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LEAP on Repeal Day
Monday, December 1st, 2008The gang at Law Enforcement Against Prohibition—a group of ex-cops, judges, and prosecutors who’ve come out against the drug war—will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the repeal of alcohol prohibition with an event tomorrow at the National Press Club. From the press release:
On Tuesday, December 2, a group of law enforcers who fought on the front lines of the “war on drugs” and witnessed its failures will commemorate the 75th anniversary of alcohol prohibition’s repeal by calling for drug legalization. The cops, judges and prosecutors will release a report detailing how many billions of dollars can be used to boost the ailing economy when drug prohibition is ended.
“America’s leaders had the good sense to realize that we couldn’t afford to keep enforcing the ineffective prohibition of alcohol during the Great Depression,” said Terry Nelson, a 30-year veteran federal agent and member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). “Now, cops fighting on the front lines of today’s ‘war on drugs’ are working to make our streets safer and help solve our economic crisis by teaching lawmakers a lesson from history about the failure of prohibition. We can do it again.”
Here’s LEAP’s compelling promotional video:
these guys should be celebrated as true patriots! bravo.
#1 Absolutely. This is where it starts. Some charismatic, no-shit-taking, former cops, laying out the numbers in black and white. I suppose reasonable people could still disagree with this, but this smakes it harder to throw out the same old BS about keeping streets safe, and looking out for the boys in blue.
I’ve seen it before, but about 4/5 of the way through one of the speakers mentions the number “67 Billion Dollars” to fight the drug war.
There ladies and gentleman is the reason why drugs will forever be illegal. There’s too much money in fighting it. Cops get their cool toys, Prison owners get their 1000’s per prisoner. And politicians get their lobbied consent.
When the common foot soldiers begin to denounce the “war” as a farce, the population will take notice. Many, if not most, front line police officers know this policy is futile. However, these officers also know that, with few exceptions, they will be ridiculed or disciplined if they become too outspoken about their suspicions. One thing I learned growing up around the P.D., and studying to work in the field myself, is that many LEO’s believe they lost their first amendment rights the day they took their oaths. LEAP can help to turn the tide. Step by laborious step, we can end this counterproductive, stupid policy of strict prohibition. These changes would improve society, and lead to a very different style of policing. I have all the respect in the world for LEAP. In fact, I plan to start making contributions soon.
“However, these officers also know that, with few exceptions, they will be ridiculed or disciplined if they become too outspoken about their suspicions.”
Absolutely.
I was a lowly government official for several years and one thing I learned was to keep my mouth shut. If I were to express my opinions on this subject (my position allowed me easy access to the media), I would, at a minimum, be soon headed to the lab for a pee test. And since I was appointed by an elected official my job was in the balance as well.
I can only imagine the apprehension (active duty) police must have to expressing their opinion.
While I like the idea of ending prohibition, I’m not sure I would want to buy drugs from a government licensed business… Should it be easier to get Heroin than Zithromax (z-pak)?
#6 Anonymous: “Should it be easier to get Heroin than Zithromax (z-pak)?”
For drugs like marijuana/hashish and probably hallucinogens (shrooms, LSD, and ecstasy), it probably shouldn’t be any harder than picking up a 12 pack of Bud Light. These drugs aren’t known to be physiologically addictive. For “hard” drugs, you might need to have an over the counter type system, due to the risk of addiction and even sudden death. Whatever system we pursue, the goal should be to educate consumers and ensure that the drugs are safe (purity levels checked, no harmful “additives,” etc.) for consumption.
Good luck.
F’ safe, F’ regulate. Drugs are bad. Its real simple. Do them at your own risk.
There, that is the most (it may even go to far) government should be involved in drugs.
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