A War We Can't Win

     I have always believed that the "War on Drugs", was and still is a war that cannot be won. I find it very frustrating because I can't understand why a government would label a substance, illegal, and then spend billions of dollars seeking out those who sale, transport, or use the substance. That only leads to the additional costs of punishing, housing and feeding these so called criminals. It seems so illogical for a country or state in such financial turmoil to spend so much money trying to stop something that they simply can not stop. I do, however, understand that all reasonable people, including myself, do not want there children exposed to drugs.I don't want my children exposed to alcohol either, but I can't watch a football game without seeing a dozen commercials glamorizing alcohol use. As, what some would call, a liberal Democrat I have always taken the same stance on drug use. Legalize it and teach responsible use (or non-use) at the family and community level. I would be very worried if one of my children were using drugs, but the fact that law has dictated that getting some pot involves interaction with a pistol packing fugitive worries me much more. As frustrated as I have been with this "War", I have been encouraged by the recent changes in marijuana laws that are taking place around the country, even here in Travis County. It seems that conservatives have been the major opponents to drug legalization. I have always contributed that to there supposed moral and religious beliefs, but it seems to contradict so many of the other things they stand for. An article in the Austin American Statesman, Drugs and Conservatives, does an amazing job of pointing out those contradictions. The article is directed toward conservatives. It attempts to explain why the war on drugs is detrimental to the success of other things they are trying to accomplish. The author makes several good points about how the war on drugs weakens our defense against terrorists and strengthens terrorist factions. One of the major sources of Taliban income is the protection of opium fields. Immigration is another issue that could be eased by legalization of drugs. Many immigrants come to America fleeing the violence created by drug prohibition in their own countries.( Most of these immigrants are coming to Texas). Gun control advocates would have less of a reason to press for gun control if drug related shootings were to go down. There are so many reasons to end foolish effort. Lets take the estimated 88 billion dollars this is costing our country and and our state annually and spend it on other foolish things like education, homelessness, or medical research. Great article! Conservatives, I beg you to read it with an open mind.