Thursday, May 18, 2006

National Parent Vigil Today in the mail, I received an envelope from the Drug Enforcement Administration. What a delight! I so seldom hear from them. It was my ticket to "A Vigil for Lost Promise" on June 8. (Sent by official DEA taxpayer mail, of course. Would they do the same for this Vigil for Lost Promise?) The event will be at the DEA headquarters (600-700 Army Navy Drive) between the two DEA buildings. Several security checkpoints will make sure that only those with tickets get in and that their names are cross-checked with the list. Bags and purses will be searched. No signs or placards will be allowed. Here's the part that got me: The following items are prohibited: glass bottles, knives, firearms, illegal drugs. Illegal drugs are prohibited at a DEA event? What a surprise! I'm not sure what it says about the DEA or their view of the intended audience receiving this letter... So people are coming to an event that is taking place at DEA headquarters where they know they will be searched and that the DEA has their name and address. And they're going to think "Gee, I think I'll bring some illegal drugs to take the edge off this bummer of a vigil"? How bizarre. 7:23:10 PM |  drug policy | Links | permalink | comment []

The False Threat of Liberal Drug Laws Steve Chapman in the Chicago Tribune States and nations don't seem to lose anything when they stop treating drug use as a crime. But there are gains to be had: more police time to combat violent criminals, less need to build prisons, and fewer young lives scarred by arrest and imprisonment for behavior that does no harm. 7:04:36 PM |  drug policy | Links | permalink | comment []

Science: The Drug War's Latest Victim The war on drugs is an attack on rationality.[...] Isn't it a sign of mental disorder when distorted reasoning is unchanged by empirical evidence? What is it about marijuana that drives our politicians insane? - Salim Muwakkil of In These Times with another reaction to the FDA statement. 6:33:00 PM |  drug policy | Links | permalink | comment []

Karen Tandy, Temperance Soldier? Over at DARE Generation, you can watch DEA head Karen Tandy tell people that legalizing alcohol was a failure. Her criteria for that judgement (and for her opposition in the same piece for drug legalization)? That use increased. Not abuse. Use. And of course, nothing about all the violence and corruption (and the myriad other problems) associated with prohibition. I tire of these political appointees who conduct their job solely by lies and insulting the intelligence of the people. It is our country, not theirs. They are our employees and it's time to show them the door. 8:37:09 AM |  drug policy | Links | permalink | comment []