[xtrupoke]

the drug war is madness
Guatemala, scarred by years of civil war and rampant street gang crime, is suffering a new scourge as violent Mexican drug traffickers put down deep roots in the country.

A Mexican army crackdown has driven some cartels to seek a haven for their operations across the border in Guatemala, attracted by endemic corruption, weak policing and its position on the overland smuggling route north for Colombian cocaine...."They are moving in because Guatemala is a paradise for drug traffickers. It's a poor country with a lot of corruption and the judicial system is very weak," Guatemalan Vice President Rafael Espada told Reuters in a recent interview...Guatemala's 1960-96 civil war left more than 200,000 dead, and street gangs that sprang up after the conflict have pushed the murder rate to among the highest in the Americas.

Colom was elected a year ago on a crime-fighting platform but 2008 was one of the most violent years on record with more than 6,000 murders out of a population of just 13 million.

Espada said half of all street crime is now linked to the drug trade...

Neighboring Mexico is pumping billions of dollars into its drug war but has still failed to gain the upper hand against cartels and the number of murders has soared... Mexican drug gang menace spreads in Guatemala

[lammaredder]

the drug war is madness

Mexican drug gang menace spreads in Guatemala

Prohibition was a rather short lived experiment; how did thins policy become so firmly entrenched?

[bMc8F9ZI]

Prohibition was a rather short lived experiment; how did thins policy become so firmly entrenched?

Mainly H.J Anslingler.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_J._Anslinger

He successfully lobbied to have most drugs classified as class 4 which labels them with "no medical value" and therefore no tests can be performed. Basically, he successfully got his opinion made law, and then found a loophole to prevent debate.

Lately, Canada and Europe medical research had found a lot of U.S drug policy to be completely false. But due to the fact that our own governement has successfully kept pot a Class 4 drug, it becomes extremely hard to have a legitamate debate.

Our current surgeon gernely, Sanjay Gupta, recently acknowledged that pot has medical benefits, but refuses to remove the class 4 status preventing broad scientific experiments.

I will type that again, our current governement health leader acknowledges pot has medical value, but refuses to remove it from class 4 and into another class.

Our government admits its own policy is wrong, but refuses to make any changes.

I want to know what every president learns between election and innaugeration. Obama admitted to smoking and doesn't believe in our current laws, until he finally got elected and met with the DEA. What did they say to him that made him refuse to discuss our current drug war.

Our government basically "locks away the truth" yet uses public funds to sponser D.A.R.E which makes claims that even our own surgeon general admitted to be false. Something is really wrong.

[BWJfEkOB]

Obama admitted to smoking and doesn't believe in our current laws, until he finally got elected and met with the DEA. What did they say to him that made him refuse to discuss our current drug war.

"We generate tons of income and publicity that underscores the necessity and benevolence of Leviathan. You gonna mess with that?"

[VYholden]

You really think all those crazy law enforcement and DA's are going to let that cash cow go?



I mean they get to play war against college frats.

It's like cop dream land.

[VYholden]

Phelps sheriff must be smoking something, lawyers say
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Comments

February 13, 2009

BY JEFFREY COLLINS

COLUMBIA, S.C.---- Even if a South Carolina sheriff is successful in building a marijuana case against swimming superstar Michael Phelps, it might be hard to make the charges stick, defense attorneys say.

The case took a turn Thursday when lawyers for two people said their clients were among eight arrested last week and questioned at length about the November party near the University of South Carolina where Phelps was photographed smoking from a marijuana pipe. At the time, the men were renters at the house.

The effort to prosecute Phelps on what would be at most a minor drug charge seem extreme compared to similar cases, lawyers said, and have led some to question whether the sheriff is being overzealous because he's dealing with a celebrity.

"The efforts that are being made here are unlike anything I've ever seen before," said Jack Swerling, a defense attorney in South Carolina. "I know Leon Lott, I know him to be an honorable guy. I've known him for 30 something years. But the efforts here are extraordinary on simple possession cases."

After the photo was Phelps was published Feb. 1, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said his office would investigate and possibly charge Phelps, though officials have not specified what the offense might be. Since then, authorities have released little information, and the sheriff's department refused to talk again Thursday.

Lawyers: Is sheriff too aggressive in Phelps case? :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Nation



oh and THEN they drop the charges on Phelps but nobody else...

[PriniMai]

We don't have a drug problem.

It's a social problem and drugs are but a symptom.

Wasn't Maryln Monroe's image on a postage stamp?

I know Elvis's was, and that most Americans don't think that's a problem.
That's just one example that we have a serious problem as a society.

I guess putting Looney Toons on them was to help lighten things up.

Cute!

[gogFloark]

Phelps sheriff must be smoking something, lawyers say
Recommend
Comments

February 13, 2009

BY JEFFREY COLLINS

COLUMBIA, S.C.---- Even if a South Carolina sheriff is successful in building a marijuana case against swimming superstar Michael Phelps, it might be hard to make the charges stick, defense attorneys say.

The case took a turn Thursday when lawyers for two people said their clients were among eight arrested last week and questioned at length about the November party near the University of South Carolina where Phelps was photographed smoking from a marijuana pipe. At the time, the men were renters at the house.

The effort to prosecute Phelps on what would be at most a minor drug charge seem extreme compared to similar cases, lawyers said, and have led some to question whether the sheriff is being overzealous because he's dealing with a celebrity.

"The efforts that are being made here are unlike anything I've ever seen before," said Jack Swerling, a defense attorney in South Carolina. "I know Leon Lott, I know him to be an honorable guy. I've known him for 30 something years. But the efforts here are extraordinary on simple possession cases."

After the photo was Phelps was published Feb. 1, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said his office would investigate and possibly charge Phelps, though officials have not specified what the offense might be. Since then, authorities have released little information, and the sheriff's department refused to talk again Thursday.

Lawyers: Is sheriff too aggressive in Phelps case? :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Nation



oh and THEN they drop the charges on Phelps but nobody else...

I'm curious. What's the sheriff's political affiliation?

[xtrupoke]

We don't have a drug problem.

It's a social problem and drugs are but a symptom.

it's a human problem. prohibition has led to an increase in drug use.

as a society.

I guess putting Looney Toons on them was to help lighten things up.

I like looney tunes

[VYholden]

I'm curious. What's the sheriff's political affiliation?

Is Publicity Hound an affiliation.

Sheriff Leon Lott


Guy's the "toughest cop..." and on the DARE board.

[PriniMai]

it's a human problem. prohibition has led to an increase in drug use.

as a society.

I like looney tunes

Prohibition is a waste of time and effort. The problem needs to be solved at it's source.

I like Looney tunes too. They're my favorite and it's better than having drug addicts who died of overdoses, on U.S. symbols of financal exchange, which had been previously and traditionally held for former Presidents.

[huntbytnkbel]

Anslinger was hellbent for leather when it came to marijuana.
Anyone see that recent documentary titled "Grass" ?

[xtrupoke]

Prohibition is a waste of time and effort. The problem needs to be solved at it's source.

to soem extent, drug use is a part of life. some of it can be "solved" but some of it is normal.

I like Looney tunes too. They're my favorite and it's better than having drug addicts who died of overdoses, on U.S. symbols of financal exchange, which had been previously and traditionally held for former Presidents.

stamps are a symbol of finance? It's not like the dollar coin or anything.

[PriniMai]

to soem extent, drug use is a part of life. some of it can be "solved" but some of it is normal.


stamps are a symbol of finance? It's not like the dollar coin or anything.

Drug use is for escape from life for those who cannot live life on life's terms.

Anyone who feels the need to alter their consious state of thinking and discernment is seeking escape from it.

The USPS is a government agency and stamps are a part of their financial exchange for the services they render.
Government agencies were traditionally held up to higher standards in mine and previous generations. The standard was lowered with junky entertainers images.
You see nothing wrong with having drug addicts who died from overdoses on stamps sold by a Government agency?

I'm not being a smart ass when asking you that question either. I'm interested in your view of this since I know a bit of your stance on drug use.

[xtrupoke]

Drug use is for escape from life for those who cannot live life on life's terms.

Anyone who feels the need to alter their consious state of thinking and discernment is seeking escape from it.

and that's not a normal part of life? PArt of the problem stems from people's thinking that everything and everyone shoudl live perfectly according to their rules. Drug abuse is a problem, just like those guys who do nothing but drink all day on the street. drug use is okay (well, some drugs). It's also to be expected that some people willuse them more than they should. that's part of life.

The USPS is a government agency and stamps are a part of their financial exchange for the services they render.

still, you're making a mountain out of a molehill, IMO.

Government agencies were traditionally held up to higher standards in mine and previous generations.

You see nothing wrong with having drug addicts who died from overdoses on stamps sold by a Government agency?

they were popular entertainers. JFK was addicted to women and painkillers and he has streets named after him and was president of the US. Would I be upset with Obama in tightie whities photos? yep. the Post office is a government company. As such, they should do what their customers want. I think the whole thing is stupid, personally, but I'm not upset about it. People get vanity plates too. The psot office is probably an unnecessary at that.
I'm more upset with the people urinating in SEPTA stations or keeping the DC consultants rich.

[PriniMai]

and that's not a normal part of life? PArt of the problem stems from people's thinking that everything and everyone shoudl live perfectly according to their rules. Drug abuse is a problem, just like those guys who do nothing but drink all day on the street. drug use is okay (well, some drugs). It's also to be expected that some people willuse them more than they should. that's part of life.


they were popular entertainers. JFK was addicted to women and painkillers and he has streets named after him and was president of the US. Would I be upset with Obama in tightie whities photos? yep. the Post office is a government company. As such, they should do what their customers want. I think the whole thing is stupid, personally, but I'm not upset about it. People get vanity plates too. The psot office is probably an unnecessary at that.
I'm more upset with the people urinating in SEPTA stations or keeping the DC consultants rich.

That's part of the problem. So many people are taking drugs that people make statements as if it really is normal.
Our normal state of mind is the one we have without altering our conciousness. I can't see how seeking a different state of mind is not unusual but I do see how many think it's the usual, they're on drugs.
It's become customary in an anything goes society.

I'm talking about an Ideal here, or our best use of role models,and in no way think that Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy or any other President, or for that matter persons in general, are the perfect role models but using people who commited suicide or died from unintentional overdoses seems for the most part unthinking and absurd to me personally.

Kurt Colbain was a popular entertainer, So were Janis Joplin, Jimmi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison but the fact remains that they died as the result of drugs and should not be held up as hero's or receive special recognition from any Government agency.

The real problem is "blaming others", because of rules which are considered as moral standards or ideals, and it's typical of those who rebel against a perceived unfair society because that society has set certain standards to keep some sembalance of order and sanity within that society.

I can pick hundreds of things, or people who are imperfect yet are used as a societal standard, but even in doing so it doesn't make ingesting drugs or dying from an overdose normal nor an ideal as rolemodels.

Seeking inner peace without the use of drugs is something I consider the best alternative if one is not happy or content with their own current state of mind. They're are many avenues for doing that without chemical or artificial means.

I come from what I call the "Experiment generation" and remember well having similar views that I see you express here, and I'd find it amusing if I didn't have so many tragic stories to tell of others{friends and relatives}, who like me held those very same views at that time. I got out, they died or are still living in misery.
People who use drugs think they're too smart to fall into the traps, but it has nothing to do with watchfulness or intellect. It grabs people when they least expect it and it's got them long before they've even realized it.
I consider alcohol a drug too.

I'm not upset about any of the things I mentioned in my previous posts either.

I'm not upset about anything I'm saying in this post.

I just happen to see it the way I've outlined it, based on my own experience as opposed to speculation.

We're all just finding our own way and I respect your right to do that, and in no way am I criticizing your veiws.

Nobody has the rule book towards perfection.

[xtrupoke]

That's part of the problem. So many people are taking drugs that people make statements as if it really is normal.
Our normal state of mind is the one we have without altering our conciousness. I can't see how seeking a different state of mind is not unusual but I do see how many think it's the usual, they're on drugs.
It's become customary in an anything goes society.

It becomes America, where people were free to chose the "ill advised" route despite what the "people who knew best" thought. Altered states of mind are normal of course, people have been drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and taking natural hallucinogenics since before they knew how to write. No less unusual is the high minded do gooder set on proving their one lifestyle is correct, with no deviation.

I'm talking about an Ideal here, or our best use of role models,and in no way think that Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy or any other President, or for that matter persons in general, are the perfect role models but using people who commited suicide or died from unintentional overdoses seems for the most part unthinking and absurd to me personally.

who said anything about role models? you mentioned stamps, no role models, unless you get your role models off stamps.

People who use drugs think they're too smart to fall into the traps, but it has nothing to do with watchfulness or intellect. It grabs people when they least expect it and it's got them long before they've even realized it.
I consider alcohol a drug too.

too smart? please. like all things, some semblance of moderation is warranted if you wish to live a decent life. that's not exactly what prohibition teaches, just a form of self righteous extremism that views the preservation of anideal over the value of human life.
It is true that your generation did away with many societal standards and played fast and loose with out country's social and monetary capital. Still, I hope you don't take my comments to mean that I encourage people to shoot heroin, but setting down rigid rules tends to encourage more extreme behavior. there's not much reason why marijuana should be illegal, and yes, alcohol can be a negative presence in people's lives. they only destroy people's lives when abused, as can sex, obsession, etc.

[xtrupoke]

Prohibitionist policies based on eradication, interdiction and criminalization of consumption simply haven't worked. Violence and the organized crime associated with the narcotics trade remain critical problems in our countries. Latin America remains the world's largest exporter of cocaine and cannabis, and is fast becoming a major supplier of opium and heroin. Today, we are further than ever from the goal of eradicating drugs...Over the last 30 years, Colombia implemented all conceivable measures to fight the drug trade in a massive effort where the benefits were not proportional to the resources invested. Despite the country's achievements in lowering levels of violence and crime, the areas of illegal cultivation are again expanding. In Mexico -- another epicenter of drug trafficking -- narcotics-related violence has claimed more than 5,000 lives in the past year alone...The revision of U.S.-inspired drug policies is urgent in light of the rising levels of violence and corruption associated with narcotics...Antinarcotic policies are firmly rooted in prejudices and fears that sometimes bear little relation to reality. The association of drugs with crime segregates addicts in closed circles where they become even more exposed to organized crime...In order to drastically reduce the harm caused by narcotics, the long-term solution is to reduce demand for drugs in the main consumer countries. To move in this direction, it is essential to differentiate among illicit substances according to the harm they inflict on people's health, and the harm drugs cause to the social fabric...To translate this new paradigm into action we must start by changing the status of addicts from drug buyers in the illegal market to patients cared for by the public-health system.We also propose the careful evaluation, from a public-health standpoint, of the possibility of decriminalizing the possession of cannabis for personal use. Cannabis is by far the most widely used drug in Latin America, and we acknowledge that its consumption has an adverse impact on health. But the available empirical evidence shows that the hazards caused by cannabis are similar to the harm caused by alcohol or tobacco...Mr. Cardoso is the former president of Brazil. Mr. Gaviria is a former president of Colombia. Mr. Zedillo is a former president of Mexico. The War on Drugs Is a Failure - WSJ.com

[MAKEMONEY]

DEA to end medical marijuana raids - More health news- msnbc.com

[Aagotiq]

Remove pot from class 4,dont lump it with heroin and cocaine.Legalize it and make it a revenue stream.Who do you think are the largest group of taxpayers in the country?The drinkers and smokers pay most of the taxes.Add pot to the list,pay for the bailouts.Concentrate on the dangerous drugs [coke,heroin] they present the most collateral damage in society.Society knows the gateway drug is alcohol,not pot.Waisted resources spent on enforcing pot laws is a waste of my tax $$-Corruption is more harmful than pot.Trusted officials taking bribes is destroying taxpayers confidence in their ability to enforce the law.Legalize and tax pot,move on to bigger issues,just add another vice tax,1 l less law,1 less chance of corruption.Corruption is worst than pot.If it wasnt for the drinkers and smokers,sales taxes would be 20% at the least,in some states it could reach as high as 25%.Keep that in mind if there was a referendum on the legalization of pot.It would keep our taxes down.If a adult seeks to indulge,let them pay the tax on pot. Keep govt out of our private lives.Anti-pot folks are pro-martial law folks.It is pointless to waste taxpayers $$ on unenforcible laws,same as trying to enforce no underage drinking on college campuses.Teach kids about drugs & alcohol,& danger for abuse-be sensible not reprehensible.