Legalization Gaining Ground
Below is an article that was sent to us by the Drug Policy Alliance. The only thing that I would add is that Oregon should also be on this list, and even though I’m probably biased because I’m from Oregon, Oregon has the best chance at winning. I know, we are not officially on the ballot like Washington and Colorado. However, we have more momentum than ever before, the crew to get the signatures, and ballot approval is inevitable.
People can do the raised eyebrow of suspicion, but hold that suspicion until August. I have a very strong feeling that not only will Oregon be on the ballot, but because of Oregon’s voter history, the state of the OMMP, the strength of the initiative language, and the overall attitude of Oregonians, Oregon will be catapulted to the top and the world will take notice. Below is Ethan Nadelmann’s piece:
By Ethan Nadelmann
Never before have I seen such momentum to end the failed war on drugs. The drug policy reform movement is gaining significant ground.
This month, evangelical religious leader Pat Robertson said that marijuana should be regulated like alcohol. He also endorsed the Colorado and Washington State marijuana legalization ballot initiatives.
Last week, Latin American leaders met to discuss alternatives to the failed war on drugs. For the first time, we are hearing current presidents denounce the drug war and call for breaking the taboo on discussing alternatives to failed prohibitionist policies.
When Vice President Biden visited the region a few weeks ago, he acknowledged that legalization is a legitimate subject for debate — even as he insisted that the Obama administration still firmly opposes it. That acknowledgement represented a modest but important new step forward.
But despite this momentum, the war on drugs rages on. Most U.S. policymakers remain firmly entrenched in the drug war mentality. Many challenges and opportunities lie ahead. I need you to stay with me so we can fight this insanity!
By lifting the de facto prohibition on consideration of drug war alternatives, the Drug Policy Alliance and our supporters have changed the debate and are bringing it to the forefront of mainstream attention. This shift is a crucial step in dismantling the drug war.
Our work with the Global Commission on Drug Policy undoubtedly influenced the growing number of courageous leaders in Latin America or elsewhere who are now speaking out. At this point it is no longer possible to put this genie back in the bottle.
DPA is working with local partners to legalize marijuana in Colorado and Washington this November and we’re working with Congress on a historic bill that would end federal marijuana prohibition. The most recent Gallup Poll showed — for the first time ever — that half of all Americans think that marijuana should be legal. We are on the verge of a major breakthrough. I have never felt so optimistic. But I also know that this movement needs your unfailing support to keep moving forward. We won’t back down but neither will our opposition.
With your help, we’ve pushed drug policy reform forward but the challenges that lie ahead will require resources to tip the scale. Donate today and help the Drug Policy Alliance dismantle the drug war and promote alternatives grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights.
