cannabisnews.com: Jeb Bush Urged To Reconsider Drug Law View 










  Jeb Bush Urged To Reconsider Drug Law View 

Posted by FoM on January 31, 2002 at 21:32:34 PT
By Sue Anne Pressley, Washington Post Staff Writer 
Source: Washington Post 

Advocates of reforming Florida's drug laws say it is understandable that Gov. Jeb Bush (R) is asking for compassion and privacy for his daughter, arrested this week on prescription fraud charges. But they also think he should reconsider his tough "drug warrior" approach to the state's other nonviolent drug offenders."The question is, are you going to treat other kids in trouble the way you'd want your kid treated? 
That is where people in Florida have fallen short, with the drug policy there -- they're all willing to be tough and hard and lock everybody up," said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a national organization working for drug law reform.Bush's middle child and only daughter, Noelle, 24, was arrested Tuesday in Tallahassee on charges of impersonating a doctor as she tried to fill a fake prescription for Xanax, a popular anti-anxiety drug. The Bush family released a statement acknowledging that Noelle has a "serious" substance abuse problem. They asked "the public and the media to respect our family's privacy during this difficult time so that we can help our daughter."During his three years in office, however, Bush has cut drug treatment and drug court budgets, Nadelmann said, while also attacking a ballot initiative that will likely go to voters in November to provide treatment to an estimated 10,000 nonviolent offenders in Florida each year who otherwise would be incarcerated.During a brief news conference today, Bush said that his daughter's arrest will not affect his drug policies. Although he admitted some budget cuts were necessary because of a shortfall due to costs incurred after the Sept. 11 attacks, he stressed that "we've made a long-term commitment long ago for long-term strategies to increase drug treatment and increase prevention, and we've done just that."David Rasmussen, an economics professor at Florida State University who studies drug policies, characterized Florida's stance toward drug treatment as "a drug warrior policy, criminalizing drugs and probably incarcerating too many people."He said admissions of drug offenders to the state prison system rose nearly 19 percent between 1998 and 1999, and 13 percent the following year.The proposed ballot initiative that Nadelmann's group supports would require judges to grant treatment to first-time and second-time offenders charged with simple possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia. But Bush has opposed the proposal, saying that "to suggest there should be no penalties for continued drug use is to stick our heads in the sand."Nadelmann said Florida officials are putting out a message "that people need to get arrested before they get drug treatment. We're saying, don't have a double standard here -- the Bushes want to treat this as a private family matter and well they should, but other people should have the opportunity, too."Special correspondent Catharine Skipp contributed to this report.Source: Washington Post (DC)Author: Sue Anne Pressley, Washington Post Staff WriterPublished: Friday, February 1, 2002; Page A06 Copyright: 2002 The Washington Post Company Contact: letterstoed washpost.comWebsite: http://www.washingtonpost.com Related Articles & Web Site:The Drug Policy Alliancehttp://www.lindesmith.org/Noelle Bush Needs Help, As All Addicts Dohttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11892.shtmlPerhaps Daughters Arrest Will Trigger New Thinkinghttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11885.shtmlGovernors Daughter Charged with Prescription Fraudhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11872.shtml 

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Comment #16 posted by leefmyner on February 03, 2002 at 09:16:53 PT
fortunate daughter
what would happen if this girl were treated the same as an average drug offending girl? not just in terms of legality, but in terms of hardship? She might go to prison, but if it is really a first offense, she would probably get a felony record and some probation with a suspended sentence and mandatory treatment. The family would have to pay for the treatement and the lawyer, which in most families would be a significant portion of their annual income, that is if she didn't want to risk prizon with a curt appointed lawyer.
She's quite a fortunate one, and despite the high profile nature of the case, I guarantee the prosecutor won't be making an example out of her.
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Comment #15 posted by mayan on February 01, 2002 at 17:40:04 PT
Sudaca...
Thanks for that link Sudaca! I hope it gets around the net because so many people are clueless as to what is really going on. I sent it to everyone I know. Some of them will think I'm wacked but I don't care because we must know what happened! The truth is sacred.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on February 01, 2002 at 17:06:21 PT
mayan 
I emailed kapt today. I hope to hear back from him. I hope dddd you're feeling better if you check in here today. 
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Comment #13 posted by mayan on February 01, 2002 at 16:54:11 PT
ddddude!
Glad you're ok ddddude! The board hasn't been the same without your colorful,enlightening & humorous insights! I haven't heard from the ole' Kap'n in a while though. I hope he posts again.
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Comment #12 posted by Sudaca on February 01, 2002 at 10:09:31 PT
question
.. more on this on http://www.attackonamerica.net"5. American Airlines Flight 11 flew directly over the #1 terrorist target in the U.S. -- Indian Point's 3 Nuclear Power Plants which are only 24 miles north of NYC. More than 20 million people would prematurely die and the land would become a wasteland forever. So, are we dealing with benevolent terrorists?"I read this a week or so ago; now Ashcroft raises the possibility. Which again brings up.. the above.
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Comment #11 posted by Mari on February 01, 2002 at 08:45:34 PT
dddd
 Welcome back!!! All here have been concerned for your safety and we are soooo happy to have you back. I, for one, am an incurable snoop and wonder what happened.(?).
  On a lighter note: Today is Imbolc,the first spring Sabbat. Tonight we will be celebrating the first signs that Spring is on it's way. New life and new beginnings. Seeds (of ALL kinds)will be blessed for planting and we will tie bright ribbons on bare branches to signify our hopes for the coming season. I will be putting out a green ribbon for our cause and for those who work so hard to bring hope to those who suffer.
          Blessed Be,
                Mari 
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Comment #10 posted by lookinside on February 01, 2002 at 08:06:17 PT:
dddd...
Glad to see you back! The humor level went down about 90% while you've been gone...God knows we need it and YOU!
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Comment #9 posted by Morgan on February 01, 2002 at 07:25:16 PT
Welcome back
Welcome back dddd, and your evil twin qqqq, too. Because I do more lurking than writing, let me speak for all the silent ones in saying you were missed. Any sign of Kaptinemo? 
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Comment #8 posted by Ethan Russo MD on February 01, 2002 at 07:18:15 PT:
D4, Q4
Missed you both. Hope you're doing well.
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Comment #7 posted by goneposthole on February 01, 2002 at 07:03:35 PT
Jeb Bush
His head is in the sand without doubt. He finally pulled it out after feeling the boot pushing against his behind.dddd deserves a pound of skunk to reward a triumphant return.
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Comment #6 posted by Dan B on February 01, 2002 at 01:02:03 PT:
Welcome back, dddd!
I must admit that I've been mostly trolling here the past several weeks, popping in only now and then to throw a comment or two in the board. But even I noticed your rather conspicuous absence, and I'm glad to see you back again.Take care of yourself. We want you here with us for a long, long time. We tend to be selfish that way. : )Dan B
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Comment #5 posted by Nuevo Mexican on January 31, 2002 at 23:35:29 PT
We missed you!!!!
Glad you're recovering dddd! I miss the daily laughs and the way you speak for me and most of us here. A guitarist I know was shot 7 times by kids stealing cigarettes at a convenience store he was working in and lived to tell about it. Sounds like you experienced a miracle as well, but I can't see you being done with your music this early. Sunday there's a benefit and 10 bands are playing and the Superbowl will be on in the background. I'm planning on lighting a superbowl for you during the commercial and will be joined by the attendees im sure. This bowl's for you!!!
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Comment #4 posted by Lehder on January 31, 2002 at 22:44:05 PT
ahoy there dddd!
glad to see you, and best wishes for a quick recovery! i didn't think you would leave without a parting word. take good care of yourself. so happy you are here again. and just in time. the drug warriors are losing the battle for hearts and minds, but are advancing on all fronts remorselessly and brutally without regard for the truths that they know. they are unphased at being reduced to naked power. though revealed as nothing but demons and killers they continue their genocide without mercy or shame. Nazis to the bone.maybe you've heard that there's another terror warning out - this one for nuclear power plants, reminiscent of the recent one over bridges in california. i can't recall specifically what oppressive piece of legislation was passed during the bridge warning - it'll come to me - but i'm wondering what we are being distracted for this time?? since when do terrorists give advance warning? it's all contrived, as you know. and now canada has been under severe attack by drug warriors, no doubt all instigated by DEAth.I am glad you are back! get well quickly, dddd, i wish you the best. and...sic em!
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on January 31, 2002 at 22:26:08 PT

dddd
I was just thinking about you. I was really getting worried. I'm not kidding you were just on my mind. What happened? I'm so glad you're back. We love you dude!
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Comment #2 posted by Patrick on January 31, 2002 at 22:21:30 PT

dddd
Welcome back! Everyone here was misisng you and wondering where you been.
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Comment #1 posted by dddd on January 31, 2002 at 22:17:29 PT

....Greetings Friends!.......
.....The Grim Reaper dam near harvested my old ass,,I had a major and severe medical event..I'm gonna be OK though.....Thank God........It's nice to be back,,and alive...........love.....dddd
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