The Drug Debate
For over twenty years the drug debate has been argued over and over. The drug war in the United States has been historically seen as a costly, yet necessary component of public policy; a policy that has been under substantial political fire for years. As we enter a new century, many are reconsidering their feelings towards the drug war. Critics cite the billions of dollars spent every year as well as the overflowing prison problem as reasons to cut back, and even legalize some or all recreational drugs. Those who are in favor of the war on drugs encourage its funding and continuation because of the perceived link between drugs and crime, and the detrimental health effects and medical economic impact that illegal drugs have on the body. There is a growing trend among Americans that is pushing for the legalization or, at least, the regulation of drugs by the government. However, the consensus in American society is to keep drugs illegal and these philosophies are evidenced in the political policies of America. By taking a look at the approach of these policies, the pros and cons of drug legalization can be assessed. The concern of the public and politicians has made for a storied history in
"The United States has 5 percent of the world's population but consumes 60 percent of its illicit drugs. Our civil liberties are being eroded" (Eldredge, 1998: xi). The act required the payment of a small tax every time a drug changed hands, from the manufacturer down to the doctor or pharmacist. At the heart of his plan was an unprecedented budget of $16 billion to finance the nation's war against drug abuse. Despite the optimism of our leaders, the war on drugs grinds on---as it has for most of the twentieth century" (Benjamin, 1991: vii). In the United States, state and local laws have prohibited marijuana use since the early 1900's, and by federal law since 1937. More recently, President George Bush has opined that at least we are making progress. The act also required registration of all physicians and pharmacists and made opiates and cocaine available only by prescription. The drug war began with a strict legislation at the turn of the century. The Drug Legalization Debate, Sage Publications, London, 1999. Our police, courts and prisons are inundated by a flood of drug cases. Many have stated that the war on drugs is a failure and is merely a waste of taxpayers' money; the statistics still prove that although the United States has attempted to assemble the best drug task force in the world but continues to fail.
Common topics in this essay:
Harrison Act,
Drug Debate,
George Bush,
Bill Clinton,
President Nixon,
drug war,
war drugs,
Cincinnati OH,
harrison act,
Gaithersburg MD,
pros cons,
Books Washington,
Bridgehampton NY,
Cottonwood CA,
harrison act 1914,
american drug,
illegal drugs,
act 1914,
history american,
cons legalization,
twentieth century,
pros cons legalization,
history american drug,
american drug war,
|
Acceptance Essays
