War on Drugs Cant Be Won, According to Global Leaders

[Beemnseven]

Legalize 'em -- all of them. It'll never happen, of course.

The War on Drugs is government's permission slip to snoop on our finances, to stop us if we're carrying too much cash, seize that cash, to burst through our front door in the middle of the night, to shoot our dog, to search our cars, ... on and on ...

It's also been very effective at chipping away at that pesky 4th amendment. Plus it ensures that cash continues to flow to the police departments, gives lots of government tax-feeders with plenty to do (not to mention the police union reps employed). It gives a reason for SWAT teams to exist -- making sure that after-market paramilitary equipment doesn't go to waste. The asset forfeiture laws give police departments all sorts of cool toys to play with, without even needing a guilty verdict preceding the forfeiture of the toys... It keeps the prison popluation up, keeps prison guards employed...

In other words, this endless, highly expensive "War" is just another way to keep the serfs in line, and provides the justification for tax dollars to continue to be sucked up by government.

It's a HUGE racket, and politicians aren't about to give that up.

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Legalize 'em -- all of them. It'll never happen, of course.

I think marijuana should be legalized, not any hardcore drugs. I do however think we should decriminalize possession of hardcore drugs (anything other than selling).

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

The War on Drugs is government's permission slip to snoop on our finances, to stop us if we're carrying too much cash, seize that cash, to burst through our front door in the middle of the night, to shoot our dog, to search our cars, ... on and on ...

You are a bit off on this. Actually, the war on drugs is a effort on the behalf of lobbyist from the Tobacco, Alcohol, and other pharmaceutical industry. Know who the Partnership for a Drug-Free America is? Up until 1997, they were receiving millions of dollars from the alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical companies. Now, they only take checks from the pharmaceutical companies...lol OOOOoohh...the irony.

Pot Boiler

For a group fighting drug abuse, the Partnership has taken cash from some odd parties—including American Brands (Jim Beam whiskey), Philip Morris (Marlboro and Virginia Slims cigarettes, Miller beer), Anheuser Busch (Budweiser, Michelob, Busch beer), R.J. Reynolds (Camel, Salem, Winston cigarettes), as well as pharmaceutical firms Bristol Meyers-Squibb, Merck & Company and Proctor & Gamble (Marin Institute Backgrounder, 2/97).

The Partnership recently announced it will quit its alcohol and tobacco habit but will continue to mainline pharmaceutical checks (Village Voice, 3/12/97). And its silence continues on America’s deadliest drug problems: tobacco (400,000 annual deaths), alcohol (100,000, including 20,000 from drunken driving), and pharmaceuticals (6,000 to 9,000).

It's always been about money and greed and keeping their foothold in the market of consumers. It's never been about stopping drugs or helping the people.

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

It's also been very effective at chipping away at that pesky 4th amendment.

The War on Terrorism has eroded more civil liberties than anything. LOL PATRIOT ACT.

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

It's a HUGE racket, and politicians aren't about to give that up.

It is a huge racket, and politicians are going to keep taking those lobbyist checks to keep that policy intact.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

You are a bit off on this. Actually, the war on drugs is a effort on the behalf of lobbyist from the Tobacco, Alcohol, and other pharmaceutical industry. Know who the Partnership for a Drug-Free America is? Up until 1997, they were receiving millions of dollars from the alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical companies. Now, they only take checks from the pharmaceutical companies...lol OOOOoohh...the irony.

My point wasn't off at all. You're correct, as far as big pharma goes. They like the War on Drugs too, but it doesn't negate my point. They like it because it stifles competition from other mind-altering substances, but government likes it even better because it's a great tool for keeping their eyes on our business and their boots on our throats.