- Published: November 13, 2021
- Updated: November 13, 2021
- University / College: McGill University
- Language: English
- Downloads: 12
Although this topic is extensive and has many faces, it is somewhat controversial. It affects people in so many ways. Crimes committed against innocent children because of parents that get involved and addicted. Reports on how corrupted organizations hold fundraisers to stop drugs are as a front and later seem to be the biggest drug traffickers using any means necessary to carry their drugs throughout the world. Throughout the years, there have been newscasts of numerous members of various societies that have been associated with these organizations. Politicians and celebrities have being involved in various forms with this trade; however, because of their social status authorities find it hard to prove, making it controversial (Auriana Ojeda, 2002). However, the topic I have chosen is drug trafficking in America. In addition to the communities it touches, there has been much report on how accessibility and inexpensiveness of the drug business has made this a wealthy industry for those who run it. Reports show that it brings about thousands of yearly deaths in America only. Moreover, millions of valuable funds that are taken away in anti-drug programs use to combat this industry especially in lower economic communities, and this leading to other major crimes. The effects that show up as a low result on the families in neighborhoods, and thousands of children as young as nine that suffer the biggest concern that they are the most susceptible. There have been many reports that prove the drug trade continuing to thrive in many neighborhoods, even with the high percentage usage of tax money that are being used to fund them. Different anti-drug, gang programs, are in fact simultaneously snatching away funds from neighborhoods, and decreasing positive community building initiatives (Auriana Ojeda, 2002). Many may argue; that while there are many programs that truly are working, there are many more that are in fact increasing the drug problem in these communities. It is important to show this current topic since it explores many of the social, political, and economical controversies dominating the national and international scenes today. On how the drug business has flourished, and taken away millions from family oriented communities, making children see a disappointing future. (Crime Control Digest, 1998) How it affects not only the drug consumer but also the drug trafficker, and the years in jail do not compensate for the family’s loss because of them. Such is the sentiment of much of society concerning the war on drugs and drug trafficking in the United States. Many urge that the war on drugs cost America far too much in tax dollars, law enforcement effort, and people’s lives, and that, despite an overwhelming effort, little progress have been made. In addition, together with the Inter-American drug abuse control commission, estimated that, this decade alone, marked that drug use has cost our society more than double in fatalities, and tripled the funds available to prevent it. (Inter-American drug abuse control commission, organization of American states, 1997) According to the publication Drug Trafficking by Auriana Ojeda, a report from Washington Post mentions what happens in some of the American neighborhoods. It states, “ Young children and teenagers serving as lookouts for drug hustlers, tipping them off by phones or beepers when the police are spotted; drug dealers buying loyalty and protection by bribing kids with trinkets and slipping cash to their mothers. ” It clearly shows how drug dealers are corrupting our children by teaching them that instead of the drug dealers, children should watch out for police. Moreover, it teaches our kids that if they break the law they can get a monetary reward for it. (Auriana Ojeda, 2002) When President George W. Bush revealed his drug war plan, which would pull a $2. 7 billion from the federal coffers to end the illegal narcotics trade, his speech was all about the children in consequences the illegal drug use have been devastating to the United States. (Adam J Smith and Karynn M. Fish, 2000) Author and speaker Barry Mccaffrey spoke the to the twenty-first regular session of the Iner-American drug abuse control commission, in Washington, DC, April 9, of 1997, mentions that, “ We estimate that in this decade alone, drug use has cost our society more than 100. 000 dead and some $300 billion”. In addition, it mention that each year, more than 500, 000 Americans go to hospital emergency room because of drug-induced problems it is estimated that large percentage of those are children under twelve. Czar Barry McCaffrey together with the American drug abuse control commission, state, “ In the year 2000 the federal government spent more than $18 billion in drug programs to protect the lives of 68 million Americans, two thirds of that would be spent on the children. ” It also keeps on mentioning how, legalization of marijuana is a law that has the biggest concern over millions of America because although it is said to be used for medical reasons, statistics show that the number of underage addiction has increased since it came out because of unenforceable age restriction. (Barry McCafferey, 1997) In 1999, the University of Michigan “ Monitoring the future” program surveyed different age children; that despite the effort at enforcement, that nearly 80% of 8-10graders and 90% of 12 graders rated marijuana as easy to obtain. Moreover, that those numbers have been increasing slightly since 1991 through the twentieth century although, the corner stores that sell alcohol might lose their license when selling liquor to a minor a legal, marijuana venders are not monitored so closely, Some dispute that drug regulation is only way to fix our situation. In 1983, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program was marked as a drug regulation program, which began as a joint effort between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Police Department, Since then it has become the Nation’s most prevalent school based, drug use prevention program. (Crime Control Digest, 1998). The DARE program now operating in other countries; is the most comprehensive and the most prevalent. It is also the most controversial. A special characteristic is its method of delivery; on duty, uniformed police officers in the classroom deliver it. It is controversial for the reasons that, accusations have been made, that its directors are more concerned with its size, extent of use and revenue rather than quality, and that its message is one sided, given over to propaganda rather than education. That despite many arguments against American wars on drug; the prevailing sentiment strongly advocates a no-tolerance drug policy (Crime Control Digest, 1998) Dennis P. Rosenboum.’ Professor of Criminal Justice, and Director of the Center for Research, in Law and Justice at the University of Illinois, In Chicago. In his article “ Just Say No to Dare, ” in 2007 reported that since the program opening, politician and community’s directors, despite the overwhelming effectiveness received 200 million annually in public funding. In 1995 a journalist and project evaluator; D Kochis an author from national status of soon to be released inmates; Report to Congress, Volume, 1. Commission and Correctional Heal, Summaries; “ Although some studies reveal that DARE has the positive effects of promoting positive police- juvenile relations and imparting accurate information about drugs and drug use, but it does not appear to deter drug use. DARE rests on social learning theory and emphasizes recognition and response skills as a means of prevention. However, it is not clear whether the cognitive skills or attitudes emphasized in the programs ultimately translate into social behaviors such as resistance to peer pressure and drug use. Some researchers believe that adolescent drug use is not linked to rational thought, because adolescents often engage in unplanned behavior. In addition, no theoretical or empirical data support the self-esteem exercise used in DARE. ” Although in 1994, Newsweek reported that drug now suffuses 80 percent of the caseloads sexual and physical assault that once taxed the imagination is now common. “ It is also estimated that 100. 000 babies a year are born addicted to cocaine (crack babies) it raises the question does it really just hurt the person using them? (Newsweek, 1994). reports that the criticisms that are tied up with anti-police propaganda so that what appears to be a criticism of DARE is derived from a bothersome feeling about the police and their involvement in the education of young children (Crime Control Digest, 1998). In conclusion we must believe the proper enforcement and directors who have well in mind are the best way for these programs to succeed and communities who get involved more by implementing drug awareness programs and reporting crime as it happens really could change the future of our children . The report is about drug trafficking in America, but as we see, it could also be known as the war on drugs, tragically with any war there must be casualties, and generally, it falls harder when it is the life innocent children.