Americas War on Drugs Essay -- Illicit Drugs

Throughout history, Americans have fought many enemies that threaten the safety of our great Nation and provided aid and resources to our partnering countries in their time of despair. However, the consequences were substantial, countless brave men and women lost their lives defending the freedom of Americans. Today American’s fight a different kind of war; it is a war without a clear enemy or end in sight. Today, America fights a War on Drugs. In the early 1970s, the War on Drugs was still relatively new and drug smuggling continued, going virtually unimpeded through the U.S. northern border (Stout 34). For over 40 years, the War on Drugs (implemented by former President Richard Nixon) had cost the United States an estimated one trillion dollars, for what is believed to be nothing more than an â€Å"objective to stomp out growing social discontent in the country† (Stout 38). However, by this time, the drug demand had increased significantly throughout the United States and many drug smugglers were beginning to create smaller organizations throughout Mexico, breaking all ties with the larger organizations. Furthermore, cash flow from drug sales wasn’t enough and other methods for obtaining quick money were used to subsidize their income, such as; kidding napping for large ransoms, prostitution and auto theft. With criminal activity escalading, President Nixon then created the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1973 to declare an, â€Å"all-out global war on the drug menace† (Martin 226). Although, drug production and smuggling was an essential way of life for many Hispanics throughout Mexico, the United States continued to provide financial and military aid throughout decades of uncertainty. Additionally, these actions resulted ... ...s." Latin Trade (English) 17.2 (2009): 22. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. Campos, Isaac. "In Search Of Real Reform: Lessons From Mexico's Long History Of Drug Prohibition." NACLA Report On The Americas 44.3 (2011): 14-18. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. Kellner, Tomas, and Francesco Pipitone. "Inside Mexico's Drug War." World Policy Journal 27.1 (2010): 29-37. Academic Search Premier. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. Martin, William. "Texas High Ways." Texas Monthly 37.10 (2009): 148. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. Martin, William. "Texas High Ways." Texas Monthly 37.10 (2009): 148. MAS Ultra School Edition. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. Stout, Robert Joe. "Do The United States And Mexico Really Want The Drug War To Succeed?." Monthly Review: An Independent Socialist Magazine 63.8 (2012): 34. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 18 Apr. 2012.