Is the war on drugs good policy?

I propose the establishment of a central authority [to become the Drug Enforcement Agency] with overall responsibility for all major Federal drug abuse prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation, training, and research programs in all Federal agencies. ... Because this is an emergency response to a national problem which we intend to bring under control, the Office [will] operate only for a period of 3 years [with the option of] extending its life for an additional 2 years if desirable.

The criminals and kingpins spreading violence are trying to corrode the foundations of law, order, friendship and trust between us. They will fail. ... These aircraft will help Mexican police respond aggressively and successfully to the threats coming from the cartels.