psmith
Stories by psmith
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, December 06, 2006, 05:40pm, (Issue #464)
After a one-week hiatus, the corrupt cops stories are back, thanks in large part to the help of Chronicle readers -- we have a veritable potpourri of police misconduct with a heavy emphasis on the larcenous.
Pentagon Resists Pleas for Help in Afghan Opium Fight
from Los Angles Times, December 05, 2006Location:
Readers, Thanks for Your Help. Keep Those Corrupt Cop Story Tips Coming!
by psmith, December 04, 2006, 09:46pm
On Friday, I blogged about how for the first time in years I hadn't run a "This Week's Corrupt Cops" piece because I couldn't find any stories.
What Will a Democratic Congress Mean for Drug Reform?
by psmith, December 04, 2006, 09:37pm
One of the articles I'm working on this week will be called "Drug Reform and the Democratic Congress: What's Really Going to Happen?" I've already talked to a number of inside the beltway drug reform
Supreme Court Lets Stand 55-Year Term
from Associated Press, December 04, 2006Location:
Police Caught in Cross Hairs of Tijuana Violence
from San Diego Union-Tribune, December 04, 2006Location:
Offbeat: Make It Legal
from Sandusky Register, December 04, 2006Location:
Misguided Drug War Claims Another Victim
from Atlanta Journal-Constitution, December 02, 2006Location:
The House of Death: When 12 bodies were found buried in the garden of a Mexican house, it seemed like a case of drug-linked killings. But the trail led to Washington and a cover-up that went right to the top.
from The Observer [UK], December 02, 2006Location:
Supreme Court to Hear "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" Case
from Chicago Tribune, December 02, 2006Location:
Readers, I need your help! Where are the corrupt cops?
by psmith, December 01, 2006, 03:40pm
Some of you have undoubtedly noticed that the long-running "This Week's Corrupt Cops" feature was missing this week. That's because I didn't have any stories for it.
Town Hall Meeting on APD Shooting
from WXIA-TV Atlanta, December 01, 2006Location:
Drug Raids: Cops Looking Worse and Worse as Facts Emerge in Deadly Atlanta Case
by psmith, December 01, 2006, 01:34am, (Issue #463)
The killing of an elderly Atlanta woman in a drug raid last week continues to reverbrate through the community. With each passing day, the police are looking worse.
Marijuana: Lowest Priority Initiatives Coming to Maine
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 11:04pm, (Issue #463)
Maine could become the next state where municipalities pass a lowest law enforcement priority marijuana initiative. Activists there have the process well under way already.
Legalization: Vermont States Attorney Calls for Decriminalization of All Drugs
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 10:36pm, (Issue #463)
A Vermont states attorney has spoken out publicly against the drug war. All drugs should be "decriminalized" and drug abuse considered as a public health issue, he says.
Feature: World Bank-UN Report Offers Grim Assessment of Afghanistan Opium Battle, Says Winning Will Take Decades, Not Years
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 10:09pm, (Issue #463)
A new report from the World Bank and UN is just the latest to warn of the difficulties facing drug warriors in Afghanistan. The report is comprehensive, exacting, and grim.
Feature: Medical Marijuana Gets a Hearing in Michigan
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 09:04pm, (Issue #463)
Medical marijuana came to the state legislature in Michigan this week, for the first time -- and made an unexpectedly strong showing.
Sentencing: Correctional Supervision At All-Time High With Over Seven Million People Tied to the System
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 05:51pm, (Issue #463)
In its latest annual studies on the prison and probation/parole population in the US, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reports the numbers are at an all-time high. Again.
Marijuana: Michigan Legalization Initiative Gets State Okay to Gather Signatures for 2008
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 02:25pm, (Issue #463)
A Michigan group has won approval from the State Board of Canvassers to begin a signature gathering drive for an initiative that would legalize the possession of marijuana by adults.
Southeast Asia: New Thai Government to Begin Investigating 2,500 Murders Committed During Thaksin's Drug War
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 02:22pm, (Issue #463)
While he was Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra unleashed a drug war in which more than 2,500 were killed. Now that he has been deposed, the new government is promising to investigate the murders.
Southeast Asia: Myanmar Military Turns Blind Eye to Allied Ethnic Militias' Opium Trade
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 02:18pm, (Issue #463)
The military junta in Myanmar has been crowing about how it's cooperating in the fight against opium production, but a report from the Shan States suggests the military is turning a blind eye to production and trading by allied ethnic militias.
Medical Marijuana: California Supreme Court Rules Patients Can Transport It
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 02:13pm, (Issue #463)
The California Supreme Court has ruled that qualified medical marijuana patients can transport their medicine -- as much as they need -- without being subjected to arrest and conviction.
Search and Seizure: US Supreme Court Lets State Rulings Barring Drug Dog House Searches and Restricting Traffic Stop Drug Searches Stand
by psmith, November 30, 2006, 02:10pm, (Issue #463)
The US Supreme Court Monday refused to hear appeals of state court decisions limiting law enforcement's ability to conduct searches in two states.
Survey: Meth Use Climbs on East Coast
from Associated Press, November 30, 2006Location:
Prescription Heroin Brings Ethical Dilemma
from Inter Press Service News Agency, November 30, 2006Location:
Surge in Violence Shocks Even Weary Mexico; Drug Killing Nearly Doubled in Past Year
from Washington Post, November 29, 2006Location:
Marijuana Bill Snuffed Out
from Lansing State Journal, November 29, 2006Location:
Anger Spills Over in Atlanta At Killing of Aged Woman
from New York Times, November 29, 2006Location:
Latest on Atlanta Police Killing of Elderly Woman in Drug Raid
by psmith, November 28, 2006, 01:58am
The killing of an elderly Atlanta woman after she shot and wounded three undercover policemen during a nighttime drug raid just might end up shedding some much needed light on the sordid business that
Army Protecting Opium Trade in Myanmar
from Asia News, November 27, 2006Location:
Jesus Blancornelas, 70; wrote exposes on Tijuana drug cartels
from Los Angeles Times, November 25, 2006Location:
Drug Raids: Atlanta Police Kill Woman, 92, Who Shot Invading Officers
by psmith, November 24, 2006, 12:21pm, (Issue #462)
Three undercover police officers serving a no-knock drug seach warrant in Atlanta were hit by gunfire from the 92-year old homeowner before they shot and killed her.
Marijuana: San Francisco Supervisors Approve Lowest Law Enforcement Priority Policy
by psmith, November 24, 2006, 11:41am, (Issue #462)
San Francisco became the latest in a growing list of cities taking the lead in reforming marijuana policies.
Canada: BC Business-Academic Panel Tells Government to Consider Legalizing Drugs
by psmith, November 23, 2006, 09:14pm, (Issue #462)
A blue ribbon panel says to either legalize drugs or really crack down with the goal of wiping them out.
Europe: Give Addicts Prescription Heroin, Says British Police Commander
by psmith, November 23, 2006, 04:29pm, (Issue #462)
As Britain's top cops meet to discuss drug policy, one police commander is saying the government should provide prescription heroin to addicts.
Feature: Students Lobby and Learn in DC as SSDP Comes to Town
by psmith, November 23, 2006, 03:17pm, (Issue #462)
Students for Sensible Drug Policy held its annual conference in Washington, DC, last weekend. Here's our report.
Merced Pot Grower Convicted; Jury Takes Just Two Hours to Return Verdict; Medical Marijuana Defense Fails
from Fresno Bee, November 23, 2006Location:
Along the Northern Mexican Border, Fear Rules
from , November 23, 2006Location:
Questions Surround Fatal Shooting of Woman, 92; Police Say They Had Made Drug Buy at Home
from Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 22, 2006Location:
Europe: British Drug Expert Calls for Downgrade on LSD, Ecstasy
by psmith, November 22, 2006, 05:34pm, (Issue #462)
The head of the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has called for ecstasy and LSD to be reclassified as less serious drugs, but the government has signalled it isn't listening.
Harm Reduction: Yet Another Study Finds Vancouver's Safe Injection Site Benefits Users Without Harming Community
by psmith, November 22, 2006, 04:40pm, (Issue #462)
Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper doesn't like safe injection sites, but as yet another study shows, science is not on his side.
Europe: Italian Government Loosens Marijuana Possession Limits
by psmith, November 22, 2006, 03:31pm, (Issue #462)
An administrative measure last week doubled the amount of marijuana people can possess without facing criminal charges.
Sentencing: Veteran Houston Judge Calls for Shorter Sentences for Drug Possession
by psmith, November 22, 2006, 03:27pm, (Issue #462)
Houston (Harris County) accounts for nearly 40% of all Texas prisoners serving state jail time for drug possession offenses. Now, a conservative Houston jurist says enough is enough.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, November 22, 2006, 03:23pm, (Issue #462)
A couple of unusual ones this week -- a coke-dealing former fire chief in Connecticut and a Texas cop whose wife has a bad passport and some very shady connections.
Racial Profiling: It Never Went Away on the New Jersey Turnpike
by psmith, November 22, 2006, 03:21pm, (Issue #462)
As New Jersey's governor ponders whether to continue a consent decree designed to eliminate racial profiling by State Police, the ACLU says the problem is worse than ever.
Police Kill Woman, 92, in Shootout [Atlanta Drug Raid Gone Bad]
from Associated Press, November 22, 2006Location:
Italian Lawmaker Claims He Planted Marijuana in Parliament
from Reuters, November 22, 2006Location:
Police Chief Says Give Heroin to Addicts
from ITV News, November 22, 2006Location:
Injection Site Hasn't Led to Crime, Study Finds
from Toronto Globe & Mail, November 21, 2006Location:
Police Chiefs to Debate Drug Fight [UK]
from Press Association (UK), November 21, 2006Location:
Judge Calls for Easing of Drug Penalty; Citing Felony Docket Loads, He Asks Perry to Cut Sentences for Minor Possession
from Houston Chronicle, November 21, 2006Location:
Is It Time for Direct Action to Shut Down DEA Headquarters?
by psmith, November 21, 2006, 01:51pm
One of the nice things about coming to Washington is more stimulating dinner discussions than I'm accustomed to out in the boondocks.
UK is Europe's Worst Offender for Cocaine Use
from Press Association (UK), November 20, 2006Location:
SSDP Conference Invigorates and Educates Students and Non-Students Alike
by psmith, November 19, 2006, 11:58am
The Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) conference in Washington, DC saw its third and final day, and it was a rousing weekend for drug reformer
Pot Seizures Foretell Bumper Crop [in Mexico]
from Associated Press, November 19, 2006Location:
Judge Rejects San Diego Challenge to Medical Marijuana Law
from Associated Press, November 17, 2006Location:
Heading to DC for SSDP!
by psmith, November 15, 2006, 09:14pm
After five longs days incommunicado in darkest Dakota, I am crawling out of my cave and heading for the East Coast to check out the Students for Sensible
I'm sick and tired of begging my fellow citizens to not throw me in jail...
by psmith, November 10, 2006, 02:22pm
...because I might smoke something of which they don't approve.
Election 2006: Arizona Voters Take a Step Backwards on Sentencing Reform
by psmith, November 10, 2006, 12:46am, (Issue #461)
Arizona voters took a step backward by allowing first- and second-time methamphetamine offenders to be sentenced to jail or prison -- unlike any other Arizona drug possession offenders.
Election 2006: Drug Reformers in Third Party Statewide Bids Poll Single Digits, But One Wins a State House Seat in Washington
by psmith, November 10, 2006, 12:10am, (Issue #461)
A drug reformer won a state house seat as a Democrat this week, but third-party reformers got largely ignored at the polls.
Election 2006: Massachusetts Voters in Four More Districts Continue the Clamor for Marijuana Law Reform
by psmith, November 09, 2006, 10:11pm, (Issue #461)
Four more Massachusetts representative districts have voted to ask their reps to support either marijuana decriminalization or medical marijuana bills in the state legislature.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, November 09, 2006, 10:07pm, (Issue #461)
A Kentucky deputy gets caught stealing from the office stash, so does a Cleveland court employee, and a Cleveland cop's husband's activities is raising eyebrows.
Election 2006: Local Marijuana Initiatives Win Across the Board
by psmith, November 09, 2006, 06:20pm, (Issue #461)
Statewide marijuana initiatives may have had a tough time this year, but it was a clean sweep for local lowest priority initiatives, which went five for five, plus a local medical marijuana measure.
Election 2006: Initiatives Defeated in Colorado and Nevada, But Hundreds of Thousands Voted to Legalize Marijuana
by psmith, November 09, 2006, 04:59pm, (Issue #461)
Two marijuana legalization initiatives went down to defeat in Colorado and Nevada, but by relatively narrow margins. Organizers are vowing to try again.
Dwight Gooden is Released From Prison After Seven Months
from Bloomberg News, November 09, 2006Location:
Election 2006: South Dakota Medical Marijuana Initiative Backers Vow to Try Again After Narrow Defeat
by psmith, November 09, 2006, 02:10pm, (Issue #461)
In a close vote, South Dakota voters became the first in the nation to turn back a medical marijuana initiative, but organizers vow to try again.
[Mexican] Marijuana Harvest Yields Bumper Crop
from KVOA-TV Tucson, November 09, 2006Location:
Sentencing: US Supreme Court to Try to Clean Up Post-Booker Ruling Issues
by psmith, November 08, 2006, 02:26am, (Issue #461)
Last year's Supreme Court decision making federal sentencing guidelines only advisory has led to confusion in the federal courts. Now the high court has agreed to hear two cases that could help stop the head-scratching--and maybe get some drug offenders some shorter sentences.
Looking Bad for the Statewide Marijuana Initiatives
by psmith, November 08, 2006, 02:20am
It's just after 1AM Eastern time, and it looks like the Colorado, Nevada, and South Dakota marijuana initiatives are all headed for defeat.
Sentencing: Public Hearings on Illinois SMART Act Pack 'Em In
by psmith, November 07, 2006, 04:29pm, (Issue #461)
Public hearings on an Illinois bill that would divert first-time drug possession offenders into "drug schools" instead of prison are now underway across the state, and if the crowd in Chicago is any indication, public interest is high.
Medical Marijuana: First New Federal Prosecution in Three Years Underway in California
by psmith, November 07, 2006, 04:24pm, (Issue #461)
Federal authorities had not prosecuted a California medical marijuana patient or provider since the Ed Rosenthal trial blew up in their face three years ago, but that changed Wednesday.
Let's Not Forget Massachusetts
by psmith, November 06, 2006, 02:22pm
In our list of drug policy-related ballot issues last Friday, we neglected to mention Massachusetts.
More Take the Rehab Way Out; [Enron's] Fastow is the Latest Corporate Convict to Seek Counseling to Cut Time Off Sentence
from Houston Chronicle, November 06, 2006Location:
Tories Blocked Needle Sites Despite Internal Poll Results; 56% of Canadians in Favor of More Injection Facilities
from Ottawa Citizen, November 06, 2006Location:
Cloudy Future For Marijuana As Medicine
from Associated Press, November 06, 2006Location:
Kelo TV Poll: Medical Marijuana [South Dakota, Losing 35% to 60%]
from KELO TV Sioux Falls, November 05, 2006Location:
Gathering Will Mark 10 Years of Medical Marijuana Use
from Los Angeles Times, November 04, 2006Location:
Federal Official Criticizes Medical Marijuana Issue
from Associated Press, November 04, 2006Location:
Afghan Farmers Likely to Match Harvest [Record 2007 Crop Predicted]
from Associated Press, November 03, 2006Location:
Higher Education: Federal Court Dismisses Challenge to HEA Drug Provision
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 10:23pm, (Issue #460)
A South Dakota federal court judge has dismissed a challenge to the consitutionality of the Higher Education Act's drug provision.
Feature: Colorado and Nevada to Vote on Marijuana Legalization Measures Tuesday
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 07:17pm, (Issue #460)
Less than a week out, initiatives to legalize marijuana possession in Colorado and permit regulated sales and possession in Nevada face an uphill battle, but organizers remain hopeful.
Feature: Alabama Drug Reformer Loretta Nall Accidentally Becomes the "Cleavage" Candidate
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 05:32pm, (Issue #460)
Loretta Nall didn't set out to be the "cleavage" candidate when launching her campaign, but she recognized a good strategy when a newspaper columnist thrust it upon her.
Drug Reform and Drug Reformers in the 2006 Elections -- The List
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 03:52pm, (Issue #460)
With the 2006 elections just days away, here's a look at drug reform issues and drug reformers on the ballot.
93% of Canadians Okay With Medicinal Pot
from CanWest News Service, November 02, 2006Location:
Medical Marijuana: Patients Challenge DEA Head at San Diego Conference, Seven Arrested
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 02:38am, (Issue #460)
DEA head Karen Tandy refused to meet with medical marijuana patients in San Diego Wednesday, the patients refused to leave, seven were arrested, and Tandy got to feel the heat for the actions of her agency.
South Pacific: Sympathy for Marijuana Growers in Vanuatu
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 02:02am, (Issue #460)
The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu is seeing increased marijuana use and cultivation. While the usual suspects raise concerns, at least one member of parliament is sticking up for growers.
Marijuana: Massachusetts Gubernatorial Candidate Favors Legalization, Just Not During His Term
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 01:58am, (Issue #460)
In a debate last week, Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick said he could support marijuana legalization, and in the next breath, vowed to veto a marijuana decriminalization bill if it crossed his desk.
Middle East: After Lebanon War, Israeli Cannabis Prices Spike
by psmith, November 02, 2006, 01:52am, (Issue #460)
An unintended consequence of last summer's war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is a steep spike in hashish prices paid by Israeli consumers due to increased border security.
Coming Down to the Wire in Nevada and Colorado
by psmith, November 01, 2006, 05:44pm
We're getting down to the final days of this election season, and we're waiting with bated breath for that first marijuana legalization victory in Colorado and/or Nevada.
Unproven Meth, Cocaine "Remedy" Hits Market; Reseachers Debate Quick Fix: Is It Good Medicine or Just Marketing?
from MSNBC, November 01, 2006Location:
[South Dakota] Bill Pits Attorney General Against Medical Marijuana Proponents
from Rapid City Journal, November 01, 2006Location:
Medical Marijuana Advocates Arrested
from Fox News 6 San Diego, November 01, 2006Location:
Africa: As Marijuana Growing Expands, Swaziland Begins to Ponder Hemp
by psmith, November 01, 2006, 03:34am, (Issue #460)
Faced with falling commodity prices, Swazi farmers are turning to marijuana as a cash crop. Now there's talk of growing hemp.
Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
by psmith, November 01, 2006, 03:27am, (Issue #460)
A Virginia sheriff and most of his department goes down for reselling seized drug and guns, a Border Patrol guard gets caught turning a blind eye in exchange for sex and cash, dope is missing from the Boston Police evidence warehouse, a small town police chief pleads guilty to protecting crack dealers, and two cops are going to prison for dealing drugs.
Prescription Painkillers Becoming More Popular Than Marijuana, SAMHSA Says
from Join Together Online, October 31, 2006Location:
California Seizes Record Number of Pot Plants
from Associated Press, October 31, 2006Location:
Russia Raises Afghanistan Drugs Issue With EU
from Novosti News Agency, October 31, 2006Location:
The Cartels Are Coming, the Cartels Are Coming! (Or A New Meme Emerges)
by psmith, October 30, 2006, 02:44pm
No, not the Colombian cartels and not the Mexican cartels.
Pot Proponents Shout Down Governor
from ABC-TV7 Denver, October 29, 2006
Drug War Issues
Criminal JusticeAsset Forfeiture, Collateral Sanctions (College Aid, Drug Taxes, Housing, Welfare), Court Rulings, Drug Courts, Due Process, Felony Disenfranchisement, Incarceration, Policing (2011 Drug War Killings, 2012 Drug War Killings, 2013 Drug War Killings, 2014 Drug War Killings, 2015 Drug War Killings, 2016 Drug War Killings, 2017 Drug War Killings, Arrests, Eradication, Informants, Interdiction, Lowest Priority Policies, Police Corruption, Police Raids, Profiling, Search and Seizure, SWAT/Paramilitarization, Task Forces, Undercover Work), Probation or Parole, Prosecution, Reentry/Rehabilitation, Sentencing (Alternatives to Incarceration, Clemency and Pardon, Crack/Powder Cocaine Disparity, Death Penalty, Decriminalization, Defelonization, Drug Free Zones, Mandatory Minimums, Rockefeller Drug Laws, Sentencing Guidelines)CultureArt, Celebrities, Counter-Culture, Music, Poetry/Literature, Television, TheaterDrug UseParaphernalia, Vaping, ViolenceIntersecting IssuesCollateral Sanctions (College Aid, Drug Taxes, Housing, Welfare), Violence, Border, Budgets/Taxes/Economics, Business, Civil Rights, Driving, Economics, Education (College Aid), Employment, Environment, Families, Free Speech, Gun Policy, Human Rights, Immigration, Militarization, Money Laundering, Pregnancy, Privacy (Search and Seizure, Drug Testing), Race, Religion, Science, Sports, Women's IssuesMarijuana PolicyGateway Theory, Hemp, Marijuana -- Personal Use, Marijuana Industry, Medical MarijuanaMedicineMedical Marijuana, Science of Drugs, Under-treatment of PainPublic HealthAddiction, Addiction Treatment (Science of Drugs), Drug Education, Drug Prevention, Drug-Related AIDS/HIV or Hepatitis C, Harm Reduction (Methadone & Other Opiate Maintenance, Needle Exchange, Overdose Prevention, Pill Testing, Safer Injection Sites)Source and Transit CountriesAndean Drug War, Coca, Hashish, Mexican Drug War, Opium ProductionSpecific DrugsAlcohol, Ayahuasca, Cocaine (Crack Cocaine), Ecstasy, Heroin, Ibogaine, ketamine, Khat, Kratom, Marijuana (Gateway Theory, Marijuana -- Personal Use, Medical Marijuana, Hashish), Methamphetamine, New Synthetic Drugs (Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Stimulants), Nicotine, Prescription Opiates (Fentanyl, Oxycontin), Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms, Psychedelics (LSD, Mescaline, Peyote, Salvia Divinorum)YouthGrade School, Post-Secondary School, Raves, Secondary School
Consequences of Prohibition
CorruptionFinancial Corruption, Glamorization of Criminality, Government CorruptionCrime & ViolenceCivil Conflict, Drug Trade Funding Terrorists, Increased Illegal Gun Prevalence, Police/Suspect Altercations, Property Crime, Turf WarsDisorderDrug Trade in Schools, Open Air Markets, Police-Community Tensions, Political InstabilityEnvironmental HarmDeforestation, Meth LabsFutile PursuitsBusts & SeizuresHarm IntensificationDisease, Increased Drug Potency, Overdoses, Poisoned Drug Supply, Popularization of Worse Drugs
Politics & Advocacy
AcademicsElectoral PoliticsBallot Measures (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020), Candidates/RacesFederal GovernmentCongress, Executive Branch (DEA, ONDCP), Federal CourtsLaw EnforcementLegal CommunityOur SideOrganizations (Changing Minds 2009, Changing Minds 2010, Director's Blog), Political LeadersPolitics Outside USCanada, Philippines, United NationsPollingState & Local GovernmentState & Local Executive Branches, State & Local Legislatures, State CourtsThe Drug DebateDecriminalization, Legalization (Legalization Supporters, Marijuana Legalization), Media, Medicalization, Moderates, Prohibition, Public Opinion, Regulation of Legal Drugs, Spending Priorities, Tax and Regulate, Treatment Not JailThe Other SideBarry McCaffrey, Jim Sensenbrenner, John Walters, Mark Souder