Drug Wars: Origins & Solutions

Declarations of drug wars in the United States have become ritual incantations. Presidents go on television brandishing bags of drugs, putatively purchased a few blocks from the White House, and warn that narcotics are “the gravest threat facing the nation.” Congress appropriates money. Media specials are broadcast. The public is mobilized. A few dramatic arrests and seizures are made or, if necessary, a country is invaded. And then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the issue fades from view. Yet it is always there, waiting for its button to be pushed.