In June of 1971, President Richard Nixon officially declared the war on drugs, calling drug abuse "public enemy No. 1" in the United States." What followed during the Reagan administration was the institution of drug policies that would shape the development of a generation, change the way the prison system functions and the start of what many are calling a civil war in Mexico. In looking back at the 40 years that have transpired since the enactment of more aggressive drug laws, it is easy to see failed policies and it is time we decriminalized illicit drugs. [continues 425 words]
On Feb. 11, 2010, a police SWAT team raided the home of Missouri resident Jonathon Whitworth. Narcotics investigators received a search warrant to scour Whitworth's home after being informed that the Columbia resident stood in possession of large quantities of top-grade marijuana. Descending upon the Whitworth residence in the middle of the night, the SWAT officers charged through the front door, tackling Whitworth to the ground and aiming assault weapons at his wife and 7-year old son. They shot Jonathon's dogs, a pit bull and a corgi, in front of the child. The pit bull died on site. [continues 830 words]
If Marijuana Is Legalized in California, Taxing It Could Potentially Benefit the State's Budget Last week's proposal by California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) to decriminalize the possession and sale of marijuana under state law and to set up a system to tax it couldn't have come at a better time. The Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Education Act (AB 390) would look to exploit California's number one cash crop which is estimated to have a $14 billion industry, leading to a potential $1.3 billion increase in annual tax revenue for the state of California, which according to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will reach a $41.8 billion budget deficit in June 2010. [continues 707 words]
Dear Editor, Paul Castillo is to be commended for raising awareness of the Higher Education Act's denial of student loans to youth convicted of drug offenses. Instead of empowering at-risk students with a college degree, HEA limits career opportunities and increases the likelihood that those affected will resort to crime. Speaking of crime, convicted rapists and murders are still eligible for federal student loans. Most students outgrow their youthful indiscretions involving illicit drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other hand, can be life shattering. [continues 150 words]
College students with drug convictions face financial aid restrictions under a current education act that will be up for revision this summer by Congress. The Department of Education reported that approximately 198,000 college students around the country have been denied financial aid because they checked "YES" for the question on the FAFSA: Have you been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid? Although there has not been an official school-run scholarship available to students who have had drug convictions at CSUN, there have been private scholarships provided in the past aimed specifically at alleviating the costs of their education. Perry Ellis America, a clothing company, provided the most recent scholarship of this nature to CSUN students, but was no longer offered in 2005. [continues 455 words]
Financial Aid Denial Ineffective At Curbing Dope Use Experimentation with illegal drugs is a stereotypical college activity. It seems like one of those things that you're supposed to do in college. Drug use during college is such a societal norm that even the nerds in "Revenge of the Nerds" smoked marijuana! But, since the passage of the Higher Education Act of 1998, the consequences of getting caught have gotten a new, potentially crippling penalty for college students. Since the passage of the act, those who are convicted of a drug crime will be ineligible for financial aid from the government for a minimum of two years if they don't have the option to take a drug rehabilitation program. [continues 440 words]
House Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.) has proposed an opportunity for those students convicted of minor drug crimes, to receive financial aid. In a new attempt to repeal the Higher Education Act Drug Provision, a bill that has already prevented more than 100,000 students from receiving financial aid, Frank has called on the help of fellow representatives to help gain support for his cause. The bill, H.R. 685, was introduced on Feb. 11 with 39 cosponsors, and Frank pledged to push for its passage, even though it will be an uphill fight with the House still controlled by Republicans. [continues 505 words]
