During the mid-1950’s, in World War II, the opium poppy plant slipped passed the eyes of the Commission of Narcotic Drugs when a determined anti-communist commissioner, Anslinger, accused the communist party in China of illicit drug trading. Out of fear of communism, Anslinger blurred the UN’s focus of locating the opium poppy production which was in the hands of the nationalists. Instead of concentrating on the drug, the UN was more focused on politics, which resulted in assisting the flow of opium trade around the world. The United States was trying to contain communism in China, so we rashly joined sides with the nationalists. Our provisions and support consisted of our government sending the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to assist the nationalists in the trafficking of opium between China and neighboring Burma. (Taylor p. 157) “The illicit opium trade appeared to be an acceptable cost of containment.” (Taylor p.158)
This event with China shows how a single person can alter a nation’s view of a situation. We must be able to keep moving forward even when there are those who can bring out the fear within us. The UN’s carelessness and fear caused us to act hastily when there were many signs showing us what we need to do. The communist party wanted to join the UN, but we rejected and fought them because they were communist. There were also members of the Commission who doubted the accuracy of Aslinger, but they were too afraid to speak up until after the truth came out. We can not destroy the opium problem if we don’t concentrate on it and if people are afraid of speaking their thoughts.
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