At War with the War on Drugs

Lately I have seen more and more articles, videos, and talking heads blathering about ending the war on drugs. I have seen politicians talk about it and countless media outlets. In fact this November, California voters will have an opportunity to pass Proposition 19, which would allow the state to regulate marijuana like it does alcohol and cigarettes.

While there are many opinions on the use of marijuana and drugs in general, I think if you look at the facts, the current war on drugs is not working in America. We are spending billions of dollars on trying to eradicate something that is blatantly growing larger. We definitely need to change our tactic on this issue not only to save money but to save the American people. We incarcerate so many millions of our citizens for minor drug offenses when that space and money could be used for serious, violent crimes and rehabilitation and education for our citizens.

The video I have attached is an interesting and very creative way to show how this one person views the war on drugs and the society it has created. The first half shows his view of the world if we were to regulate and control marijuana like alcohol and cigarettes and the second half is our society as it stands now. Whether or not you agree with his vision we can all appreciate the creativeness of this video. If you do agree then this video is a double whammy of goodness for you.

We can debate the pros and cons of the drug war all day with some people. I just feel like our money would be better spent rehabilitating drug abusers rather than punishing them with jail time. If people do not fear punitive measures for their addictions they would be more willing to seek treatment and help. Economically, it makes sense to me because if you put drugs in the hands of professionals then you take it away from the hands of violent gangs and cartels. If this policy created underworld is deprived of its main source of income the it will dry up. 

Just think about it.

There are many problems facing America now, as there have always been. We need to start looking at new ways to tackle our problems rather than continuing the same old, failed policies. Sharing this video is my tribute to that ideal.

Here are some links for extra research on the issue if you would care to delve further into the topic:

AlterNet: Drug Section

Wall Street Journal

Drug Policy Alliance

CNBC Editorial

I believe these some good places to wet your palate no matter what side of the debate you stand on. Like just about every single imaginable topic there are plenty of resources and outlets for information no matter your viewpoint. I think it a great thing for all of us to educate ourselves on this and so many other topics. 

Enjoy the research and happy reading!