War on Drugs Continues Under Obama

The so-called "War on Drugs" is a failed Nixon-era campaign that continues the U.S. Government's focus on prohibition and control, rather than on education and letting people choose. In addition, it serves government a handy excuse for political, economic and military intervention around the globe.

The Obama administration does not use the term "War on Drugs". They say that it isn't a productive way to term it and, besides, it is very non-PC. The real truth is that they know the term is met with derision, not just by Americans, but the world over. Instead of a war, they speak of drug addiction as a disease. Obama promised change that would make a real difference by treating the drug problem as a health issue, but the only change under Obama's leadership has been an increase in the amount of wasted money spent on ineffective interdiction and law enforcement activities. The war continues.

After 41 years and over $1 trillion dollars spent wasted, even the U.S. "drug czar", Gil Kerlikowske admits failure. The unjust disparity in sentences for drug-related crimes, along with the highest incarceration rate in the world has accomplished nothing. Nothing but to actually increase the sophistication and level of violence of the international drug trade.

Everyone recognizes that the "War on Drugs" is a complete failure, but there is substantial political pressure to continue the high level of expenditures on law enforcement, border control and foreign involvements that make up the campaign. A lot of government agencies have grown fat on the monies thrown down this particular toilet, and they don't want to see that dry up. In my opinion, it's well past time to reign in these excesses.