White House Drug Czar calls for end of "War on Drugs" analogy

[Uzybone]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124225891527617397.html

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's new drug czar says he wants to banish the idea that the U.S. is fighting "a war on drugs," a move that would underscore a shift favoring treatment over incarceration in trying to reduce illicit drug use.

In his first interview since being confirmed to head the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske said Wednesday the bellicose analogy was a barrier to dealing with the nation's drug issues.

"Regardless of how you try to explain to people it's a 'war on drugs' or a 'war on a product,' people see a war as a war on them," he said. "We're not at war with people in this country."

Gil Kerlikowske, the new White House drug czar, signaled Wednesday his openness to rethinking the government's approach to fighting drug use.

Mr. Kerlikowske's comments are a signal that the Obama administration is set to follow a more moderate -- and likely more controversial -- stance on the nation's drug problems. Prior administrations talked about pushing treatment and reducing demand while continuing to focus primarily on a tough criminal-justice approach.

Hopefully we will get rid of the "czar" analogy along with it.

[Hippo_Tron]

1. The war on drugs is indeed a war on people...

I'm optimistic that Kerlikowske's words will be followed with action. I'm less optimistic that congress will change the laws.

[Uzybone]

2. Indeed

it is refreshing to hear the top drug man in the country finally say that the war on drugs is a war on the people. One step at a time...

[slay]

8. Just changing the wording is not enough

For one - we need to legalize marijuana. Then probably an examination period before we decide how to handle other drugs. But just not calling it a "war on drugs", but having it be essentially the same thing is crap. I'd like to see a detailed plan of how this change to the "war on drugs" is going to happen.

[Hippo_Tron]

9. We should decriminalize possession of all drugs

Nobody should be punished under the law for simply possessing or using a substance. Whether or not we want them sold in stores is a different matter.

[slay]

12. I tend to agree - to not do so creates gangs and funds CIA black ops

Which in my opinion is why drugs have stayed illegal - also keeps the population down and oppressed - a very effective ruling style - at least for a time - til people get pissed off enough.

[BanzaiBonnie]

3. Finally someone with some good sense

The "drug war" analogy was always a bad one. Not helpful is finding solutions at all.

[Warren DeMontague]

4. "and likely more controversial"-- that's corporate media bullshit, right there.

"controversial" to the folks with a vested interest in the status quo, maybe.

The American People don't want to spend $40 Billion a year fighting pot smoking. There is nothing controversial about de-escalating the stupid drug war. The only "controversial stance" would be to continue the dumb-ass tack we've taken for the past few decades.

[Dennis Donovan]

13. CNN.com, Pfizer's news arm, reported this as their lead story this morning:

Report: Marijuana potency soars to record

:eyes::grr:

[cbc5g]

18. ROFL guess folks are going to have to smoke less to get the desired effect

Sounds healthier to me...But I'm guessing that is not what the article was trying to convey.

[Warren DeMontague]

22. It's not the same thing you smoked at that Rolling Stones concert in 1974, parents!!!!

It's NOT! It's NOT! Boo!! Scary!!

:eyes:, absolutely.

[CTLawGuy]

5. Obama betrays us again!

I dunno how, but Ill figure it out and get back to you.

[BlooInBloo]

10. Hey - that's my line! Hrmph.

:P

[friendly_iconoclast]

6. What's he want to call it? "Operation Drug Freedom", maybe?

SSDD

[Hekate]

7. Kick and first Rec

:kick:

[MrSlayer]

11. Just legalize it all. Tax and regulate it.

The government rakes in serious tax money, they stop making criminals out of otherwise law abiding people and get rid of the cartels in one fell swoop. When the fuck is this country going to grow up and deal with the shit like adults?

[polichick]

14. Great news! I was recently chosen for a jury on a drug trial, but told the judge...

...that I didn't believe in America's War on Drugs so he let me go.

The hypocrisy surrounding this issue is astounding ~ alcohol and prescription drug abusers get away with anything; a kid smokes a joint and it's the end of the world. I can't wait for CHANGE!

[juno jones]

16. Check out 'jury nullification'.

Juries can have unjust laws nullified.

[polichick]

20. Yeah, but I was honest and it was up to the judge whether to keep me or not.

[cbc5g]

19. ah you should have stayed on ... re: jury nullification

[polichick]

21. I guess I could have kept my feelings to myself and stayed...

The whole thing made me physically ill ~ all the cops and government agents involved in busting a street punk, while prescription users like Limbaugh get nothing.

Crack used by the poor vs cocaine used by the rich.

Alcohol vs pot.

Nothing but HYPOCRISY!

[usregimechange]

15. About time

[Romulox]

17. The Obama admin is still going to lock people up for marijuana use. They just won't call it a "war"

:whocares: