cannabisnews.com: Mexican President Suggests Eventual Legalization





Mexican President Suggests Eventual Legalization
Posted by FoM on March 19, 2001 at 17:21:16 PT
By John Rice, Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Struggling with the corruption and violence caused by drug trafficking, President Vicente Fox says the solution might be to eventually legalize drug use. In an interview published by two newspapers Sunday, Fox indicated agreement with a police official who suggested last week that the only way to win the war on drugs was to legalize drugs eliminating the profits and violence caused by illegal trafficking. 
''That's right, that's true, that's true,'' the newspaper Unomasuno quoted Fox as saying. But the president quickly qualified that statement, saying Mexico could not move alone and indicating he did not expect such a step soon. ''When the day comes that it is time to adopt the alternative of lifting punishment for consumption of drugs, it would have to come all over the world because we would gain nothing if Mexico did it but the production and traffic of drugs ... continued here,'' he said. ''So humanity some day will see that it is best in that sense,'' he said in remarks also reported by El Sol de Mexico. On Monday, Fox spokeswoman Martha Sahagun was asked to elaborate. ''The president was very clear in what he said, that drugs and drug smuggling is a serious affair not only for Mexico, it is an affair that affects many countries in the world,'' she said. ''...We have to follow this problem closely, in a joint and global manner, taking solutions at the appropriate times.'' Fox has vowed to cooperate closely with the United States against traffickers who have used Mexico both as a transit route and production site for narcotics. On Jan. 24, the new president announced a ''great crusade'' against drugs, saying, ''I pledge a war without mercy.'' Fox promised to overhaul the nation's corrupt prison system and to follow a Mexican Supreme Court ruling last week that removed barriers to extradition of Mexicans for trial in the United States. His government has announced record seizures of drugs since Fox took office Dec. 1. Yet some Mexican experts including Fox's Foreign Secretary Jorge Castaneda have long suggested that the drug war is being lost and that some drugs should be decriminalized. ''One thing is (Fox's) personal attitude and another is pragmatism faced with the United States,'' said Luis Astorga, a sociologist at the National Autonomous University who studies the drug trade. He said ''Fox has gone further than previous governments'' in accepting U.S. demands to fight drugs. A U.S. expert, Frank Cilluffo of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that suggesting legalizing drugs ''sends the wrong message to our children.'' ''While some of the gang violence may be mitigated, the bad consequences of drug use would not,'' said Cilluffo, who heads a task force on the narcotics industry for the center. Complete Title: Mexican President Quoted Suggesting Eventual Legalization of Drugs Source: Associated PressAuthor: John Rice, Associated PressPublished: March 19, 2001Copyright: 2001 Associated PressCannabisNews Articles - Vicente Fox http://cannabisnews.com/thcgi/search.pl?K=Vicente+Fox
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on March 27, 2001 at 17:13:23 PT:
Related Article
Mexico: Governor Says Drugs Must Be LegalizedSource: El Universal (Mexico)Author: Carlos CoriaPublished: March 27, 2001Copyright: 2001 El UniversalWebsite: http://www.el-universal.com.mx/Translation: The Narco News Bulletin - http://www.narconews.com/Note: Headline by NewshawkBookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/area/MexicoThe possibility of legalizing drugs like marijuana and of developing programs to strengthen values and that each level of government plays its respective role in the combat for public safety are the fundamental factors for diminishing violence in the country, said Patricio Martinez Garcia, governor of Chihuahua. In an interview granted to El Universal, still with the bad taste of the painful memory of the impact of a bullet in his head - fired by a woman formerly of the police force - and asking, constantly, "Why me?", the state governor rose to establish parameters to evade the "decomposition" of society that generates criminal and violent acts such as the attack against him. http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n540/a11.html
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Comment #15 posted by jAHn on March 21, 2001 at 13:12:54 PT
Europe then Canada then Mexico,maybe, AmeriKKKa?
"Who's coming with me?! I'll stay if a Libertarian is elected in 2004 (to the office of President)." -NiftySplifty: I feel the same way, dood!I am so utterly relieved to know that you other "heads" feel the way I do when it comes down to the wire. I feel that if Europe continues with its' policies furthering toward legalization/decrim, Canada will open- just to stimulate its' economy. After a few years or so (hopefully not, knock on glass/wood/something Natural/Bud)Mexico will look to the "Immoralistic Economies" that dabble in the "Illicit Substances" (Hey, Prohibitionists,[In case you got a rush of curiosity] Alcohol is REALLY, technically and morally, illicit, along with your Wacky-Crack'd-Cigarette-Stacks) and will prosper at the behest of Other, Good-Natured(Free)Nations and their Unique Economies. I CANNOT wait until this day is upon us, heads. We'll be able to show these people what Life and Liberty is REALLY about! As we smile with our eyes half-shutReddened by the Gift that makes, you, anti, RedWe'll toke into the night knowing War is just a Fight "No, you Ignoramus, it's just not right!"We'll become of the day when we strive To Illegalize and Prohibit your primitive Methods of War.To further the grounds that peace can exist with lifeand smoke, smoke, smoke, smoke our houses out All Fu**ING Night!!!
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Comment #14 posted by NiftySplifty on March 21, 2001 at 10:24:25 PT
I've got my rocket-ship standing by...
...ready to blast out of this nut-house! Who's coming with me?! I'll stay if a Libertarian is elected in 2004 (to the office of President).N...
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Comment #13 posted by HcR on March 21, 2001 at 06:33:16 PT:
Fox is no friend.
He is a corporate backed, U.S. educated, (trained)professionally groomed politician and CIA operative. He may have suddenly found himself dumbfounded in a moment of honest reflection when the question of drugs came up and that's all. There will be no call for legalization of anything in Mexico without U.S approval. Sure, if the U.S. legalizes.. then, of course mexico would legalize. But, this is, sorry to say, not likely to happen anytime soon. Sure, many "mainstream" people are now finally questioning the WOSD, but what's REALLY going on is that the war on cannabis and it's users actually has been increasing! Hemp Bills in important, agriculturally hurt states are rejected for the inane reason that "it sends a wrong message to children," medical marijuana still not recognized and accepted as legitimate, thermal imaging making headlines, and many states now calling for "treatment" of hard drug users while increasing the criminal penalties for marijuana and X users. Has anyone forgotten what a big business the illicit drug market is? Despite The Movie, Ted Koppel, the growing prison rates, international outrage, and some minor groaning here and there in the U.S. press, the WAR ON DRUGS is alive and well! Having just come from Court, I can vouch for that! The U.S. may very well be the last country on Earth to develop sane drug policies. One would think the "land of the free" would be leading the way in this, but, in fact, they have become the world's "drug" police. They seem intent in maintaining both their international and domestic control over drugs, crime, and "morality." For weed heads, it's only gonna get worse .. before it gets better. We are winning this war because we are right and we exist, but unfortunately that means nothing to those "authorities" who will break down your door for smoking a "banned substance." Look to Europe where policy change is meaningful and lasting. It is in Europe ( or Canada ) where the cannabis revolution is occuring and it is there that the U.S. will finally learn the failures of prohibition. Let's just hope they learn sooner rather than later, Im tired of this bullshit!
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Comment #12 posted by NiftySplifty on March 20, 2001 at 20:09:23 PT
Tattoo: "Bienvenidos a la Isla de la Mota!"
El avion! Jefe! El avion tiene su mota! Regresa con migo a mi casa! La casita esta hecha de mota! Es la hora de fumar! Nosotros gozamos la mota dichosa!N...(I hope I got that right. No se si es correcto).
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Comment #11 posted by kaptinemo on March 20, 2001 at 13:36:33 PT:
Good one, guys!
I'm still laughing while trying to write this. I could just hear the Taco Bell chihuahua going up to some guy, like in the early commercials, and saying that. What a scream!
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Comment #10 posted by Dan B on March 20, 2001 at 12:05:04 PT:
That was great, morgan
I'm laughing out loud. I like the way you presented the "beagalize" switcheroo scenario--a lot of truth in that.Of course, if they do allow some chihuahuas, they may run into a "drug enforcement" problem:Yo quiero marijuana!Dan B
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Comment #9 posted by Morgan on March 20, 2001 at 10:26:03 PT
Did I say Legalize?
Fox: "...and I think the solution might be to eventually legalize drug use."Uncle Sam: "Uh, Vicente ol' buddy, the problem with that is (psst psst psst) the Oil companies (psst psst psst) NAFTA (psst psst psst) pharmaceuticals (psst psst psst) not to mention the Timber interests (psst psst psst) gravy train (psst psst psst) your outstanding debts (psst psst psst).Fox: "Oh... Did I say legalize? I meant to say BEAGALIZE. That's it! Yes, with your generous help ($$$$$), we will train 1000, no... 10,000 Beagles to patrol the border to sniff out the drugs! No Mercy! Good little dogs, those Beagles. Good noses...little bodies to get into those tight spaces where drugs are hidden. Maybe get a few Chihuahuas too..."************************************************
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Comment #8 posted by Sudaca on March 20, 2001 at 09:56:50 PT
Caution
I don't know. This is obviously not as spontaneous as you all seem to realize. But I sense a new line of talk here which I think is more political than anything else. Annoyingly enough it's probably more about the movie (traffic) than about some real change of heart, but the pols (and Fox is a politican no matter what kind of opinions you have of mexicans and their sophistication) are realizing that a significant number of their power base are upset with the WOSD. However , I think they also realize that there's a still large (probably larger) crowd which pays them, that are not willing to let go of this most profitable state of affairs..So what I think is that you're seeing the creation of a new argument, which is probably much harder to address in my opinion. Here it goes:- Yes, we realize that legalization is the only way to end the problem - BUT it has to be done globally (if not, then you have a new mess ;legal in Mexico , illegal in the US, guess what'll happen to the black market)- It's impossible to coordinate all countries as the UN constantly shows (can't even persuade Talibans not to blast the statues which pretty much everyone agrees must be done)- Next best approach, keep on doing what we can and fight the unwinnable but at least more realistic fight and no mercy and kill em all and be tough and so forth.Now, legalization can be looked as a Utopian scheme.I think if the US takes the legalization step, the whole drug market will turn on it's ear immediately. That would end I say everything for the 'producing' countries since the US can easily take care of it's internal demand.But if Uruguay goes legal how does that change anything? Mexico's bigger of course but the US is really the heart of the matter. Look at the Dutch and all the shit they're forced to take from other countries with less tolerant approaches. The latin american satellites of the US could never stand agains the US on this matter (Plan Colombia)I remain skeptical. This smacks of Lip Service
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Comment #7 posted by Dan B on March 20, 2001 at 07:33:55 PT:
I Thought So Too, Kaptinemo
The same idea--that we may be seing preparations for a change in policy here--crossed my mind. It would not be outside U. S. government policy to see how an idea from outside the U. S. plays in public opinion before making a radical shift, and the absence of a drug czar, even at this late date, would seem to indicate that maybe Dubya is contemplating legalization after all (we'd all be eating a bit of crow for Stripey if that happens). We know that Governor Johnson has been speaking with Dubya,and Johnson indicates that Dubya has been receptive to his ideas. If Bush does legalize, he will have to do it early in his term. Mant people will need a few years to adjust to the idea that legalization works before they'll vote for him in 2004. If he does legalize, I know he could count on my vote.It's far too early to get our hopes up, and we may even see a reprimand from the U. S. government toward Fox. What we need right now is a courageous reporter to ask Dubya how he feels about Fox's comments. That might be the catalyst we need to get the ball rolling.Dan B
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Comment #6 posted by kaptinemo on March 20, 2001 at 04:22:35 PT:
Some surprising news
And completely unexpected, I must say.In an interview published by two newspapers Sunday, Fox indicated agreement with a police official who suggested last week that the only way to win the war on drugs was to legalize drugs eliminating the profits and violence caused by illegal trafficking. ''That's right, that's true, that's true,'' the newspaper Unomasuno quoted Fox as saying. But the president quickly qualified that statement, saying Mexico could not move alone and indicating he did not expect such a step soon.I am not as well up on Mexican politics as I should be, but Presidente Fox's admissions concerning the advisability of legalization comes as a shock...but I wonder if it will be as equally a shock to the White House?I ask this because for the last 20 years, the heavy hand of US policies have weighed down on Mexican suzerainity. Just go to the NarcoNews link and read some of the articles concerning Senor Fox's election team practically being run by the US corporations. There are a myriad of very good reasons for Mexicans to mistrust Washington. But one thing is undeniable: much of what happens South of the Border does so at the behest of the United States.So, at the risk of (understandably) angering our Southern neighbors, did Senor Fox clear this before hand with Dubya? After all, they have had plenty of time to meet and talk about it. This probably is not a surprise to Georgie Too.Which leads me to ask: are we being prepped for some major shift in drug policy here? 
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Comment #5 posted by jorma nash on March 20, 2001 at 01:40:31 PT:
the end of silence.
one of my pet theories is that prohibitionis undefendable in a honest debate,which is why suppresion of contrary opinionsis vital.i have heard so many times that privately, many pols know the WoSD is a joke,but still feel any public support of reformis a political third-rail.it is rapidly reaching the point wheretalk of re-legalization cannot be consideredsuch a radical idea.seem almost every day there a new public figurementioning the unmentionable.i am lead to believe that noone, including the CIAhad the slightest clue the soviet unionwas going to collapsea week before it happened...
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Comment #4 posted by craven on March 19, 2001 at 21:12:44 PT
first Canada.. then Mexico
If the Canada thing goes like we would all like, and Mexico can realize the only true solution, it'll be impossible for the US to keep on going the way we are. Trying to not get too excited, for there is a long way to go, but this is definately some good news. By the way, what sends the 'right' message to our children, hot girls with "Budweiser" across their bathing suits, rugged cowboys smoking Marlboro's (how many of you in your youth idolized cowboys?) or how about the "Winston Cup" series.. and my favorite.. every young boys dream.. to be one of those fat-jaw'd baseball players that spit brown gunk all the time
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Comment #3 posted by observer on March 19, 2001 at 21:02:44 PT
Narco News link
Narco-trafficking, Journalism and Human RightsTranslated from La Jornada, March 17, 2001, by Narco NewsBy Miguel Concha("Father Miguel Concha, Mexico's leading human rights advocate, head of the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church in Mexico")http://narconews.com/concha.html'' . . .we propose to consult, in the most open, professional and objective manner, what our societies think and decide about the deregulation and progressive decriminalization of the production, commerce and consumption of certain types of drugs.''
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Comment #2 posted by mungojelly on March 19, 2001 at 20:01:37 PT:
WOW!
Fox is on our side. And he obviously thinks it's only a matter of time. Even the obligatory pro-WOSD quote, as usual from an utterly random and unconnected source, said that legalization would "mitigate" gang violence! With enemies like that, you don't need friends! We're winning! 
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Comment #1 posted by jAHn on March 19, 2001 at 19:21:44 PT
Least of words
 At least a President from a Third-World country can factually state that Laws that prevent Individual Choice and Freedom may be classified as Inhumane. To think, the president of Mexico would be the last person I'd hear it from. Now only if America's Drug-Abusive President can measure up some comments to this reality, I sincerely doubt it! Dumbya doesn't even like the Acronym (probably couldn't say it) for the President Of The United States...!!! !!! !!! P.O.T.U.S.!!! !!!
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