cannabisnews.com: Legalization of Drugs Urged Legalization of Drugs Urged Posted by CN Staff on September 22, 2003 at 07:09:17 PT By Judi Villa Source: AZCentral.com Legalize drugs. It sounds radical. Even more so when it comes from a former narcotics cop.But Jack Cole, a retired detective lieutenant with the New Jersey State Police, says the nation's 33-year "war on drugs" is a failure and the only way to really save lives, reduce addiction and lessen crime is to make drugs legal. "Legalization allows you to regulate and control something," Cole said Saturday. Control is needed "Right now the people who regulate and control drugs are the murderers and terrorists and people who want to sell drugs on the streets. We have absolutely no control."Cole is executive director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, an international group of officers, judges and lawyers who support alternative policies of drug regulation and control. He arrived in the Valley on Saturday to speak to the Military Officers Association of America in Scottsdale and will speak to community groups all week."We have to legalize drugs so we can control them and regulate them and keep them out of the hands of our children," Cole said. "We're not doing that now."Cole likens his ideas to alcohol prohibition and says when that ended in 1933, officials gained control of the quality of alcohol and placed restrictions on buyers and sellers."Drugs may be every bit as bad as most of the people say they are," Cole said. "But there's never been a drug known to human beings that becomes better because it was prohibited."Nine states have legalized medical marijuana. In 2002, Arizona voters rejected a proposition that would have decriminalized possession of 2 ounces of pot or less and required the state to distribute free pot for medical reasons. Prohibiting drugs creates an underground market, complete with a network of sellers who will kill to protect their profits, Cole said.Meanwhile, the number of people arrested for non-violent drug crimes rose to nearly 1.6 million in 2000, Cole said. Every year, $400 billion is spent on the international trade in illicit drugs. And the nation's prisons are jammed full with 2.2 million people.Cole advocates the federal government producing drugs, controlling quality and potency, distributing free "maintenance doses" and restricting sales to adults. Money saved from the drug war could go to rehabilitation and education. Works in other nations Similar approaches in Switzerland and the Netherlands cut crime, reduced homelessness and decreased the rates of AIDS and hepatitis. Cole said 22 percent of heroin addicts given free drugs stopped using them."I was pretty impressed," retired Army Col. Chuck Schluter of Cave Creek said of Cole's presentation. "I cannot help but think that alcohol prohibition was incorrect. There certainly is a correlation."Still others listening said Cole was an idealist and were leery about jumping on his bandwagon."It makes you think," said Bette Green of Cave Creek. "What they've been doing hasn't worked. But I don't know what the answer is."Note: Ex-police officer says 33-year-old 'war' is a failure.Source: AZCentral.com (AZ)Author: Judi VillaPublished: September 21, 2003Copyright: 2003 azcentral.comWebsite: http://www.azcentral.com/Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/opinions/sendaletter.htmlRelated Articles & Web Site:LEAPhttp://www.leap.cc/Former Cop Says Legalize Drugs http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17103.shtmlCops Against The Drug Warhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17059.shtmlCop Plugs Pot Legalization in Journey on Horsehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14708.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #17 posted by goneposthole on September 23, 2003 at 06:58:10 PT words of wisdom "We need some positive vibes for these rainy days. Let the sun shine in and keep those clouds away."-lyrics from the song 'Positive Vibes' written by the Kottonmouth Kings [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Dankhank on September 22, 2003 at 20:59:09 PT: Who........ gets to decide Who's doing hard and good work and who's not??Step right up and introduce yourselves.By the way, I am free to travel, lecture and otherwise speak to groups, just need a sponsor. Planes and hotels are costly.Is there a place to send my activist resume? It's a doozy.Some of the People I have met and protested with or at: Steve Hagar, Ben Meisel, Dana Beal, Ed Forchoin, Jack Herer, JC Watts, ExGov. Walters of OK, OK Democratic party.Oh no, me ... a name dropper ...whoda thunk?Tell you what, find me the schedule for LEO conferences, I'll take it straight to them.Better yet, find me some Christian conferences, I have a special place in my heart for any Christian who thinks it's OK to cage a human for a plant.It's late, I'm hitting the sack ... o' green ... then sack o' sleep.I may regret getting so excited by some name calling and inferred criticism in the morning, but I doubt it :.) Hemp N Stuff [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by ekim on September 22, 2003 at 20:57:15 PT we all have our demons me with two tours in Nam and i was only in for four years. others who did 22 years have no doubt spent at least one night with a demon. peace brother you deserve it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by The GCW on September 22, 2003 at 20:48:24 PT Dankhank We want The Drug Czar to have Cannabis moved to Schedule 4,Be cool. That is one of the things We're working on... [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by The GCW on September 22, 2003 at 20:43:45 PT Dankhank I understand Your anger. Your observations are right on. Your question is worthy!"Has Jack testified at parole hearings for the people he locked up?"With that in mind, even though it seems late... I welcome the enemy making a 'U' turn!Paul did it, so can Jack.And those people tend to be invigorated alliesYou are a Green Collar Worker, let's allow Jack to become one too. Let Him do it in His own way, and maybe one day He will be able to sleep comfortable.Use Your anger to approach Jack to testify at parole hearings for the people he locked up [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Dankhank on September 22, 2003 at 20:41:56 PT: What I think... So, we're so desperate for victory we will lie with any? What if tomorrow The Drug Czar declared that he had been born again and now wanted to have Cannabis moved to Schedule 4, and went around speaking for that? Would we welcome him with open arms emulating the father of the prodigal son? Would we "forget" all the misery he was instrumental in creating and rejoice instead in his progress? Would we "forget that men and women are in prison, families are blasted and children are homeless or parentless because of what he was doing last week?Can we ever trust a LEO, especially if he/she retires at a high rank? Remember when we used to laugh at the stupid laws that still somehow remained on the books in various communities? The were things like: after dark precede a horseless carriage with a lantern so as not to frighten horses; no ugly people on city sidewalks on Sunday; can't mix tomatoe sauce with clam chowder ... there were hundreds of the dumbest laws on the books well into the 80'sWhy did no LEO ever say "here's a stupid/outdated/bad law that needs to be removed." most of those stupid ... laws were removed only after a news story mocked them.If you can't depend on LEO's to even get rid of the most stupid/outdated/bad laws, what hope have we that they will EVER see reason?I will not wait for law enforcement to get on our band wagon.I have personally spoken to and given a Cannabis research library disc and a pamphlet to Gephardt, Dean, Mosely-Brown, Kucinich and Lieberman in the last two months.I have seen measurable change in Gephardt's MedCann position from before to after meeting me. Did I help? We can only wonder.I will allow as any man can have a life change. I suggest he have his elsewhere. Let him do some penance, first. hemp n stuff [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Dankhank on September 22, 2003 at 20:13:02 PT: Which am I? "Dankhank, only jerks and narcs and double agents"Alright Mr Lake ... you threw the gauntlet ...Answer the question ...Has the pig testified at any parole hearings for folks he locked up?By the way, your personal attack calls for something from me ... how's this?I spent 22 years in the Army defending the rights of idiots to think the way they want and for me to think the way I want.I don't personally attack those I disagree with ... usually. Hemp N Stuff [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by The GCW on September 22, 2003 at 16:30:19 PT More debate LOCAL SPEAKERS INFORM STUDENTS ABOUT DRUG LEGALIZATION http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1427/a03.html?1534Here is an example of 2 criminology students supporting credible drug law reform."After hearing what Judge Gray had to say I pretty much agree with the points he made," said first-year criminology major Daniel Berkenkotter. "Legalizing [marijuana] so we can control it is a much better idea and I think that's what we need to do." Second-year criminology graduate student Johnny Nhan supported the idea of changing the current laws as well. Judge James Gray is in full support of credible drug law reform.Even the opposition, Dr. Michael Stone, addiction medicine specialist, agreed with Gray's statement that marijuana users need to seek professional help rather than be placed in prisons or jails. 420Since prohibitionists arument is based on lies, and twisting the facts, they can only come out on the short end when confronted by people that use the facts, straight talk and the present examples to expose their farce & clam them up!Debate illustrates how liable and harmful they are! & then it goes down hill for the Pro's, from there! [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by goneposthole on September 22, 2003 at 14:34:02 PT legalize not that tough to do, it can be done today.___________________________________________________________"The goal of legalizing drugs is to bring them under effective legal control. If it were legal to produce and distribute drugs, legitimate businessmen would enter the business. There would be less need for violence and corruption since the industry would have access to the courts. And, instead of absorbing tax dollars as targets of expensive enforcement efforts, the drug sellers might begin to pay taxes. So, legalization might well solve the organized crime aspects of the drug trafficking problem.On average, drug use under legalization might not be as destructive to users and to society as under the current prohibition, because drugs would be less expensive, purer, and more conveniently available."http://www.mcwilliams.com/books/aint/303b.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Mike on September 22, 2003 at 13:21:22 PT E_J haha yes, they could return to combat quicker and die quicker.. all because of the evil weed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Richard Lake on September 22, 2003 at 12:58:14 PT: Dankhank, only jerks and narcs and double agents attack those who are working so hard for reform, and do it so well.Go LEAP! [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by E_Johnson on September 22, 2003 at 12:45:02 PT Marijuana speeds combat recovery? I can see why a military man might be open to skepticism on the War on Drugs.Back during Vietnam there was a study done on wounded and shell shocked (the old name for PTSD) soldiers that found that the soldiers who were regular marijuana users were ready to return to battle sooner than the drug free soldiers.It was published somewhere, I remember seeing it cited in the literature in the nineties. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by ekim on September 22, 2003 at 11:12:28 PT please Dank try to see the good in his acts. i know i can not throw a stone. go to www.leap.cc and then to events see what this man is doing. please Dank. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by kaptinemo on September 22, 2003 at 09:45:11 PT: I wish you could see my smile So, DEAWatch was afraid of their man looking foolish in debating the 'druggies'?Perhaps because the last time one of theirs did it, they came off looking lame?The last time a debate was held, it was the 10th of September, 2001. We all know what happened the day afterwards. But the debate itself came off with our guy, Governor Johnson of NM State drawing swords against Asa Hutchinson, chief of the DEA. And it ended with Hutchinson looking far less executive and more than a little lost when peppered with the facts.Antis have always been terrified of debate, ducking and weaving with such abandon one might mistake them for breakdancers. But nail one foot to the floor in debate, and all that propellor-dancing is shown to be mostly repetition of a few basic moves. Boringly stupid ones, guaranteed to turn off an audience above room temperature IQ. If not angrily insult them. So, DEAWatch is worried? Good. Let 'em sweat some more... [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Dankhank on September 22, 2003 at 09:40:06 PT: LEAP straight to hell So Jack Cole retired, and probably gets a pension.How many of the unfortunate who entered his radar now languish in hotel greybar?So he's out, now, telling the truth to the unconvinced.I'm not impressed.Has Jack testified at parole hearings for the people he locked up?John Lennon asked a question once: "How do you sleep at night?"So, my site no longer uses popups ... cool ... Hemp N Stuff [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by ron on September 22, 2003 at 09:15:58 PT Thank God for LEAP Let's pray that someday soon the true believers in the DEA will join. Reading DEA Watch over the past year or sometimes gives me hope for a few agents, but the narrow minded outlook shown in these comments a few days ago is all too common:19 Sep 2003, 21:23 PST, 4th Edition" Marijuana Policy Project accepts challenge to debate drug czar", con't:Is John Walters a joke, or what???Can you believe that idiot is actually going to debate with pro-marijuana nuts???This is the very same mistake McCaffrey made early on when he became Drug Czar. Mac allowed the druggies and nuts to draw him out into mentioning their names and debating with them... when the VERY LAST THING the Drug Czar should do is give nuts equal time and space on an equal platform that raises them to the same and equal level of the United States Drug Czar!When Mac 'got the word' that it was wrong to shine a light on the pro-druggies he stopped mentioning the names of the drug legalizers and he stopped sharing the stage with them. And the effect was immediate!!! Right after Mac refused to give attention to the nuts and goofballs you rarely saw the 'legitimate' media interview them. Their nutty and rambling statements disappeared from the national media, the cable news stations stopped inviting them, and the best part was the entire drug legalization movement quickly collapsed! Even George Soros stopped giving the legalizers major money to launch and sustain pro-legalization initiatives.Walters is a moron just like the moron who appointed him. Walters isn't doing anything productive. He has terrible advisors and his own counsel to himself is worse. John Walters is doing nothing but throwing away ODNCP's budget.Walters should be"debating" with school districts that have drug problems but refuse to initiate testing and other drug use prohibitors. Walters should not be debating with druggies.Walters should be debating city counsels to maintain and fund their D.A.R.E. programs. Walters should not be debating with druggies.Walters should be debating his boss to establish a national fink reward program that will assist LE to identify local dealers. Walters should not be debating with druggies.All drugs are local. Drugs are on the streets. Drugs are not at the Indy 500 and baseball stadiums where Walters is busy looking for drug PR in all the wrong places.Walters needs to get a clue... and a brain.19 Sep 2003, 21:57 PST, 5th Edition" Marijuana Policy Project accepts challenge to debate drug czar", con't:No part can be greater than the whole. And no appointee can be smarter than the moron who appointed him.It is foolish to expect John Walters or any Bush appointee to exhibit greater intelligence than George Bush who is a total mental midget.Walters started off smart. But months of exposure to Bush and Cheney's idiocy has completely dumbed Walters down.Only the smart appointees quit before their gray matter is turned to mush by Bush/Cheney greed, arrogance and stupidity.Anyone who expects anything to work right in an Administration run by a former cocaine abuser and chronic alcoholic is also out of their mind.http://members.aol.com/deawatch/daily.htm The DEA believes debaters are druggies, and democracy means do as the law says, and they're willing to break the law to enforce it. Sounds as sensible as destroying a village to save it sounded a generation ago. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by kaptinemo on September 22, 2003 at 07:53:25 PT: "...But I don't know what the answer is." Some people. No matter how you explain it, no mater how many charts and graphs, no matter how many testimonials, no matter how many studies, they resist. (Plaintive whining ) "It just *can't* be all that simple; the Guv'mint people said it wasn't!"It's the same answer as we had during alcohol prohibition, honey...legalize it! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment