According to Sean Blackwell, staff writer for The Journal, “President Richard Nixon started the war on drugs in the United States in June of 1971” (Blackwell par. 1). President Nixon started the war on drugs to gain the popular vote. The war on drugs was a notable way for Nixon to cover the holes in his campaign. Since the war on drugs in the United States began, there have been controversies surrounding the efficiency of the war. There are skeptics who wonder if the war on drugs is worth the time, money, and resources that are spent while fighting. On the other hand, there are also supporters that believe the war on drugs is the most effective solution to the drug problem in the United States. The United States should not continue funding the war on drugs due to the exponential cost; in addition, the war on drugs endangers the safety of innocent bystanders while simultaneously increasing criminal gang activity and prohibiting the world from becoming drug free.