A couple of weeks ago, the Nexus published a column I wrote that offered the advice of "doing drugs instead of drinking." ("Do Drugs Instead of Drinking," Daily Nexus, May 12.) It was supposed to be a satirical column in response to the local government's effort to curtail drinking by imposing specific laws for Isla Vista - like the noise ordinance and recent beach ban. I thought it would be evident to anyone with the ability to read that this was my goal when I suggested you go do a bunch of coke to keep the party going once the cops break it up at midnight. [continues 612 words]
A week or two ago, the United States' legislature overwhelmingly voted to confirm the Obama Administration's nomination of former Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske to be our new Drug Czar. As the head of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy, Mr. Kerlikowske is the top bureaucrat involved in this nation's War on Drugs. Despite the 91-1 confirmation vote, he did face some criticism, which stemmed mostly from the fact that he was in charge of policing Seattle. The northwestern state is host to a number of progressive drug policies, including the designation of marijuana as the lowest police priority, as well as home to the annual Hempfest "protestival," where tens of thousands of marijuana enthusiasts come to celebrate the herb and protest its prohibition. This has led some people to criticize Obama's pick. However, it was apparently clear to Congress that he was just following the voter-approved laws in Seattle. [continues 499 words]
