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An Argument to Avoid Making
I've spent years challenging the notion that "tough on crime" policies help politicians get more votes. That idea becomes less true each day as polls tip in our favor, and even if it were completely valid, advancing this notion would not serve our interests as reformers. So imagine my surprise at finding myself quoted in The Washington Post saying this:
No, I didn't. This surprising statement emerged from an interview with a Washington Post writer at Wednesday's D.C. premiere of my new movie 10 Rules for Dealing with Police. If anyone said this, it wasn't me, and I can't get over the irony of being quoted in a major paper saying the opposite of what I've been arguing for years.
I guess it just goes to show how pervasive the idea still is that the American people want our leaders to have us arrested as often as possible. Sure, there was a time when "tough on crime" politics could be used as a political bludgeon. It's called 1988. Thankfully, we're finally moving beyond it.
The bureau's stats show that "stop and frisks" are occurring at record rates, Morgan says, particularly where minorities and low-income people live. He blamed "hard on crime" campaigns by politicians trying to get or stay elected. [Washington Post]
No, I didn't. This surprising statement emerged from an interview with a Washington Post writer at Wednesday's D.C. premiere of my new movie 10 Rules for Dealing with Police. If anyone said this, it wasn't me, and I can't get over the irony of being quoted in a major paper saying the opposite of what I've been arguing for years.
I guess it just goes to show how pervasive the idea still is that the American people want our leaders to have us arrested as often as possible. Sure, there was a time when "tough on crime" politics could be used as a political bludgeon. It's called 1988. Thankfully, we're finally moving beyond it.
Chronicle
Law Enforcement: New York City to Pay Out $33 Million for Unlawful Strip Searches
New York City is about to pay big time -- again! -- for forcing people accused of minor crimes, including public marijuana possession, to undergo humiliating strip-searches. This is the third time in nine years the city has had to pay out for this practice. Will NYC ever learn?
Chronicle
Medical Marijuana: New Jersey MS Patient Gets Five Years for Growing His Medicine
New Jersey MS patient John Ray Wilson was convicted of growing marijuana in December. The state legalized medical marijuana in January. But Wilson was still sentenced to five years in prison last week.
Chronicle
Canada: Half Support Marijuana Decriminalization, Poll Finds
Canadians who support marijuana decriminalization outnumber opponents by 20 percentage points, according to a new poll. 20% aren't sure.
Chronicle
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
An Atlanta cop gets nailed, a Tarheel State two-fer, and the de rigeuer dope-smuggling jail guard.
Chronicle
Feature: California Will Vote on Marijuana Legalization This Year!
It's official!! The California Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 initiative has qualified for the November ballot. Californians will be voting on legalizing weed this year!
Chronicle
Commentary: What Not to Do if You Grow Marijuana and Police Visit You
In a guest piece for the Chronicle, law professor John Calvin Jones dissects the case of a New Jersey man who ended up headed for prison for growing marijuana after police were called because he and his girlfriend were too loud during sex. He has some useful tips for people who want to know how to exercise their rights and avoid ending up like this guy.
Chronicle
Feature: Two Oregon Marijuana Initiatives -- Legalization and Medical -- Aim for November Ballot
Both a medical marijuana dispensary initiative and a hemp/marijuana legalization initiative are trying to make the November ballot in Oregon. The dispensary initiative is currently better positioned to do so, but the legalization initiative has about 90 days to join it.
Chronicle
Europe: Dutch Coffee Shop Owner Fined $10 Million Euros for Having Too Big a Stash
Dutch marijuana laws only allow coffee shops to have 500 grams on hand at any given time. When you're selling that much pot in an hour, the law becomes a hindrance and a nuisance. But a court ruling Thursday strongly suggests to coffee shop owners that they better heed the law.
Chronicle
Weekly: This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
Chronicle
Feds: National Drug Intelligence Center Predicts Continued Failure in Drug War
The illegal drug supply is increasing, and Mexican narcos are public enemy #1, according to the Justice Department's primary drug intelligence unit. There's no end in sight, the unit concludes.
Chronicle
Latin America: Mexico Drug War Update
Things that make you go hmmm... In one incident in Mexico this week, gunmen attacked a convoy carrying two prisoners. In the aftermath, the two prisoners were turned over to the Mexican Marines. Next thing you know, one of them turns up dead on the side of a road and the other has gone missing. Hmmm.
Chronicle
Weekly: Blogging @ the Speakeasy
"An Argument to Avoid Making," "If You Call Yourself a Drug Policy Reformer, You Need to Watch This," "The Real Reason Football Players Aren't Supposed to Use Marijuana," "Researchers Prove Definitively That the Drug War Sucks," "The 'Fake Marijuana' Situation is Getting Confusing," "The War on Drugs Is Doomed," "Cops + Drugs = Corruption," "'No, the Number One Thug in This Movie is Definitely Scott Morgan.'"
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