...The War on Drugs ShaLisa R. McCray COM/172 April 17, 2013 Nick Boden The War on Drugs Recreational drug use is the use of a drug, whether illegal or legal, with the intention of creating or enhancing the recreational experience. Many of the drugs used recreationally were intended to be used medically, to stimulate the mind, or to aide in military combat. Once the government realized the effect the drugs had on people they began to initiate regulations to control the substances they introduce the people to. As the government fought harder to control drug abuse by enacting more regulatory policies, the more people began to use and abuse drugs, inciting a war across the nation. The “War on Drugs” is the term the federal government uses to refer to their efforts to stop the import, manufacturing, sale, and se of illegal drugs in the United States. The term is not used reference to any particular policy or target but instead refers as a whole to the series of antidrug initiatives directed towards ending drug abuse. On November 27, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the International Committee on Narcotics which was accountable for coordinating executive branch antidrug efforts. This initiated what the New York Times labeled “a new war on narcotic addiction at the local, national, and international level”. During a press conference on June 17, 1971, President Richard Nixon labeled illegal drugs as “public enemy number one in the United...
Words: 1611 - Pages: 7
...The social problem of economic, class and racial inequality has been a great issue of concern for many in the United States because inequality goes against America’s cores values of upward mobility economic wise and in social class (Korgan, 2012). These social problems of inequality have been linked to disparities in quality of life and psychological and social well-being. The problem of social inequality has been found to be linked with other social problems such as crime and victimization. The problem of social inequality can even be seen in the criminal justice system in how it treats people of various races, ethnic groups and socioeconomic classes who are processed through the system (Wheelock, 2006). In essence, there exists a disparity amongst race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class in criminal victimization and how people are processed through the criminal justice system that exacerbates the social problem of inequality in numerous social institutions and complicates many individual’s efforts to escape from poverty and achieve upward mobility (Wheelock, 2006). The disparity in criminal punishment is due to various factors such as laws that were implemented to reduce crime, race, and low economic status (Wheelock, 2006). The factors that have a tremendous impact on victimization are demography and socioeconomic status (Raphael, 2006). While violent crimes are not exclusive to poor metropolitan areas, consistent patterns have been observed which reveal lower rates of crime...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
...have gone through this because of some terrible decisions made by the United States government. This small offense they have committed is only drug possession. Yes they were breaking the law, but does the punishment really fit the crime. No it does not! Especially when others are not getting as harsh of punishments when they are caught with a different type of drug. Something is not adding up here, and it is pretty clear what it is. Someone wanted to get rid of the African Americans to help him win a presidential...
Words: 779 - Pages: 4
...Response Eugene Jarecki point of view is the war on drugs has resulted in more than 45 million arrests, $1 trillion dollars in government spending, and America’s role as the world’s largest jailer. “Forty years ago, President Nixon called a press conference to tell the American people that their “public enemy #1.” - Eugene Jarecki Yet for all that, drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available than ever. The House I Live In shows the daily life from the dealer to the grieving mother, the narcotics officer to the senator, the inmate to the federal judge, and offers a penetrating look at the profound human rights implications of America’s longest war. The War on Drugs is a big thing going on around the world. Now it’s being legal and people in jail are suffering inside for what they have done in the past and they can’t be set loose because the laws have changed. The presidency of Ronald Reagan marked the start of a long period of skyrocketing rates of incarceration, largely thanks to his unprecedented expansion of the drug war. The number of people behind bars for nonviolent drug law offenses increased from 50,000 in 1980 to over 400,000 by 1997. -Ethan Nadelmann, JD The film recognizes drug abuse as a matter of public health, and investigates the tragic errors and shortcomings that have resulted from framing it as an issue for law enforcement. It also examines how political and financial corruption has fueled the war on drugs, despite persistent evidence of its moral, economic...
Words: 570 - Pages: 3
...International 101 Research Paper - Assignment 7 25 November 2013 Drug War: World Issue? Question: Why do certain countries try to stop the drug war and drug trade when it is such a high commodity all over the world? An important part of our world today, which has a high fascination in cultures all over the world is drugs. Drugs have been around for a while but they have not been regulated in any way by many governments. Amsterdam has made marijuana legal which taxes it which goes to the government. TV shows revolve around the use of drugs in society; reality and fiction. Although drugs are something that multiple people, politicians, and government officials all have an opinion on. Even suburban parents and the teenage stoners have a stance on drug trade or drug regulation. Which prompts the question, why do certain countries try to stop the drug war and drug trade when it is such a high commodity all over the world? Studies have show, as displayed in the text of America's Holy War explains that tax policies and property and crime directly correlate with drug trade and problems within a modern society. America is an example of bad drug policy whereas other places, for example Europe, have more liberal drug policy and they live more peaceful lives. The contamination of drugs can spread AIDs and many other life threatening diseases. We spend tax dollars to keep drugs out yet they still find a way back in the American border because they are such a commodity and addiction...
Words: 1716 - Pages: 7
...The Racial Profiling of Minorities for Drugs His name is Ronaldo. He is taking a flight from Los Angeles to New York City for to visit his brother Luis. He has severe asthma problems and has to carry an asthma inhaler with him at all times to prevent the possibility of an asthma attack. As he is going through check-in, a big, muscular white man in a security jacket orders him to step aside and show him his belongings, especially the asthma inhaler he is carrying on grounds that Ronaldo’s asthma inhaler contains cocaine. Like Ronaldo, many minorities are stopped more often at airports and other locations for possession of illegal drugs because of America’s war on drugs. Why specifically does American society target minorities for illegal drugs? Minorities are more likely to be accused of smuggling drugs because they tend to come from enemy countries, have on average a lower socio-economic status, and are very associated with crime in the media. Minorities are more likely to be framed for illegal drug smuggling because of their association with America’s political enemies. Edward Said defines the Orient as America’s “contrasting image, idea, personality, experience” (Said 87). Since the Orient is America’s “contrasting image”, America has always attempted to put an “umbrella of Western hegemony” over the Orient. This is because America, according to Edward Said, views the Far East as something is very strange and different, or “a place of romance, exotic beings, haunting memories...
Words: 1361 - Pages: 6
...International Security Studies Final Paper America the beautiful has many enemies that want to see it crumble in defeat, causing threats to America. The borders in America are porous which allows for weapons of mass destruction, trafficked humans, drugs, and other forms of contraband to slip through the border and into the country. The Trump administration has begun to address the physical border between America and Mexico, but millions of cargo containers enter the United States from other countries each year by means of aircraft or ship. More times than not, these containers are bearing legal items or goods, but drugs and weapons are still being slipped into the country. This cargo screening and strict borders sound like a good idea in concept, but as a practice they...
Words: 1293 - Pages: 6
...Legalization: The War on Drugs and Criminal Law Howard R. Burke Strayer University Abstract This research will point out that the United States’ current policy on drug prohibition, the so called “War on Drugs,” is ineffective. The current draconian prohibition policies against drug consumption may actually increase their use. As well, contrary to claims made by current drug policy supporters, increased drug enforcement can reduce public safety and compound the individual and social costs of drug use. The U.S. drug policy, born over a hundred years ago, has gone through several transformations becoming more voracious with each new invocation. The War on Drugs is an expensive and failed concept which has incorporated racism in its administration, increased crime rates, imposed harsh sentences for nonviolent offenses, facilitated police corruption and aggressively eroded civil liberties. Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Introduction to the Problem Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Purpose of the Research Research Questions Significance of the Research Assumptions and Limitations Organization of the Remainder of the Study LITERATURE REVIEW CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Marijuana Legalization: The War on Drugs and Criminal Law INTRODUCTION The United States has conducted a long experiment of drug prohibition. The prohibition of marijuana and other illicit drugs has only increased...
Words: 5079 - Pages: 21
...missing (Carballo, Daita, & Hernandez, 2005). Furthermore, more than 1.6 million survivors were displaced. Island and coastal regions’ infrastructure was also damaged in most countries. The earthquake greatly affected the health, social, and economic gains that had been achieved in the years preceding the disaster. As a result, thousands of individuals were pushed further into poverty. The Al-Qaeda Bombing: The bombing was considered to be a symbolic attack by terrorists. The Twin Towers was targeted because terrorists considered it to be America’s symbol of influence and power. The bombing that occurred on 11th September 2001 killed approximately three thousand individuals, including 19 hijackers. The incident is also known to be the worst attack on the US soil. Occurrence of the two incidents is a clear indication of how the US was not prepared to handle disasters and save lives. Question 2 After the civil war, America’s government was focused on rebuilding the nation by reflecting on people’s interests. For instance, the government considered the country to be new, and its primary interest was to safeguard its independence from European countries that were more...
Words: 1216 - Pages: 5
...Week 9 Research Paper COM/156 August 11, 2013 Week 9 Research Paper “Marijuana is the finest anti-nausea medication known to science, and our leaders have lied about this consistently. [Arresting people for] medical marijuana is the most hideous example of government interference in the private lives of individuals. It’s an outrage within an outrage within an outrage”. Peter McWilliams Author and Advocate for Medical Marijuana Medical Marijuana has found its place once again as the medical plant that is recognized for its healing potential and properties. How the Government has suppressed its positive potential and healing powers for over 25 years. With the help from many patients, loved ones, research departments and advocate groups to get the Government’s attention to see and understand that the terminally ill and the sick should not be treated as common criminals. They are only trying to find some peace and serenity in their last days. The struggle and fight that has been going on for the last 25 years against the Government. The people were finally heard, with the legalization of Medical Marijuana. The Government wants to regulate everything for their own best interest, the positive effect of decriminalizing marijuana for the terminally ill and the positive economic benefits for our community. Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana, Weed, Herb, Mary Jane these are just a few names that this little 5 leaf...
Words: 3304 - Pages: 14
...Social Problems and the Free Market: A Brief Look at Illegal Drugs and Its Market Nicola Jones Baker Kaplan University Professor T. Ayanou, PhD February 17, 2015 The present research report seeks to show the relationship between a “free market” economy and the acquisition and dispensing of illegal drugs. This report will begin with a general look at what constitutes a “free market” economy and how its aspects of supply and demand are the very cornerstones of its existence. After discussing the concepts of supply and demand, the author will then address how the tenants of supply and demand relate to individual freedoms and individual competitions. Following this section of the present report, the author will seek to discuss illegal drug markets. In the final and closing section of this research report, the author will argue that the social problems created by illegal drug addiction could be managed in a “free market” economy that views addiction as a treatable disease rather than a criminal offense. The fundamental underpinning of a free market system is the competition it generates among those who are vying for the consumers’ dollars. The goal of the free market is for person (A) to provide a good or service that is wanted by customer (B). Person (A) and customer (B) then negotiate a price for that particular good or service. If person (A)’s price is too high or the good or service is inadequate, customer (B) then has the right and freedom to go to person...
Words: 2670 - Pages: 11
...Racial Disparities in America’s Judicial System The mandatory imprisonment policies written for the judicial system are creating disparity of minority inmate population primarily due to non-violent drug crimes and the unjust mandatory minimum sentencing laws. America’s prisons are the most populated in the world, and they are disproportionately populated by minorities due to the set of mandatory imprisonment policies set in place. Over the past five decades, the disparity between races has widened dramatically according to the National Center on Institutions. In the 1950’s, blacks and Hispanics were the minorities in the prison system, whereas today whites are. Is this due to poverty? I’m sure poverty plays a big role in most cases. Robert Woodson Jr., president of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise said the reason young men engage in criminal activity is not just for money, it is to make a name for themselves, to have some expression of worth, even if the expression is self-destructive. Crack cocaine hit the streets in the early 1980’s, infesting the lower income areas. It’s a cheap drug compared to cocaine and easier to come by than some of the higher priced drugs. Is this considered racial disparity? The Sentencing Project in 2007 states that two-thirds of the regular crack users are white and Latino, 82 percent of defendants sentenced in federal court for crack offences are African-American. Criminologist William Chambliss suggest that blacks are more...
Words: 2051 - Pages: 9
...Mandatory Minimum Sentencing A Review of Literature With America's recently increasing problem with illegal substances; a war on drugs has erupted. American drug use has exponentially grown over the last 60 years, causing law enforcement agencies to crack down on drug use, trafficking, abuse and possession. President Nixon stated that the United States' War on Drugs was "public enemy number one" (Jarecki, Barnes, 2013). In response to this growing issue, the United State's criminal justice system began sentencing criminals to jail for a "mandatory minimum" period of time in drug related offenses. With hopes of making a dent in the drug war and of taking the guess work out of sentencing, the courts adopted the law. These longer more harsh sentences have had a positive outcome on the war on drugs. It has helped by getting offenders off the streets and the substances out of the hands of Americans. The criminals that are being sentenced to these long terms deserve the time they are given because they chose to break the U.S. law and came into contact with illegal controlled substances. By giving these mandatory minimum sentences, the criminals are off the streets and away from the pressures of drugs and crime where they used to live, and have the chance to regain a new life through prison rehabilitation. The mandatory minimum sentences are given not only to help punish criminals individually, but also to help the judicial system by way of giving the judges a guideline and a standard...
Words: 1206 - Pages: 5
...Drug trafficking in the United States: Blacks are treated unfairly when it comes to drugs. Cheryl Cooper English Composition 11 Instructor Lesa Hadley 01/18/2012 When it comes to drug trafficking in the United States most African Americans and minorities are treated unfairly when it comes to drug charges being handed down from the criminal justice system. “Critics of American drug policies have long said that war on drugs is really a war on people. Today, the Justice Policy Institute is releasing a new study chock- full of jaw- dropping statistics to prove it. One in four people locked up in American prisons is behind bars for a drug offense, the study finds. They number almost as many as the entire US prisoner population did in 1980 (458,131 vs. 474,368). The study adds that the US incarcerates 100, 000 more people for drug offenses than there are people imprisoned for all offenses in the entire European Union even though the EU has 100 million more citizens than the US. Other stats show how America’s war on drugs has been waged disproportionately against African Americans.” The groups that are mainly targeted in the drug trafficking in the United States are minorities and African Americans. This is a worldwide problem and it needs some immediate attention do to the lack of fairness that is presented when it comes to whites committing the same charges. There are issues and concerns when it comes to racial profiling that takes place in poor low income...
Words: 1618 - Pages: 7
...Week 9 Research Paper Medical Marijuana COM/156 August 11, 2013 Medical Marijuana ~“Marijuana is the finest anti-nausea medication known to science, and our leaders have lied about this consistently. [Arresting people for] medical marijuana is the most hideous example of government interference in the private lives of individuals. It’s an outrage within an outrage within an outrage”~ ~Peter McWilliams~ Author and Advocate for Medical Marijuana Medical Marijuana has found its place once again as the medical plant that is recognized for its healing potential and properties. How the Government has suppressed its positive potential and healing powers for over 25 years. With the help frommany patients, loved ones, research departments and advocate groups, to get the Government’s attention to see and understand that the terminally ill, and the sick should not be treated as common criminals. They are only trying to find some peace and serenity, in their last days. The struggle and fight that has been going on for the last 25 years against the Government. The people were finally heard, with the legalization of Medical Marijuana. The Government wants to regulate everything for their best interest, the positive effect of decriminalizing marijuana for the terminally ill, and the positive economic benefits for our community. Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana, Weed, Herb, Mary Jane these are just a few names that this little 5 leaf plant goes by. How could this...
Words: 3054 - Pages: 13
