cannabisnews.com: Gov. Gary Johnson's Visit to the Drug Policy Forum Gov. Gary Johnson's Visit to the Drug Policy Forum Posted by FoM on December 12, 2001 at 21:35:30 PT New York Times Transcripts Source: New York Times On Wednesday, Dec. 5, the NYTimes.com Drug Policy forum hosted New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson. This discussion was part of the speaker series organized by forum participants. Dean Becker -- The New York Times and the Participants of the Drug Policy Forum are proud to announce the Guest appearance on our screens, to answer questions about the decades old drug war, the Governor of the Great State of New Mexico, Gary Johnson! Governor Gary Johnson -- Hello. This is Governor Johnson. Thank you for all of your questions. I will answer as many as I can within the next hour (until 4 PM Mountain time). Mr. Freedom -- Governor Johnson, Thank you for being here, and for your public stance on the issue of marijuana legalization. Do you see any way for the legalization of marijuana to happen in the next 5 years or so? Aside from writing to our senators and congressmen is there any way for an informed citizen to help this come about? Governor Gary Johnson -- Regarding legalization of marijuana, I don't see it happening in the next five years. It would be great to see some decriminalization initiatives over that same time. Jerry9 -- The Prohibition of Alcohol ended at 5 p.m. EST on this date in 1933. Richard Lake -- The Miami Herald article about Irvin Rosenfeld leaves out the real story, IMHO. Irvin is one of the handful of patients who is provided his marijuana by the federal government. The Feds, the DEA, have made it very clear to us all that they think they are in charge and that the states have no say in what may be a legal medicine. Thus I think it should be pointed out to the paper that the very idea that the states should have any say in where a patient goes with the marijuana he has in a tin with a proper label from the feds is just wrong. They can't have it both ways. The reporter missed the whole point of the story, I think. Richard Governor Gary Johnson -- Regarding medical marijuana, citizens have voted in favor of this whenever given the chance. It has support nationwide. It's a shame that the government has decided to crack down on cannabis clubs in California. Jerry9 -- Governor Johnson, we hope that within the lifetime of some of us, the Government of the United States will admit to the multiple evils of the demonization and criminalization of Cannabis sativa, and thus end the "War On Drugs." At that time there will probably be Thousands of incarcerated citizens who will rightfully seek compensation and reparation for the damages done to their lives. Even such experts as Judge Gray (as in "How Our Drug Laws Have Failed And What We Can Do About It") fail to address this potential problem. Some of us sincerely believe that a program similar to the G I Bill of Rights could MUST be implemented. Do you, Sir, have an opinion on this idea? Governor Gary Johnson -- With regard to compensation for those who have been convicted of marijuana crimes, my understanding is that if this would not have been included in the Alaska initiative, marijuana, at this time, might be legalized. Burnzred -- Governor Johnson Would you consider running for a congressional seat representing New Mexico? You could team up with the honorable Ron Paul and perhaps open the eyes of some of those other incumbents. Governor Gary Johnson -- Regarding running for a Congressional seat, I am not running for any other political offices in New Mexico, however I hope to stay involved in drug policy reform. Dean Becker -- Governor, I admire you for the stance you have taken. Why are so many others unwilling to face the facts, that the drug war is a miserable failure? Abgerard -- Governor Johnson, what can ordinary citizens can do to hasten the decriminalization of cannabis? Sabine Jade -- Hello Gov. Johnson. You are my hero! Anyway - I am a 26 year college student (with honors) and a very productive member of society. What do you think is the most effective way that I can lend my voice to the war against the war on drugs? Governor Gary Johnson -- Dear Sabine Jade, You can speak intelligently, you can become informed, you can become involved in the political process. Please do. Jerry9 -- Governor Johnson, If Cannabis sativa were legalized today, would you think that those who are in prison due to "marijuana crimes" should be pardoned, released, and compensated with a form of G I BILL?? Thanks!! Dean Becker -- Governor Johnson, A quick snapshot of some recent news: 1. Researchers in the UK proclaimed last month that Medical Marijuana is a MIRACLE for many illnesses and conditions. Even before this proclamation of the miracle, the home secretary, David Blunkett was moving cannabis from the list of hard drugs. 2. The country of Bolivia is at the edge of war. Peasants, transportation workers, police, doctors, factions of the military and many others are calling strikes, blockading roads. These people are trying to compel the government to end the destructive patterns of abuse that results from following the dictates of the US drug war. Bolivia is close to becoming a carbon copy of Colombia, again, complete with paramilitary sponsored by the US. 3. The countries of Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Holland, Germany, France and many others have seen the folly that is our drug war. These countries have decriminalized, legalized or otherwise turned the other way from incarcerating its citizens for possession of minor amounts of cannabis or in some cases, all drugs. 4. Throughout Mexico, most of Central and South America, most of Africa and Asia it is not a crime to possess small amounts of drugs for personal use. The items of "news" I referenced above are not covered at all by US media. We are continually denied the truth, barred from the reality that could save thousands of lives. My Question for You Sir: How can we open the eyes of the newspaper editors, how can we better appeal to the television producers, how can we better restore dignity to truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth? ... Thank you sir! Governor Gary Johnson -- Regarding question #38958, clearly many other parts of the world are way ahead of us regarding drug reform. It's a shame that the media reports he said / she said, rather than the facts surrounding drug prohibition and legalization. Catherine Austin Fitts -- Governor Johnson: Great to see you doing an internet forum. Congrats. What negative feedback have you had to manage as a result of your stance, and what strategies have you used to do so? Thanks. Catherine Austin Fitts Governor Gary Johnson -- Dear catherinesolari, The feedback I have gotten has been overwhelmingly positive among citizens. I believe citizens are way ahead of the politicians on this one. Nicfit1 -- Do you think that the changes in marijuana laws in England will have an effect on our laws? How about the changes in Canada? BTW: Thank you for appearing here! Governor Gary Johnson -- About changes in England and potentially Canada, I have to believe this will have a positive impact here. I recently testified before the Canadian parliament on drug reform. The testimony went great. I'm optimistic that their initiatives will advance the elimination of prohibition. Angalena -- Gov. Johnson, How do you feel about personal doctors treating patients with Methadone for opiate addiction? Governor Gary Johnson -- angalena, Regarding methadone, I absolutely favor physicians being able to use this for heroin- addicted patients. I also think the heroin maintenance strategy implemented in Zurich, Switzerland would be valuable in the United States. Bigring3 -- governor Johnson, off the subject of drug policy for a moment. will you be competing in ironman Utah in June? if so, would you like to visit us in Tucson for a winter training trip? if not, will we see you at the Mt. Taylor quad in February? Governor Gary Johnson -- Dear bigring3, Yes - as a matter of fact. I hope to compete at the Ironman in June in Utah. Earpi -- Governor Johnson, What is your position regarding Plan Colombia and the multi-billion dollar aid package? Governor Gary Johnson -- Dear earpi, Plan Colombia seems to be a continuation of our pissing in the wind strategy. Sabine Jade -- Gov. Johnson - I've read many messages on this forum from people who are worried that the war on terrorism is going to strengthen the war on drugs, do you feel that this is a real concern? Thank you Dubyuhnell -- Governor Johnson, The current deployment of most drug interdiction forces is very near the border. Do you think this is an effective use of manpower? If not what would be a more effective means of deployment? Governor Gary Johnson -- Dubyuhnell, First off, our drug interdiction forces are only apprehending a small percentage of the drugs that cross the border. Drug dealers recognize the formula. X amount of drugs get caught for X amount of drugs sent. I don't believe any of those caught smuggling drugs are drug pushers in any sense of the word. They are simply mules and many end up in our U.S. jails. Earpi -- How do you see fit to spend the billions of dollars currently used in Plan Colombia? Governor Gary Johnson -- earpi, First of all, drug strategies ought to revolve around reducing death, disease and crime. We should also look to spend more of our resources on education and treatment for those that want it. Those billions spent in Colombia could be redirected towards these strategies. Kate NYT -- Gov. Johnson- why do you see other politicians as so wedded to the current drug war strategies? Governor Gary Johnson -- kate_nyt, Other politicians really believe that anything but the status quo is political death. Again, I really think citizens are way ahead of the politicians. Demand that politicians listen to what you have to say. Syone -- Gov. Johnson -- Any sense of what the president really thinks about the drug war (on people)? Governor Gary Johnson -- Syone - I really believe that Bush may take steps to eliminate federal mandatory minimum drug sentences, which would be a good step. I am a friend and I support President Bush and am hopeful that he will bring about meaningful reform. It would probably have to be in his second term to do that. Let's not forget that Clinton found religion with about 15 days to go in office, and I am referring to his Rolling Stone interview. Dubyuhnell -- Governor Johnson, I agree that our drug interdiction is ineffective. Does the current deployment of interdiction forces near the border with Mexico contribute to this ineffectiveness? Do you think better disbursement of our manpower throughout the state would be more effective? Earpi -- Governor Johnson, Where do you draw the line in terms of drug legalization? Do you legally differentiate the use of one drug from another? Governor Gary Johnson -- earpi - I believe we should start with legalizing marijuana and adopt harm reduction strategies for other drugs. We need to fundamentally recognize that drug problems are health problems, and not criminal justice problems. 12577C -- Governor Johnson, As a native New Mexican I can appreciate your concern for our state's drug laws. I too believe that legalization is the only way to properly regulate controlled substances. Thanks for participating in public service, Aaron M. Pcswittnytimes -- Governor Johnson, When my state passes an initiative to decrim cannabis, the feds come along and say federal law trumps state law. What can we do about that?Governor Gary Johnson -- pcswiftnytimes, I think states have an obligation to continue these initiatives, despite whatever the federal government may do. It is my understanding that New York's unwillingness to enforce alcohol prohibition laws brought about the end to alcohol prohibition. Poopie -- Gov. Johnson, What is your position on the legalization of syringes? Currently, researchers have shown that criminalization of syringes increases the rate of HIV and Hep C transmission. Thanks! Governor Gary Johnson -- Poopie, Regarding legalization of syringes, we did it here in New Mexico's last session. We've had needle exchange for 6 years. Nicfit1 -- If Bush has any sympathy for the cause of ending the War on Drugs, why did he bring in Walters and Ashcroft? (They're both infamous drug warriors) Governor Gary Johnson -- nicfit1, If Bush is going to be successful, he'll need to be like Nixon was with China. Nixon with China hopefully will be Bush with drugs. Rmcwarrior0 -- Governor Johnson: What kinds of drug reform bills are you proposing in the state of New Mexico this year? What chance do they have of passing? Governor Gary Johnson -- rmcwarrior0 Upcoming New Mexico bills will include: asset forfeiture reform, medical marijuana, decriminalization of small possession amounts, elimination of mandatory sentencing and treatment rather than incarceration. Little steps, goal being reduction in death, disease and crime. Earpi -- Governor Johnson, Do you see the issue of drug legalization as solely a health concern or also as a civil rights concern? (In other words the government imposing laws on an individuals body) Governor Gary Johnson -- earpi - I see it more as a civil rights issue. Fundamentally, do you belong in jail for smoking marijuana in the confines of your own home doing no harm to anyone, arguably, other than yourself? The new line of distinction ought to be drug use and putting yourself in a position to do harm to others, as in getting in a car, similar to alcohol. That ought to remain criminal. Zooneedles -- I would like to welcome Governor Johnson and thank him for coming to the NYT drug policy forum. My first question would be to ask him if he knows why the transcripts and/or any recordings from the Yale debate weren't made accessible to the general public and the media right after the debate? Governor Gary Johnson -- Zooneedles - I don't know why the Yale debates weren't on line. Dean Becker -- Governor, I have been working with the Yale folks. We should have the tape routed to the Lindesmith folks and online by this time next week.Tbarrus -- gov_johnson wrote: Upcoming New Mexico bills will include: asset forfeiture reform, medical marijuana, decriminalization of small possession amounts, elimination of mandatory sentencing and treatment rather than incarceration. Little steps, goal being reduction in death, disease and crime. Gov. Johnson, with the use of the hard drugs tobacco and alcohol accounting for the most death and disease in the State of New Mexico, why does the State of New Mexico fail to regulate these physically-addicting, toxic, deadly, and dangerous hard drugs under its State drug laws, namely the New Mexico Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and the New Mexico Controlled Substances Act? If you're serious about reducing death and disease from drug use, why are the two leading causes of death and disease from drug use, tobacco and alcohol, exempt from the drug laws of the State of New Mexico? Dubyuhnell -- Governor Johnson, The current deployment of most drug interdiction forces is very near the border. Do you think this is an effective use of manpower? If not what would be a more effective means of deployment? Zooneedles -- Governor Johnson "I don't know why the Yale debates weren't on line." Excellent! I just knew it couldn't have been your fault. Zoo Brian Lane 4 -- Governor Johnson, When would you estimate that all of the taxpaying and otherwise-law-abiding marijuana-smokers in this country will have a President who will have the sense, like British politicians have had recently, to decriminalize the possession of that fine plant? Larosa2 -- Governor, I hope our state legislators here in N M will support the measures outlined in response to RMcWarrior. While I agree with your stand on drugs generally, I am esp hopeful for passage of med. marijuana bill--it's uncivilized to deny people something that comforts them when they are suffering so. Aahpat -- Dear Gov. Johnson: Thank you for honoring us with this visit and an opportunity to ask you directly for your perspective as a successful, (elected), politician. I would like to ask you four questions in two topics and I will only hope that you have time for more than one brief answer. Regardless, thanks to you and your staff for your response. Politics: 1. Will you ever consider running or getting some other responsible politician to run against the intransigent and intolerant Pete Dominicci? 2. Since control of the prohibition drug policy will always to centered in the U.S. Congress do you see any future in trying to focus reform efforts on congress as the source of the policy problem? National Security: 3. If Speaker Hastert is right in claiming that illegal drug dollars, in part, finance terrorists shouldn't America be reviewing the Controlled Substances Act so that drug profits go to pharmacists and state regulated producers and purveyors rather than to people who want to kill us? 4. I am sure that your state budget is in as much of a mess as all others, if not worse for your being a front line state with a face on potential southern turmoil, how will you reconcile continued law enforcement dollars for narcotics officers, court time and penal costs when you have local and national facilities to secure and a border to watch for terrorists? Aside from the law enforcement resource limitations the single fact that all of the contraband networks on the border are available to terrorist networks makes me want to see the contraband networks mitigated quickly. Repealing the CSA would do that. A comment: Since the drug prohibition now has many national security issues attached to it I would really like to see Secretary Schultz out in public more with his valid opinions about the prohibition public and political policy. An Op/Ed cod be very stimulating for public debate. If you ever speak with him again please pass along my sentiments. Thanks. Trippin -- Gov. Johnson, could you please comment on this observation. New Mexico Medical Marijuana Law (HB 431; SB 319) content of the bill states: "The bill does not allow marijuana use in public" .. I know there’s a big wall to climb to argue this point but I think people who need marijuana as medicine should be able to smoke, ingest or inhale vaporized marijuana in public as long as its not in a designated non smoking area or areas where food is not permitted, whenever they should see fit to medicate themselves. It seems like its saying yes you can use marijuana as medicine but you have to hide your use. Being a person with medical impairments, I use marijuana to ease my pain, I can tell you there are many, many times when I am in public and need to have my marijuana medication but have to wait in pain until I get into a private setting where I can give myself my medication. It makes life even that much harder and painful. It seems to me that bringing medical marijuana totally out into the public would remove a huge stigmatism about marijuana that society seems to be harboring. Governor Gary Johnson -- Aahpat - Regarding your question about Congress, I think reform will have to occur in the states first. I won't be running against Dominici. The ultimate irony may be that the drug trade is financing a modern day Al Capone, Osama bin Laden. Aahpat -- But so long as the congress can suppress the states and subvert any democratic demonstration within the states it is just nibbling at the edges to avoid confronting the congress for its leadership. The Supreme Court as much as said that med./mari is a congressional issue in their cannabis club decision. Besides, there are fewer members of congress to change than there are state legislators and state majorities. My two cents. Here is a page that I am creating to confront the congress about its continuing suppression of democracy by suppressing Washington, D.C. Initiative 59.http://www.user1.netcarrier.com/~aahpat/i59.htm Mhfjhu -- Governor Johnson, why does is much of the focus of the drug war aimed at stopping the importation of marijuana when other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin are much more detrimental to society? Governor Gary Johnson -- Mhfjhu - I believe that by starting with the legalization of marijuana, we will reduce overall substance abuse. Any "gateway" aspect of marijuana gets eliminated with legalization. Syonne -- Gov. Johnson -- Our drug war, more than the horrible street drugs, is destroying the country/world. In perilous times, why doesn't political leadership dare to end the evil/fascist drug war, unless they are the true problem?Governor Gary Johnson -- Syone - This is a democracy. We do elect these people. I would hope you would work within the system to change the system. Thank you for allowing me to be here today. Goodbye. - Governor Gary Johnson Dean Becker -- This transcript is sure to be read by many thousands of concerned American citizens. I want you to know that I have been dealing with Asa Hutchinson’s office to invite him to appear on these screens as well. So far, no response, but you can be sure they will receive a copy of this transcript as well. Thank you Governor! Nicfit1 -- Thanks for answering questions, Governor. Good luck making progress on this is Richard Lake -- Thank you, Dean, and also NYTIMES.COM for making this happen. Looking forward to the transcript! Richard Dean Becker -- After he left the screens I got a chance to talk to the Governor on the phone. He is willing to join one of our panels this spring, such as the "Indictment of Prohibition" panel coming up on Jan. 7, featuring Judge Gray, Milton Friedman, Catherine Austin Fitts and Eugene Oscapella. Thank you Governor Johnson, outstanding visit here! Kate NYT -- Hey, everyone. Thanks for the chat, I thought it went great. Trippin -- Thanks everyone for your efforts The New York Times Kate Dean and any one else I missed Aahpat --Thanks all. Tons of fun. Complete Title: Transcript of Gov. Gary Johnson's Visit to the Drug Policy ForumSource: New York Times (NY)Published: December 11, 2001Copyright: 2001 The New York Times Company Contact: letters nytimes.com Website: http://www.nytimes.com/ Forum: http://forums.nytimes.com/comment/ Related Articles & Web Site:Governor Gary Johnson's Home Pagehttp://www.governor.state.nm.us/DEA Head Debates Pro-Legalization Governorhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11365.shtmlLeaders Debate Legalization of Drugs http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11356.shtmlGov. Johnson Vs. Asa Hutchinson Yale U. Debate - Videohttp://www.soros.org:8080/ramgen/tlc/YaleLawDebate.rm Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Post Comment