The crime in the inner cities is mostly fueled by drug trafficking and dealing. Last year in Chicago alone, more than 600 hundred youngsters were murdered over crimes related to drug sales and dealing. Or during robberies to get money for drugs
For over 50 years I've heard the mantra about the "war on drugs." But the so-called war has never come close to being won. It hasn't even been a draw.
The new administration is sending every signal that it's going to be "tough on crime." But I'm not sure if that means to lock up drug users as we do now. Or does it mean mandatory treatment?
Let's face it: there are only a couple of ways to deal with social crimes like drug use. One is to lock them up and throw away the key. The other is to provide treatment and education to help heal sick addicts.
Both of these approaches have been tried. And neither has worked in the long term..
The administration that makes any kinds of inroads into drug addiction and use will be in office forever. Because addiction is a special challenge of its own.
And the incredible profit it generates make criminals willing to risk their lives for a piece of the action.
