Summary Of David Bouz The War On Drugs

In his essay on the war on drugs, writer David Boaz calls attention to the restrictive effect that the prohibition of drugs, like marijuana and cocaine, is having on the liberties of the American citizen. In support of his claim he cites the “zero tolerance” program that allows law enforcement agents to seize personal vehicles on allegations of illegal drugs, this completely disregards the idea of being innocent until proven guilty guaranteed by the bill of rights. The writer also mentions the idea that a war on drugs is really a war on people, those who buy and sell drugs, therefore, prohibition does not restrict drug use, rather, it restricts the liberty of those persons involved with drug use.
Boaz speaks out against drug prohibition and its effects on American liberties, namely, the right to live one’s life as one sees fit without violating the equal right of others. He claims that it is the right of the American citizen, as granted by the constitution, to put whatever substance they want into their own bodies. Consequently, the government prohibiting such substances restricts the liberties not only inherent
He quotes politicos such as Warren Bennet, the so-called Drug Czar of the 1980’s, who himself had an addiction to tobacco, stating his addiction never led him to commit any “drive by shootings”, and Nancy Reagan, who said casual drug users are basically accomplices to murders committed by drug lords. Boaz reasons that it is not drug users who are responsible for the violence, rather, the laws that prohibit these people from obtaining their desired substance legally or affordably. The author says it’s basic supply and demand, laws reduce supply forcing prices up, consequently, addicts must commit crimes to pay for their habit and dealers must settle disputes with illegal