Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Is it time to declare victory in the wars on poverty, drugs, and terrorism?
We actually have won the war on poverty for the moment, but the other two really should never have been called wars, because they will never end in "victory" and because military force is inappropriate to their resolution. There will always be drug problems and terrorists no matter what we do (and poverty as well but poverty in the US is far from the awful conditions that existed in the early 60's/...)
If we insist on fighting drugs as a war we cannot move to things that actually work. All the fighting has resulted after 30 years in a vast increase in the supply and an equivalent increase in the scope of drug abuse.
And while we sometimes need to use military force in regard to terrorism, I would suggest that we have done either nothing much to stop terrorism or have in fact bred thousands upon thousands of candidates for terrorist organizations to recruit; people who hate us as the occupiers and wreckers of the countries, or enemies of their religion.
Isn't it time to end these "wars" and get working on solutions for the health problem of drug abuse and ways to promote peace and build friendships in the world to encourage people to ally with us in the effort to suppress terrorism?
And isn't this proof that if the only tool you have is a hammer (i.e., a military greater than all the other militaries in the world combined) every problem looks like a nail (ie, a war)?
Poverty is a relative term. In the US almost no one dies of diarrhea...I think you must be thinking of third world countries. The war on poverty was domestic only. When it began there were many people living in terrible poverty notably in Appalachia. While there are poor people in America and the current economic crisis excepted almost all homelessness is a result of mental illness or drug abuse. Almost everyone can obtain adequate nutrition. While the education system sucks, it has actually improved dramatically in some rural poor areas. Or in more mundane terms most poor people have color tv and cable access.(sorry I know how that sounds but despite the fact that poverty is real for many it's not the grinding poverty we used to have).
Well by declare victory I meant that in American political discourse it is never acceptable to admit we've lost and been defeated. Of course we have in two out of three for sure, but also in our discourse we have learned to call it a victory and withdraw when we realize victory is not possible.
I don't mean to suggest we really won any of these...
4 Answers
- agb90spruceLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Wow .. a complex set of issues for a simple question.
War on poverty - maybe doing OK, but if the Republicans / Tea Party gain power things will get much worse since they believe in sink or swim / no social programs.
War on Drugs - dismal failure. The only rational choice is to change strategy and focus on demand reduction/education combined with decriminalization of softer drugs.
War on Terror - US has made it much worse after 9/11 by engaging in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
So ... no, it isn't time to declare victory on any of the fronts. As to whether terming them "wars" is good strategy or not ... probably not, but 'war' is an advertising / political spin term consistent with US public expectations.
- ErikaLv 45 years ago
No you'll win a wrestle on poverty or medicinal drugs. There has continually been illegal and legal shopping and promoting of medicinal medications. Humans who are in poverty in the USA (no longer in Africa or Mexico or an additional poverty situation) the USA easiest, made a choice to reside to inform the story the street. We can't support them anymore than we have now already acquired. Of path, they're going to blame each one else however it really has been their alternative to grow to be dangerous inside the primary quandary. If we should not have the clash right here within the states we have now been very lucky. The wrestle on terrorism is tricky. Unfortunately we so much robust have the know-how, and we cannot continually consider that.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
Before I answer, please remember that we are pulling troops out of Iraq in 2011. (I'm not entirely sure of Afghanistan for now.)
I understand what you're saying, but don't agree with your view on the War on Terrorism. We aren't over there blindly fighting an idea. If you stop and look at the past nine years - it was worth it. With our help, Iraqis able to trial and convict evil dictator, Saddam Hussein. Let's not forget we're making a better life for the Iraqi people. The government we are creating within their country will slowly move in the freedom direction, for example, the women aren't beaten for showing their faces (they actually have a female army now).
Many people construe Bush's wording of "War on Terrorism", when we are actually fighting against the Taliban- the home-base for terrorism.
As for the drug issue, I agree completely. This is getting out of hand and needs to be stopped. Not only for our country's sake, but for Mexico's. The Mafia is a big threat to both countries and our government needs to realize that. There are areas in our own country (I believe it's in Texas), where people are living in absolute fear because the Mafia is in their area. Uhm, hello, this is AMERICA, we don't live in fear. That's not fair! So, yes, I totally agree.
For the better interest of both countries - war should be declared.
