In a recent forum for the candidates for the 26th Congressional District, Candidate Jess Herrera was asked if he were elected, would he work to combat the failed drug war by reducing U.S. Drug War spending abroad and decriminalizing drugs at home. By the reaction of the audience, this seemed to be a tough question.

Mr. Herrera said Mexico and Latin America need our help combating the drugs and the police at home are doing a fine job. Perhaps Mr. Herrera is not aware that the “Failed Drug War” is named so for a reason.

After billions of U.S. dollars have been spent in drug war aid to Latin America, we have only seen an increase in drug production and an increase in human rights violations by the militaries we fund, particularly Colombia, Mexico and Honduras. At home we have the largest prison spending and prison population in the world with most people in the system for non-violent drug related offenses.

I hope our congressional candidates do a bit more homework before this election.

During President Obama’s trip to Colombia for the Summit of the Americas last weekend, he received an earful from Latin American presidents about the failures of Washington’s drug war. Of all countries, we should understand supply and demand economics. President Obama should refocus our drug policies to drug prevention and rehabilitation programs. Decriminalization/regulation of drugs will put the cartels and drug dealers out of business. Investment in our communities instead of guns and jails is money better spent.

– Tanya Cole,

Ojai

Published at http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/apr/18/drug-war-spending/