Monday, October 13, 2003

Advice to sovereign nations... Some disturbing news: In Mexico, a drug war like none before NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico -- Members of an elite Mexican army unit have deserted and formed a drug gang, using their military training to launch a violent battle for control of this border city, Mexico's top anti-drug prosecutor said in an interview with the Associated Press. The war for Nuevo Laredo is unlike other recent drug conflicts -- it's a turf war involving most of Mexico's major cartels in broad alliances not seen in a decade. It has the Mexican army fighting an organized unit of former comrades, and it has cost American lives. This despite the statement on the Drug Czar's website: Since President Fox assumed office, Mexican law enforcement officials have displayed an unprecedented willingness to cooperate with U.S. officials, and the Government of Mexico has significantly improved bilateral counterdrug cooperation. and also: In a June 26 statement marking the 15th annual International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, U.S. Drug Czar John Walters said Colombia and Mexico, among others, "are demonstrating that cooperation, dedication, and hard work in attacking the illicit drug trade lead to success." On the other hand, Canada has just endured a summer where in many parts marijuana possession was effectively legal. Additionally, Vancouver opened a safe injection site. The sky didn't fall, armed militias didn't take power, and the population didn't start killing each other. However Drug Czar Walters called Canada a "blemish", accused the country of promoting "state sponsored suicide" and declared that Canadians are "ashamed" of their Prime Minister. Additionally, the peaceful Dutch have been admonished by the Drug Czar for not taking away more of their citizens civil liberties. There's a lesson here. If I was the leader of a country, the last thing I'd want to do is cooperate with the Drug Czar's foreign policy. Just doesn't seem like a smart move. In fact, I'd try to do whatever would most irritate him, in order to insure a healthier, more peaceful society. And all of that great drug policy foreign aid in the form of toxic chemicals and helicopters and weapons to fight the war on drugs? "No thanks," I'd say. "We'll be just fine without your help." ____ P.S. -- Walters is presumptuous to claim that Canadians are ashamed of their Prime Minister. That's up to them. Just like it's up to us to say that we're ashamed of our drug czar. 12:34:26 AM |  drug policy | Links | permalink | comment []

And the drug war news continues... Had a great time in Chicago, but now I'm back, and it turns out the drug war didn't end while I was gone. Oh, well. TalkLeft talks of states' rights and the federal government's harrassment of medical marijuana in Oregon.. Last One Speaks talks about the untimely demise of Narco News Bulletin. We continue to be well protected from fake cocaine. At MAPinc: Family Watches Tapes Of Trooper Killing Man It's an uncomfortable read, but you should read it anyway. I don't know for sure what transpired here, but I do know one thing: If it wasn't for prohibition or prohibition law enforcement tactics, nobody would have died. Am I being too optimistic? Governor-elect Schwarzenegger has indicated that he is strongly in favor of medical marijuana (although opposed to legalization - see picture). President Bush has offered full support to California's new leader, and the Governator has promised to cash in on that promise for the state. I would really like to see Arnold face down the feds on medical marijuana, and demand that the DEA stop interfering with California's medical marijuana laws. Given Arnold's current popularity, his status as the newest Republican leader, and the President's current shaky numbers, it could be a fabulous scene. How could the administration say no to him? And if he succeeded, he could be a hero to Californians for standing up for them. It's more likely that the feds will quietly ease up on medical marijuana harrassment for awhile, and Arnold will pay lip service to his support of medical marijuana, while using his political capital to push for a taxpayer-funded bailout. But I can dream, can't I? Am I being too optimistic? Part 2 Rush has admitted to illegal use of drugs and addiction. He has checked himself in for treatment and is under investigation. Once he finishes rehab and any criminal repercussions, I'd really like to see him come out publicly in favor of treatment over incarceration for all drug addicts. I'll wait. 12:32:25 AM |  drug policy | Links | permalink | comment []