Arthur Benaive (2008) like many concerned modern scientists in the American society consistently criticizes attempts by law markers in covering up the real deal of the drug trade claiming to have begun a “war on drugs.’ The author defines this situation “holy war’ comparing it to ones fought in Islamic nations for the purposes of religious freedom or acknowledgement of God. On the other hand, institutions set up to fight ‘war on drugs’ are actually means to building the business since there are benefits to be gained from sustaining it in the name of God classifying it ‘holy.’ From further comments Benaive (2008) suggests that ‘God’ has turned out to be money obtained from drug trade which is building the economies of many countries. This makes the war ‘Holy.’ In fact it is no war really, but rather ‘rumors of war’ (Benaive,2008) As such, in the following pages of this document the writer will offer a book review of this excellent exposition from the pen of an economists regarding the, ‘holy war’ as it pertains to drug trade in twenty first century America.
Introduction
In the author’s opinion Arthur Benaive’s (2008) book ‘Drugs: America’s Holy War’ is an beautiful piece of writing gained from what appears to be many studies about the situation of drugs in America. This information comes to the reading audience from the pen of a credible economist who sees the drug trade in America from an unpopular yet meaningful point of view.
Precise interpretations relate to the cost of an attack on drugs familiarly known as the ‘drug war.’ There is a clear account on how American tax payers’ money rushes towards financing wars; wars in Iraq and Iran; targeted individuals as well as another phantom menace “drugs.”
Benaive (2008) proves that there is no peace gained by war. Every civilized human being by now knows the terrible effects of war globally.
The alternative from Benaive’s theoretical paradigm is to bring an end to the insanity of doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.In the same way legalizing alcohol proved beneficial to society legalizing ‘drugs’ could be the answer to America’s economic woes of the twenty and twenty-first centuries.
Importantly, Benaive is convinced from prepositions proven through scientific research that ‘drug war’ operations in today’s America merely supports segregation; social ills and marginalize sections of the population to keep them incarcerated. Within this contextual framework the author of this book review would embrace an exposition regarding Drug and crime in society: Treatment versus Incarceration reviewing Benaive‘s (2008) concerns on the issue as espoused in his book Drugs: America’s Holy War’
Organization
This book is organized for the average reader to take an alternative view of what has been fed to the public through media technology as a menace to society. Chapters move comprehensively from one point of view to the next. They include introductory statements on Benaive’s (2008) personal conclusions from his intense study on the subject providing evidence to prove that the real deal is a fallacious phenomenon and importantly the perpetual comedy between law enforcement and the war itself.
This 173 page novel styled text contains subject headings beginning with an introduction to issues facing the nation as it pertains to the actual ‘war on drugs.’ Then Benaive (2008) gives an overview of the situation; followed by a precise account of the birth of drug trade and damage from the war.
Without announcing that he would be taking the reader into another dimension of the discussion, Benaive (2008) subtly glides into a completely different introduction distinct from the first one developing his concerns about the issue to a more scientific approach in presenting data retrieved from various researches through case study analysis and surveys.
Subsequently, topics such as crime; public health, civil liberties, social cohesion; your tax dollars at work; the federal government case for the drug war; the perception of drug Czars; Czars defend the drug war; the white house versus the scientists on the dangers of Marijuana; the Czars versus the scientists on Cocaine and heroine; beyond the drug war; harm reduction instead of war; legalizing marijuana and reforming the laws on hard drugs (Benaive 2008).
Benaive (2008) concluded his book by testing the reader’s intelligence of assimilation and accommodation by including a question and answer section. An important observation regarding the literary structure of this book is the technique of adding quotes allowing the reader to reflect and compare the points he puts forward with that which already exits as reality in the drug trade business.
In similar organizational fashion the author of this exposition wishes to adopt a pattern in interpreting the modes put forward by Benaive (2008) in joining the discussion regarding economic benefits of doing away with war and encourage rehabilitation or reeducating people about living outside of a drug infested community, mentally.
Context
Putting together such a wide discussion in just 173 pages shows the intensity of information given. Distinct conceptual framework patterns were given before every conclusion and it was confirmed by supporting evidence. It is this writer’s desire is to sort out details for alternative views given as it relates to treatment versus incarcerations. Speculations are that amidst this tension concerning a ‘drug war’ America leads the world in the number of people being incarcerated and retuning to prison after their release.
It is no secret that ‘war on drugs’ has dumped African American men into prisons, above any other ethnic groups in society. Nsenga Burton (2011) writing in March 2011 issue of The Root captioned, ‘More Black Men in Prison Today Than Were Enslaved in 1850’ (Burton, 2011).
Benaive (2008) captures this dilemma when discussing civil liberties, social cohesion; the white house versus the scientists on the dangers of Marijuana; harm reduction instead of war; legalizing marijuana and reforming the laws on hard drugs. These pertinent collaborative aspirations expressed, definitely seek a better way of dealing with a monster society has created for the usefulness of governments and law enforcement authorities.
With reference to civil liberties this author would like to put forward theoretical assumptions regarding the nature of our twenty first century prison population in America, to highlight dangers of the ‘drug war’ told by law enforcement against certain groups in society. Recent reports suggest that in modern America more black men are enslaved now than they were in 1850. Precisely, as of 2008, 840,000 black men imprisoned form 40.2% of the total amount of inmates (Burton, 2011).
Michelle Alexander (2010), a popular American Social activist and historian examining the civil liberties given to black men in the society caught up in ‘war on drugs’ phenomenon wrote about , ‘The New Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of Colorblindness.’ Alexander (2010) emphasizes that prisons are modern invention techniques derived to keep certain segments of the society in segregation all the time (Alexander 2010).
It is clear that when an assessment of the context in which ‘Drug: America’s Holy war’ is written, Benaive (2008) is also concerned with the cost of incarceration versus treatment, especially in sentencing drug offenders; keeping them imprisoned for years on tax payers dollars. He confirmed that we are spending some $50 billion per year on ‘War on drugs.’ This includes money towards incarcerations, police and courts.
The author of this book review joins forces with, Benaive (2008) in pushing for treatment instead of incarceration of any ethnic group within the society caught using drugs since it has severely affected our society, especially, men who are expected to be role models of future generations
This whole idea of ‘war on drug’ is evidently a strategy created to keep a business nourished in the guise of eradicating it. Meanwhile, homes are torn apart; innocent lives are lost through shootings, valuable human resources are taken off, what is called the streets to be incarcerated since they are considered a menace to society. Why can‘t other measures be devisedfor civil liberties to be maintained?
Evidence
Benaive (2008), exposing deceit embodied in ‘war on drugs’ at the expense of tax payers’ money along with the dignity of those caught in the rat trap, pointed towards law enforcement focus on ‘assets’ picked up from the crime rather than the crime itself (Benaive, 2008).
Further, it was proven from data collected by this author of ‘Drugs: America holy War” that once the assets derived from a drug raid was enticing many of the victims were set free to bring in more bounty for the trade. As such, the ‘war on drugs’ is nourished by assets said to be confiscated (Benaive, 2008).
Importantly, what is the war about? Does it concern assets; drugs or both? If there is more to war on drugs being fed to the public then, there is no need to stop drug infestation in our communities. Evidently, it creates more recruitment for law enforcement than ever and provides them with lucrative salaries from taxpayers’ pockets.
This seems to explain why present approaches towards the drug war is to perpetuate rather than to seriously curb the need for imprisonment, combat between law enforcement and criminals among other dysfunctions created in society from this fallacy. Nancy Rector ( 2011) an activist supportive of Benaive’s (2008), theoretical perspectives, regarding drug war in America; relates the story of California millionaire who was gunned to death without investigation for allegedly cultivating marijuana.
The aim as clearly outlined by the author of, ‘A Painful Truth: The entrapment of America’s sick”was to confiscate assets (Rector, 2011). Benaive (2008) alludes to such evidence in his attempt to explain the magnitude of the effects this phenomenon on society beside merely its severe economic impacts.
Analysis
In the presence of foregoing evidence, the analysis is simple. Drug cartels do exist within the society. They are organized criminal groups. Importantly, research has revealed that these cartels are managed by law enforcement officers who have left the profession for more lucrative endeavors as drug trade dealers (Salinger, 2005).
How then could there be ‘war on drugs’ when law enforcement is fighting against itself. These ‘Drug Lords’ are equipped with skills beyond what is known by officers who are in active duty. It then makes much sense according to Benaive (2008) that marijuana be legalized because it is a no contest war. When legalized the war is over.
What is the extent of damage caused by its use? Medical scientists show where marijuana is a very useful medicine in the same way as alcohol when taken in medicinal quantities. Why make it illegal? This gives drug lords power to fight back social because money is at stake. Hence, corruption in very high places. The answer in full support of Benaive’s (2008) theory is to legalize not only marijuana, but all drugs deemed illegal and end the war on drugs in America and around the world.
Conclusions
The theme of this book review from the author’s point of view was to show that that treatment rather than incarceration is preferred way of stopping drug in America. This was highly supported by the book review.
It was argued that actually; there is no war since there is nothing to fight over if illegal drugs be legalized. However, the fallacy lies in lost revenue from the operations. Assets picked up from the business moves between law enforcement and drug lords would no longer be a motive for raids and shoot outs.
References
Alexander Michelle (2010) The New Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of
ColorBlindness. New York: New Press
Benaive Arthur (2008). Drugs: America’s Holy War. New York: Haworth Pr Inc.
Burton Nsenga (2011) More Black Men in Prison Today Than Enslaved in 1850. The root.
Rector Nancy (2011). The Painful Truth. New York: Self Published.
Salinger, Lawrence (2005) Encyclopedia of white-collar & corporate crime: A - I, Volume 1
New York. SAGE
