Known under many names, the war on drugs has a long history in the United States of America. The most well known battle in this ongoing war was known as Prohibition. It has been a popular theme for novels, movies and countless studies. Prohibition outlawed the use, sale and transportation of alcohol in much the same way that the modern war on drugs applies to marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and other non-prescription drugs. It is important to look back at our history of prohibition in order to shed light on our present situation.
By all accounts Prohibition was a total failure. Not only did it fail to eradicate the use of alcohol, but it created a network of organized, violent criminals—a legacy that plagues us to this day. Prohibition had the immediate effect of raising the price of liquor of all sorts. This in turn made it the perfect commodity for enterprising capitalists who continued selling the product on the illegal market. As in the current situation, this required heightened security to ensure the ability of the criminals to meet the consumer demand in a dangerous environment. The more the authorities cracked down, the more the need for armed groups to guard all aspects of supplying America’ s thirst for this illegal drug. Prohibition also bred corruption in our law enforcement agencies. Informants were hired. Police and federal agents were paid off.
Violence spread not only against those paid to enforce the law but also among those trying to make a profit breaking the law. As we see in all capitalist ventures, the tendency was for the larger, better-organized businesses to take over the smaller free-lance operations. The mafia and other drug gangs (alcohol is a drug) warred among themselves as well as against the authorities for the lion-share of profits from the illegal alcohol trade. Related capitalist enterprises such as speak-easies, gambling dens, houses of prostitution, even otherwise respectable businesses such as music clubs and restaurants worked with these suppliers to service their clients with the high-demand product. Their association with organized crime also had the benefit of protection from the authorities through the system of bribery and/or the “muscle” of armed thugs linked to these captains of black-market capitalism.
Finally it was realized that Prohibition was not working. It did not prevent the use of alcohol but merely turned otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals dependent on powerful, violent gangs operating in the shadows of the mainstream capitalist system. Since it was illegal there were no quality controls on alcohol, which led to sickness and death due to unhealthy production methods. Plus as an illegal substance, the government received no tax revenue from any aspect of its sale and distribution. The whole business led to the rise of huge crime organizations, which continue to this day to play a dangerous roll in the economic, political and social systems of our nation. In our current situation, organized crime is a major contributor to the campaign to keep drugs illegal. Their profits from the sale of drugs, and fueling the violence surrounding it though illegal arms sales, would vanish if the drug prohibition were to be lifted. A few brave politicians, judges and law enforcement officers have begun to advocate the immediate repeal of the drug prohibition for just those reasons.
The illegal drug trade in America and the concurrent and inner-dependent “War on Drugs” are significant players in the economy of the United States. The cowardice of the Democratic and Republican parties to look seriously at the damage being done to the social fabric of our country by the current policies are due more to economic than moral questions surrounding this issue. Studies showing that it is easier these days for high school students to buy heroin than alcohol should be cause for questioning the entire drug enforcement policy. Once again, like in the case of the cold war against communism and the war on terrorism the drug enforcement community and the drug lords are two sides of the same coin. They are part of an ongoing symbiotic relationship where both benefit from the existence of the other.
The rich and their spokespeople in the government have no interest in ending drug addiction or the violence that it breeds. Through the news and entertainment media they have spread a climate of fear and distrust that keeps the victims of social injustice unable to come together for their own defense. Intimidation and violence by both government agents and drug gangs keep the status quo secure and unchallenged. Most of the misery fueled by this multi-billion dollar business is felt by the inner-city poor, a disproportionate number of whom are people of color. The underlying social problems of our cities, the inferior educational and healthcare systems, unemployment, sub-standard housing etc. are buried in the wave of violence associated with drug prohibition and the muggings, break-ins, armed robbery, prostitution and other illegal activities that desperate drug addicts resort to in order to feed their expensive habits. Our legal system and jails are overflowing with the small players in this dangerous game while the real profiteers continue business as usual, terrorizing our communities.
Ending the drug prohibition would stop the flow of cash to this dangerous criminal element. It would also go a long way to relieving the legal log-jams stifling our courts and the overcrowding in our jails and prisons which leads to early release of truly dangerous elements and/or inhuman conditions due to lack of adequate facilities. Perhaps most importantly, it would move the spotlight from drugs and violence to the underlying causes of the disintegration in our urban centers.
Drug Addiction is a Health Issue Not a Legal Problem.
Legalizing all drugs would shift the problem of drugs and addiction from the realm of law enforcement, which reality has proven is a dead end, to a health problem, where we can get to the root causes. When we begin to look at drug use as a mental and physical health problem we realize that the majority of drug related hospital time, which drains our medical resources, is not due to illegal drug use. Alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drug use are far greater health risks than all the illegal drug use combined. While lifting the prohibition on all drugs, we need to address this continuing problem of socially acceptable drug use.
As with any profitable enterprise the drug trade depends on advertising, aggressive distribution and methods for ensuring return customers. Demand is often increased in much the same way as ordinary products though samplers, flooding the market with cheap products and providing delayed payment programs. Much like the cigarette industry and companies selling addictive prescription drugs, black market drug providers also depend on physical addiction to ensure return customers. Taking the huge non-taxable profit out of the illegal drug trade is the first step to undercut the marketing mechanisms used to spread drug use among the American people and particularly our youth. Bringing drug use out of the darkness of illegality and into the light will allow us to use an intense educational campaign to prevent drug use and bring current drug users into treatment without fear of legal consequences.
But No anti-drug educational campaign can be successful without addressing the economic, social and political problems that feed America’s thirst for drugs. The drug problem is in many ways a reflection of the desperation caused by our disintegrating social systems. Our largely dysfunctional educational system, deteriorating cities, lack of meaningful employment, and our sorely over-priced and inadequate healthcare system are a few of the problems that provide the context for America’s drug problem. The political system, where elected officials are elected and controlled by corporate America leaves the population feeling powerless and frustrated. We need to inspire and empower our citizens with a vision of America where their contributions are part of a democratic process of creating a society of liberty and justice for all.
One example of a particularly sad situation that has contributed to the growing drug problem is the case of our youth returning from the wars in the Middle East. We recruit these young people to fight in foreign countries though appealing to their patriotic sentiments and promising education and job opportunities upon completion of their tours of duty. Due to the high rates of unemployment among our youth, some see the military as the only job in town. These young people are sent into harms way to serve the questionable political goals of a government, which is uninterested in their long-term health and well-being. Political leaders of both parties ignore the overwhelming sentiment against the wars and follow the dictates of their true masters—the war profiteers.
All those who serve in these wars suffer as a result. Whether they joined for patriotic or economic reasons, they bear the scars of combat but are rarely given the respect they deserve. Thousands come home in body bags carefully hidden from sight by the corporate media. Others come home physically mutilated having sacrificed their youthful bodies on the altar of corporate profit. Those who avoid the body bag or wheelchair are often suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as the result of seeing the real face of American’s war effort. These youth find it difficult if not impossible to reintegrate into civilian life. Suicide, violence and drug use are rampant among our returning heroes leading to family problems and depression. Over thirty-three percent are unable to find jobs in our depressed economy. Their enthusiasm and self-sacrifice have been drained and the promises of the gung-ho recruiters fade like a dream. Unable to find medical and/or psychological help, self-medication with drugs is often their only solution.
The representatives of the rich in the Democratic and Republican parties are cutting social services and federal spending in the middle of an economic downturn while continuing the drug prohibition. These policies create criminals out of victims. In essence they are saying that we should abandon those who have served our country and/or throw them in jail. Even inadequate reforms to the broken healthcare system are labeled “socialist” while the only workable solution, universal healthcare, is not even discussed. The drug companies, who lobby against any move to lessen or repeal the drug prohibition, use their super-profits to buy politicians on both sides of the isle to block any hope of using treatment and education to solve this growing problem.
Another reason that drug use should be seen as a health problem not a law enforcement problem is the rise of infectious diseases. The sharing of needles is one of the main factors in the spread of AIDs, hepatitis, and other blood/bodily fluid transmitted diseases. With virulent forms of the flu on the rise and the resurgence of rodent related diseases the living conditions often associated with the drug sub-culture become prime vectors for the spread of these threats to public health. Taking away the stigma of illegality would allow health professionals to deal with these real health risks. This could also be the first step towards preventing the next potential pandemic. With prohibition these problems will only fester.
There are other benefits to legalization that at first glance may not be evident. One of the most divisive issues in American politics today is the issue of undocumented immigration. Because of the drug trade, the border with Mexico has become increasingly lawless. Drug cartels have de facto control over much of the area and victimize the law-abiding citizens who live and work there. Many fleeing political instability or economic hardship in their own countries try to enter the United States. These poorest of the poor often become victims or unwilling accomplices in the drug smuggling business. Some who legally cross the border to work in the US are targeted by smugglers who stuff their vehicles with illegal drugs and make them unsuspecting “mules”. Without the flow of money from the United States into the hands of these criminal gangs, their power would fade. The ability of Mexicans to live and work in their own country in safety and dignity would reduce the number trying to cross the border without proper documentation.
The rise of Medical Marijuana, although a very limited legalization, shows the economic and health benefits of a more holistic view of drug use. Many of those who use cannabis enjoy safe temporary relief from mild depression, PTSD, headaches, pain relief, stomach ailments, and loss of appetite due to side effects from drug treatments such as chemotherapy. Marijuana was listed in medical journals for just such health benefits before they were censored as part of the drug war. The drug companies prefer to push stronger drugs even though they often have serious side-affects including addiction in many cases. But many otherwise law-abiding citizens prefer a natural herbal remedy than relying on artificial chemical treatments that are often times put on the market without adequate long-term testing. Cannabis has been used in many cultures around the world for thousands of years.
Ending prohibition will save American taxpayers billions of dollars currently wasted loosing the ‘War on Drugs.’ The current focus of our law enforcement agencies in this effort would be shifted to apprehending violent criminals including potential terrorists. The underworld of drug gangs and weapons suppliers is the most fertile ground for creating and hiding broader anti-social activities including violent cults, human trafficking, child abuse/prostitution, etc. Cutting off the endless supply of money to these elements will make eradicating these evils that much easier. Taxing the legal sales of drugs, as in the case of tobacco and alcohol, will provide a huge boost to our failing economic system. Funding will be available for clinics, hospitals, treatment and youth centers as part of a revitalizing the health of our communities.
Lastly it should be pointed out that the Constitution of the United States guarantees its citizens the right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. A law-abiding adult, with full access to thorough studies of health risks involved in drug use, whether tobacco, alcohol or any of the currently illegal drugs, should have the right to pursue happiness in the way he or she sees fit. The citizen’s freedom should only be restricted when it interferes with the rights of others. Use should be restricted as is now the case with tobacco and alcohol when it presents clear health risks to the public. All drug advertising should be banned including the incredible deluge of advertising by drug companies for drugs to cure everything from depression and asthma to erectile dysfunction. Medical professionals should be the ones to prescribe medicine for serious ailments not the power of corporate advertising.
Revolutionary Americans Say:
Legalize All Drugs
Education and Rehabilitation—Not Repression
Stop Funding the Drug Wars in the US and Abroad