In New York, home to the Big Apple, one of the world's most diverse cities seen by many as the embodiment of the "melting pot" ideal, recent data illustrating high rates of racial disparity in the use of incarceration should sound alarms. African Americans in New York state are incarcerated at nine times the rate of whites -- the ninth highest rate in the country. Why do we see these inequities? The knee-jerk response might be that African Americans commit more crimes and, thus, are imprisoned in disproportionately higher numbers. [continues 695 words]
Methamphetamines have become the drug of choice around the nation," reads the text of one recent newspaper story, while another proclaims, "This epidemic can only be arrested, not cured." These stories and scores more like them have created a climate in which many Americans believe that meth has become the "next big thing" in the realm of drug threats. Make no mistake about it. Meth is a dangerous substance that, like many other drugs, has wreaked havoc in the lives of many families and communities. But although meth is a serious problem in some communities, in most parts of the country its use remains rare. [continues 732 words]
Public Forum Kicks Off Provincial Conference On Oct. 3 Hinton Parklander -- The Hinton Drug Action Committee will play host to a province wide conference next month concerning the ever-pressing issue of methamphetamine use and abuse in Alberta. The conference kicks off Sunday afternoon, Oct. 3, with a public forum on current drug trends hosted by Sgt. Ian Anderson of the RCMP Drug Awareness Service. Anderson will lead discussions about the proposed marijuana reform legislation, chemical or 'club' drugs and methamphetamine. The discussion of methamphetamine will include its effects, symptoms of use, the dangers of meth production and the legal issues relating to meth in Alberta. This forum runs from 2-4 p.m. and is open to anyone looking to gain more knowledge on the dangers of meth. [continues 306 words]
The debate to legalize marijuana doesn't kick off at 4:20 this afternoon, but sparks will fly tonight. The University Union is sponsoring "Heads vs. Feds: The Debate to Legalize Marijuana." "High Times" magazine editor Steve Hager and retired DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent Robert Stutman have been invited to bandy words and wits. The high-profile marijuana pundits will debate the pros and cons of legalization, with an extensive question and answer session to follow. Hager has been editor in chief of "High Times" since 1988. Aside from pro-pot penmanship, the University of Illinois graduate created "The Freedom Fighters," a national marijuana legalization group. [continues 568 words]
