Friday, February 20, 2004

The Idiocy that is Istook Jacob Sullum at Reason has a great article about the ACLU lawsuit against the feds. Istook's willingness to so blatantly violate the First Amendment plays into the hands of his opponents, who portray it as a sign of the drug warriors' intellectual bankruptcy and political desperation. "The message that marijuana prohibition has failed is so powerful," declares Steve Fox of the Marijuana Policy Project, "that the only way the federal government can think of to combat it is by stopping us from communicating with the public." Although Joseph White says he was "stunned" by Istook's amendment, he adds, "We are grateful to Congressman Istook for bringing these issues so clearly to the forefront." Says Ethan Nadelmann, "We think Congressman Istook's crass proposal will likely accelerate the pace of reform. For this we thank him." With enemies like Istook, who needs friends? 6:58:53 PM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []

John Hirko - is justice near? The federal civil lawsuit regarding the death of Drug War Victim John Hirko is wrapping up. Earlier coverage is here. The Morning Call has been covering the story: The case is likely to go to the jury for deliberations today after U.S. District Judge James Knoll Gardner finishes explaining the relevant laws to the jury. ... The jury will be asked whether police used excessive force when they shot the suspected drug dealer 11 times, accidentally set fire to his home and forced his fiancee to escape from a second-floor window. Hirko died in April 1997 as the police SWAT team stormed the South Side home to search for drugs I received this message today: John Hirko was my friend..my friend for yrs before this all came about. He was a wonderful, intelligent person who didn't deserve this. Although I do not disagree nor did I approve his involvement with drugs, I know for a fact that he would have never shot at an officer (he didn't have a criminal background). I believe this was a phase that he would have certainly grew out of. I definitely think a form of punishment other than DEATH would have helped facilitate this. Seven years after his death I still cannot get over how he has been portrayed to justify his homicide. It sickens me. - Marylou 6:17:06 PM | drug policy | Related  | permalink | comment []