War On Drugs In The 1960s

The 1960s were marked by a plethora of social and political changes, with the counterculture movement being one of the most widely historicized and familiar aspects out of this period. While this movement did contribute to positive changes in some ways, a rise in drug usage amongst young people occurred. Due to the inherent dangers drugs impose on the individual, concerns were raised throughout the country. In response, President Richard Nixon moved to enact legislation hoping to curb drug usage. This initial “war on drugs” was controversial and characterized by very little success. With Ronald Reagan’s re-election in ____ public opinion on this “war” would soon change. During his second term, new policies along with Nancy Reagan’s, “Just Say No” campaign in 1986, as seen in below (cite), took the nation by storm and the “war on drugs” had new life in it. The leaders and citizens of our nation thought
Ultimately the new “war on drugs” had a negative impact on American life during the mid 1980s-early 2000s due to the economic costs, the strain put on our justice system, and the civil liberty violations that occurred. As with any other war or bureaucratic endeavor, money must be heavily drawn upon and invested. When discussing the overall cost of this “war” through this time, congressman Lee Hamilton stated that, “Federal and local governments spend over $3 billion each year to fight drugs.” (cite) In his quote it becomes apparent that the United States had become highly invested and arguably obsessed in a seemingly impossible “war.” As time progressed other monetary investments would be needed in other areas as well. Not every drug used by American citizens is made in America, so the government had to also look abroad in order to fight this “war.” It was reported Eric Schmitt of the New York Times in 2000 that, “The Senate endorsed an aid package of nearly $1 billion dollars tonight to help Columbia equip