cannabisnews.com: Change in D.C. Stirs State Drug Policy Debate





Change in D.C. Stirs State Drug Policy Debate
Posted by CN Staff on March 27, 2009 at 06:09:08 PT
By Levi Pulkkinen, SeattlePI.com Staff
Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seattle, WA -- As Seattle's chief of police, Gil Kerlikowske was no drug warrior. Kerlikowske abided by city residents when they voted to make marijuana crimes the lowest priority for his department. He supported moves by city and county courts to direct drug offenders to treatment, rather than to prison. Now, as Kerlikowske prepares to become the nation's top drug cop, some supporters of drug policy reform now look toward his appointment and other events and find reason for optimism.
Many reformers have been cautiously hopeful about President Obama's choice of the former chief as head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the "drug czar" post that has historically held a hard line.Elsewhere, too, change appears to be on the way.Gov. Chris Gregoire's former attorney Jenny Durkan -- a defense lawyer who has previously advocated for drug defendants -- appears poised to become U.S. attorney in Seattle, which would make her the top federal prosecutor in Western Washington.In Olympia earlier this year, a key Senate committee approved for the first time legislation that would have made possession of small quantities of marijuana a criminal infraction similar to a speeding ticket.More broadly, though, advocates for reform say they've seen a shift in the public perception of the effectiveness of the drug war and the palatability of significant change in the way law enforcement approaches drugs.King County has already seen a decrease in the number of felony drug prosecutions filed, said Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, a Republican elected in 2007 after 22 years with the office.While drug prosecutions once represented 30 to 35 percent of the Prosecutor's Office's annual caseload, they now account for about 13 percent, Satterberg said. Due in part to sentencing reforms, the proportion of drug offenders in Washington prisons has also fallen by nearly half in the past five years.Speaking earlier this week, Satterberg noted that, until 1989, Seattle policed marijuana possession in a manner similar to that considered by the Legislature earlier this year. Then, residents caught with less than 40 grams (about 1.5 ounces) of pot were cited on the spot but not subject to arrest or search. Snipped   Complete Article: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/404294_druglaws27ww.htmlSource: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA)Author: Levi Pulkkinen, SeattlePI.com StaffPublished: March 27, 2009Copyright: 2009 Seattle Post-IntelligencerContact: editpage seattlepi.comWebsite: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/Related Articles:Obama Picks The Right Man for Drug Czarhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24601.shtmlWA Lawmakers Considering Decreasing Pot Penalty http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24473.shtml
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Comment #40 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 14:31:12 PT
BGreen
I think it will be GREAT! LOL!
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Comment #39 posted by BGreen on March 27, 2009 at 14:18:02 PT
Montel Williams vs. Stephen Baldwin? LOL
The least talented and totally unappealing member of the Baldwin family portrays yet another unbelievable character known as "pro-God, anti-cannabis guy," never understanding his misguided crusade is against one of God's creations.Remember the very first chapter of the Bible, Stephen Baldwin, where God created it and then said it was good? What part of that did you take to mean it was bad and people should go to prison for possessing it?Montel's story of suffering alleviated by cannabis will trump the sad rantings of the worst Barney Rubble in history.What fun entertainment!The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 14:04:01 PT
New York Eases 1970s Drug Laws
March 27, 2009NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York state officials agreed on Friday to relax harsh 1970s drug laws that required prison sentences for nonviolent drug crimes in favor of laws that will let judges send addicts to treatment programs.URL: http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE52Q5XM20090327
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 13:54:01 PT
Heads Up: Larry King Live Tonight
Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Will President Obama make history and legalize the use of marijuana? Not if opponents can help it! Montel Williams, Stephen Baldwin and other debate the issue! Plus, as the floods threaten Fargo, people prepare for the worst! The latest from North Dakota with families whose homes are at risk! Tonight, 9 EThttp://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 13:35:57 PT
Sam
I understand. I just don't get upset that easily anymore. Life and death and fear and hope keep me thinking like I do.
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Comment #35 posted by Sam Adams on March 27, 2009 at 13:31:57 PT
obama
I've more than willing to be outraged at Obama when necessary, but at the same time, I don't ever forget the difference between him and REPUBLICANISM. Even now, look at NY State. Only becuase the evil Republicans have been defeated can the Rockefeller laws go away.And I'm sorry to say that I think we'll see multiple Republican governors vetoing medical MJ this year. And RI seems to be the only state that can override their Republican tyrant.
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 12:20:50 PT
Hope
If we have close minded people in charge we just can't make any progress. We now have many progressive people who look at the harm done by our drug laws in charge and they will help fix this disaster that is called the drug war. It's a war on people not a war on drugs.
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Comment #33 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 12:15:21 PT
Comment 31
I see it, FoM. I see it. I just wish they'd listened to us years ago and they hadn't been responsible for growing the cartels and the mess we have down South now. No. It's not just down south now. It's all over us. Look at the mess. It's not like we haven't been pleading this point for years and years and years.Maybe they'll, the prohibitionists, have an enlightening moment, an epiphany of some sort, yet.
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 12:08:09 PT
E-Dub
You asked a question when you first came in, the other day, about a situation you have and the hardship in your life right now. Many people understand how you feel.Outside of moving to another state... do what you're doing. Maintain what power over your life that you can, and speaking out is one way to maintain your own personal power and your own sense of that power. Don't let them take that from you. 
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 12:01:59 PT
End is Near for Rockefeller Drug Laws
End is Near for Rockefeller Drug Laws: Gov. Paterson, NY Lawmakers To Eliminate Mandatory Jail TimeURL: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/03/27/2009-03-27_end_is_near_for_rockefeller_drug_laws_go-1.html
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 11:53:08 PT
Hope
It's really happening and some people just don't seem to see it very easily.
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Comment #29 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 11:51:06 PT
The Rock has fallen. It's broken in pieces.
I read that last night. I hadn't thought about it today, though.That makes me so happy.The Rockefeller Drug Laws have always been one of the major burrs in my saddle blanket since way back when.
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Comment #28 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 11:46:15 PT
Lol! Runruff!
Ralph Kramden! Moments ago, I was thinking about that sad time when we seemed to have completely lost our sense of humor... as an "Online community" for weeks and weeks on end. A few years, really. It was hard to find it when you were gone. I'm so glad you came back, alive, and whole, and brought us the laughter that is one of the beautiful things about you. FoM said, "Reasonable people are turned off by people with a chip on their shoulder."Exactly.Maybe that's part of why they smiled so yesterday. We're persistent. Laughably so, perhaps. We're extraordinarily nonthreatening as far as a mob goes. We mostly aren't mean and threatening. We're honest. Truth and justice have always been our flags. We're way, remarkably more than reasonable. There's certainly more to smile about at the thought of us, than at the thought of a lot of truly vicious, die-hard, insanely zealous, armed, violent, powerful, adrenaline hungry prohibitionists.We're pussy cats. They're human devouring beasts.The prohibitionists are and have always been the ones with the "Chip on their shoulders". We've been patient. We've tried to maintain a remnant of a sense of humor. Which, like a lot of self control, was very hard to maintain in the face of what we've seen and endured because of this hateful, wrath filled, angry, violent, punitive, and oh, so costly, in so many ways, prohibition.We TRY to be forgiving, tolerant, kind and thoughtful. We're relatively gentle people.That ain't the prohibitionist way. You should have seen that narcotics officer last night. "Chips" from hell... were flying off his rigid, bull like shoulders. Terry Nelson's words made him tremble with rage and fear and promise of loss for him and his friends personally. At least that's what it looked like to me. He had the quality of volcano about to erupt. His eyes blazed and narrowed from time to time.He was trying so hard to keep his threatening, bullying side from bursting forth, as, no doubt is his habit. It was there. He knew it would ruin him for sure if it showed.We've been accused, haughtily, of being an "Organized" movement.I kind of smirk and smile when I see that. Organized? I've thought about it. It's more like a natural thing. A force of nature. Organized by God, if you can imagine that, or call it nature, very like the "Birds of a feather" phenomenon.We're drawn together by a common cause concerning our very humanity. What's wrong with that?"Organized". That's funny.Halleujah! I say.
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Comment #27 posted by e-dub on March 27, 2009 at 11:42:17 PT
Obama on legalization
I dont get why he laughs and makes excuses about legalization when it obviously is on many peoples minds (see article i linked previously):http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-at-Open-for-Questions-Town-Hall/THE PRESIDENT: Three point five million people voted. I have to say that there was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy -- (laughter) -- and job creation. And I don't know what this says about the online audience -- (laughter) -- but I just want -- I don't want people to think that -- this was a fairly popular question; we want to make sure that it was answered. The answer is, no, I don't think that is a good strategy -- (laughter) -- to grow our economy. (Applause.)WTF i hate politics. Why must he shrug it off as a joke?
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 11:10:58 PT
New York To Ease Its Landmark Tough Drug Laws
March 27, 2009ALBANY, N.Y. – New York Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders have agreed to ease drug laws that were once among the harshest in the nation and led a movement more than 30 years ago toward mandatory prison terms.URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090327/ap_on_re_us/new_york_drug_laws
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Comment #25 posted by e-dub on March 27, 2009 at 11:09:04 PT
he gives me doubt though...
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008932586_obama27.htmli suppose with enough time he will come around...
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 10:43:46 PT
runruff
We need to also learn how to approach Obama. He seems reasonable but I don't think he will do anything but slam a door in our face if we act like spoiled brats. I want, I want, I want doesn't help anything. My husband and I have been married a long time and understanding works wonders.You know I'll hold my breath until I die! LOL!
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Comment #23 posted by runruff on March 27, 2009 at 10:38:00 PT
FoM
Remember when Jackie Gleason used to say, "to the moon Alice!" That's me! I won't divorce him just yet but he had better learn some domestic skills!
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 10:32:01 PT
Hope
I mind people acting like they can puff themselves up and influence Obama that way. Reasonable people are turn off by people with a chip on their shoulder.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 10:29:20 PT
Hope
Cocaine to me is still an issue. I've seen too much damage from it. Cannabis is a kind and gentle substance and shouldn't be in Schedule I when Cocaine is a Schedule II drug.
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 10:24:49 PT
I agree, FoM.
"Obama has done more in the little over 2 months in office then we have ever seen before with any President about our issue."Getting smiled at and patted on the head is a big step up from getting kicked in the teeth.
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 10:20:50 PT
Last time... so many years ago...
when all our progress went to hell in a hand-basket that time, I blame that incident on cocaine and foolishness.Lady Cocaine ain't what she used to be and she's so far and completely removed from this situation. Thank God. 
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 10:11:47 PT
Hope
The way I look at it is Obama has done more in the little over 2 months in office then we have ever seen before with any President about our issue. I don't think they have called it the war on drugs yet either.People that don't like Obama might use this to scream and holler but I take that into consideration when I read negative comments that seem extreme for what he said yesterday.
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 10:06:47 PT
A second term?
Yes, even with the stanky cannabis prohibition garbage still sitting in the middle of the room... I might, I stress MIGHT, depending on any choices available at that time, vote for him again if he did just absolutely remarkably well in every other area. Remarkably well. All that said. What he does with this prohibition and drug war garbage is critical to my confidence in him as a President. It'll matter a lot as to how I vote as concerns that second term.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 09:59:23 PT
Hope
I do too.
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 09:55:55 PT
Comment 9
I love that song.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 09:48:40 PT
D.L. Hughley's Last Show Will Air at 4:20
March 27, 2009URL: http://gawker.com/5187073/dl-hughleys-last-show-will-air-at-420
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 09:31:59 PT
Had Enough
I look back at how we lost in the 70s and I will be very careful not to repeat history. If we lose for similar reasons as we did back in the 70s I will honestly not feel any responsibility. It is up to each of us to make up our minds and react or not react. We are making progress but not in California right now. There's a lot of fixing to do before we know what we are dealing with in my opinion.
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Comment #12 posted by Had Enough on March 27, 2009 at 09:21:18 PT
Obama
I never thought he would come charging out the barn door with cannabis relief in hand…But I did think that he would be user friendly and allow the cards to fall where they might…But after yesterdays performance…???I cast a ballot for that man for the above reason with apprehension as I’ve always seen a large question mark in his image, and that was the first time I’ve voted for any member of the two party system in decades.Instead of slamming that door shut he should have responded by saying it needs to be ‘open’ for discussion and let the dialog take place. That is the kind of stuff I was hoping that my vote would help achieve.Now spokesman Gibbs, says the question deck was stacked. That’s the same thing Hannity says when he conducts a poll that goes against his grain…He blames it on the liberals casting multiple votes…
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Comment #11 posted by Had Enough on March 27, 2009 at 08:45:44 PT
Yacktey Yack
“”Second term? This ones' a gift. He has to earn the second one.””You sure got that right.FDR ended alcohol prohibition in his first 100 days in office.Obama??? ‘He’s gotta lota splainin to do’Better yet… I’d rather see action than hear well-rehearsed smirking quotes.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 08:39:41 PT
Hope
I will vote for Obama again because I don't think I could stand Sarah Palin or someone like her as President. The honeymoon is over now and marriages get rocky but do we hang on or not? Is it worth it or not? Is there enough good to keep him as President or not? It's really a very personal decision in the end.
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 08:29:51 PT
A Song Came To Mind
It's so darn true!Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dyinghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xSGLZd9Vg4
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 08:29:08 PT
Runruff said,
"I asked him to take out the garbage and he told me to live with it!"Lots of people are talking that he might "take out the garbage" in his second term.Second term? No way. I don't think that'll do. I won't be voting for a second term for him, if he doesn't do something about it this time.Four years is plenty of time to get some good done in this matter.Second term? This ones' a gift. He has to earn the second one.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on March 27, 2009 at 08:23:02 PT
Herbdoc
It's so good to hear Lucy Mae's doing well. We were scared for her, too. I believe with all my heart that prayers help. I'm grateful.When it's time to go, it's time to go and nothing will stop it...but before that..."Do not go gently into that good night". We can be and often are restored to life for more good days together. It's a gift. It really is.That "Stone Age" business in Kentucky is disconcerting... but it sounds like she's getting well. She's stronger. I'm thankful.
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Comment #6 posted by Had Enough on March 27, 2009 at 08:14:58 PT
Divorce…
Good thing I decided to ‘shack up’ before taking vows…The naked emperor left here somewhere around noon yesterday…no need for overpaid lawyers/liars…And he can keep those plastic roses…
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Comment #5 posted by Had Enough on March 27, 2009 at 08:11:11 PT
herbdoc
Thanks for the update…I wish you and Lucy Mae well…Be cool catching up on the news…some of it might not sit very well with you…especially yesterdays stuff…Lucy Mae…that’s a cool name…
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on March 27, 2009 at 08:10:57 PT
herbdoc215
Thank you and I thank God for answering prayers.
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Comment #3 posted by runruff on March 27, 2009 at 07:59:03 PT
I totally want a divorce!
He bought me roses when we courted now he won't even let me have a weed!
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Comment #2 posted by runruff on March 27, 2009 at 07:55:40 PT
Chinese medicine.
From all I've read and heard, Chinese medicine is based on a trial and error system that has been in practice for thousands of years. In other word what works stays what doesn't work goes!Their medical practices are not mixed with Voodoo, religion or politics. American medicine is influenced by all of these!PS-I think the Honeymoon is over between me and Obama. I asked him to take out the garbage and he told me to live with it! I want a divorce!
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Comment #1 posted by herbdoc215 on March 27, 2009 at 07:30:35 PT
Just got back from Ky...sorry no updates but it is
still the stone age in Ky...not one person I know there has internet nor see any use in getting it? Lucy Mae is finally doing much better after a few scares...her new bypass was messing up bad, as well as her meds not being right... but after a new stint and some ballooning out she feels good as new she says. We both can't thank you all enough for the prayers and good wishes as I had printed some of them off and wrapped them around my flowers I brought her...
  I am back home and Lucy will be back here in a month as she has to finish a cardiac rehab program before she can travel. Looks like I got a lot of news to catch up on. Peace and love, Steve Tuck
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