Asa Hutchinson

In the following viewpoint Asa Hutchinson argues that drug abuse supports terrorism and destabilizes governments. For example, the terrorists responsible for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America were supported by Afghanistan’s ruling regime the Taliban, which generated revenue by taxing the production of heroin. In other countries, such as Colombia, revolutionaries traffic in illegal drugs to fund their wars against legitimate governments. The illegal drugs produced in foreign countries are destined for the United States, where, Hutchinson asserts, they threaten American culture and democracy. Hutchinson is the former director of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Hutchinson, what two traits are needed to maintain democracy?
2. What are the three groups designated as terrorist organizations in Colombia, as cited by the author?
3. According...