The enemy is us

The airways today are filled with dire news of the Mexican drug cartels who are shipping tons of narcotics into the US and committing murders to expedite the process. At least 6,500 lives have been snuffed out on both sides of the border in recent months to keep cocaine and other harmful drugs flowing northward. The drug lords have expanded their operations in the US with headquarters in most major cities and even recruited American youths tp commit murders in their behalf. The Mexican government cannot control this rapidly growing industry and they are rightfully pointing out that it is OUR fault, because without buyers , the illegal substance would not be sold. We are a nation of affluent, pampered citizens who seem to believe that pleasure is necessary to our wellbeing. The flow of drugs into the US is mirrored by a flood of money and weapons from this  country back into Mexico. And so the war on drugs continues to expand on both sides of the border.

The cost is so high that it cannot be measured in terms of money and lives. Drug addiction sickens the comunities because it reaches every level of society and destroys families who already are struggling to stay afloat in a declining economy. The thirst for drugs is so high that many Americans are committing crimes to pay for a high.

While our Congress scratches it head for a solution to the problem, the answer lies within our grasp if only we had the gumption to pass legislation that would put the consumer behind bars long enough for send a message that their conduct will not be tolerated. The message that Nancy Reagan had was to "just say no" to drugs. That obviously has not been a very good approach because the drug problem is growing almost past control. A few years in a military compound might be a good start.

I would like to see our president bring our boys back from Iraq and the many other bases in Europe and Asia and install a military presence along the Mexican border. The bases also could be used to detain our own citizens who feel compelled to use drugs.A drying out period in the hot desert near the border would be most uncomfortable to our pampered citizens and hopefully restore some semblence of sanity to our population.

The situation is of our making and it is time that we take responsibility. We  cannot blame the Mexicans for making a fast buck because of our weakness. The enemy is us.