Weekly: Blogging @ the Speakeasy
In addition to the weekly reporting you see here in the Chronicle, DRCNet also features daily content in the way of blogging, news links, redistributed press releases and announcements from our allies and more.
Narcing for Fun and Profit
According to the DEA, people absolutely love working for the DEA (links added for irony):
DEA significantly exceeded ratings of other Government agencies in many measures of âPerformance Culture,â including:⢠employees feel personally empowered;
⢠creativity and innovation are rewarded along with providing high-quality products and services;
⢠promotions are based on merit;
⢠performance appraisals are a fair reflection of performance;
⢠poor performers are dealt with; and
⢠complaints and grievances are fairly resolved.
Heck I might enjoy working there too if I weren't so knowledgeable about drug policy. But it comes as no surprise that these folks enjoy waging war on their fellow citizens with no performance measures or accountability. In 34 years DEA has exhausted untold sums at our expense while failing to make a dent in America's drug problem.
â¦But at least they're having a really great time.
Feature: Guilty Pleas Only the Beginning in Aftermath of Atlanta "Drug Raid" Killing of 92-Year Old
Two Atlanta narcotics officers have pleaded guilty in the November drug raid death of 92-year-old Kathryn Johnston, but it looks like that's just the beginning of problems for the Atlanta narcotics squad.
Feature: US Sentencing Commission Announces Reduction in Crack Cocaine Sentences
The US Sentencing Commission has adjusted sentencing guidelines to allow crack offenders to get a little less time in federal prison. Meanwhile, the pressure mounts for Congress to address the infamous crack-powder cocaine sentencing disparity.
Feature: Blacks, Hispanics More Likely to Be Searched at Traffic Stops -- But That Is Not Proof of Racial Profiling, Justice Department Claims
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has released a report showing black and Hispanic drivers are more likely to be subjected to vehicle searches than whites, but it says it can't conclude racial profiling is to blame. It also lacks some key numbers that could make the case.
Global Marijuana March New York City
Please attend the New York event of the 2007 Global Marijuana March. You'll be joining the action happening in 228 cities worldwide!
11:00 a.m.: Gather at Washington Square Park for a harm reduction rally and health fair with Ed Rosenthal and Randy Credico of the William Moses Kunstler Fund for Racial Justice.
GWU Panel Event: The Humanitarian Crisis in Colombia
The GW Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Program, the Latin America Working Group, the U.S. Office on Colombia, the Center for International Policy, and the Washington Office on Latin America present: