America s War On Drugs - 3748 Words

The term â€Å"War on drugs† was first announced when President Richard Nixon created a volume of programs intended to suppress the consumption of certain recreational drugs in 1972. It marked the beginning for the era of mandatory minimum sentencing, privatized prisons, racism, and constituency that profits as a result of the illegal drugs. The â€Å"Just Say No† and the D.A.R.E. campaign were created to help youths from starting to use drugs but they were not effective. Treatment programs have directed their attention to current drug user and to stop future drug users. The war on drugs war that is being fought our backyards every day. This is a war that cannot be won by military arms or peace treaties but we must uphold those responsible that our†¦show more content†¦After years of fighting the war against drugs and strict policies and punishments, illicit drugs are still easily obtained. The demand is still high worldwide, drug cartels are richer and more p owerful, and the drug related violence is at its peak. Drugs today are much cheaper and more potent than back they have been for years. One would think to make some changes to the current drug policies but none have been made. There currently is not any study that shows how good or bad we are doing. Central American countries are now affected by drug smugglers and their violence carrying cartels due to the policies of the United States. According to Johnson (1999) one of the reasons that there is such a profound war on drugs is the U.S. antidrug policy. Ever since this policy has been in effect it has contributed to the growth of the problem. The trafficking of drugs into the United States of America has corrupted officials everywhere. It had an effect on the economy and democracies creating violence and terrorism. It has had the ability to control major parts of the economy. (Bruce, 199) An example would be the Medellin cartel, led by Pablo Escobar; he killed a presidential candid ate, judges, and hundreds of Colombian citizens to force then Colombian society to accept his drug business. In order for his business to run effectively he