Dear friends:

Want to party with the Marijuana Policy Project at the Playboy Mansion?

This is your invitation to the best party of the year — MPP's fourth annual party at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles on June 4, 2009.

Come celebrate MPP's Election Day wins and mingle with other MPP supporters, all on the Mansion's legendary grounds. Last year's party featured a live performance by Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell and was hosted by reality TV superstar Adrianne Curry.

We'll be announcing celebrity performers in the coming weeks.

MPP's last three parties at the Playboy Mansion sold out, so make sure to get your tickets early. You'll also save money by getting tickets now, since the price will increase later on.

Tickets make a great holiday gift, as well.

Please reserve your tickets today. I hope we'll see you there.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $3.0 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2008. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

[Courtesy of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition]

LEAP in Action November 2008

This issue…

· From the Desk of the Executive Director
· Did you Know?
· State by State
· Volunteer of the Month
· Campus Communities
· Make the LEAP

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Thank you to our members in Massachusetts and Michigan for their significant work in bringing about the decriminalization of marijuana and reducing some of the harms of this horrible war.

Here in Massachusetts, we brought decriminalization in, with 65 percent of the vote in favor of Question 2. And we did it while doing what we do best: convincing people that we must create a system of legalized regulation for all drugs. Leading up to Election Day, I made this addition to my usual LEAP plea: “Legalized regulation must be conducted at a federal and international level, but there is something you can do right now, right here in Massachusetts to reduce some of the harms of the war on drugs: You can vote yes on Question 2, which will remove possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from any criminal sanction and make that possession punishable by a civil fine of $100.” In all the live presentations and all the radio talk shows I gave in Massachusetts during the last two months, there was not one person who publicly disagreed with voting yes on Question 2.

LEAP can take a bit of the credit for Massachusetts’ decriminalization of marijuana, and being able to take that credit elevates LEAP even more in the minds of other drug, prison and harm reduction transformers.

Again, thank you to all of our members for your continued support.

-Jack A. Cole, Executive Director

Did You Know?

Whether you are talking about State initiatives, working on Capitol Hill, reaching out to opinion leaders in college, government and business or impacting the international community, LEAP was there leading the conversation.

Speakers Eric Sterling and Norm Stamper spoke to the New Hampshire Association of Counties about the economics of prohibition, influencing decision makers in local government.

Speaker Russ Jones and Dr. Sally Jones shared the stage at the 54th Annual Social Work Educators conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they helped shape what the next generation of social workers will think about the current drug policy.

State By State

Here at LEAP we’re still celebrating the victories in Michigan and Massachusetts. Jack Cole, Norm Stamper, Rick Van Wickler and Greg Francisco hit the streets and airwaves to educate the public about the effects of those state ballot initiatives. It was all hands on decks as our media team, speakers bureau and volunteers worked together to give voters a clear picture of the impact of these initiatives on law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Volunteer of the Month

This month we’d like to spotlight Whitney Garlinghouse. Whitney could be doing a lot of things with his time, but after careful consideration he decided LEAP was the place to invest. Whitney joined the media team with an eye on radio. Whitney has been beating the digital highway reaching out to radio programs that previously featured LEAP speakers. Radio is a great way to get our message out to a wide audience.

Much of our media this month was radio. Whitney placed Earl Barnett on the air in Baltimore, Maryland and David Doddridge on the air in Slidell, Louisiana in addition to the outstanding efforts he made in Michigan and Massachusetts.

Campus Communities

Our Campus Communities outreach is affecting classrooms, students and educators alike. In Illinois, James Gierach spoke to criminal justice students at Blackburn College, while to the east Rick Van Wickler spoke to Keene College in New Hampshire and Manchester College in Connecticut, and to the north, Alison Myrden appeared at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

International Overtures

The newest documentary featuring LEAP, “THE UNION: THE BUSINESS BEHIND GETTING HIGH” is now available online. This documentary on the "B.C. Bud" industry features interviews with Jack Cole, Larry Campbell and Norm Stamper of LEAP. BC's illegal marijuana trade industry has evolved into a business giant, dubbed by some involved as 'The Union', commanding upwards of $7 billion Canadian annually. You can view the documentary at http://blip.tv/file/1356143/.

Make the LEAP

Around the world, organizations are struggling with how to make an impact on the 44th President and the 111th Congress, but opportunity and preparation have already made the way for LEAP. A struggling economy, deficit state budgets and a booming unregulated drug market give our speakers the perfect backdrop to talk about repeating repeal. The 75th anniversary of the repeal of alcohol prohibition is December 5, 2008. Around the country, our speakers are submitting letters to the editor, scheduling radio interviews and brushing up on the comparison between that prohibition and this one. In Washington, DC our team is preparing to storm the newly elected leaders with the mantra “We can do it again”.

LEAP membership is an important aspect of the Repeat Repeal project. Take a minute to invite your family and friends to add their voices to ours by joining LEAP today. Your donation takes us one step closer to making history with the 111th Congress.

We need YOUR help to continue doing all that we do.

If you aren’t already, please consider volunteering your time or donating to LEAP. Together we can End Prohibition Now!

Alabama: Voting for the First Time in Almost 40 Years

Alabama resident Ussery Knight cast his vote for the first time since 1970, according to a blog posted on The Ordinary People's Society Web site. "The last time Knight, 62, had the right to vote, gas was 36 cents per gallon, the Dow sat at 839, 'Patton' was the big movie at the box office and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' was beginning a seven-year run on television," the article stated. Knight, who served probation for a felony offense, recently registered
to vote after learning about the state's felony voting rights laws with help from TOPS.

Florida: Editorial Supports Democracy for All

A Miami Herald editorial focused on the significance of the election for those elected into office, and those who cast votes. Many Florida citizens with felony offense records were able to vote for the first time as a result of Gov. Charles Crist's efforts to restore voting rights and speed up the application process for that population. "Democracy is strengthened by encouraging every eligible American to vote," the editorial stated. "This is how America stays strong and free."

Pennsylvania: Is Disenfranchising Voters Really the "Right Thing to Do?"

A letter to the editor was featured in The Mercury questioning the rationale for disenfranchisement laws. "I suggest that the people of the United States take a good long look at the true scales of justice in our nation," the author stated. "Look closely at where taking away a convicted felon's right to vote falls in being the right thing to do when measured against the actions of so many other perpetrators of hate, brutality, unethical behaviors, and the destruction of innocence. I believe the scales would tip greatly in favor of the felon's right to vote when pit against so many other weightier issues of our country."

- - - - - -

Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today.

Contact Information -- e-mail: zjennings@sentencingproject.org, web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War From the Drug Truth Network:

(To downlad these 29:00 files, click on links below. To simply listen, go to www.drugtruth.net and select the arrow below the shows description.)

Cultural Baggage for 11/19/08 Buford Terrel, retired professor of law & Brian Arthur owner of Mazatec Garden discuss the potential outlawing of "salvia" + Terry Nelson reports for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/down...
TRANSCRIPT: By Friday

Century of Lies for 11/18/08 Ray Manzarek of the Doors recounts their first rehearsal (high on weed), report from Australia on the benefits of hemp + NEWS that US HHS has a patent on marijuana
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/2140/COL_111808.mp3
TRANSCRIPT: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=node/2140#comments

PLEASE NOTE: We now have transcripts, potcasts, searchability, CMS, XML, sorts by guest name and by organization.

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed, listen online at www.kpft.org:

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: Bruce Alexander, author Globalization of Addiction
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Now Australia!!!

Programs produced at Pacifica Radio Station KPFT in Houston. www.kpft.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: More than 55 Drug Policy Videos online)

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2008

Medical marijuana lawsuit filed against Department of Motor Vehicles

Americans for Safe Access fights baseless revocation of patient's driver's license

Merced, CA -- A lawsuit was filed today by medical marijuana advocacy organization Americans for Safe Access (ASA) against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on behalf of Rose Johnson, a 53-year-old patient from Atwater. Despite Ms. Johnson's clean driving record, not having caused an accident in 37 years of driving, the DMV revoked her license on July 26, 2008 because of her status as a medical marijuana patient. The DMV refused to renew Ms. Johnson's license only after obtaining her medical records and finding out that she was a qualified medical marijuana patient. According to the DMV, Ms. Johnson's license was revoked "because of...[an] addiction to, or habitual use of, [a] drug," thereby rendering her unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, even though no evidence existed to substantiate this claim.

"The DMV cannot simply disregard California's medical marijuana law," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, who is representing Ms. Johnson in her claim against the DMV. "When the voters of California enacted the Compassionate Use Act, they never intended to authorize the DMV to strip medical marijuana patients of their drivers' licenses," continued Elford. "The DMV should not be in the business of revoking the licenses of drivers like Ms. Johnson simply because she is a medical marijuana patient."

Advocates assert that the DMV policy of suspending and revoking the licenses of medical marijuana patients is widespread, occurring in at at least 8 California counties, including Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, and Sonoma. License revocations by the DMV, which have been based on a person's status as a medical marijuana patient, are often rationalized by calling the drivers "drug abusers" despite no evidence of the claim.

In 2007, Merced -- the county in which Ms. Johnson lives -- implemented a police policy that instructed its Sheriff deputies to respect state law and not to cite medical marijuana patients or seize their medicine. "The DMV is not under a different set of requirements than local police in California," said Elford. "The failure to uphold California's medical marijuana law is entirely inappropriate for any local or state agency."

The lawsuit filed today by ASA is expected to be heard in Merced Superior Court in the next few months. The lawsuit against the DMV is part of a campaign by ASA to fully implement California's medical marijuana laws.

Further information:
ASA's lawsuit against the DMV: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/DMV_Writ.pdf

# # #

Dear friends:

We get a lot of requests for MPP-themed shirts, mugs, and other products, and we've just unveiled an entirely new product line at our new online MPP Store.

Come check out our new t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and much more. Our gear is designed to help you send a message to the world that it's time to end marijuana prohibition ... and you'll find some great holiday gifts there as well.

Your purchase will support MPP's work to change marijuana laws, while spreading the word at the same time.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $3.0 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2008. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

Dennis Sobin's "Letter from Jail #1"

November 2008

Dear Friends,

Well, here I am back in jail. Again put here by my adult lawyer son and sister in an effort to silence me. The discord between us began in 2001 when my mother died. She was to leave a substantial part of her large fortune to the Prisons Foundation, a non-profit arts advocacy group which I had recently co-founded. The arraignment was to be handled by my attorney son with my sister's involvement and cooperation. A substantial share was also to go to each of them.In the end they got greedy and wanted it all; so they cut me and Prisons Foundation out.

Over the years I have tried to find answers as to how such a thing could happen. My mother and I were close. She, a retired union organizer and former public school principal, was very supportive of the then infant Prisons Foundation.
My son and sister reacted to my inquiries about the inheritance by getting repeated stay-away orders against me. This is the third time I've been charged with violating them. Previous stays in jail for such violations ranged from ten days to three months. This time the sentence has been harsher due to the influence and contacts my son and sister have.

Due to their money and ambition, they have both risen to positions of power over the years. My sister Judy Sobin is a regional director of the United Way in Salt Lake City. My son Dennis Sobin is a D.C. assistant Attorney General working at City Hall here in Washington.

The previous violation that my son had me prosecuted and jailed for was my attempt to resolve our differences by talking to his attorney. My sister put me in the slammer when I sent her an email on her birthday; sincerely wishing her happy returns and expressing hope that we could settle our "misunderstandings." I had forgotten that in Utah a stay-away order last three years, not one year as in Washington D.C.

Meanwhile, my son has his stay-away order against me renewed year after year. This year he really lowered the boom when he learned that I was to testify at City Hall on behalf of the Prisons Foundation. He charged me with three violations for going or attempting to go to City Hall to give such testimony. That's why I am in jail now. The judge agreed with my son that the stay-away order called for me to keep away from his "place of work," and that City Hall was just that. My fine lawyer James Butler's impassioned argument that Darrin's "place of work" was in fact an office in City Hall that I had scrupulously avoided, that I came and left without incident, and that I never saw my son or attempted to see him, fell on unresponsive ears.

The verdict of guilty on two counts hit me so badly both as a father and as a citizen that I collapsed, falling onto the defense table, and then taken to jail in an ambulance with a stop along the way at an area hospital that tested me and diagnosed me as having an anxiety attack. When I told my doctor and my nurses what had happened, they nearly fainted too.

Now I'm sitting on a bunk in my jail cell, wearing my orange jumpsuit and writing several "Sobin's Letter's from the Jail" communiqués. I was sentenced to six months in jail, a half year. Given my son and sister's influence, coupled with their strong motivation to bury me even before my death, I expected it to be more severe.
I will use my time to read and write books and work on my music. Of the two books I intend to write, one will be called Mentoring to Artists in Prison. It will be used in workshops to train mentors for imprisoned artists conducted by the Prisons Foundation (a program supported by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanity).

If you care to help me I can use some blank paper. Please send me some loose sheets (up to 50) and I'll share any excess with other inmates (my roommate Michael is 18 and likes to write too). Also, I would appreciate a book or two. Any books sent to this institution must be paperback and sent directly by a bookseller (like Amazon.com). My favorite reading is American history, novelized or not, and music; particularly biographies of composers and songwriters, sheet music and song collections.

I also ask that you support the Prison Art Gallery located at 1600 K Street NW, Suite 501, Washington, D.C. 20006. Telephone: 202-393-1511. It's currently being most ably run by Donovan Berry, Kevin Horrocks, Anita Winston and Jahi Foster-Bey. Except for Anita, the entire staff has all been to prison, and Anita is on her way there (to visit her son). Thank you deeply for your support.

Yours for Justice,

Dennis Sobin
#206757
Central Detention Facility
1901 D Street S.E.
Washington, D.C.
20003

*Note the views in this letter are those of the author alone. Please send your comments directly to him.

Drug Truth Network Update: 4:20 Drug War NEWS from 90.1 FM in Houston and dozens of radio affiliates in the US, Canada and Australis & on the web at www.kpft.org.

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Australia.

4:20 Drug War NEWS 11/17/08 to 11/23/08 now online (3:00 ea:) Select online at www.drugtruth.net

Sun - Sam Califano of CASA, serves as Goebbel's clone in drug war

Sat - Cele Castillo busted for selling guns at a gun show, Pt 3

Fri - Cele Castillo Pt 2, re: federal agents compromised in drug war

Thu - Cele Castillo, former DEA Agent, Iran-Contra whistleblower describes CIA involvement in drug war

Wed - Glenn Greenway in this weeks Poppygate Report regarding the nearly 100 million pounds of drugs produced since the US took over Afghanistan

Tue - Terry Nelson of LEAP reports on progress by Law Enforcement Against Prohibition to end the war on drugs.

Mon - Reverend Eddy Lepp faces 2 life sentences for growing sacramental & medical marijuana

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed (Now With Transcripts):

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT, 9:30 AM PT: Reports from NORML Conference

Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, and www.audioport.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker:

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

[Courtesy of Ohio Patient Network]

SPONSOR AND PROPONENT TESTIMONY HEARING SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 19

A Sponsor and Proponent Testimony Hearing for SB 343 has been scheduled by the Ohio Senate Criminal Justice Committee for 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 in the North Hearing Room at the Ohio Statehouse. Known as the Ohio Medical Compassion Act, SB 343 would allow patients and their caregivers to possess and cultivate marijuana to treat the patients' serious illness. The Proponent component of this hearing will be grounded in testimony from seasoned medical professionals. If you would like to encourage your state Senator to vote for this important legislation, please visit https://ssl.capwiz.com/mpp/issues/alert/?alertid=11445816. It is hoped that this bill will be accorded swift passage in consideration of the highly successful Michigan Initiative.

MICHIGAN LEGALIZES MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Before the statewide initiative was started in five citywide medical marijuana votes, medical marijuana won in a landslide (with 62% in Flint in February 2007; with 63% in Traverse City and 61% in Ferndale in November 2005; with 74% in Ann Arbor in November 2004; and with 60% in Detroit in August 2004). All these efforts were spearheaded by Michigan NORML http://www.minorml.org/ and it's affiliated chapters. Based on these efforts Tim Beck wrote 'Taking the Initiative; A Reformer's Guide to Direct Democracy' online at http://www.drugsense.org/caip#take.

When the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care http://stoparrestingpatients.org/ launched it's statewide signature drive they sought the help of Michigan NORML. The NORML members gathered a substantial share of the signatures, and then went on to support the initiative in every way possible. They wrote letters to the editor and OPEDs, which were published. They placed thousands of Yes on 1 yard signs.

What they did not do was connect their effort in any way at with NORML to preclude any perception that they were really working to legalize marijuana. Thus they set a standard of professionalism for other NORML chapters to emulate.

On Election Day, the initiative, on the ballot as Proposal 1, passed by 63% with 3,005,678 Yes votes. It passed in every county in the state. The new Michigan law, now known as The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, will be certified and go into effect later this year. However, implementing regulations to include the patient and caregiver I.D. Card system may take until May of next year to go into effect. Unique among the 13 states with medicinal marijuana laws, covering a quarter of the U.S. population, Michigan's law recognizes the patient identifying documents of the 12 other states.

The Ohio Patient Network salutes Michigan activists for their success with the hope that it will catch not only the attention of Congress but also the Ohio State Legislature.

MEETING WITH OHIO SENATOR TOM ROBERTS

The meeting of Ohio medical marijuana activists, called by Ohio Senator Tom Roberts (D-5), was held on November 6, 2008, in the Senate Minority Conference Room on the Southeast corner of the Ohio Statehouse. Excluding the Senator and his staff, around fifteen people participated in this meeting, including Ohio Patient Network officers Jeff Horvath, Nikki Plassenthal, and Mary Jane Borden, each of whom introduced themselves by their respective titles (Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and were recognized by the Senator as such.

Others in attendance included Eleanor Ahrens, Christy Becker, Jim Cowen, Tonya Davis, Dennis Day and Dawn Dunlap (Ohio Patient Action Network); Damien Hardy (Senator Roberts' aide), Brian McCann, Cher Neufer, Ed Orlett (Drug Policy Alliance), and Penny Tipps (State street Consultants).

Topics covered included LTEs; meetings with editorial boards; consumption (the Senator wanted to know how much patients typically consumed); Marinol and Sativex; possible pharmaceutical industry resistance; and opposition to the bill from government agencies. Medical marijuana advocates should be inspired by the harmony and unified purpose displayed at this meeting.

OPN ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON MAY 31, 2008

The Ohio Patient Network held its Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at the offices of the Columbus Free Press at 1000 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH. Forty-three people participated in this meeting to elect the organization's officers for the coming year.

After the meeting, OPN Past President, Mary Jane Borden commented, "This is a very special board. Well over half of the original co-founders came together to seat this board, which includes three of them in the positions of President, Vice President, and Treasurer." Board President Brandy Zink said that she looks forward to setting the organization on a course to better achieve its goals and be of service to patients. "With the introduction of the Ohio Medical Compassion Act, there is a greater need for educational resources from a credible, professional organization such as the Ohio Patient Network.

The OPN Board Members are listed at http://www.ohiopatient.net/v2/content/view/16/34/

RIGHT, MORAL AND GOOD

It has been said that we are living in a time of great change. There are new voices in Washington, the legislature, and even in the world of activism. If we could offer leadership advice at this pivotal moment, we wish that change, which has been given so much lip service, would be based on the principle of right, moral, and good. We encourage leadership to weigh decision making and subsequent action using this three-legged principle. Right, moral, and good means:

Right: Right refers to the information on which decisions are made and asks if that fact base is correct. What are the holes in it and where might it be potentially wrong? Is the information on which actions are planned logical? Does it pass the smell or common sense test? Can it be substantiated by independent, third party sources? Right is not a feeling; it is the truth and cold hard facts that withstand repeated tests to discredit them.

Moral: Morality concerns principles of conduct. For moral teachings, we often look to the Golden Rule or the 10 Commandments. The Golden Rule quite simply states, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." As most people don't seek harm, we should behave toward others as we would want them behave toward us. The 10 Commandments also provide a moral compass. "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor" - don't lie. "Do not steal" - don't take things that aren't yours. "Do not covet." - don't desire or scheme to obtain that which belongs to another. Morality doesn't equate to any specific religion or doctrine; all religions have their tests of moral conduct. Still, moral conduct pivots on the query: does action find its roots in lies, harm, theft, or greed? Would I want to be treated this way?

Good: Good is actually a two-part test. There is the definition of good as beneficial and also good as of high quality. The beneficial test of good deals with well being. Good draws a direct line to positivity, prosperity, health, and vitality. It easily bridges to its benefits to others through the greater good. Good being of high quality equates to functional excellence. When something is good, all parts work, all pieces fit together, beauty radiates, and intended results are achieved. In both definitions, good refers to a plural or to the larger whole. As a two-part test, good asks, is action both beneficial to and functional for the larger whole and for the greater good?

The right, moral, and good paradigm of decision making is a three legged stool that will topple when one leg becomes compromised. Actions cannot be moral or good if their fact base is lacking. They are neither right nor good if based in lies, theft, or greed. They can't be right or moral, if they function improperly or harm overall well being.

We encourage leadership both nationally and locally to weigh these three tenets in the decision making process and as it considers actions based on this process. If we are to engender change at this pivotal time, then change should mend the rips and tears in our culture. Engaging in thinking that is right, moral, and good - holistically - gives all of us the best chance of achieving the results that we all want and for which we chanted change in the first place.

You may wish to read another essay on this topic, "On Harmony," http://www.ohiopatient.net/v2/content/view/817/2/

You can also participate in an online discussion about it on our forum at http://www.ohiopatientnetwork.org/zot/viewtopic.php?t=535.

Kentucky: Formerly Disenfranchised Voters Chronicle their Election Day Experience

Kentuckians for the Commonwealth currently features on its Web site a host of stories of first-time voters who participated in Election Day after having been disenfranchised. Chronicling his experience, Carl Matthews wrote: "Yes, for the first time in my entire life I felt empowered. I voted to make better lives for myself and others. I have never voted anywhere in these United States. Today was my day. And what a great start to a new life!" Tayna Fogle, who voted for the first time after the state revoked her voting rights in 2004, joined her 26-year-old son who registered this year. "I was the 11th person in line at 6am," she stated. " ... All the way up until I saw my name on the list, I was afraid that they'd turn me away for some reason, and I can't explain why. My heart was beating fast and I got a little teary-eyed."

International: Government is Warned that Inmate Voting Must Be Allowed

The British government must take action in reforming legislation which will allow the country's 84,000 incarcerated individuals to vote in the next election, the Guardian reported. Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights warned the government that the next election will pose a "constitutional crisis" that needs to be addressed immediately. The challenge comes in response to a 2005 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that a blanket denial of voting rights to people in prison is unlawful. The Ministry of Justice stated that: "A legislative solution can and should be introduced during the next parliamentary session. If the government fails to meet this timetable, there is a significant risk that the next general election will take place in a way that fails to comply with the convention and at least part of the prison population will be unlawfully disenfranchised. Commenting on the legislation delay, the Prison Reform Trust, which campaigns on behalf of prisoners, stated, 'This mean-minded, foot-dragging approach... calls into question the government's commitment to social inclusion, citizenship and human rights."

Florida: Voting for the First time in at Least 30 Years

Before this month, Florida resident Joe Walker last voted 30 years ago. He was sent to prison for two years in 1979 and lost his voting rights, the Fernandina Beach News Leader reported. Now 71, Walker was able to participate in the election this year due to Florida's recent change allowing citizens with non-violent offenses to vote.

National: Familial Disenfranchisement

Voter disenfranchisement was featured in an article entitled the "Barriers of Democracy," highlighted on the Evangelicals for Social Action Web site. The article stated that many formerly incarcerated citizens are raising families and working and deserve a chance to cast their vote. "Like most parents, they want to be able to vote to improve schools, infrastructure, and government. The myriad and complex disenfranchisement laws make this impossible for many. Imagine what generational effect this has on a convict's children when they see their father or mother excluded from voting."

- - - - - -

Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today.

Contact Information -- e-mail: zjennings@sentencingproject.org, web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

[Courtesy of Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) and Sensible Colorado]

For Immediate Release: November 13, 2008

More Than 250 Citizens From Across Colorado to Attend "Marijuana Boot Camp" at Regis University in Denver This Saturday (11/15)

Current and future activists from every region -- Durango to Greeley, Gunnison to Aurora -- expected to converge on "Ground Zero for Marijuana Policy Reform" for massive grassroots training

Denver groups coordinating the event to offer panels featuring elected officials, policy wonks, journalists, and professional advocates

DENVER -- This Saturday, November 15, hundreds of current and future marijuana activists from across Colorado will gather in the Main Dining Hall of the Regis University Student Center for a first-of-its-kind "Marijuana Boot Camp." The free daylong training event is open to the public and will serve as a launching pad for citizen activism and reform efforts throughout the state in 2009.

Denver-based groups Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) and Sensible Colorado are co-hosting the event -- officially titled the "2008 Colorado Marijuana Reform Seminar & Activist Boot Camp" -- and will provide attendees with grassroots training and materials they can take home and implement in their communities. Sessions and panels will focus on strategy, communications, citizen lobbying, grassroots outreach, the media, and the nature of state and local marijuana laws. Panelists from around Colorado will include state and local elected officials, policy analysts from "left-" and "right-wing" organizations, print and on-line journalists, advocacy and communications professionals, and a biology professor/researcher.

"The 2008 campaign season only just ended for most people," said SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert. "But for the growing number of Coloradans committed to reforming state and local marijuana laws, the 2009 campaign season has already begun. Our first goal -- to disprove the myth that marijuana makes people less motivated -- has clearly already been accomplished."

The event will build on the 630,000-plus Colorado voters who supported a 2006 initiative to remove all state penalties for private adult marijuana possession, as well as the growing majorities that approved two similar initiatives in the state's capitol. Several Colorado organizations have also become more vocal in their support for reform, and some -- such as the ACLU of Colorado -- are participating in Saturday's Marijuana Boot Camp.

"A coalition of Colorado citizens, organizations, businesses, and elected officials has begun to emerge," Tvert said, "and an army of supporters is forming around the state. Its mission: educate Colorado communities about the fact that marijuana is safer than alcohol, and build support for laws that reflect that fact."

"Colorado is already far ahead of the national curve when it comes to our citizens' attitudes and efforts surrounding marijuana law reform," Tvert said. "This event will expand on those positive attitudes, fuel even more efforts across the state, and quicken the pace toward safer, more sensible marijuana laws in Colorado and beyond."

WHAT: 2008 Colorado Marijuana Reform Seminar & Activist Boot Camp
WHEN: This Saturday, November 15, official welcome at 9:45 a.m., culmination at 5 p.m.
WHERE: The Main Dining Hall in the Student Center, Regis University, 3333 Regis Blvd., Denver (Student Center is on west edge of campus -- See Building "N" at: http://www.regis.edu/regis.asp?sctn=loc&p1=lc&p2=parking )
WHO: More than 250 current and future activists from across Colorado have registered to attend

[Courtesy of The European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies]

The Hague, 13 November 2008 - Three organisations that advocate for the emancipation of the use of the cannabis plant will present the first Netherlands Cannabis Tribunal, to be held on December 1st and 2nd in Nieuwspoort, the International Press Centre in The Hague. To conclude the first day of hearings, a debate on Dutch cannabis policies will be moderated by Frans Weisglas, former speaker of the Dutch Parliament.

The three government ministers responsible for Dutch drug policy have been invited to this political debate, to defend current cannabis policies. They are: Guusje ter Horst (PvdA) of Home Affairs, Ernst Hirsch Ballin (CDA) of Justice and Ab Klink (CDA) of Public Health. Spokespersons on drug policy from the Dutch Parliament have also been requested to make a contribution to this debate.

The Cannabis Tribunal is being organised by Cannabis College, the Dutch Drug Policy Foundation and Encod, the European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies. During the debate they will challenge all Dutch MP's to provide conclusive evidence in opposition to the proposition:

The ban on cannabis has more negative than positive effects.

The political party that succeeds in providing such proof will receive an award of 200.000 euros.

The reason for organising the Tribunal is the fact that, more than thirty years after the introduction of liberal cannabis policies in the Netherlands, a drastic reform is urgently needed. During past years, many representatives of municipalities, police, justice, community organisations and involved citizens have called for a renewal of policy regarding cannabis in the Netherlands.

This may be total prohibition or legalisation, as long as the law is clear. In the mean time, government and parliament have repeatedly postponed a decision on the subject. The Cannabis Tribunal wants to find out the reasons for this inaction and delay.

The events of past weeks confirm this tendency. Early in November, the city councils of Roosendaal and Bergen op Zoom (close to the Belgian border) announced their decision to close down all coffeeshops in their cities. Lord Mayor Leers of Maastricht then called for a National Cannabis Summit in order to agree on a coordinated policy in the frontier region.

Saturday November 8th the political leader of the Christian Democrat Party (CDA), Mr. Pieter van Geel, said that all coffeeshops in the Netherlands should be closed. Lord Mayor Van Gijzel of Eindhoven then replied saying he wanted more coffeeshops in the region, and that they should be provided with cannabis through legal channels. The organisers of the Cannabis Tribunal propose that politicians should live up to their responsibilities of office.

'Whoever calls for a total ban on cannabis must show that this would lead to a benefit for Dutch society as a whole. If Mr. Pieter van Geel can prove that a ban is the best solution, then let him do this at the Tribunal. An amount of 200.000 euros is waiting for him. If he refuses to respond to the challenge, then by default he obviously must agree with our proposition", says Joep Oomen, spokesperson of the Cannabis Tribunal.

Programme of the Cannabis Tribunal

Monday December 1st

The Cannabis Tribunal will kick off with a series of hearings. In each of them, two experts will present opposing testimony on a given issue. In chronological order, the topics to be discussed will be: Health aspects of cannabis, the coffeeshops, the role of the media, the moral justification of the ban on cannabis.

Law philosopher Hendrik Kaptein of the Leiden University will be moderator and judge for these hearings at the Cannabis Tribunal. At the end of the first day of hearings, there will be a concluding debate moderated by Frans Weisglas.

Tuesday, December 2nd

The morning programme will deal with the image of Dutch cannabis policy abroad. The promise of industrial applications of the hemp plant for paper, food, textiles and fuel will also be dealt with.

From 12.30 to 13.30 the organisers will present the conclusions of the Cannabis Tribunal at a press conference in Nieuwspoort. Subsequently, these conclusions will also be presented to the members of the Dutch parliament. The working language is Dutch.

Links:
www.cannabistribunaal.nl
www.encod.org
www.drugsbeleid.nl
www.cannabiscollege.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November, 13, 2008
CONTACT: Adam Eidinger at 202-744-2671 or adam@votehemp.com, or Tom Murphy at 207-542-4998 or tom@votehemp.com

Licensed Hemp Farmers Heard by US Court of Appeals
Decision in Lawsuit Could Bring Back Hemp Farming in US

ST. PAUL, MN – Two North Dakota farmers, who filed a lawsuit in June of 2007 to end the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) ban on commercial hemp farming in the U.S., were heard yesterday, November 12, 2008, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The oral arguments before the three judge panel centered on the farmer’s assertion that because there is no possibility the hemp crop could be diverted into the market for drugs, the Commerce Clause does not allow DEA to regulate industrial hemp farming in North Dakota. If successful, the landmark lawsuit will lead to the first state-regulated commercial cultivation of industrial hemp in over fifty years. The court’s decision is not expected until next year.

The farmers, North Dakota State Rep. David Monson and seed breeder Wayne Hauge, are appealing a decision by the U.S. District Court of North Dakota on a number of grounds; in particular, the District Court ruled that hemp and marijuana are the same, as DEA has wrongly contended. In fact, scientific evidence clearly shows that not only are oilseed and fiber varieties of Cannabis genetically distinct from drug varieties, but there are absolutely no psychoactive effects gained from eating it. All court documents related to the case can be found online (http://www.VoteHemp.com/legal_cases_ND.html).

Representative Monson observed oral arguments made on his behalf by attorneys Joe Sandler and Tim Purdon. In court Mr. Sandler argued, “Given North Dakota’s unique regulatory regime, nothing leaves the farmer’s property except those parts of the plant Congress has already decided should be exempt from regulation: hemp stalk, fiber seed and oil. The question is whether there is any rational basis for Congressional regulation of the plant itself growing on the farmer’s property. The answer is no — because industrial hemp is useless as drug marijuana and there’s no danger of diversion, so there’s no possible impact on the market for drug marijuana.”

The government’s arguments centered on the idea that the plaintiffs should apply to the DEA for permission to grow hemp and that the court didn’t have jurisdiction over the issues raised by the farmers. “The plaintiffs should await the DEA’s decision on their application,” said Melissa Patterson on behalf of the government. In response, Judge Michael Milloy asked, “Isn’t it true the DEA will not rule on the farmer’s applications to grow hemp, you’ve had eleven months?” Ms. Patterson answered, “The DEA has not replied out of respect to the pending proceedings.” In response to the jurisdictional objections made by the DEA, Judge Lavenski Smith said, “When there is a legitimate constitutional issue brought before us we can hear the case.”

Background

In 2007 the North Dakota Legislature removed the requirement that state-licensed industrial hemp farmers first obtain DEA permits before growing hemp. The question before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals will be whether or not federal authorities can prosecute state-licensed farmers who grow non-drug oilseed and fiber hemp pursuant to North Dakota state law. Vote Hemp, the nation's leading industrial hemp advocacy group, and its supporters are providing financial support for the lawsuit. If it is successful, states across the nation will be free to implement their own hemp farming laws without fear of federal interference. Learn more about hemp farming and the wide variety of non-drug industrial hemp products manufactured in the U.S. at www.VoteHemp.com and www.TheHIA.org.

# # #

The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War From the Drug Truth Network:

(To downlad these 29:00 files, click on links below. To simply listen, go to www.drugtruth.net and select the arrow below the shows description.)

Cultural Baggage for 11/12/08 Reverend Eddy Lepp faces 2 life sentences for growing marijuana for his church, Bruce Mirken discusses advances in marijuana laws on election day, Sanho Tree discusses Plan Colombia on BBC & Sam Califano of CASA spreads fear and loathing
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/2132/FDBCB_111208.mp3
TRANSCRIPT: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=node/2132#new

Century of Lies for 11/11/08 Cele Castillo, former DEA agent, Iran-Contra whisteleblower & author of "Powderburns, Cocaine, Contras & the Drug War" + Terry Nelson Reports for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/2131/COL_111108.mp3
TRANSCRIPT: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=node/2131#comments

PLEASE NOTE: We now have transcripts, potcasts, searchability, CMS, XML, sorts by guest name and by organization.

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed, listen online at www.kpft.org:

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: NORML 2008 Conference
Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Now Australia!!!

Programs produced at Pacifica Radio Station KPFT in Houston. www.kpft.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: More than 55 Drug Policy Videos online)

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

[Courtesy of MPP]

The overarching goal of the Legislative Analyst is to help MPP pass state-level legislation to (a) permit the use of medical marijuana by patients whose doctors recommend its use or (b) decriminalize marijuana possession.

Qualifications include exceptional oral communication skills, flawless writing, and a professional appearance. Candidates should also be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to accomplish a defined and ambitious set of goals. Candidates who are lawyers are strongly preferred, as are candidates with experience working in public policy.

Responsibilities include monitoring all marijuana-related bills -- and generating letters from the grassroots for or against the most important bills -- in approximately 18-21 states. To this end, the Legislative Analyst will act as the first point of contact and coordinate with grant recipients in each assigned state; use an online legislative monitoring system to determine which bills are relevant to marijuana policy in each assigned state; maintain each of MPP's state Web pages with updated legislative information, pre-written letters for constituents to send to legislators, "tell a friend" messages, pre-written letters-to-the-editor, and relevant news articles. (For example, see www.mpp.org/NY); write and e-mail legislative alerts to all MPP members and allies in a given state, asking them to visit their state's page on MPP's Web site to send pre-written letters to their state legislators; assist the Director of State Policies with legislative research and analysis and any other functions to assist in the passage of state legislation, including by identifying and preparing witnesses for legislative testimony and advocacy, and communicating with legislators; prepare and file lobbying expense reports, and, if the candidate is an attorney, perform occasional legal work such as reviewing contracts, revising legislation, and legal research.

The Legislative Analyst reports to MPP's Director of State Policies, who in turn reports to MPP's Executive Director.

The salary for the position is $35,000, plus full health insurance and a retirement plan.

To apply, please see MPP's application guidelines at http://www.mpp.org/jobs/process.html and follow the instructions there. Interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

With 38 employees, 25,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, MPP is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana - both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit its use - and believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment.

Save the Date

Dear friends,

In many ways, it feels like this country is turning a corner. 

The sweeping victory last Tuesday of Obama/Biden and the Democrats in Congress signals the dawn of a new day in American politics. And we're determined that drug policy now move to the fore in our country's new era of change.

For this reason and many more, please join us at the next Reform Conference, to be held one year from now in New Mexico, where so many exciting victories have taken place.

Reform 2009: The International Drug Policy Reform Conference
November 11-14, 2009
Albuquerque Convention Center | Map

The Reform Conference is the largest and most important gathering of people who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. It brings together representatives from every corner of the drug policy reform movement -- activists and students, drug users and those in recovery, harm reduction and treatment professionals, law enforcers and the formerly incarcerated -- for three days of stimulating learning, debate, strategizing and fun. 

It's the only meeting that connects the dots between and among the full spectrum of drug policy issues within our communities and around the world.  This is where you'll learn the latest about alternatives to incarceration and harm reduction innovations; jump into debates about law enforcement and treatment; hear from leading writers and thinkers about the history and future of psychoactive drugs; and find out what's going in drug policy reform locally, nationally and globally.

We last convened in Albuquerque in 2001, when the former governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, was generating national attention for his bold statements against the drug war.  We're returning now because New Mexico has truly emerged as a model for enacting and implementing pragmatic drug policy reforms -- including cutting-edge medical marijuana legislation and a 911 Good Samaritan immunity law to reduce overdose fatalities.
 
There's no better three-day crash course on issues involving drugs and drug policy than this biennial conference.

For more information, contact Stefanie Jones at sjones@drugpolicy.org.  You can sign up for regular conference updates by visiting the 2009 Reform Conference website.

So please mark your calendars, and plan on joining us in Albuquerque from November 11-14, 2009. It's time to add your voice -- again, or for the first time -- to the growing movement calling for an end to the failed drug war.

See you there.

Sincerely,

Ethan Nadelmann
Executive Director
Drug Policy Alliance

P.S. After each conference I get a flood of emails from people whose perspective opened up just a little bit more, who met an important ally previously unknown to them, and yes, even those whose lives have been changed. I hope to hear your story in 2009.

First Time Voters

As a result of recent legislation and policy changes, many citizens in Rhode Island, Maryland and Florida voted in their very first presidential election on November 4. Others voted in their first election since having been incarcerated. Activists, advocates and those formerly disenfranchised like Kimberly Haven and Andres Idarraga cast their long-awaited first vote in an historic presidential election. Mike Kimber was second in line at his New York polling place. "It felt different. You know, I was doing something for the very first time ... I was happy I was able to do this," said Kimber during an interview with Democracy Now.

In Minnesota, an estimated 65,000 citizens are ineligible to vote due to felony offenses but resident Andre Corbett made it to the polls last week. "I got off parole Aug. 1, and I went and voted in the primaries," Minnesota Public Radio quoted him as saying. "That was probably the proudest I'd felt in quite a while - just being able to have the sticker and go in and check it off."

Having just learned that he could vote and that his rights were restored two years ago, Victor Vazquez registered and voted on the same day in Rhode Island the Providence Journal reported. " ... [T]his means I have a say now. And here I am today, doing my work," said Vazquez. For more coverage, read the Huffington Post and Monsters and Critics.com.

Florida: Associated Press
New York: Staten Island Advance
Arizona: Tucson Citizen
Indiana: Journal Gazette
Rhode Island: NBC10

National: 'Mass Confusion,' Lawsuits Shadow Election Day 2009

The arrival of last Tuesday's historic Election Day followed a national drive to register and educate voters with felony offenses. Despite advocates' successes in voter education, there was much uncertainty over state laws, inmate voting policies and several legal challenges seeking to overturn state laws were filed, USA Today reported. "It's mass confusion," stated Nancy Abudu, staff counsel for the voting rights unit of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Miller-McCune Magazine also featured an article on disenfranchisement's past and present, and the movement to get voting rights restored nationally. "Felon disfranchisement affects not only the individual whose vote has been taken away; it's not just what voting-rights lawyers call a vote-denial claim. It's also a vote-dilution claim," said Juan Cartagena, a civil rights lawyer and the general counsel for the Community Service Society in New York. "That relative political power is taken away from the neighbors of persons who come back home (and) from their family members. Their relative collective voting strength is wiped off the map almost."

Georgia: To Vote, or Not to Vote

Editor in chief of the Sunday Paper applauded rapper T.I. and other celebrities with felony convictions who rallied others to vote in last week's election, but in an op- ed, Kevin Forest Moreau also grapples with the issue of restoring voting rights to those with certain convictions. "Should those perpetrators be given the chance to redeem their place in civilization?" he wrote. "Absolutely - depending on the severity of the crime ... But should they retain every right-or privilege-they enjoyed prior to breaking that social contract? That one's a little harder to say "yes" to."

Oklahoma: Legislator Supports Vote Restoration

Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, of Tulsa, hopes to introduce legislation to restore voting rights once a citizen is released from prison in 2009, the Tulsa World reported. Sen. McIntyre said she will speed up the time it takes to restore voting rights. Currently, state law prohibits individuals from registering to vote until the full length of their sentence has been carried out and are no longer supervised by the Department of Corrections.

California: Report Says Felony Disenfranchisement 'Single Greatest Factor Excluding People of Color'

The American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California (ACLU-NC) has released a report entitled, Making Every Vote Count: Reforming Felony Disenfranchisement Policies and Practices in California, that explains why and how felony disenfranchisement laws may be the single greatest factor excluding people of color from the political process. A key component of the report is its documentation of widespread confusion among eligible voters and public agencies about who is and is not eligible to vote in California.

- - - - - -

Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today.

Contact Information -- e-mail: zjennings@sentencingproject.org, web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

The Marijuana Policy Project is seeking a Campaign Manager for MPP's Arizona ballot initiative campaign to legalize the possession and cultivation of small amounts of marijuana for patients who have a doctor's recommendation.

The overarching goal of the Campaign Manager is to successfully implement the campaign strategy from the campaign’s inception through Election Day and ensure that every possible measure is taken to win the campaign. All aspects of the campaign will be overseen by MPP’s Director of State Campaigns, with the Campaign Manager playing a key supporting role to the Director of State Campaigns and the campaign consultants. This position is based in Arizona and runs through November 2010. The Campaign Manager’s salary is $50,000 to $60,000, plus full health insurance and a modest retirement plan.
[Courtesy of MPP]

Qualifications include a minimum of two years of statewide campaign experience in a senior management position, though five or more years are preferred. The ideal candidate will be a goal-oriented, fastidious, hands-on manager. The Campaign Manager must be hardworking, get along well with people, and have excellent communication and management skills. Applicants who have ties to the Arizona political community will be given priority, although such ties are not a requirement.

Responsibilities include overseeing and successfully completing the signature drive to place the initiative on the November 2010 statewide ballot; managing all day-to-day campaign operations; acting as first point of contact for the general public and the local activist community; ensuring that the local activist community is happy and engaged; identifying, training, and successfully managing and utilizing regional volunteer spokespeople; overseeing the distribution of all written campaign materials, such as campaign literature, Web site updates, etc.; working closely with MPP’s State Campaigns office in Las Vegas to ensure that the campaign complies with all applicable campaign laws and successfully files all campaign finance reports; working closely with the campaign’s in-state consultants; conducting fundraising meetings with potentially major donors; assisting in-state, paid consultants with coalition-building efforts as requested, resulting in a substantial number of community leaders and organizations publicly backing the campaign; and assisting the consultants with media operations, as requested.

To apply, please see http://www.mpp.org/jobs/process.html and follow the instructions there. Interviews are being conducted on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Drug Truth Network Update: 4:20 Drug War NEWS from 90.1 FM in Houston and dozens of radio affiliates in the US, Canada and Australis & on the web at www.kpft.org.

We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US, Canada and Australia.

4:20 Drug War NEWS 11/10/08 to 11/16/08 now online (3:00 ea:) Select online at www.drugtruth.net

Sun - Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy Project reports on marijuana laws passed this election

Sat - Sanho Tree reports on Plan Colombia, courtesy BBC

Fri - If it quacks, it must be drug czar Walters 2/2

Thu - Australian Federal Police commissioner seeks better way in drug war, courtesy ABC Australia

Wed - Adam Assenberg of KRFP radio interview Dean Becker of Drug Truth Network

Tue - Terry Nelson reports for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition

Mon - John Walters, US Drug Czar 1/2

Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed (Now With Transcripts):

- Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: Rev. Eddy Lepp & Carl Olson: sacramental Marijuana
- Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT, 9:30 AM PT: Cele Castillo, Iran/Contra whistle blower

Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, and www.audioport.org

Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker:

Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform.

"Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

Dean Becker
713-849-6869
www.drugtruth.net

For Immediate Release: November 7, 2008
For more info: Gabriel Sayegh at (646) 335-2264 or Tony Newman at (646) 335-5384

Gov. Paterson Announces $8.6 Million in Cuts to Drug Treatment in Response to Budget Crisis

Advocates: Gov. Paterson Should be Doing the Opposite and Expanding Cost-Effective Treatment

With Democrats in Control of Senate and Assembly, Gov. Paterson Should Keep His Pledge and Reform Draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws with Treatment to Save Lives and Money

Health advocates and treatment providers were shocked to learn that New York Governor Paterson is cutting $8.6 million from its substance abuse programs in response to the state's current budget crisis.

"This is penny wise and pound foolish and exactly the opposite of what the governor should be doing," said Howard Josepher, President of the Exponents treatment programs. "Treatment is less expensive and more effective than the lock-them-up strategy that costs taxpayers $29,000 per person to incarcerate someone with an addiction. Treatment also offers a better opportunity to prevent recidivism"

The Rockefeller Drug Laws have been a miserable failure. These draconian laws have not delivered on their promise to rid our streets of drugs or keep people from using them, but they have drained New York of hundreds of millions of dollars and destroyed tens of thousands of lives. Treatment providers, family members, policy experts and newspaper editorials have been calling for change for years but have been stifled due to Republican control of the State Senate and the lack of leadership from Governors Pataki and Spitzer. When Gov. Paterson took over there was an expectation that there might be reform of these laws as the governor has been a long-time voice for change of the laws.

"The time is right to move from away from inhumane, costly and ineffective mass incarceration to a health approach to our drug problems," said Gabriel Sayegh of the Drug Policy Alliance. "The Democrats have a majority of the Senate, Assembly and the Governorship. Helping people with drug problems get community based treatment instead of jail does not cost money, it saves money. The governor is in the difficult position of needing to cut programs and costs. Reforming the drug laws is a rare win-win: you can save hundreds of millions of dollars and help keep families together."