Ending the War on Drugs

January 31, 2005
Eldredge, a California businessman, grandfather and self-described conservative Republican, is not your stereotypical supporter of drug legalization. The reason for his unexpected views may be found in this book's introduction, where he reveals that his father was "an alcoholic whose life was a disaster for himself and his family." This personal experience helped him see the difference between "casual" drug users (who, like casual drinkers, indulge without affecting their careers or family life) and serious addicts, who need treatment rather than prison terms. After discussing the complicated reality of drug use and the consequences of the war on drugs, Eldredge suggests legalization through a system of government-run stores, much as alcohol sales are controlled in some states. The book tries to cover a lot of bases in a relatively brief span, so the author's arguments end up being somewhat superficial. Eldredge does a good job of summarizing the many downsides to the drug war: overcrowded prisons, the disappearance of constitutional rights, government corruption, and--ironically--drugs that have become more potent than ever. Although Eldredge has done his homework and supports all his views with statistics from newspapers and medical journals, some major questions get shortchanged. Yes, as Eldredge says, the majority of drug users may pose no threat to society and most users are more pathetic than dangerous, but for those who worry about the effect of legalization on children, a two-page argument that drugs are already easy to obtain comes across as perfunctory. Those with serious doubts about legalization probably won't be convinced.