George H. W Bush Drug Control Policy

Words: 1030
Pages: 5

George H.W. Bush was the 41st president of the united states and served from 1989-1993. In a mere four years one is expected to bring upon positive change and make their country a healthier place to live. President Bush did bring upon positive change with his foreign affairs, but he did not make the United states a healthier place to live. If anything, President Bush hindered the United States and set the states up for failure in future years. From invading countries unlawfully to worsening the drug epidemic President Bush impacts the US not only in the present but also for future generations. The United States was significantly set up for failure by George Bush Senior due to the war on drugs, the invasion of Panama, and the Persian Gulf War. …show more content…
First of all, the war on drugs was not producing the numbers it was expected to and the demand for drugs was still extremely high. Regardless, President Bush funneled tons of US time and resources into the cause. Also, in 1989 Bush created the National Drug Control Policy and worked alongside William Bennet in attempt to extinguish the drug epidemic . The National Drug Control Policy was given a huge budget and yet failed to produce any significant change on the war on drugs. The wasted resources set back the US as the nation was wasting time not progressing and the resources could have been investing in something progressive and productive. Secondly, President Bush approved the 1033 program; equipping local and state police with military-grade equipment . The goal of the program was to …show more content…
A country will struggle to maintain allies if their leader is unethical. In 1989 the invasion of Panama initially appeared to be a success as a major drug kingpin was detained but there is more than meets the eye . The events leading up to the invasion and the invasion itself still taint America’s reputation today. When President Bush authorized “operation just cause” (invasion of Panama) the US military moved into Panama killing approximately 150 enemy soldiers and 500 civilians . The military was ruthless; targeting civilians and systematically burning down apartment buildings . The operation was deemed a flagrant violation of international law as President Bush’s motives were suspect and he was not convincing during questioning. Furthermore, the kingpin arrested during the invasion was Manuel Noriega; ruler of Panama who also happened to be on the CIA payroll. Noriega was given an estimate of $200,000 for intelligence work and $75,000 as gifts and incentives annually . Noriega aided the CIA in setting up bases in Panama and getting intelligence on the Nicaraguan government. President Bush was clearly aware of Noriega’s participation with the CIA as he used to work in the CIA. US officials had been overlooking Noriega’s affiliation with drugs for years due to him being an “ally”. President Bush was somewhat involved and aware of what was going on before