cannabisnews.com: Long-Time Voice For Drug Law Reform Is Silenced 





Long-Time Voice For Drug Law Reform Is Silenced 
Posted by FoM on January 02, 2000 at 07:37:13 PT
NORML's Weekly Update News - Dec. 30th, 1999
Source: NORML
  Washington, DC: Rufus King, Sr., age 82, died of cancer this Tuesday at his home in Washington, DC. He was a friend of drug law reform who traveled in the most establishment of circles. 
Many will remember Rufus from his attendance at Drug Policy Foundation and NORML conferences over the years. He was a life-long advocate for decriminalizing all drugs.   His book, "The Drug Hangup," published in 1973, argued for treatment rather than incarceration. He helped create a joint committee on narcotics of the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association in the 1950s; was a past chairman of the criminal justice section of the ABA; and was a founding member of the ABA section on individual rights and responsibilities. He used all of these forums to advocate for decriminalizing drugs.   His most recent publication was an article in the "My Turn" section of Newsweek in April of this year. He served for a time on the NORML board, was on the advisory board of the DPF, and was honored by both organizations for his work.   For those in the Washington, DC area, a memorial service will be held at 10 am, on Friday morning, December 31, at the St. Alban's church at 3001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW.   "All who knew Rufus will miss him and his voice for reform," said Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director. "During his latter years, Rufus became somewhat the conscience of the reform movement, reminding us to avoid the tendency to become comfortable with the struggle, and warning against the creation of a drug reform industrial complex that would have a life of its own. He wanted us to travel lightly, keep our focus on the goal, and finish the job." Related Articles & Web Sites:Drug Policy Foundationhttp://www.dpf.org/Lawyer Rufus King Sr. Sought Decrim. of Drugs - 12/29/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread4123.shtmlCannabis News NORML Articles:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/NORML's News Bulletinhttp://www.norml.org/news/index.shtml
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