo. I cannot even hope to understand it.

 

[Lerxst]

Spending tax payer dollars to regulate personal responsibility. Ain't it grand?

:2razz:

 

[Devil505]

Spending tax payer dollars to regulate personal responsibility. Ain't it grand?

:2razz:

Old Political Science Axiom says: You Cant Legislate Morality

 

[DrunkenAsparagus]

The Drug War is one of the most destructive policies carried out by the United States government. End the waste of money and lives now

 

[marduc]

The following link gives a little history about drugs, and the war against them. Prior to 1914, you could go into any drug store and purchase the drug of your choice. The addiction rate at that time was 3-5%. Today, 40 years after the "War on Drugs" began, guess what the addiction rate is? It is 3-5%. Does that tell you anything useful, or are you one of those few who has some crazy idea that we are winning the war on drugs?

There are a whole lot of better things we could pouring resources into than the War on Drugs, which is a total waste of taxpayer money.

Link is here.

OMG! I have been looking for that for at least the last year or so.. I had read this (or another lecture on the same theme from the same LEAP presenter) a few years ago, and then could never find it again the several times I wanted to cite it.

thank you!