Drug War Failed? — Poliquicks
Unbelievably, the United States has come under increasing pressure from local political and Latin American leaders to rethink its drug control policy—and specifically, to start talking about decriminalization.
To quote one reporter who thinks we need to legalize drugs: “This debate is long overdue for many practical reasons; every pundit in every relevant country seems to agree that the drug war long ago failed. But there is also a very good ethical reason to start rethinking current US strategy… As the world’s largest consumers of narcotics, the American market has stoked violence, conflict and armed insurgency, corruption, and human rights abuses abroad.”
The so-called “Drug War” has yet to be really fought. Therefore, how can it be declared “failed?” Everything so far has simply been cosmetic or politically correct.
There has been no serious effort on the part of our political leaders to halt any type of drugs from crossing the border - no real military sentries or surveillance equipment to help the Border Patrol. To make matters worse when some states like Texas and Arizona try to enact laws to address the border problem they get sued by the Department of Justice.
Most law enforcement agencies and medical clinics who treat drug users know that marijuana or uppers or downers are “gateway” drugs to more hard stuff.
Many former casual users of marijuana will tell anyone they want a bigger kick after the MJ wears off.
Drug users, pushers, academics and social activists advocating for legalization are demanding it to satisfy their own greedy needs - money or drugs. Then there are those who seek political advantage for votes.
Now, the sitting presidents of countries including Colombia, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala are talking that Washington should change course.
It is true that the U.S. is the country whose consumers are keeping the market booming. However, let’s be honest, when Mexico is at war with its cartels, the United States is, essentially, also at war. Unfortunately, the U.S. sure doesn’t act like it.
Larry Martines, noted law enforcement expert, has said: “BILLIONS have been spent for GADGETS, with token appearances by the National Guard and there is no political will from the white house or congress by the last 3 presidents. All the taxpayers money has been spent to make it APPEAR we were doing something when in fact we were in reality putting a bandage over a problem that needs serious surgery.”
Many law enforcement agencies along the border know that the drug traffickers are moving to methamphetamine because it is more easily transported and is bringing in more profit.
Very few have considered the environment impact of meth labs. They pore chemical in the sewers and the rivers and that kills all aquatic life and is dangerous to water treatment plants.
The U.S. fight in the drug war has not really begun to fight.