Pubdate: Mon, 30 Oct 2000
Source: Daily Iowan, The (IA)
Copyright: 2000 The Daily Iowan
Contact:  Attn: Viewpoints Editor, 201N Communications Center, Iowa City IA
52242
Website: http://www.dailyiowan.com/
Author: James Edward Johnson
Note: James Edward Johnson is a DI editorial writer.

VOTE TO END THE WAR ON DRUGS

On Nov. 7, UI students should take a moment from the presidential elections
and watch the returns from Alaska. Alaska's Ballot Measure 5 would legalize
marijuana for all adults. Furthermore, the measure would be retroactive,
granting amnesty to many current prisoners of the war on drugs in Alaska.
The measure made it onto the ballot with more than twice the required number
of signatures.

It is not surprising to see potential for such a bold move for freedom in
Alaska. It is the only state libertarian enough to pay its citizens instead
of taxing them. The idea that liberty extends to social policies as well as
economic policies should not be surprising.

Students at the UI should take note of what is going on up north. If you
have ever gotten high, you should ask yourself if you should be in jail
right now. Most of you have friends and family who have gotten high. Should
your friends and family be in prison?

Even if you believe that those close to you have never used marijuana, you
could still be a victim of the war on drugs. Our drug laws let the
government listen to your phone calls and intrude into your private life.
Congress is trying to let federal agencies subpoena your private records
without your knowledge or a court warrant. If the police get the wrong
address with a no-knock search warrant (so that you don't have time to flush
the drugs down the toilet), you could get shot after the government busts
down your door and shoots your dog.

Regrettably, even if the measure in Alaska passes, the measure would not
abolish the Drug Enforcement Administration. California allows individuals
to have more than an ounce of marijuana for medical use. That did not stop
the federal government from breaking into Peter McWilliams' house in
California. After they found marijuana at his home, the government gave him
regular drug tests to ensure that his use stopped. McWilliams takes
anti-virals to help him fight AIDS. He was taking marijuana to help with
nausea. After the government took away his marijuana, the nausea set in, and
McWilliams died choking on his own vomit. The war on marijuana kills
peaceful people.

Though the vote on marijuana is in Alaska, UI students can help. UI students
can vote for federal candidates who want to end the federal war on drugs so
that states such as Alaska can free their citizens. Libertarian Russ Madden
is running for Congress in Iowa's 1st District; he will support liberty by
fighting to end the war on marijuana. For president, you can vote for Harry
Browne, Libertarian, or Ralph Nader, Green, who both support ending the war
on drugs.
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