Debate

Although there are many sides to this war, two articles were founded that was were stated two very different opinions.  For example the first article that was found was called "The War On Drugs Cannot Be Won." It states many facts and opinions on why this war is failing and how it needs to change.  The second article that was found was called "The War On Drugs Can Be Won."  This article states facts and opinions too, but this one talks about how the war can be won.

Even though there are many differences there are some similarities as well that were talked about in both the articles.  For example, one of the similarities between the two were that the gave new ideas and advice on how to win the war.  One idea that was said was that, "legalizing drugs will not work." (D'Amato, 1991).  This was said after the government announced that they were going to try and legalize cocaine and heroin.  Which also brought the author to say this, "to win the war, we ultimately are going to have to focus much more attention on reducing the demand for drugs and preventing young Americans from ever trying them in the first place." (D'Amato, 1991).  Which agrees with the other article that says it needs to spend more time and money to educate the young by the program D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).

Those seem like great ideas stated by both articles, they disagreed on everything else.  Which was anywhere from one article saying that to much money was spent already and that we need to give up as soon as possible, to the other saying we need to put more programs out there to try and stop the drug abuse.  Also making it easier for addicts to get help, because even though prison does keep them off drugs it does not help them rehabilitate or prepare them for the real world such as jobs and a steady home. 

In conclusion, even though this article were really old they gave really good information that might help us today on the same war.  Both of them got there point across very well which is good and bad because it is hard to pick a side.  

"The War on Drugs Can Be Won." Alfonse D'Amato.

Current Controversies: Drug Trafficking. Ed. Karin L. Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1991. 

"The War on Drugs Cannot Be Won." Doniphan Blair.

Current Controversies: Drug Trafficking. Ed. Karin L. Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1991.