Once brave politicians and others explain the war on drugs' true cost, the American people will scream for a cease-fire. Bring the troops home, people will urge. Treat drugs as a health problem, not as a matter for the criminal justice system.

Summary

This quote suggests that if courageous politicians and advocates openly discuss the true consequences of the war on drugs, the American public will strongly demand an end to it. The quote proposes that people will call for the withdrawal of military involvement and instead approach drug addiction as a public health concern rather than a criminal offense. It implies that raising awareness about the harmful effects of the war on drugs may shift public opinion and lead to a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing drug-related issues.