Gary Varvel: A brief history of the War on Drugs

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Gary Varvel

Dec 9

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Back in 1971, Richard Nixon kicked off the War on Drugs with a podium, a slogan, and a national scolding. It was the era of “Just Say No” — a well-intentioned message, sure, but in 2021, the U.S. surpassed a record 100,000 overdose deaths in a single year.

Nixon and succeeding administrations did a lot of finger-wagging and public-service posters, but President Trump offered deterrence. Where the old playbook emphasized awareness campaigns, the new one emphasized seizing boats, disabling smugglers’ vessels, choking off maritime routes, and making the high-risk business of trafficking even riskier.

In short: Nixon and past administrations talked tough; Trump acted tough. And for conservatives tired of watching cartels evolve while Washington recycles 1970s messaging, that difference isn’t subtle — it’s the whole point.

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Only Adam Schiff could look at cartel operatives—armed to the teeth, moving product like it’s a competitive sport—and conclude they’re basically “shipwrecked survivors.”

This is classic Schiffworld: the Democrat who lied about having evidence of Russian Collusion is turning narco-terrorists into a charity case. His gaslighting would have you believe crime is a misunderstanding, border security is optional, and dangerous people are just one heartfelt monologue away from becoming Disney protagonists.

At this rate, don’t be surprised when he starts referring to money launderers as “overworked accountants” and cartel kingpins as “ambitious small-business owners.”

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BIBLE VERSE

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

-Isaiah 9:6-7

RIGHT VIEWS

Townhall - Matt Vespa: No way Adam Schiff used that phrase to describe the narco-terrorists we’re blowing up.

The Federalist - Shawn Fleetwood: Today in Republicans being useless: House GOPers surrender on Obamacare fight.

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