Drug War Anniversary a Time for Reflection and Action

By Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance

Some anniversaries provide an occasion for celebration, others a time for reflection, still others a time for action. This June will mark forty years since President Nixon declared a “war on drugs,” identifying drug abuse as “public enemy No. 1.” As far as I know, no celebrations are planned. What’s needed, indeed essential, are reflection — and action.