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Has Obama Made a Good Choice for Drug Czar?
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting that Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske will likely be Obamaâs nominee for director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, commonly referred to as the drug czar. It appears that we may soon be faced with the most promising drug czar ever to occupy the position.
To be clear, Kerlikowske is not a friend of drug policy reform to any extent Iâm aware of. What matters here is that I see no evidence that he is a vicious drug warrior of the sort commonly associated with the drug czar post. Given that ONDCP is mandated to oppose reform efforts and has typically embraced that role, a less confrontational and reefer madness-driven drug czar is really the best case scenario from a drug policy reform perspective.
Under Kerlikowske, Seattle has been a model for sensible marijuana policy, including the famous Seattle Hempfest at which the Seattle Police Department performs a public safety role while declining to make marijuana arrests. Following the passage of a 2004 lowest priority initiative, the cityâs already-low rate of marijuana prosecutions fell even further, suggesting that Kerlikowske was responsive to the will of voters.
In that sense, he offers a dramatic departure from ONDCPâs shameful history of undermining state medical marijuana laws and inserting itself into state politics for the purpose of thwarting reform efforts. In an office typically run by military officials and political hacks, Kerlikowske would bring expertise in community policing and public relations.
As drug czar, I have no doubt that Gil Kerlikowske would oppose drug legalization and serve as our primary opponent on many issues. Nevertheless, at first glance, my gut instinct is that after several drug czars from hell, a guy from Seattle doesnât sound so bad.
Update: I'd be remiss not to mention that Kerlikowske's immediate predecessor was Norm Stamper.
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Marijuana Probably Wonât Give You Cancer in Your Testicles
Everybodyâs talking about this weekâs news that marijuana might increase your risk of some kind of horrible testicular cancer (especially dudes who smoke lots of pot).
Of course, as you might have guessed, the whole thing is wildly overblown, as NORMLâs Paul Armentano explains.
Of course, as you might have guessed, the whole thing is wildly overblown, as NORMLâs Paul Armentano explains.
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Crazed Sheriff Arrests 8 in Phelps Bong Investigation
There is just no limit to the stupidity that ensues when drug warriors develop a craving for attention:
Could there ever be a better example of the pettiness and triviality that characterizes the enforcement of our drug laws? Anyone watching this (which now includes a respectable segment of earthâs population), can plainly observe the amazing lameness that the war on drugs has instilled in our public servants.
What could possibly be said in defense of launching an entire police operation for the sole purpose of busting one guy for taking a bong hit at a party?
Who does he think heâs kidding? Everyone knows this would never be happening if Phelps wasnât rich and famous. At the risk of giving Sheriff Lott too much credit, I highly doubt this is standard procedure when he finds out someone smoked pot at a party months ago. Heâs either completely full of crap about his motivations for targeting Phelps, or heâs truly the biggest drug war jackass in the long and terrible history of the species.
Regardless, it has become perfectly clear that Sheriff Lott wonât stop until he puts the worldâs greatest athlete in handcuffs for smoking a bong at a party. With the whole world watching, this crazy cop is prepared to create one of the ugliest, dumbest spectacles in the history of our countryâs infinitely embarrassing war on drugs. Perhaps we shouldnât fault the man for being ambitious.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department has been taking a lot of heat from people in this country and all over the world.
They want to know why Sheriff Leon Lott is going after Michael Phelps.
â¦
Lott says the picture indicated a law was being broken in his jurisdiction. He said he couldn't ignore the violation just because Phelps is rich and famous.
We've now learned that since investigators began trying to build a case, they've made eight arrests: seven for drug possession and one for distribution. These are arrests that resulted as the sheriff's department served search warrants.
We've also learned that the department has located and confiscated that bong. [WISTV.com]
Could there ever be a better example of the pettiness and triviality that characterizes the enforcement of our drug laws? Anyone watching this (which now includes a respectable segment of earthâs population), can plainly observe the amazing lameness that the war on drugs has instilled in our public servants.
What could possibly be said in defense of launching an entire police operation for the sole purpose of busting one guy for taking a bong hit at a party?
Lott says the picture indicated a law was being broken in his jurisdiction. He said he couldn't ignore the violation just because Phelps is rich and famous.
Who does he think heâs kidding? Everyone knows this would never be happening if Phelps wasnât rich and famous. At the risk of giving Sheriff Lott too much credit, I highly doubt this is standard procedure when he finds out someone smoked pot at a party months ago. Heâs either completely full of crap about his motivations for targeting Phelps, or heâs truly the biggest drug war jackass in the long and terrible history of the species.
Regardless, it has become perfectly clear that Sheriff Lott wonât stop until he puts the worldâs greatest athlete in handcuffs for smoking a bong at a party. With the whole world watching, this crazy cop is prepared to create one of the ugliest, dumbest spectacles in the history of our countryâs infinitely embarrassing war on drugs. Perhaps we shouldnât fault the man for being ambitious.
Chronicle
Alerta: Cumpla con la promesa, presidente Obama - ¡Detenga las redadas contra la marihuana medicinal!
Remanentes del gobierno Bush están ordenando redadas contra las clÃnicas de marihuana medicinal autorizadas por el estado, pese a la promesa de detenerlas que hizo Obama. Pida al nuevo presidente y al fiscal general que tomen providencias correctivas ahora, no después.
Chronicle
Reportaje: ¿Será éste el año en que se revocarán las leyes Rockefeller sobre la droga de Nueva York?
Con una crisis presupuestaria y un cambio en el liderazgo de Nueva York, parece que se cuecen las condiciones polÃticamente perfectas para la reforma de la legislación durÃsima del estado sobre la droga. ¿Será que por fin se revocarán las leyes Rockefeller sobre la droga después de 35 años?
Event
Medical Marijuana Press Conference at Minnesota Statehouse
Legislators and patients will launch what they expect to be the final push for passage of bipartisan medical marijuana legislation in Minnesota at a statehouse press conference. The Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee will hold a hearing on the bill, S.F. 97, at 12:30 p.m. A previous version of the bill passed the Minnesota Senate as well as every House committee, but did not receive a House floor vote.
Presenters include bill sponsors Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) and Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia); K.K. Forss of Ely, who has used medical marijuana to relieve pain from multiple neck surgeries; Dr. George Wagoner, physician from Manitee, Mich. (and formerly licensed in Minnesota), whose wife used medical marijuana during her battle with ovarian cancer and who campaigned for the Michigan medical marijuana initiative that passed in November with 63 percent of the vote.
Also testifying at the hearing will be Joni Whiting of Jordan, whose daughter's battle with malignant melanoma was made bearable by using medical marijuana, and Kathy Rippentrop of Lakeville, whose mother used medical marijuana during her treatment for liver cancer. Written testimony from other patients will be presented to the committee and will be made available to the media.
In The Trenches
ALERT: #395 Three B.C. Newspapers Call for the Legalization of Drugs
DrugSense FOCUS Alert #395 - Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Three major British Colombia newspapers have called for Canada to at least consider legalizing drugs. The violence associated with the drug trade has escalated to the point where the newspapers are calling for new directions to be considered.
The Province published an editorial Sunday "Legalization Needs Study". The editorial starts by plainly stating "This newspaper has traditionally opposed the legalization of drugs." While the editorial doesn't jump headfirst into support for legalization, it does acknowledge that now is time to debate the issue. Read the editorial at http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n146/a01.html
Then Monday the Victoria Times-Colonist published an editorial "Gun Epidemic Prescriptions" which ends stating:
"And it is time to recognize that gangs and guns are linked inextricably to the huge profits in the drug trade. Those profits are possible because of a failed, prohibition-based drug strategy. It's time to begin legalizing and controlling distribution as part of an entirely new approach to reducing the damage done by guns." See http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n155.a02.html
Ian Mulgrew, Vancouver Sun columnist, addressed the same topic Monday with this column: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n155.a03.html
With the facts on our side, we may influence the debate. Please read the editorials and column at the above links where you will also find contact information for sending letters to the editor.
In The Trenches
Press Advisory: Press Conference Wednesday to Launch Final Drive for Medical Marijuana in Minnesota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEÂ Â Â
FEBRUARY 10, 2009
Press Conference Weds. to Launch Final Drive for Medical Marijuana in Minnesota
Hearing in Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee to Follow
CONTACT: Former Rep. Chris DeLaForest..................................................................(763) 439-1178
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA -- Legislators and patients will launch what they expect to be the final push for passage of bipartisan medical marijuana legislation in Minnesota at a statehouse press conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee will hold a hearing on the bill, S.F. 97, at 12:30 p.m. A previous version of the bill passed the Minnesota Senate as well as every House committee, but did not receive a House floor vote.
   WHAT: Press conference to launch drive for final passage of medical marijuana legislation, S.F. 97 and H.F. 292, followed by Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee hearing.
   WHO: Bill sponsors Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) and Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia); K.K. Forss of Ely, who has used medical marijuana to relieve pain from multiple neck surgeries; Dr. George Wagoner, physician from Manitee, Mich. (and formerly licensed in Minnesota), whose wife used medical marijuana during her battle with ovarian cancer and who campaigned for the Michigan medical marijuana initiative that passed in November with 63 percent of the vote.
   Also testifying at the hearing will be Joni Whiting of Jordan, whose daughter's battle with malignant melanoma was made bearable by using medical marijuana, and Kathy Rippentrop of Lakeville, whose mother used medical marijuana during her treatment for liver cancer. Written testimony from other patients will be presented to the committee and will be made available to the media.
   WHERE: Rm. 125, State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul.
   WHEN: Press conference at 11 a.m. Hearing at 12:30 p.m.
  Â
####
In The Trenches
Dump Kellogg's like it dumped Michael Phelps
Dear friends:
As you probably know, cereal giant Kellogg's has announced that it won't renew Olympic swim champion Michael Phelps' endorsement contract because he was photographed smoking marijuana.
If Phelps had been photographed hoisting a Budweiser, no one would have said a word. In fact, Phelps was arrested for drunk driving in 2004 â which could have resulted in someone being hurt or killed â and Kellogg's never took issue with that. Alcohol is far more toxic and addictive than marijuana and tends to make users reckless, aggressive, and violent.
Would you take a minute to speak out against this hypocrisy, by adding your voice to the hundreds of thousands of people who are pledging to boycott Kellogg's products until the company changes its decision? Just visit MPP's action center here and fill out the easy online form.
Meanwhile, MPP has been all over the news to point out the hypocrisy of the situation.
For instance, check out this video of MPP's Bruce Mirken discussing the issue on CNN last week.
Please join me in rejecting the farce of the condemnation of marijuana users â one that has already long been abandoned by the general public.
Sincerely,
Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.
P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2009. This means that your donation today will be doubled.
In The Trenches
ALERT: #394 Kellogg's Gets Stupid Over A Bong
DrugSense FOCUS Alert #394 - Monday, 9 February 2009
By now just about everybody who may read this Alert is aware of the photo of Michael Phelps inhaling from a bong which was printed on Sunday, February 1 by the British tabloid newspaper News of the World.
A high resolution .jpg copy of the photo, which you may download - and perhaps print out for your own use, like pasting on a Kellogg's cereal box - is here http://www.mapinc.org/images/phelps.jpg
The News of the World article is here: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n140/a11.html
The result has been a firestorm of articles and opinions printed in newspapers as you may read at this link: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Michael+Phelps
Please target the newspapers with your letters to the editor.
Other suggested actions you may wish to take:
Please take time today to contact the Kellogg Corporation. Tell them that you oppose their decision to drop Michael Phelps and that, as a result of their actions, you will not be purchasing any Kellogg's related products for the next three months (or until the company decides to reinstate the Phelps as their spokesperson).
There are several ways you may make your opinion known to the company.
You can call Kellogg's main telephone number during east coast business hours, Monday through Friday, at: (269) 961-2000 or toll free at: 1 (800) 962-1413.
You may email Kellogg's consumer services department by visiting: http://www2.kelloggs.com/ContactUs.aspx
You may contact Kellogg's media relation department at: 269-961-3799 or via e-mail at [email protected]
You may email Kellogg's corporate responsibility department at: [email protected].
You may email Kellogg's investor relations department at: [email protected].
Or you may write the Kellogg Company a letter at: One Kellogg Square P.O. Box 3599 Battle Creek, MI 49016-3599.
Join the Students for Sensible Drug Policy's petition campaign. Phelps still faces a potential four-year suspension from the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency. If you have a Facebook account, please join thousands of others in signing a petition demanding that the IOC and WADA not suspend Phelps from international competition. http://apps.facebook.com/causes/petitions/62.
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