Reflections on the First Stop We were moved quickly here and there in the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas, to great events and media interviews, but accompanied by a variety of organizers and able to spend quality 'commuter time' with some; long urban walks with others. Shared meals, parking lot discussions, and event preparation periods gave us time to get to know local organizers beyond email or phone exchanges of the past. Chuck's and my deepest appreciation is extended to those organizers in both directions of this Journey path-for all the work you have done to prepare for our arrival. [continues 868 words]
My own evolution to activism on the Drug War Front has been a long and painful road. The mighty arm of the Drug War has slammed almost every area of my life. In 1989, my brother was arrested for drug law violations. My step-son struggled with drug addiction and my father began to loose a twenty-year battle with cancer. What is wrong with prohibition? I had to ask myself this question as War in America pounded down with the fury that war always brings to society. For five years, I was pulled down in the wake of destruction and drowning in despair. [continues 634 words]
Before Christmas, the November Coalition was made aware of the Delaware Cannabis Society's (DCS) "Light in the Window Campaign." Richard J. Schimelfenig of DCS explains, "Burning a candle in our windows is a symbol of a vigil for the return of loved ones that has a long history. It is mentioned in the Bible, as well as many other revered documents. This campaign touches an elemental part of each person, helping middle America to find empathy for the many families hurt by the government's Civil War on drug users. It is a primeval reminder that there are real people being hurt, not for harming anyone else, but for making a choice that others moralize about and demonize. It will help each person to reflect on their own reasons for ending this war on ourselves." [continues 249 words]
U.S. physicians urge our country's citizens to realize that drug addiction can be treated as effectively as any chronic disease. Our legislators ignore scientific studies and so we raise the risk that will raise the price of an addictive drug. When the price goes up, so do the profits and meth labs will operate in greater numbers than ever before. So will prisons. The public has little understanding of drug issues because legislators fan the flames of hysteria about drug use and abuse. Appearing tough on crime wins votes - but isn't it time we get smart? [continues 126 words]
Clearly the vast majority of these disillusioned judges were appointed by republican presidents. As to blaming Clinton for a failed drug war, no single politician bears the entire blame. Drug war hysteria has been a convenient tool for our presidents and our congress and state lawmakers as well. War rhetoric and escalation passes freely between partisan lines. Why? Appearing tough on crime gets votes. Drug addiction has remained a constant in 5% of our population since the drug war began. Drug enforcement dollars have not been "slashed". On the contrary, drug war spending has increased exponentially each year since "war" was declared over thirty years ago. Last year direct costs were $15.2 billion while indirect costs are no longer calculable. Clinton is increasing spending for 1998. These are the facts. What are we getting for our money besides destruction? Solutions could be found in pragmatism - they will never be found in hysteria. [continues 51 words]
I now have one in my window, leaving it on for my brother, who received a 27-and-one-half-year federal prison sentence for a first-time, nonviolent drug law violation. This light is a symbol of hope and will burn for all the drug war prisoners that have filled our country's prisons. The drug war has not made our country "drug free," nor has it made our streets safer. The drug war has made us the world's leading jailer, and nothing more. [continues 87 words]
Dear Editor, Two young sons of a man sentenced to federal prison for a nonviolent marijuana violation bought an electric candle they placed in their window. After Christmas it will not be packed away with the other ornaments. They are "leaving the light on for Dad." I now have one in my window, leaving it on for my brother, who received a 27andonehalfyear federal prison sentence for a firsttime, nonviolent drug law violation. This light is a symbol of hope and will burn for all the drug war prisoners that have filled our country's prisons. [continues 118 words]
It is time to take politics out of medicine. I am voting yes on Initiative 685. Nora C. Callahan Colville, WA [end]
When I get sick, I call my medical clinic. Perhaps I should be calling Lt. Gov. Brad Owen. It is time to take politics out of medicine. I am voting yes on Initiative 685. Nora C. Callahan Colville, WA [end]
If we stopped arresting and incarcerating drug users and our police had to pursue real criminals, Police Chief John H. Turner's force would have to solve real crimes find the rapist, solve murder cased and catch a theif. Police would have to return to food oldfashioned investigative police wouk and lay off their snitches and confidential informants. That Turner is proud of Washington's Lt. Gov. Brad Owen comes as no suprise to me. Turners comments on I685 are just more of the same political posturing about being tough on crime, when it is long past time to get smart on social problems. Why should our limited prison space be taken up by drug users when it has been proven that drug treatment is far more effective thatn incarceration? It costs the taxpayer far less too. [continues 137 words]
[end]
Colville, WA Directly next to this Letter to the Editor is a cartoon of a Dr. handing a prescription for marijuana to a patient. The words in the balloon caption he says is: ...and I'd recommend listening to Grateful Dead or Clapton. [end]
