by Marie Devine

Created on: May 22, 2008

America leads the world and whatever America does to reduce the production of illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin, other nations will follow. It does not matter where the drugs are sold; it affects us all with the degradation of society. It takes money out of the pockets of people and keeps them from buying necessities like food and clothing, or paying rents, mortgages, car payments, health care payments, insurances and credit card bills. It is a far reaching devastation that takes control of people, separating families and creating crime as the need to get money to buy more drugs takes over.

America cannot posture itself against illicit drugs and its effect on society without looking at its own ways. The production and sale of alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets is supported by the government as a way of receiving tax revenues. They all produce similar affects on families and the community.

The Taliban prohibited the production of poppies for drugs; the penalty was death. It was not the Taliban alone that curbed the production, but the remembrance of the word of God to their prophet and the fear of a horrible life here and in the afterlife. When the United States went in and disabled the Taliban, not only was the restraint taken away, but now the funds that will be acquired in sales of cocaine and heroin are used to fund those who fight American, British and Nato forces in Afghanistan and other Islamic nations. Instead of a restraining influence, now they call it a requirement of their religion to produce funds for the holy war.

Drugs, like all productions are made because there is a market. The key role that the United States could play in reducing the production of illicit drugs is to use the Federal Communication Commission to prohibit references and use of drugs in the media. The agency is there to protect society. The same should be done regarding various violence and immoralities. When America lifts up decency principles for its citizens, the degrading of culture will stop. The 1960s brought in the drug culture by a few; and a few can bring in a period of morality, helpfulness to neighbors, and generosity. These things will bring remembrance of a better life here, now, and in the future.

The drugs from any nation including Bolivia, Afghanistan, or Columbia are sold in the democratic consumerism model of buy low and sell higher. Many users must sell to pay for their own addiction; that perpetuates the system. The stress that promotes drug use can be

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