Drug thoughts

No, I don't mean blogging while stoned. I mean I've seen some interesting stories about drugs and drug policy.

First, my quick analysis of America's "war on drugs."  I consider these facts to be irrefutable:

1. For the better part of a century, America has made enormous investments in money and effort and has given up liberties in an effort to stop drug use.
2. Unless we are willing to execute people, the law cannot get much harsher.
3. Drugs are now cheap and inexpensive which means supply is plentiful.
4. The "war on drugs" is an utter failure.

 
Second, Consider a few more facts about the "war on drugs:"

1. All drugs were legal for most of American history and the country did just fine.
2. Anti-drug laws were, in part, motivated by the same impulses as Alcohol Prohibition.
3. Alcohol Prohibition was a spectacular failure that benefited organized (and unorganized) crime while simultaneously damaging the nation's moral fabric.
4. Anti-drug laws were, in part, motivated by racial and ethnic prejudice.
5. The trade in illegal drugs has grown despite, or perhaps because of, the "war on drugs." 
6. The growth in the trade shows that the consumers are willing to accept the risks to obtain drugs and providing those drugs is profitable for the producers and distributors. 
7. Our last three presidents all used marijuana and cocaine at one point in their lives. They got lucky and didn't get caught. Their example helps erode the moral base of not just our drug laws but of all our laws. 

Now consider a recent study by scientists where "Drug experts say alcohol worse than crack or heroin." 

Others point to Switzerland as a model for dealing with some drug problems.  The Swiss strategy is based on "harm reduction" that protects both users and communities rather than on punishment. Several other countries are following the Swiss example.  Does anyone really think that such efforts in the United States would lead to more drug use or more crime? Or that it would cost more?  I don't see how.


While individuals and society as a whole suffer from the "war on drugs," certain groups do benefit:
Law enforcement agencies soak up many millions of dollars specifically for use in enforcing drug laws. The police units with the coolest toys (best equipment) are usually the ones involved in drug investigation. (I am referring to the police administration who receive, manage, and distribute funding. I am NOT referring to the officer on the street. The field officer faces greater risks because of the "drug war" and, unless he's in a drug unit, receives little benefit.)
Politicians like to pose as "tough on crime" by putting harsher laws on paper. This is good publicity and no one ever seems to ask, "Why do we need more of the same drug laws if the old ones aren't working?" Politicians are notorious for taking a short-term, i.e. next election, perspective while ignoring the long-term effects.
Local governments receive money from the proceeds of drug forfeitures.
Pharmaceutical companies sell their legal drugs and certainly wouldn't welcome competition. Many illegal drug users are "self-medicating" and the legalization of drugs could cut into corporate profits.  Of course, I'm sure no corporation would ever advocate a policy against the good of society just to insure its profits. Right?

The list is not all  inclusive. And I am not saying there is a conspiracy merely a confluence of interests. 


If what we're doing isn't working, shouldn't we be considering trying something else?

How about these ideas:
Legalize and tax. Use tax money to fund education and treatment as well as to pay police officers better and to put more patrolling officers on the street.
Punish crime that hurts other people. Put people in jail for violating the rights of others not for what they do to themselves.
Treat adults as grown ups. Distribution to juveniles should be punished harshly, not a slap on the wrist like with our current alcohol and tobacco laws. But let adults decided how to live their lives even if it's to do something stupid, just like we do with alcohol and tobacco and sugar now. Have treatment available for those willing to make the effort. Right now, the only "treatment" available to most addicts is jail. Few are covered by insurance and very few can afford it on their own.
Think about it. Wouldn't this be a fairer, a more humane, a more American approach?

And with legalization, Phillip Morris would do what the DEA and all the other police organizations cannot -- put the drug gangs out of business.