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If You Think Supporting Marijuana Legalization Is Political Suicide, You're Wrong
Longtime readers know I've been banging this drum for a while, but I think I hit it pretty hard in this new piece at Huffington Post. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Police Shouldn't Be Proud of Seizing Bigger Marijuana Crops Every Year (It's a Sign of Failure)
[inline:marijuanaplant.png align=right]If I didn't know better, some of this week's headlines might have me wondering if the American marijuana market is about to come to a crashing halt.
Live Webchat About Dealing with Police
Steve Silverman and I will be joining the popular political site FireDogLake this evening for a webchat about our film 10 Rules for Dealing with Police. Please join us from 8:00-9:30ET for what I'm sure will be a lively discussion. Just click into FireDogLake.com at 8:00 and register here if you'd like to comment or ask questions. Hope to see you there.
New Threats from the Feds Won't Stop Medical Marijuana
Obama's betrayal of our movement is certainly an ugly thing to behold, but it's not the first time medical marijuana has faced uncertainty, and it won't be the last. I have a new piece at Huffington Post discussing DOJ's latest threats and where we go from here.
Obama Administration Issues New Threats Against Medical Marijuana
[inline:wheelchair.png align=right]After several ominous months, Obama's Dept. of Justice has issued a formal statement backing away from the President's pledge to respect state medical marijuana laws:
Stubborn Congressman Tries to Block Marijuana Legalization Bill
Barney Frank and Ron Paul's historic bill to end federal marijuana prohibition is generating a lot of excitement around the country, but in Washington D.C., it's already becoming another reminder of the arrogant drug war politics that have long obstructed the path to reform.
National Review Endorses Frank/Paul Marijuana Legalization Bill
[image:1 align:right]The conservative flagship magazine National Review has endorsed the recently
Defenders of the War on Marijuana Don't Have a Clue Who They're Hurting
[inline:marijuanaarrest.jpg align=right]The debate over New York City's out-of-control marijuana arrest crusade is getting heated, which is exactly what needs to happen. Forced at last to defend this grand travesty before an angry public, the mayor's office is now trying to convince everyone that this epidemic of constitutional violations and racial profiling is somehow good for the community:
Good Drug Policy Bills to Be Introduced in Congress This Week
[image:1 align:right]Last April we reported that US Rep.
The Drug War Created the Cartels. Only Ending it Can Destroy Them.
[inline:mexicancartels.jpg align=right]In a New York Times editorial, Sylvia Longmire attempts to generate interest in her upcoming book on drug cartels by arguing that marijuana legalization wouldn't actually do much to damage their profits:
This is What a Drug Legalization Activist Looks Like, Part 2
This video really captures the feel of LEAP's excellent press event last week:
40th Anniversary Drug War Continues, SWAT Raid Music Video, More Wire
The 40th anniversary of Richard Nixon's declaration of the drug war continues.
Jimmy Carter Says "Call Off the Global Drug War"
Today's New York Times features an op-ed by Jimmy Carter, Call Off the Global Drug War.
This is What a Drug Legalization Activist Looks Like
You've likely already seen the explosive mainstream media coverage of Tuesday's superb press event by our friends at Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, but I wanted to share this image that didn't make it into the papers:
NYPD Only Arrests Minorities for Marijuana. Here's How They Do It.
[inline:newyorkmarijuanaarrests.png align=right]Since 1977, it's been technically legal in the State of New York to carry around a concealed bag of marijuana weighing less than 7/8 of an ounce. But you could be forgiven for not knowing this, since getting popped for petty pot possession is easier in New York City than anywhere else on the planet.
Criminal Injustice -- Inside America's National Disgrace
[inline:reason-criminal-injustice.jpg align=right]The libertarian Reason Magazine ("free minds and free markets") has devoted its July
Odds and Ends
There's a lot going on these days. Here are a few odds and ends that didn't make it into our newsletter or that supplement it:
Every Major News Outlet is Talking About Legalizing Drugs
To get a sense of the magnitude of the discussion that's happening right now, just try entering the phrase "Drug War FAIL" into Google. Pretty impressive, huh? This story from the Associated Press is showing up everywhere you look:
World Leaders Say End the Drug War
Not all of them just yet, but it's a start:On Thursday the former presidents of several countries, former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, former U.S. secretary of state George Shultz, former U.S. Fed chairman Paul Volcker and other luminaries will release a report calling the global "war on drugs" a failure and encouraging nations to pursue legalizing and regulating drugs as a way to put a stop the violence inherent in the illegal drug market. (LEAP)
Will Tim Pawlenty's Crazy Ideas About Marijuana Hurt His Presidential Hopes?
[inline:TimPawlentyMarijuana.png align=right]"Someone has to finally stand up and level with the American people. Someone has to lead. I will.” So says newly announced Republican Presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty, who believes that people who are dying from serious illnesses deserve to be arrested if they use the marijuana for relief: