Terrorism in the form of violence is an obvious, media-prevalent problem in America, but what about terrorism in the form of illegal drugs? Jails and prisons are increasingly overcrowded and under staffed, and the majority of inmates are there for drug-related crimes.

            Consider the problems of drug addiction: theft, homelessness, helplessness, desperation, millions on probation or pending parole/probation, prison violence and gangs. Where is the outcry over this problem that affects everyone in America? The effect is not just on the border; drug use is widespread. Broken families are a direct result of this terrorism. Families are destroyed when a child, father, or mother is addicted to drugs. Who supports families when the addicted adult is unable to? Everyone ultimately does time, and release from confinement does not end the problem. Many end up homeless, and taxpayers must help in some way. The medical problems created by drug use--Hepatitis B and C , HIV, tuberculosis--are all in some way going to cost the taxpayers. The problem isn’t only because of the dirty, shared needles, but the prison/jail system, which in many places can be a breeding ground for disease. Only basic care is given in the system. No expensive medical care is given in the hopes of curtailing diseases for the time when prisoners are released. In other words, release from confinement does not end any of the problems, and in fact may perpetuate many.

            If our borders were secure, would we still have a drug problem? Maybe, probably. But perhaps on a scale that law enforcement could deal with. Drugs have changed this country in a profound way, and if the problem were solved today it would take at least a generation to begin to reverse the consequences. This year will mark the twenty-third anniversary of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act (1988). 1998 saw the Reauthorization Act of The National Drug Control Policy. What has happened? Many of the ‘big guys’ are still in business. Finding drugs is easy. Why? Doesn’t this imply that the supply is unending?

            Please, guard our borders. Stop drugs, treat addiction, commute sentences for convicts completing drug-treatment programs and job training. It will be less costly than the current status quo. Take care of this country from the inside.