The United States of America has historically been viewed as a leading nation for peace, prosperity, and freedom. This designation as a free and civilized society is often misleading, however. Throughout American history, the government has routinely abused its citizens through economic and social sectors. One way the government has infringed on the civil liberties of Americans is the War on Drugs.
America has been rocked with several drug scares over more than a century. Over the past few years, Fentanyl has been said to have caused the deaths of tens of thousands of American citizens. Because of this, those in Washington have presently and historically called for more prohibition of drugs and other substances to curb drug usage. However, it is actually anti-drug legislation and increased government power that has caused America’s drug problem.
One should understand the motivations behind most drug bans, especially marijuana, were racist. Former Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics Harry Anslinger (a well-documented racist) said, “the primary reason to outlaw marijuana is its effect on the degenerate races”, and marijuana was capable of turning a “man into a wild beast.” Unfortunately, many political leaders have said similar things recently to argue why marijuana and other drugs should remain illegal.
Even if marijuana criminalization was not motivated by racism, a ban on marijuana is still wrong given its proven ability to heal and soothe. A ban on marijuana and other drugs is arguably unconstitutional given the historical use of drugs across the world for religious and spiritual reasons. The First Amendment states very clearly that the government shall not prohibit nor abridge the free exercise of speech, religion, and assembly. So, a ban on any drug means the American government is prohibiting at least some expression or potential expression of speech.
The motivations behind the War on Drugs are illogical, but it is what came after that shows the horrors of a big, oppressive, and powerful government. In 1994, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was passed by the Clinton Administration. Several authoritarian provisions were written in this bill, one of which mandated a five-year minimum sentence without parole just for possession of five grams of crack cocaine. This contributes to the claim many make about America’s epidemic of mass incarceration, in which many non-violent offenders are incarcerated.
Despite all the legislation and propaganda designed to discourage drug use, thousands of Americans have been locked up for drug possession. In fact, most have historically either been non-violent or even had a history of violence. The matter of race looms over those incarcerated for drug possession as well. After the Reagan Administration passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, the number of African Americans incarcerated for possession of crack cocaine skyrocketed from 50 in 100,000 to 250 in 100,000.
The federal government, as well as state governments, are starting to see the War on Drugs has failed and are trying to make amends. Bipartisan bills like the First Step Act have been signed to reintroduce nonviolent prisoners back into society, and 27 states have decriminalized recreational marijuana usage. Although these are noble accomplishments, it does not change what happened in the decades prior.
The legacy of the War on Drugs is one defined by authoritarianism, mass incarceration, and racism that exacerbates what it means to eliminate. It seems as if every time a new piece of anti-drug legislation is signed into law, a new drug pops up on the market, and drug use increases. Part of the reason why drug dealers create new drugs like fentanyl is because they know people will keep buying it. They know this because those addicted to drugs are usually poor and will not seek treatment out of fear of criminal prosecution and expensive healthcare.
One might ask, what is the solution to fighting drug abuse while not locking up thousands of nonviolent offenders for several years? The answer is to legalize all drugs for recreational and medical reasons.
An example of how drug legalization can be effective in lowering drug usage rates is Portugal. Like the United States, Portugal tried to solve its drug problems through government prohibition but saw its actions backfire. However, Portugal legalized drugs and actually saw its addiction rates fall. Although they are two different countries, America could solve its drug problem if it took a similar approach as Portugal. However, the healthcare system would need to be radically changed.
Government interference in what should be a free market of healthcare has caused prices to skyrocket while quality of care declines. This is because of price controls, certificate of need laws, and government-enforced patents. Many will argue in favor of a single-payer system, but Canada is proof of how a publicly funded healthcare leads to lowered quality of care. Like nearly every economic and social issue in the U.S. and abroad, government interference has and will always make things worse.
Despite popular opinion, the solution to the War on Drugs is legalization and rehabilitation, not incarceration and violations of civil liberties. If America is to live up to its standing as the leader of the free world, its government must not punish peaceful drug users; it should stay out of their lives and let people voluntarily help each other at their consent.
Have an opposing viewpoint to this opinion? Let us know. All views are welcome. Send your thoughts to our Editorial Staff – Editor Dylan Hicks dhicks@student.dean.edu or Dean Daily Faculty Advisor, Professor John Rooke jrooke@dean.edu
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