Pubdate: Thu, 18 Jul 2002
Source: Capital Times, The  (WI)
Copyright: 2002 The Capital Times
Contact:  http://www.captimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73
Authors: Stephanie Rearick, Brenda Konkel, Judy Olson, Barbara Vedder, Lucy 
Gibson, Gary Storck, Jon Hain, James Reinke and Bruce Rideout
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1266/a04.html

PROGRESSIVE DANE WANTS END TO WAR ON DRUGS

Thank you for your excellent editorial on the current failed Prohibition 
(July 9).

It is a welcome change that more and more people and publications are 
willing to speak out about the dire need for a change in direction in our 
country's approach to drug use.

We want to point out that there is a local political party, with 17 elected 
officials in office, that includes anti-Prohibitionist language in its 
platform.  That party is Progressive Dane.  Candidates who wish to be 
endorsed by Progressive Dane must agree to support the organization's 
platform, which states, "Drug use and abuse should be treated as a public 
health rather than a law enforcement issue."

Many of Progressive Dane's endorsed elected officials have shown leadership 
on this issue. Ald. Judy Olson successfully introduced a resolution to 
study the cost and effectiveness of drug law enforcement in the city, and 
other PD-endorsed alders and county supervisors have worked closely with 
Progressive Dane's Drug Policy Task Force to help us navigate the local 
government and to draft relevant legislation.

The Greens and Libertarians have also taken anti-Prohibitionist positions. 
But it ought not be an issue relegated to so-called "third parties." Anyone 
who cares about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, fiscal 
responsibility, or human rights in general, has a vested interest in 
working for an end to the war on drugs.

Signed, Progressive Dane Drug Policy Task Force:

Stephanie Rearick, chair; Ald. Brenda Konkel, Ald. Judy Olson, Barbara 
Vedder, Lucy Gibson, Gary Storck, Jon Hain, James Reinke and Bruce Rideout
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