When Richard Nixon coined the phrase “The War on Drugs” – and launched an all-out frontal attack on drug dealers and their suppliers – America was gung-ho about a drug-free Nation.
But, in recent years – after the startling statistics filtered in – it became evident that the so-called battle has been “lost” in so many respects.
For example, the crusade has cost more than 1 trillion dollars and resulted in 45 million arrests.
The disturbing part?
The U.S. accounts for 25% of the prison population around the globe.
And, between 1973–2009 the incarcerated grew by 705 percent.
Today, 1-100 adults are behind bars in this country.
In spite of the crack-down by Law Enforcement, a survey in 2012 determined that 8% of Americans over the age of 12 years old had used illicit drugs during the prior month.
Marijuana accounted for half of the busts – either due to a sale – or simple possession.
These are just a few of the staggering facts presented in the thought-provoking documentary “The House I Live In”.
According to the filmmakers (Danny Glover and Johnny Legend were Executive Producers on this edgy project) the war on drugs – less visible than the conflict overseas raging for years – has cost countless lives, destroyed families, and inflicted untold damage on future generations.
Director Eugene Jarecki (REAGAN / FREAKONOMICS) filmed in 20 states – and in the process – captured heart-wrenching tales from all levels of society (from the dealer, to narcotics officer, grieving mother, hands-on Senators, Lawmakers, inmates, and Federal Judges).
Not one angle was passed-over in this exhaustive expose – one that ultimately – puts a searing spotlight on the underbelly of society.
In the final analysis?
The legal system is flawed, there is no justice, and the war on drugs is not winnable.
“Build a bed. Fill a bed” was one of the phrases coined to describe the prison communities that tend to perpetuate deep-rooted incentives to ignore the gargantuan problem.
Arrest, prosecute, give ‘em the max, throw away the key.
For good reason, Janecki cries out for lighter sentences for non-violent drug-related crimes – and – well-thought-out programs to rehabilitate the inmates so that there is hope for a fresh start in life for those who are truly repentant and deserving.
One expert in the field goes so far as to allege that there is a conspiracy underfoot to “do away” with a segment of society it deems useless and nonproductive.
“It’s not about drugs at all,” he states matter-of-fact without blinking-an-eye.
For example, he notes that opium used to be legal around the turn-of-the-century in this country.
He asserts that it was due to the growing threat of Asian immigrants taking away jobs from Americans that resulted in the criminalization of the addictive drug.
“You can't arrest a person for being Asian, but you can arrest them for partaking in the illegal use of leisure-time drugs.”
The same fate befell the “blacks” when they were freed from slavery, according to the filmmakers.
In fact, the documentarians allege in no uncertain terms that there has been a deliberate effort to purge America of its undesirables by means of identification, selection, confiscation, denial of rights – and eventual – eradication.
Pretty cloak-and-dagger stuff, eh?
Yes, "The House I Live In" is pretty over-the-top at times.
So much so, that some of the theories and far-fetched arguments stretch one’s credulity to the limit.
Consequently, the doc smacks of propaganda.
On occasion, the producers rely on silly stereotypes, too.
For instance, when the narrator focuses on the “Meth” addiction problem in the gay community, a shot of a shirtless “buffed” gay guy sniffing white power on the dance floor splashes across the screen.
The audiences giggles!
At times the doc has all the drama – and hysteria - of an old “reefer madness” newsreel from the fifties!
Personally, I prefer that a filmmaker present both sides of the issues in a straightforward unbiased manner, so that I may form an educated informed opinion on my own.
While I do recommend “The House I Live In”, I do so with caution.
The weak will undoubtedly be cleverly seduced – never even know what hit ‘em – just betcha!
As Barnum said:
"There's a sucker born every minute!"
2 ½ stars!
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