Drug War Chronicle #508 - November 2, 2007
Editorial: Newsflash -- Governments Are Violently Destroying Lives in the Drug War
Thousands of lives are damaged or destroyed in the drug war every day, but all for nought. Prohibition needs to end.
Feature: New, Less Severe Federal Crack Cocaine Sentencing Guidelines Go Into Effect, But Will They Be Retroactive?
New, less harsh federal sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses went into effect this week, potentially affecting 4,000 federal cases a year. But will the US Sentencing Commission make those changes retroactive, bringing hope to nearly 20,000 currently imprisoned federal crack offenders? Stay tuned.
Feature: Can Medical Marijuana Cost You Your Kid? In California, It Can
Ronnie Naulls thought he knew what to expect if the DEA came after his dispensary, but he never thought they'd try to take his kids. He's not the only California medical marijuana patient or provider with problems with child protective services or family courts, either.
Weekly: Blogging @ the Speakeasy
"Arresting Marijuana Users Sends the Wrong Message to Children," "Drew Carey Cares About Medical Marijuana," "Cowards: Democratic Front-Runners Reject Marijuana Law Reform," "Bill O'Reilly Doesn't Want You to Get High," "What Motivates the Leaders of the Drug War?," "Blogging is More Addictive Than Marijuana."
Students: Intern at DRCNet and Help Stop the Drug War!
Apply for an internship at DRCNet for this fall (or spring), and you could spend the semester fighting the good fight!
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
A top narc admits he was dirty, a border drug squad deputy commander goes to prison, a deputy police chief is under investigation, and yes, another prison guard gets busted.
Harm Reduction: Measure to Bar Federal Funds for Cities With Safe Injection Sites Passes Senate
Congressional drug warriors have managed to pass an amendment that would bar federal funds for cities that establish safe injection sites. The measure is in conference committee and needs to be killed now.
Marijuana: Democratic Candidates Forgo Opportunity to Support Decriminalization During Tuesday Night Debate
When the Democratic presidential contenders had a chance to support marijuana decriminalization during Tuesday night's televised debate, only two out of seven did so.
Families: Utah Supreme Court Rules Mere Presence of Drugs in Home is Not Child Endangerment
The mere presence of illegal drugs in a home is not enough to justify child endangerment charges against parents, the Utah Supreme Court has ruled.
Sentencing Reform: Massachusetts Bar Association Forms Drug Policy Task Force
The Massachusetts Bar Association has decided to form a drug policy task force with an eye toward sentencing reform in the Bay State.
Southeast Asia: Drug Crackdowns Spread HIV/AIDS, Experts Say
Southeast Asian countries' tough line on drug users is exacerbating the HIV/AIDS crisis in the region, experts in Bangkok said last weekend.
Southeast Asia: Indonesia Constitutional Court Upholds Death Penalty For Drug Offenses
Executions for drug offenses will continue in Indonesia. The country's constitutional court upheld such punishments this week.
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Web Scan
New York Times on drug convictions and financial aid, conservatives against harsh crack sentencing law, Smith and Guard on Drug Truth Network, Tony Papa on the "preppy killer" facing more time for drugs than murder.
Weekly: This Week in History
Events and quotes of note from this week's drug policy events of years past.
In the Movement: Job Opportunities at MPP
The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) currently has two part-time, unpaid positions open. Apply today for either the nationwide Research Fellowship or DC-based Membership Intern position.
Announcement: Deadline Approaching for Abstract Submission to IHRA Barcelona Conference
The 19th International Conference for the Reduction of Drug-Related Harm will convene in Barcelona this May. There's still time to apply to get on the program.
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