a Brief History of the Current Illicit Drug Debate

presented by CBS Southwest News, CH.13
December 14, 1999

Beginning in the summer 1999, Governor Gary Johnson began calling for a national debate regarding the current policies related to the War on Drugs. Johnson continues his claim that the anti-drug effort is an "absolute, miserable failure." Darren White, the governor's former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety stated that the policies "were designed to fail." White added that this nation never intended to prosecute or "lock up" the millions of people who violate drug laws.

Summer 1999, Governor Johnson challenges officials and elected leaders to open the discussion on drug policies. He claims the War on Drugs is a miserable and absolute failure. He refers to his action as a "Just Say Know" campaign.

[images: CBS TV]

The nation spends approximately $50 billion per year to fight the War on Drugs. Johnson claims we are not reducing supplies nor are we reducing the number of users. Yet we spend significantly more on current efforts and put more citizens behind bars.

A former drug user (at left) disagrees with Johnson. He says that in the long run, people cannot be responsible with drugs. A citizen (at right) supports Johnson's efforts. He believes we need to discuss this issue.

Former General, Barry McCaffrey, the nation's drug czar, openly opposes Governor Johnson's efforts. He refers to the New Mexico governor as "Puff Daddy Johnson." Most law enforcement personnel support McCaffrey's position (shown at right).

Delta 9 members (at left), a pro marijuana legalization organization, support the governor's actions. Respectable citizens (shown at right) as well as a young girl (in yellow) applaud the Delta 9 movement.

Three members of the governor's Drug Enforcement Council (at left) resign due to Johnson position. Darren White (shown at right), former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, also resigns in late October.