Why Can't the US Recognize the War on Drugs as a Failed Policy and Adopt a Portugal-Style Approach?

The War on Drugs, widely regarded as the longest war in U.S. history, has been a contentious issue rooted in deeply ingrained racial biases. Despite its proclaimed objectives, the policy has had far-reaching consequences, particularly impacting People of Color who are disproportionately arrested, tried, and sentenced for drug offenses. This article delves into the ramifications and examines why the U.S. may not be willing to adopt a more humane approach akin to that of Portugal.

The Racist Roots of the War on Drugs

The foundational premise of the War on Drugs, initiated under President Richard Nixon, was that drug use was predominantly a problem among People of Color. However, a closer look at the statistics reveals that this narrative is not only inaccurate but perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The war has been and continues to be a system that disproportionately persecutes People of Color, leading to stricter sentencing and greater incarceration rates compared to other demographics.

A Business Motive

The real motive behind the sustained enforcement of the War on Drugs goes beyond the stated goals of reducing drug use. It has become a multi-billion dollar industry that includes prisons, police departments, and a range of smaller businesses from drug testing to border control. Industries such as prisons, military hardware providers, and private prison operators have significant vested interests in maintaining the status quo. These entities have lobbyists in Washington, pushing to ensure that their business interests are not undermined by any reform efforts.

The Government's Perspective

From the government's standpoint, the continued prosecution of the War on Drugs is not about eliminating or even reducing drug use. Instead, it serves as a vehicle to bolster military spending, fund police departments with cutting-edge technology, and generate the economic growth needed to sustain a large prison infrastructure. Policymakers often view the elimination of the War on Drugs as a failure that would compromise the very structures they have built to maintain control over the population, particularly those they consider undesirable, such as poor people and People of Color.

The Success of a Different Approach

In stark contrast, Portugal took a different approach by decriminalizing drug use in 2001. By shifting from a punitive to a public health focus, Portugal has managed to reduce drug-related harm, improve public health outcomes, and reduce the financial burden on the criminal justice system. This policy shift has demonstrated that a more compassionate and evidence-based approach can achieve better results without compromising public safety or legal standards.

Conclusion

The U.S. remains entrenched in the War on Drugs, not due to its effectiveness in reducing drug use but rather due to its economic and political interests. The high costs of maintaining current policies, combined with the entrenched industries that benefit from the status quo, make it challenging to break away from this model. However, the success of Portugal’s approach and the ongoing outcry from various advocacy groups present a compelling argument for reevaluating the current approach. It is time for the U.S. to recognize the failure of the War on Drugs and adopt a more humane and effective policy inspired by Portugal’s successful model.