Smoke and Mirrors
by Dan Baum

Though many politicians and law enforcement officials refuse to admit it, the "War on Drugs" has been a miserable failure virtually since its larger inception in the late 1960's. In his book, Baum provides both a history of the beginnings of the "war" and a comprehensive outline of its subsequent failures. Baum also points out the significant losses of liberty the public has suffered as a result of the government's ongoing - and still futile - fight.

Lady Liberty's read: Lady Liberty disagrees with Mr. Baum's conclusion that drug use is primarily the result of societal failings such as "racism, exclusion, injustice, and poverty", and she has little appreciation for the social program approach to any problem. Baum's leftist bent, however, does not alter the fact that the "War on Drugs" is, indeed, a failure, and that we must do something both to develop some alternative - and more reasonable - drug policy and to restore our lost rights.

Click here to buy "Smoke and Mirrors"