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We've Lost the War on Drugs

It's time for a new approach: Kristof

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 14, 2009 7:14 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The war on drugs has been waged for 40 years, but despite spending $44 billion annually, “the drugs have won,” writes Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times. A former police chief notes that “drugs are more readily available, at lower prices and higher levels of potency—the drug war is a dismal failure." It’s time to rethink our approach. “We need to be less ideological and more empirical,” Kristof urges.

During the drug war, the US prison population has soared, and cartels have enjoyed an earnings boost as tougher drug laws drive up prices, notes Kristof. A good first step toward improving the situation could be to offer legalized marijuana at certain licensed pharmacies in some states, writes Kristof. President Obama’s drug czar wants to push treatment rather than prison. Whatever form it takes, one thing is clear: we need to "grope toward a more effective strategy," Kristof concludes.

Soldiers secure the crime scene where a woman was killed in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in April. Drug cartel wars in Mexico have cost more than 10,650 lives since December 2006.
Soldiers secure the crime scene where a woman was killed in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in April. Drug cartel wars in Mexico have cost more than 10,650 lives since December 2006.   (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
The 'drugs have won' the war, writes Nicolas Kristof.
The 'drugs have won' the war, writes Nicolas Kristof.   (Shutterstock)
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We spend seven times as much on drug interdiction, policing and imprisonment as on treatment. - Nicholas Kristof

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 28 comments
sysco9
Jun 16, 2009 12:10 PM CDT
What? So it's over?? We won??? I've been hiding in this bunker since the big rave and now I'm coming out!
PosterNutbag
Jun 15, 2009 9:26 AM CDT
make that 70 years.
WallyEFunk
Jun 15, 2009 8:50 AM CDT
Only 7 times, ( as much on drug interdiction, policing and imprisonment as on treatment)MMm I thought the privately owned jail would get more, It's an indrustry, made for the poor. paid for by the rich. For corporate profits. No way a free society like America would cut into free enterprises profits and stop such stupidity. Next thing they would want , would be compeate health care, and no fear from gun violence. Lets get real. You would have to have a brain, to use common sence and make changes , that would show christian values.

Momentum builds for reform
Rolling Stone

 
War on Drugs • drugs • marijuana legalization • legalization • decriminalization

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