War on Drugs, "RIP"

This episode of Investigative Reports examines the losing battle countries worldwide are conducting against the drug trade. Because of the lucrative profits of the drug trade, authorities cannot end the illegal trafficking of drugs. War On Drugs, "RIP" focuses on the futile attempts of governments to halt the drug trade. It also presents the attempts by some European nations to legalize drugs, and the pros and cons of drug legalization here in the United States and abroad. War On Drugs, "RIP" would be useful for classes on Criminal Justice, Civics, Political Science, and Law. It is appropriate for high school and college.

• acute
• belied
• ideological
• incarcerate
• interdiction
• lucrative
• mandatory
• manifesto
• nomadic
• redress
• referendum
• rhetoric

1. There is frequent discussion about the possibility of legalizing drugs. Do you think there are any drugs that should be legalized? Should all drugs be legalized? What about alcohol and tobacco? They are drugs, but they are legal. What makes alcohol and tobacco different from illegal drugs?

2. The "RIP" in the title suggests that the war on drugs is dead and has been a complete failure. Do you think the war has been a failure? If so, why? If not, why not?

3. Looking at the addicts in War On Drugs, "RIP,"why would anyone choose to use drugs? Why do people use and deal drugs?

4. The profits in the drug trade are enormous, one of the reasons for the failure of the war on drugs. Why is drug dealing so lucrative?

5. What is meant by "casual" drug use? Why is "casual" drug use so dangerous?

6. The drug business flourishes in all areas, but most efficiently in poor neighborhoods. How does poverty influence the drug business? Can a solution to poverty hold the key to the solution of the drug trade?

7. How would you reduce drug use and drug dealing?

8. Drug addiction ruins families, careers and lives. But what is the core of the problem?

9. Is drug addiction a medical or social problem?

10. Does the method of drug treatment depend on the definition of the problem?

1. Create a poster or advertisement discouraging drug use. How would you convey the dangers of drug use? To whom would you target your poster or advertisement?

2. Divide the class into two sections and debate the pros and cons of the legalization of drugs.