The Preamble The War on Drugs, and the Truth Behind the Viral Claims of Fraud at Minnesota Daycares
Jan 19, 2026
Journalist Beth Macy, acclaimed for her insights into the opioid crisis and author of 'Dopesick,' discusses the profound impact of the War on Drugs on U.S. military actions and communities grappling with addiction and poverty. She shares harrowing stories, including that of Silas James, highlighting the dire consequences of opioid abuse. The conversation also dives into viral allegations of fraud at Minnesota daycares, where investigations reveal the reality behind these claims, contrasting them with misinformation spreading on social media.
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Individual Story Reflects Systemic Decline
- Macy uses a single young man, Silas, as a lens to show how structural changes made upward mobility harder.
- Data on foster care, mental-health calls, and graduation rates confirmed the town's decline.
Policy Bias Toward Cities
- National policy often centers on cities and misses rural realities like scarce jobs and transport.
- That mismatch makes simple advice like "just get a job" impractical for many small-town residents.
Protect Healthcare Funding
- Do not cut Medicaid and addiction care funding because it undermines workforce stability and recovery.
- Invest in education and universal health care to restore opportunity and community health.
