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Colombia Threatens Obama With Cocaine Crisis if he Doesn't Give Them Money

Dear President Obama,

Please give us lots of money or we will bury you in cocaine.

Yours truly,

Colombia


BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia is confident Washington will keep providing multimillion-dollar aid to fight the drug trade in the Andean nation because any cuts would mean more cocaine reaches U.S. cities, the defense minister said on Saturday.

This is what's called an empty threat (although you could also call it extortion). I mean really, how much more cocaine could they possibly produce? Eradication doesn’t work, so nothing bad will happen if we stop doing it. How can you argue about results like this:

Critics say Plan Colombia has failed to stop the spread of coca cultivation in recent years and point to steady cocaine output in the world's No. 1 producer of the drug.

According to U.N. figures, Colombian coca crops covered some 244,600 acres at the end of 2007 -- 27 percent more than the previous year.

But Santos said he expected the strategy to be maintained because it was backed by both Democrats and Republicans. He called it "the most successful bipartisan U.S. foreign policy of recent times."

…If by successful you mean that people keeping funding it. It's hard to imagine how much worse this program would have to perform before its benefactors became embarrassed by it. I swear, Colombian cocaine production could increase tenfold in a year and these guys would look you right in the eye and tell you Plan Colombia has never worked better.

This is nuts and Obama has zero excuses for even thinking about funding this crap. It is the definition of a failed policy and we are in the midst of an unfathomable economic crisis. There has never been a better time to tell our friends in Colombia that this game of make-believe is over.
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In The Trenches

Job Opportunity: Communications Director, Marijuana Policy Project, Las Vegas

MPP’s ultimate goal in Nevada is to pass a statewide ballot initiative that would tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol in Nevada, thereby ending marijuana prohibition in the state. This position is an exciting opportunity to play an integral role in a groundbreaking organization that seeks to significantly and permanently reform marijuana policy. Candidates must have excellent oral and written communications skills, experience doing radio and print interviews, and an understanding of politics and public policy. The ideal applicant would have experience doing public relations for political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and/or corporations. Applicants who have ties to the Nevada political and business community and/or are fluent in Spanish will be given priority. Professional copy-editing experience would be extremely helpful, but not required. The overarching goal of the position is to maximize the level of public support for ending marijuana prohibition in Nevada. To this end, the Communications Director is responsible for assisting in building a statewide coalition of organizations, editorial boards, and opinion leaders who endorse ending marijuana prohibition, including elected officials, physicians, business leaders, local government leaders, religious leaders, community groups, current and retired members of law enforcement, drug treatment specialists, and parents groups; aggressively pitching reporters and doing interviews to get MPP-NV’s message into the news at every opportunity; writing news releases, op-eds, and letters-to-the-editor; arranging media interviews for the MPP-NV Director; giving public speeches and engaging in public debates; and conceiving of and writing blog posts for MPP’s web site. The Communications Director reports to MPP’s State Campaigns Director, who heads up the Las Vegas office. The salary for the position is $40,000 to $50,000. The position includes full health insurance and an optional retirement package. To apply, please see http://www.mpp.org/jobs/process.html and follow the instructions there. Interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. ABOUT MPP With 36 employees, 26,000 dues-paying members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, MPP is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana - both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit its use - and believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment.
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In The Trenches

DrugSense FOCUS ALERT: #397 The Drug War South of the Border

THE DRUG WAR SOUTH OF THE BORDER ********************************************************************** DrugSense FOCUS Alert #397 - Wednesday, 25 February 2009 Headlines from Tuesday and Wednesday morning newspapers alert us. Wave of Drug Violence Is Creeping into Arizona From Mexico, Officials Say http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n223.a04.html El Paso Police Investigate Threats Against Juarez Mayor http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n223.a06.html A Treaty That Can Help Stem Drug Violence in Mexico http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n223.a07.html Colombia's Worry: Looser US Ties http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n224.a02.html Mexico Attorney General: We Don't Need U.S. Troops to Intervene in Drug War http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n224.a03.html Gov. Perry Wants U.S. Troops Guarding Border http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n224.a04.html Mexico Drug War Prompts Federal Contingency Plan http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n224.a05.html Today the Los Angeles Times website states that there has been 7,337 drug war related deaths in Mexico since January, 1997 as the newspaper continues it's Mexico Under Siege series http://mapinc.org/find?255 You know the solution as do the former Presidents as reflected in their OPED below. Please write those LTEs as they help shape public opinion. Please also contact the folks who represent you in Congress and President Obama. What you do does make a difference. ********************************************************************** Pubdate: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 Source: Wall Street Journal Copyright: 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Contact: [email protected] Authors: Fernando Henrique Cardoso, CeSar Gaviria and Ernesto Zedillo Note: Mr. Cardoso is the former president of Brazil. Mr. Gaviria is a former president of Colombia. Mr. Zedillo is a former president of Mexico. Cited: The Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy http://drugsanddemocracy.org/ THE WAR ON DRUGS IS A FAILURE We Should Focus Instead on Reducing Harm to Users and on Tackling Organized Crime. The war on drugs has failed. And it's high time to replace an ineffective strategy with more humane and efficient drug policies. This is the central message of the report by the Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy we presented to the public recently in Rio de Janeiro. Prohibitionist policies based on eradication, interdiction and criminalization of consumption simply haven't worked. Violence and the organized crime associated with the narcotics trade remain critical problems in our countries. Latin America remains the world's largest exporter of cocaine and cannabis, and is fast becoming a major supplier of opium and heroin. Today, we are further than ever from the goal of eradicating drugs. Over the last 30 years, Colombia implemented all conceivable measures to fight the drug trade in a massive effort where the benefits were not proportional to the resources invested. Despite the country's achievements in lowering levels of violence and crime, the areas of illegal cultivation are again expanding. In Mexico -- another epicenter of drug trafficking -- narcotics-related violence has claimed more than 5,000 lives in the past year alone. The revision of U.S.-inspired drug policies is urgent in light of the rising levels of violence and corruption associated with narcotics. The alarming power of the drug cartels is leading to a criminalization of politics and a politicization of crime. And the corruption of the judicial and political system is undermining the foundations of democracy in several Latin American countries. The first step in the search for alternative solutions is to acknowledge the disastrous consequences of current policies. Next, we must shatter the taboos that inhibit public debate about drugs in our societies. Antinarcotic policies are firmly rooted in prejudices and fears that sometimes bear little relation to reality. The association of drugs with crime segregates addicts in closed circles where they become even more exposed to organized crime. In order to drastically reduce the harm caused by narcotics, the long-term solution is to reduce demand for drugs in the main consumer countries. To move in this direction, it is essential to differentiate among illicit substances according to the harm they inflict on people's health, and the harm drugs cause to the social fabric In this spirit, we propose a paradigm shift in drug policies based on three guiding principles: Reduce the harm caused by drugs, decrease drug consumption through education, and aggressively combat organized crime. To translate this new paradigm into action we must start by changing the status of addicts from drug buyers in the illegal market to patients cared for by the public-health system. We also propose the careful evaluation, from a public-health standpoint, of the possibility of decriminalizing the possession of cannabis for personal use. Cannabis is by far the most widely used drug in Latin America, and we acknowledge that its consumption has an adverse impact on health. But the available empirical evidence shows that the hazards caused by cannabis are similar to the harm caused by alcohol or tobacco. If we want to effectively curb drug use, we should look to the campaign against tobacco consumption. The success of this campaign illustrates the effectiveness of prevention campaigns based on clear language and arguments consistent with individual experience. Likewise, statements by former addicts about the dangers of drugs will be far more compelling to current users than threats of repression or virtuous exhortations against drug use. Such educational campaigns must be targeted at youth, by far the largest contingent of users and of those killed in the drug wars. The campaigns should also stress each person's responsibility toward the rising violence and corruption associated with the narcotics trade. By treating consumption as a matter of public health, we will enable police to focus their efforts on the critical issue: the fight against organized crime. A growing number of political, civic and cultural leaders, mindful of the failure of our current drug policy, have publicly called for a major policy shift. Creating alternative policies is the task of many: educators, health professionals, spiritual leaders and policy makers. Each country's search for new policies must be consistent with its history and culture. But to be effective, the new paradigm must focus on health and education -- not repression. Drugs are a threat that cuts across borders, which is why Latin America must establish dialogue with the United States and the European Union to develop workable alternatives to the war on drugs. Both the U.S. and the EU share responsibility for the problems faced by our countries, since their domestic markets are the main consumers of the drugs produced in Latin America. The inauguration of President Barack Obama presents a unique opportunity for Latin America and the U.S. to engage in a substantive dialogue on issues of common concern, such as the reduction of domestic consumption and the control of arms sales, especially across the U.S.-Mexico border. Latin America should also pursue dialogue with the EU, asking European countries to renew their commitment to the reduction of domestic consumption and learning from their experiences with reducing the health hazards caused by drugs. The time to act is now, and the way forward lies in strengthening partnerships to deal with a global problem that affects us all. ********************************************************************** Prepared by: Richard Lake, Senior Editor www.mapinc.org === . DrugSense provides many services at no charge, but they are not free to produce. Your contributions make DrugSense and its Media Awareness Project (MAP) happen. Please donate today. Our secure Web server at http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htm accepts credit cards. Or, mail your check or money order to: DrugSense 14252 Culver Drive #328 Irvine, CA 92604-0326. (800) 266 5759 . DrugSense is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the expensive, ineffective, and destructive "War on Drugs." Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
In The Trenches

Americans for Safe Access: CA Weekly Alert

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ASA California Weekly Alert: 02-20-09

Weekly Round Up
1. 2009 Medical Marijuana Week Recap
2. Palm Springs Votes to Allow Dispensaries
3. Laguna Beach Passes Dispensary Moratorium

Take Action
4. Go back and Participate in ASA's MMJ Week Actions!

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
5. Saturday, February 21st – Los Angeles: L.A. ASA Meeting
6. Tuesday, February 24th - San Francisco: SF ASA Meeting
7. Wednesday, February 25th - Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

Court Support
8. Monday, February 23rd - Los Angeles: Protest to Support Charles Lynch Against Federal Injustice

Special Events
9. Saturday February 21st - Los Angeles: LA-ASA Meeting & Activist Training
10. Sunday February 22nd - Oakland: East Bay Medical Cannabis Activists Mixer
11. Wednesday, March 11th - Riverside County AIDS Conference to Include Medical Cannabis Panel

California IconWeekly Round Up

1. 2009 Medical Marijuana Week Recap

Medical cannabis activists across the country have been participating in this year's "Medical Marijuana Week 2009", which has included a week long series of events and actions designed to get people to participate, become active advocates, and to learn and think more about what issues, prejudices, and exciting medical breakthroughs surround the cannabis plant and are as yet still unaddressed.

In the past week, activists in California took part in events that included legal trainings, film screenings, public seed plantings, art shows, and festivals, as well as charity events that raised awareness and benefited homeless communities.  All the way across the country in our nation's capital, activists from Maryland ASA chapters held candle light vigils, educational medical cannabis teach-ins, and a party to celebrate the hard work their chapters have done to introduce legislation in the Maryland state legislature.

On the activism side, ASA has been sending actions to our national list all week, encouraging people to stand up and get active in ways they might normally wouldn't.  Actions this week included officially joining up with ASA through a membership or signing up for the Ambassador program, spending a day reading and learning about the history or new science of cannabis, recruiting others, meeting with elected officials, and connecting with medical cannabis POW's.  We've received great feedback and lots of participation from our membership - so thanks to all of you who took part in the actions of the past week!  Keep it up!   This has been a great way to bring attention to medical cannabis with a week of actions that have helped to rejuvenate our community  of activists.   It's been a great week and I can't wait until 2010!

2. Palm Springs Votes to Allow Dispensaries

This week the City Council members of Palm Springs voted to make it the first city in Riverside County to allow medical cannabis dispensing collectives.  The decision by the Council was intended to improve access of medical cannabis and keep local residents from having to resort to the illicit market for their treatment.  Activists have long been pressuring Palm Springs and other parts of Riverside County to allow dispensing collectives, and the 3-1 vote in favor demonstrates the fruits of that labor.

The ordinance will go into effect in 30 days following its second reading, and allows two dispensing collectives to operate within city limits.  According to Councilmember Ginny Foat, "This is an incredible first step."

Dispensary regulations have been a growing trend in California, as cities and counties work to address the needs of the medical cannabis patients in their communities, and as California state law has become increasingly clear about the legality of the dispensing collectives, as evidenced most recently in guidelines released by California Attorney General Jerry Brown.  In addition, research has indicated that dispensing collectives can not only improve the safety of communities, but can also lead to greater health outcomes of patients who are members.

3. Laguna Beach Passes Dispensary Moratorium

Unfortunately, not all municipalities are moving in the same direction with regard to dispensary regulations.  While Palm Springs became the first city in Riverside County to allow dispensing collectives, the City Council of Laguna Beach voted to implement a moratorium,  putting the halt on a dispensary that had been set to open in the city's downtown area.

The 45-day moratorium was established at least in part because Councilors claimed to require more time to consider how the permit process would move forward and for them to consider their "regulatory options".   Some cities have passed moratoriums in order to buy themselves time to draft ordinances, but others have used the moratoriums as a means to stall and postpone dealing with the issue, before ultimately passing bans altogether.   This was a concern of local advocates.

Laguna Beach residents who spoke out in defense of the dispensing collective cited personal stories of loved ones with severe illness and their need for safe access to  their medication,  as opposed to driving to "illegal set-ups", as one resident put it.    

In The Trenches

The LEAP Report: January/February 2009

January/February 2009

This issue…

  • Did you Know…?
  • Join LEAP's Rapid Response Team
  • LEAP Speakers: Education, Advocacy, Action
  • State by State
  • Make the LEAP

Did You Know…?

Did you know that LEAP's official YouTube channel was the #1 most-subscribed non-profit featured on YouTube for the month of January?  Halfway through the month, we're ranked #3 for February… so if haven't already visited LEAP on YouTube, please check out the videos we've posted and make sure to click "subscribe" so you can be notified whenever we upload a new video.   

Elsewhere on the web, LEAP speaker Norm Stamper has become a featured blogger for The Huffington Post.  On February 6, Norm's article 'One Cop To Another: Don't Arrest Phelps for Bong Photo' was the #1 most-viewed article on the entire HuffPost site.  In addition to the attention his blog has received, many media outlets are anxious to speak with Norm and hear his insight into President Obama's likely choice for drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, who was Norm's immediate successor as Seattle's chief of police.  And make sure to stay up late tonight (or set your DVR) to catch Norm on the Fox News Channel's "Red Eye."  The show airs at 3 AM EST, Friday morning, Feb. 20.

By making a contribution, you can help LEAP gain visibility and make this a #1 issue in your community.

Join LEAP's Rapid Response Team

One thing that LEAP prides itself on is our ability to inspire and engage citizen volunteers; our cops can't do everything themselves!  That's why LEAP is launching an all-new Rapid Response Team of people who will make themselves available to receive e-mail alerts every few days asking for a few minutes of time to help advance reform.  For example, we may ask you to help build our movement for change by submitting comments on high-profile newspaper websites and blog posts, calling in to popular radio shows that are discussing the drug war, or voting in online polls asking about reform. 

If you would like to join the Rapid Response Team, please click here.  The list will be totally separate from our normal newsletter and action alert list, and you can remove yourself at any time if you feel you're getting too many e-mails.

LEAP Speakers: Education, Advocacy, Action

Contributed by Barbara Humphrey, Speakers Bureau Assistant

From rotaries to college campuses, Lions clubs to the halls of Congress, LEAP speakers are spreading the drug policy reform message, and it is making a difference.    An important role of the Speakers Bureau staff is to capture feedback from LEAP speaking engagements, allowing us to measure the impact of our efforts.  In addition to finding out how many people attended presentations, we also strive to go beyond the numbers to determine the impact of the presentation on those present and to solicit ideas for how to improve the effectiveness of these presentations.  The following are examples of the kind of feedback provided to LEAP following speaker presentations. 

In January, veteran speaker Dean Becker addressed a Texas Lion's Club audience of 130+, including three sitting judges, municipal law enforcement officers, and a State elected representative.    What an incredible opportunity to affect change!  

One of LEAP's newer speakers, Neill Franklin, spoke to supporters of the Tuerk House, a Timonium, Maryland drug/alcohol center, in early February.  The host was appreciative that Neill was able to generate a lively discussion following his presentation, a good indication of how well the talk was received.   The next day, Neill spoke to 20 faculty members and students at the University of Maryland College of Law.  The students were so impressed with the presentation that they have suggested a school-wide forum on the subject, while the faculty host described Neill as "awesome." 

In California, Judge James Gray spoke to more than 30 students at UCLA in February.  The school's host described the presentation as inspiring, and she was aware of a number of students whose minds had changed that night as a result of Judge Gray's talk. 

LEAP's Executive Director, Jack Cole, is also one of LEAP's most effective speakers.   Jack made a presentation to a group of 30 Rotarians in Massachusetts recently.  The club's host commented that "Jack made a real hit!  His presentation was great and I'm sure a lot were converted."  

The feedback from LEAP speaking engagements point to the important impact these speakers are making in the communities where they live and visit.  They inspire us all to keep booking, keep talking, and keep following up.

State By State

El Paso, Texas was at the forefront of the drug war debate in January. When El Paso's city council unanimously voted to call for an open debate on ending drug prohibition, the mayor vetoed the resolution.  The city council responded by calling for an override of the veto, and LEAP speaker Terry Nelson attended the meeting to give testimony before the council.  Unfortunately, the mayor's veto was upheld; four of the eight council members who originally supported the resolution reversed their votes under significant federal pressure that threatened state and federal funding.  If you haven't already done so, please visit www.DrugWarDebate.com to ask YOUR state and federal representatives to support a blue ribbon commission reviewing the efficacy of drug prohibition. 

 

Make The LEAP

As drug prohibition-related issues like the Michael Phelps drug investigation, the imminent nomination of a new drug czar, and the El Paso City Council's efforts continue to make the news, LEAP's voice needs to be heard now more than ever.  LEAP is committed to keeping the debate on war on drugs at the forefront until the day drug prohibition ends.  Please support LEAP's efforts by making a tax-deductible contribution to ensure that our mission of education on the failures of drug prohibition can reach its fullest potential.

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