Independent Lens Season 14 Episode 10 The House I Live In

"The House I Live In," a powerful documentary by Eugene Jarecki, explores the devastating impact of the War on Drugs in America. Over four decades, the country has spent more than a trillion dollars fighting drugs, but the problem only seems to be getting worse. The film takes viewers on a journey through the lives of people on both sides of the war: from the drug dealers and users, to the law enforcement officials and politicians who are tasked with putting an end to the drug epidemic.

Jarecki argues that the War on Drugs has done more harm than good, and has actually perpetuated the very problems it was meant to solve. By focusing on the symptom rather than the root cause of drug addiction, the government has criminalized a health crisis, leading to mass incarceration, broken families, and shattered communities.

Through interviews with experts, politicians, and people affected by the drug war, "The House I Live In" paints a nuanced picture of a complex problem. Jarecki shows us the human toll of the drug war, with heartbreaking stories of families torn apart by mandatory minimum sentencing laws, and of communities ravaged by addiction and poverty.

At the same time, the film provides a historical perspective, tracing the origins of the War on Drugs to President Nixon's administration in the 1970s. The film argues that the war was not waged to combat drug addiction, but rather as a political tool to demonize minorities and political dissidents. The consequences of this policy have been catastrophic, with generations of Americans caught in a cycle of addiction, incarceration, and poverty.

Despite the grim picture painted by "The House I Live In," the film offers hope for a better future. Jarecki highlights innovative programs across the country that are tackling addiction and drug abuse in new ways, such as diversion programs that provide treatment instead of punishment for low-level drug offenders. The film argues that by addressing the root causes of drug addiction – such as trauma, poverty, and lack of opportunity – we can make real progress in the fight against drugs.

"The House I Live In" is a sobering and eye-opening film that raises important questions about drug policy and criminal justice in America. The film challenges viewers to think critically about the War on Drugs, and to consider alternative approaches that prioritize healing and compassion over punishment and retribution. Ultimately, "The House I Live In" shows us that the real solution to America's drug epidemic lies in a deeper understanding of the problem, and a commitment to real change.