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Hemp Headlines

1. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office punishes drunk driving deputy less severely than pot smoking jail nurse
2. Sgt. Northcutt’s Post-Iraq Nightmare – Support the Troops… unless they need medical marijuana
3. In Hannity’s America, “Damned disgusting pot smokers are the root cause of every evil in the world.”

Daily Toker Tunes by Marijuana Music Awards . com

• Variety Tuesday – ‘Smokin and Drinkin’ by Howard Glazer and the EL34s

Government at Work

• ARCHIVE: Norm Stamper, former Seattle Police Chief, reacts to the appointment of his successor, Chief Gil Kerlikowske, as the nation’s new “drug czar”.

California Marijuana Report will appear tomorrow in lieu of Cannabis Science.

Marijuana groups, consequently, were optimistic today that Kerlikowske would help usher in a new era of national drug policy, one they have hoped will accompany Obama’s presidency. It is precisely his pragmatism that they admire in Kerlikowske, whom they contrast starkly to the nation’s previous drug czar and their arch nemesis, John Walters.

“The differences between he and Mr. Walters can’t be made enough without getting into dissertation length,” NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre told me today over the phone. “Mr. Walters was a right-wing social ideologue with no law enforcement experience at all. He was Bill Bennett’s Mini-Me at best,” St. Pierre said, referencing the nation’s first drug czar, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. Walters formerly served as Bennett’s chief of staff.

Walters, St. Pierre says, conducted an ideological campaign against marijuana, making it a top priority. He campaigned against state-level marijuana initiatives and refused to meet with marijuana advocacy groups like NORML, according to St. Pierre.

“Gil, compared to Walters, is really night and day. Gil’s not going to be hanging out here at NORML at 4:20, but…we might actually get to meet the man, he might actually invite us into his public offices. It’s a competle tabula rasa with this guy.”

Today the former Seattle Police Chief, Gil Kerlikowski was confirmed by the Senate as the nation’s new drug czar. He has the potential to sway the war against marijuana one way or another. However, I hope and believe we will finally get a pragmatic solutions-oriented approach to drug control rather than more drug war rhetoric that puts people in cages and stifles solutions.

Kerlikowski was confirmed as the State of Illinois debates the issue of medical marijuana. With religious leaders surprisingly siding on the side of those with the need for medicine, changes are imminent in the political home town and stomping grounds of President Obama.

During Chief Kerlikowske’s tenure as police chief Seattle voted in favor of Initiative 75 in 2003 which made marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority. The public sent a message with their vote that they did not want limited law enforcement resources spent on marijuana offenses.

This kind of behavior from an official is in absolute contrast to what American citizens are used to,

The [previous] drug czar, John Walters, wrote U.S. attorneys,

“No drug matches the threat posed by marijuana”

The kind of attitude that Kerlikowske brings to the office isn’t nearly as important as the amount of courage he will have to have in his back pocket. If Kerlikowski truly wants to do what’s right for his country, he will stand up to the prohibitionist politicians and help them embrace a new era of progressive strategy that’s based on SCIENCE over POLITICS.

Download link: NORML Daily Audio Stash for 2009-04-02

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Hemp Headlines

1. Statement by R. Gil Kerlikowske to the Senate at Drug Czar Confirmation Hearings
2. Finally, Some ‘Change’ We Can Believe In!
3. House Passes Measure to Let FDA Regulate Tobacco
4. Gingrich: We should have Singapore-style drug tests for Americans

Southern California Cannabis with Tere Joyce

• Degé Coutee from Patients Advocacy Network with update on SF DEA Raid last week.

Daily Toker Tunes by Marijuana Music Awards

• Rockin Thursday! – ‘4:20? by The Bigfellas

Cannabis Conversations

• Keith Stroup, Founder of NORML, discusses the book “High In America” and its look at the politics of marijuana in the 1970′s.

Highlights of Drug Czar-designate Gil Kerlikowske’s opening statement:

It has been my privilege to lead two of this country’s largest police departments over a period of thirteen years. In my current role as the Chief of Police in Seattle, where I have led for nearly nine years, I have brought innovative solutions to the problems of drugs and crime, and their effect on society. A key element in my approach while in Seattle has involved enlisting the support of the entire community to reduce crime. While this approach is commonly referred to as, “community policing”, I prefer it be recognized as “policing”. The transparency and collaborative approach of this concept has ultimately led to the lowest drug use and serious crime rates in Seattle since 1967. My goal is to use similar principles in the development, articulation, and implementation of an effective, comprehensive, and coordinated national drug control strategy.

Upon confirmation, I will immediately coordinate with my colleagues in the federal government, as well as our counterparts at the state and local level, to ensure that the national drug control strategy is:

• Balanced and comprehensive, based upon the best possible understanding of the drug threat, and incorporates a science-based approach to public policy;
• Vigorously implemented through development of a national drug budget that contains proven, effective programs; and
• Rigorously assessed and adapted to changing circumstances,

I will set a goal for the development of a strong, transparent monitoring system. While highly complex, performance evaluation of the national drug strategy is key to both validating and tracking the efficacy of the strategic goals and objectives established by the National Drug Control Strategy and the individual programs which are funded to support it.

Hey folks, when it comes to drug policy, if we’re going to have innovative solutions incorporating a science-based approach to public policy with proven, effective programs that are rigorously assessed by a strong transparent monitoring system… we win!  Every study of public policy and marijuana has recommended its decriminalization.  All the science on cannabis use proves it to be less harmful to users and society than alcohol and tobacco.

STATEMENT OF R. GIL KERLIKOWSKE
NOMINEE TO BE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTOL POLICY
BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
OF THE
UNITED STATES SENATE
APRIL 1, 2009

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Specter, and Members of the Committee, it is a great honor and privilege to be sitting before you today as the nominee for Director of National Drug Control Policy. I am deeply humbled by President Obama’s request that I serve in a position of such importance. I wish to thank the members of the Committee and your staffs for providing me with the opportunity to meet with many of you over the past few weeks. Each of these meetings has been productive and informative, and if confirmed, I look forward to our forming closer relationships and engaging in richer discussions about the future course of the nation’s drug control strategies.

I want to specifically thank Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell for their support today. As Chief of Police in Seattle, I relied on their assistance and leadership in helping me reduce crime rates in that city to record lows. I also want to thank my wife, Anna Laszlo, who is here with me today. She has supported my commitment to public service these many years. Additionally, while they are not here today, I must acknowledge the support of both my mother, Norma Shands, and of Anna’s mother, Eva Laszlo. Anna and I, both only children, are deeply grateful to these two women for their commitment to us over the course of our lives and careers. I would also be remiss if I did not recognize Judge Thomas W. Shands, my step-father, who has since passed but would be very proud to see me appearing before you today. He was an inspiration to me while growing up as an individual who could hand down stiff sentences when necessary but also was in the forefront of campaigning for modern treatment for incarcerated juveniles.

I would also like to thank the many organizations and individuals who have offered their support for my nomination. I look forward to conducting expansive and open dialogue with all stakeholders as I develop a powerful and effective national drug strategy.

I have proudly spent the past 36 years of my life in law enforcement and public service. It has been my privilege to lead two of this country’s largest police departments over a period of thirteen years. In my current role as the Chief of Police in Seattle, where I have led for nearly nine years, I have brought innovative solutions to the problems of drugs and crime, and their effect on society. A key element in my approach while in Seattle has involved enlisting the support of the entire community to reduce crime. While this approach is commonly referred to as, “community policing”, I prefer it be recognized as “policing”. The transparency and collaborative approach of this concept has ultimately led to the lowest drug use and serious crime rates in Seattle since 1967. My goal is to use similar principles in the development, articulation, and implementation of an effective, comprehensive, and coordinated national drug control strategy.

Let me assure you that I know President Obama is committed to developing and implementing a rigorous drug control agenda, while bringing ONDCP back to its original leadership position. I am also grateful for the strong support of Vice President Biden. Our Vice President has long been a leader in protecting communities and families from the harms of illegal drugs. His continued dedication to solving the drug problem will be a key resource for ONDCP’s success.

Upon confirmation, I will immediately coordinate with my colleagues in the federal government, as well as our counterparts at the state and local level, to ensure that the national drug control strategy is:
. Balanced and comprehensive, based upon the best possible understanding of the drug threat, and incorporates a science-based approach to public policy;
. Vigorously implemented through development of a national drug budget that contains proven, effective programs; and
. Rigorously assessed and adapted to changing circumstances,

Essential to these efforts is restoration of the vitality of the Office of National Drug Control Policy by recommitting the agency to its policy leadership mission. ONDCP was created by the Congress-under the guidance of this Committee-to focus this nation’s efforts toward solving the drug problem by developing and implementing a balanced, comprehensive national drug control strategy. ONDCP will effectively build consensus on how best to use interdiction efforts, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, and sound research to achieve measurable results in reducing drug use and its consequences. Dialogue will be continuous. Debate will be inclusive of disparate ideas. Deliberation will be comprehensive and collaborative.

I will work diligently to ensure that our efforts are supported by a properly balanced federal drug control budget-one which logically implements research-based programs to support and implement that Strategy. There will be a renewed focus on evidence-based approaches to reduce demand for drugs, through prevention as well as treatment. Additionally, we must also work to create strong partnerships to reduce the overall impact of drug trafficking and use.

Increased cooperation with the international community must also be included in any comprehensive strategy. Our nation’s demand for drugs often fuels drug production and trafficking, as well as violence and corruption, within other nations. Domestic drug use directly funds the terrible drug-related crime currently wracking Mexico and fuels illegal armed groups in Colombia. Our international drug control programs help strengthen law enforcement and judicial institutions, while providing alternative livelihoods for poor farmers.

While these international supply reduction programs play a vital role in improving security, supporting the rule of law, and denying terrorist and criminal safe havens around the world, the greatest contribution we can make toward stability would be to reduce our demand for illicit drugs.

Finally, under the assumption that if you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it, I will set a goal for the development of a strong, transparent monitoring system. While highly complex, performance evaluation of the national drug strategy is key to both validating and tracking the efficacy of the strategic goals and objectives established by the National Drug Control Strategy and the individual programs which are funded to support it. With a robust monitoring system in place, we will know better how to respond to the ever-changing international drug situation and will have the information required to guide the mission-essential coordination and collaboration efforts of the office. We will be better able to report on our progress, justify the level of funding requested, and satisfy the interest of the citizens of this nation that their money is being well-spent and that their needs for a safer and more secure environment are being met.

I want to thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today. It would indeed be an honor to serve this nation in its effort to reduce drug use and the problems it creates for every American and the international community. I look forward to answering any questions the Committee may have.

Since I have never lived in Seattle, I’ll admit to not knowing much about Gil Kerlikowske. So I was surprised to read this..

Ten months after R. Gil Kerlikowske became Seattle’s police chief, two of his officers arrived at the home of JoAnna McKee, where she ran a co-op giving medical marijuana to patients and teaching them to grow their own. Neighbors, the police told her, had been complaining. Soon, a “cease and desist” order was tacked to her door.

But instead of shutting down the Green Cross Patient Co-Op, Kerlikowske’s director of police-community partnerships made a suggestion: Move it from her West Seattle house to a commercial area. She found a nearby storefront, and under Washington state’s medical marijuana law, people could once again bring doctors’ orders to get relief from pain. “The police could have come in here like gangbusters,” McKee said. “But they didn’t. It was a case of let’s see whether we can work this out so everybody could get what they want.”

I can’t think of any other Police Chief (except Norm Stamper who has a blog here on NORML here) who would make such a reasoned approach to such a situation. More telling to us on a national level is how he handled “lowest priority”.

In 2003, Seattle residents placed on the ballot an initiative to make marijuana possession the Police Department’s lowest priority. John P. Walters, the Bush administration’s drug policy director, flew out to lobby aggressively against the initiative. Kerlikowske opposed it, too, but more mildly. The law was needless, he argued, because his officers already deemphasized marijuana arrests. It passed anyway.

“We believe it speaks to the man’s integrity that after it became law, he chose to follow it,” said a statement issued following Kerlikowske’s nomination by the producers of Seattle Hempfest, a two-day “protestival” that bills itself as the world’s largest gathering to support legalizing marijuana. City police are assigned to the event, where people smoke openly, but arrests are rare.

I can now see why many of our Northwest friends were pleased by the pick of Gil for the post.

Yet Kerlikowske is no get-tough-on-drugs zealot. When asked to help design a new police station as police chief in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Kerlikowske recommended making room for a library instead of a jail. He has long been a proponent of community policing, which he defines as “problem solving, decision making … and the utilizing and leveraging of the community.” And as police chief in Seattle, he instructed his officers to stand by during the annual HempFest, while thousands of civil disobedients smoked pot in the streets.

With this résumé, Kerlikowske might look like Bill O’Reilly’s worst nightmare (or Keith Olbermann’s secret crush). But Kerlikowske’s decisions were based on prudence and case-by-case analysis, not political ideology. In the case of the Port St. Lucie police station, Kerlikowske did not refuse to build a jail because of any anti-incarceration views but because “we [already] have a nice jail.” Though some dogmatists continued to decry community policing as “soft on crime,” Kerlikowske supported it—because community policing works.

via – Slate “The New Czar in Town“

Very promising indeed! One of big takeaways from this article is in the second paragraph above: politicians or appointed officials being fearful of appearing ‘soft on crime’. So, what has being ‘hard on crime’ accomplished for us? Isn’t it time that we apply what actually works rather than our government being full of sound and fury, signifying nothing? (If you have to steal, steal from the best. Thanks Will!)

What have Legalization proponents like yourself gotten accomplished lately?

Drug reformers greeted the Mr Obama’s nomination of Gil Kerlikowske, at present the Seattle police chief, to serve as head of national drug control policy as indicating a likely switch in emphasis from enforcement to treatment. “The success of our efforts to reduce the flow of drugs is largely dependent on our ability to reduce demand for them,” the drug tsar nominee said. As the debate intensifies, some experts are offering radical solutions, including decriminalisation, at least in the case of marijuana. The anti-prohibitionists include civil libertarians, former drug war enforcers and some legislators.

Our economic argument begins to take hold in the mind of the general public.

The US spends $1,400 a -second in the war on drugs, according to a recent -Harvard study, while the savings and revenue that could be generated by legalising narcotics would equal a 10th of Barack Obama’s -fiscal stimulus plan. With neighbouring Mexico descending towards the -status of a narco-state and with US jails crammed with small-time drug offenders, experts in the field have launched a debate on whether a 40-year crackdown, and the more than $1,000bn (£716bn €773bn) that has been spent on it, has had any impact on -narcotics abuse or on the violent trade that feeds it.
Jeffrey A. Miron, a senior economics lecturer at -Harvard and free-market -libertarian, estimated in a paper published in December that the drugs war in the US alone cost authorities $44.1bn a year. Legalising all banned drugs, in contrast, would raise $32.7bn annually in taxation.

And even the head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, has to admit that incarceration and state sanction murders will not end the drug trade.

Antonio Maria Costa, head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, acknowledged in Vienna that the “world drug problem has been contained but not solved”. However, an unintended consequence of international drug control efforts had been the creation of a “criminal black market of staggering proportions”. While opposing calls for the legalisation of narcotics, Mr Costa said: “When mafias can buy elections, candidates, political parties – in a word, power – the consequences can only be highly destabilising. While ghettos burn, west Africa is under attack, drug cartels threaten central America and drug money penetrates bankrupt financial institutions.”

That’s right, The head of the UN office on Drugs and Crime said that the War on Drugs is destabilizing nations because of their vast cash flow and the power it brings.

Not so long ago even mentioning Legalizing marijuana brought scorn and derision (Russ himself was told by liberal talk giant Ed Schultz that legalization was a “wacky” subject). But now it’s being taken seriously by NBC, FOX, and a horde of print media.

It’s all because of your willingness to put your time, money and name on the line. You have made this movement respectable, now we must make the reform movement powerful. Join your local chapter, write your local representatives, make a donation. Those who oppose us are working hard to put you behind bars and ruin your chance at a successful life, now what are you going to do about it?

It’s often said that if you live long enough you’ll see everything. I suppose Joe Biden has officially seen it all.

When Vice President Biden… formally announce[d] the nomination of Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the new Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, he [was] also …  formally downgrading the office from Cabinet-level status to non-Cabinet level status. Interestingly, Biden himself criticized a similar move by then-President George HW Bush in 1989…

Biden, then the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized the elder Bush’s position, telling the Washington Post in 1989 that it would lower the profile of the drug war.

I guess the old un-winnable war is just not that important anymore. Nope, the new hotness is that Biden is a “veteran” of the war and knows it all.

The Obama administration “is fortunate to have a vice president with an unrivaled breadth of knowledge about federal drug policy,” says an administration official. “Never before has there been someone with this level of knowledge who is as close to the president as Vice President Biden.”

It’s unmistakable that the longest war is beginning to show it’s age, even amongst it’s strongest supporters.

EXTRA CREDIT: Joe Biden was the man who “invented” the phrase “Drug Czar”. I guess we can credit him for the name of every position in charge of a hopeless effort like the newly proposed “Car Czar”.

So you think Gill is all about the decrim? Think that because of his son he’s gonna get his steel backbone back after having to sell out to those liberals in Seattle? Well read this article and get some insight on this most important position that will have the most impact on the Marijuana Community.

If Kerlikowske’s record is any indication, he is just the man to clean up this mess. From a personal standpoint, he has experience with the issue: A son from a previous marriage has a history of arrests, some of them drug-related. (This could lead to some awkward questions at his confirmation hearing.) Professionally, his record of lowering crime rates gives him instant credibility. Speaking approvingly of Kerlikowske, Barry McCaffrey, drug czar under Bill Clinton and a retired general, told Fox News: “If you really want to understand the drug issue, go talk to any police officer with more than five years on the force.”

Yet Kerlikowske is no get-tough-on-drugs zealot. When asked to help design a new police station as police chief in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Kerlikowske recommended making room for a library instead of a jail. He has long been a proponent of community policing, which he defines as “problem solving, decision making … and the utilizing and leveraging of the community.” And as police chief in Seattle, he instructed his officers to stand by during the annual HempFest, while thousands of civil disobedients smoked pot in the streets.

Gill is a committed prohibitionist, but he’s pragmatic not dogmatic. He’s shown respect for the legalization movement by enforcing the laws that are handed to him and not ignoring them to fit his own ideology. In order to succeed legalization needs an opportunity to work and Gill may just be the man to respect the law enough to give it that chance. We just have to do the hard work needed to seize the moment given to us.