Watch American Drug War: The Last White Hope

The movie American Drug War: The Last White Hope is a documentary that explores the ongoing drug war in the United States. It was released in 2007 and is directed by Kevin Booth. The film features interviews with a variety of experts and commentators, including former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, musician Jello Biafra, and even a clip of Osama bin Laden.

The documentary begins by tracing the history of the drug war and its roots in racism and political maneuvering. The film argues that the war on drugs has been ineffective and has only served to incarcerate large numbers of people, particularly people of color, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about drug users.

Throughout the film, Booth presents a range of perspectives on the drug war, including interviews with drug users, law enforcement officials, and politicians. Some argue that drug use should be treated as a public health issue rather than a criminal one, while others advocate for harsher punishments and increased enforcement.

One of the more controversial figures featured in the film is Joe Arpaio, the former Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona. Arpaio is known for his hardline stance on immigration and his use of controversial tactics such as tent cities and pink underwear for inmates. In American Drug War, Arpaio argues that drug users are responsible for their own problems and that the war on drugs is necessary to combat the societal harms caused by drugs.

Jello Biafra, the lead singer of the punk band Dead Kennedys, also makes an appearance in the film. Biafra is a vocal critic of the drug war and argues that it has done more harm than good. He argues that drug addiction is a disease and should be treated as such rather than as a criminal offense. Biafra's perspective is echoed by a number of other experts and commentators featured in the film.

Perhaps the most surprising moment in the film is when a clip of Osama bin Laden is shown. In the clip, bin Laden speaks out against the use of drugs and argues that the money generated from drug trafficking supports terrorism. While bin Laden's comments may seem out of place in a documentary about the American drug war, they serve to highlight the global impact of drug trafficking and the complicated nature of the issue.

Overall, American Drug War: The Last White Hope is a thought-provoking and wide-ranging documentary that provides a nuanced look at the ongoing drug war in the United States. The film raises important questions about the effectiveness of current drug policies and the role of law enforcement in addressing drug use. While it may not provide all the answers to these complex issues, it offers a valuable starting point for further discussion and debate.

American Drug War: The Last White Hope is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.