Thesis Statement
Insufficient attention to the causes of the growth of drug use, as well as ignoring experience, calls into question the effectiveness of drug policies and makes their legalization dangerous to society.
Drug Policies
First Issue
The problem of differences of opinion regarding drug policies between national laws and policies of the states is standard, making it challenging to control drugs effectively. William Bennet describes this issue in his essay Against the Legalization of Drugs. Bennet states, “the field of national drug policy is wide open for serious research… the proper role of the federal versus state and local jurisdictions” (1).
I chose this quote to highlight the vertical axis of power. It will help me define this issue as a key one. This topic was chosen as the first issue because such contradictions constitute a significant obstacle to the creation of competent and effective drug policies. The lack of coordination between the various governmental structures significantly reduces the ability of laws to monitor drug trafficking qualitatively.
Second Issue
Drug policies do not consider the initial problems expressed in social injustices, which are often ineffective. It is important to emphasize that many drug policies focus on the fight against drugs as a consequence, but ignore the reasons that led people to use them. In his essay, Bennet identifies initial factors such as poverty, racism, poor education, and other intractable social problems (Bennet 2). Such neglect leads to an increase in the incidence of drug use, even if these policies are effective against drugs themselves. It is crucial to address the causes so that the consequences do not have to be addressed.
Legalization
First Issue
Miscalculation regarding the advantages and disadvantages of drug legalization refers to insufficient information about the features of the drug business. It is noteworthy that the drug stereotype as the basis for business is widespread and especially popular among teenagers who want to get rich. However, in reality, the drug business is not the path to wealth and well-being (Bennet 2). Bennet explains, “many dealers, in the long run, wind up smoking more crack than they sell” (2).
I chose this quote to describe the nature of the drug trade. It will help me to emphasize the features of drug trafficking in the context of legalization. However, this assessment is often ignored when discussing various laws and opinions regarding the legalization of drugs. It is crucial to understand how such legalization would affect the lives and intentions of poor adolescents and other low-income people. When deciding to legalize drugs, such people will receive a signal that making money from this business is acceptable.
Second Issue
In decision-making and discussions on the legalization of drugs, concrete examples are often ignored, based on which the benefits or harms of legalization can be determined. In his essay, Against the Legalization of Drugs, author James Wilson cited the demand for drugs from different categories of people as an example due to specific changes. The rise in drug prices forced Vietnam veterans to change their attitude toward them. Wilson states, “most veterans were unwilling to pay this price, and their drug use declined or disappeared” (2).
I chose this quote to consider an example from history. It will help answer the question with a specific example. It is, therefore, essential to define this effect as the opposite of legalization. With new barriers to finding and acquiring drugs, people have significantly reduced their use, even when they are dependent. It points to the fact that if State structures considered such experiences, discussions would be held not on the possibility of legalizing drugs but, on the contrary, introducing additional measures to limit them.
Works Cited
Bennet, William. Drug Policy and the Intellectuals. 1989.
Wilson, James. Against the Legalization of Drugs.