The War On Drugs

Or as Nancy said, “Just Say NO!”

The War on Drugs is an American term commonly applied to a campaign of prohibition of drugs, military aid, and military intervention, with the stated aim being to reduce the illegal drug trade. This initiative includes a set of drug policies that are intended to discourage the production, distribution, and consumption of psychoactive drugs that the participating governments and the UN have made illegal.

The term was popularized by the media shortly after a press conference given on 18 June 1971, by United States President Richard Nixon—the day after publication of a special message from President Nixon to the Congress on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control—during which he declared drug abuse “public enemy number one”.

That message to the Congress included text about devoting more federal resources to the “prevention of new addicts, and the rehabilitation of those who are addicted”, but that part did not receive the same public attention as the term “war on drugs”.

However, two years even prior to this, Nixon had formally declared a “war on drugs” that would be directed toward eradication, interdiction, and incarceration.

Today, the Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for an end to the War on Drugs, estimates that the United States spends $51 billion annually on these initiatives.

So are we winning the war?

Seems that whoever or whatever we battle, the drugs are winning. Even alcohol, the most accepted drug, is everywhere and a social mainstay. There is much documentation of all the different types and forms of drugs but there is one no one seems to be able to overcome.

This drug has been with us from the beginning of time. It was there when we were born and people talk about it when we are gone. This drug seems to affect everyone on the planet at one time or another. However we get this drug it spreads and grows. This drug makes use do silly things that we would never normally do. This drug makes us laugh with euphoric zeal and cry with disabling despair. There are celebrations for this drug. There are manufacturers who produce vegetation, signage, clothing and edibles for this drug. This drug produces babies and breaks hearts. People wear jewelry and change their names to show they use this drug. There are songs written about this drug and there is even a train.

Is there a cure for this drug?

Our family uses this drug. Our closest companions use this drug. Our pets and auto and houses and hobbies and sports all use this drug. Some say this drug is all you need.

Sorry Nancy but I can’t say “No!” to this drug.

 

Next Week: The other drug that has no cure.