Is the drug war a lost cause?

Follow the money. Anyone who thinks the war is really about interdiction is missing the incredible expenditures by our government in this area. As long as there is a market there will be a supply. Prohibition does nothing more than enrich and empower criminal enterprise. Drugs are bad, of this there can be no question, but failed policy does little to eradicate the problem. Add to this mandatory sentencing for drug offenses and all we are really accomplishing is higher taxes and the further stressing our over extended prison system. Meanwhile violent felons are being released onto society at alarming rate. If anyone can really show that there are positive benefits to the war on drugs I would love to hear them because I honestly do not see them.