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4-4-08 Just Say Know Weekly News

JUST SAY KNOW appreciates and commends the efforts of the drug policy reform organizations below and we thank them for their contributions to our drug policy reform work. Please visit their websites and support them to the best of your ability.

 

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an international grassroots network of students who are concerned about the impact drug abuse has on our communities, but who also know that the War on Drugs is failing our generation and our society. SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people to participate in the political process, pushing for sensible policies to achieve a safer and more just future, while fighting back against counterproductive Drug War policies, particularly those that directly harm students and youth.

 

Stop the Drug War (DRCNet) calls for an end to drug prohibition (e.g. some form of legalization), and its replacement with some sensible framework in which drugs can be regulated and controlled instead. Founded in 1993 by executive director David Borden, DRCNet has from the beginning called unambiguously for an end to prohibition; we are the largest "full-purpose" national membership organization with a wide range of programs to hold that position.

 

Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States.

 

NORML: Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. Email: [email protected]

 

Drug Truth Network is a media production organization, based at KPFT Radio Houston, TX. Cultural Baggage, hosted by Dean Becker, is the only nationally distributed radio program focused on discussing the war on drugs. Dean produces 9 radio shows each week about the harms of the drug war. Their shows are broadcast on more than 50 affiliates in the US and Canada. Call your favorite radio station and ask them to include these innovative radio programs.

 

SAFER (Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation): SAFER is working with students, organizations and other individuals around the country and abroad to spread the message that marijuana is safer than alcohol and should be treated as such.

 

FULLY INFORMED JURY ASSOCIATION (FIJA): Click here to learn about a powerful tool most people don’t know about that can be used to shut down prosecution of non-violent “drug offenders” on a case by case basis. It’s called Juror Nullification.

 

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Just Say Know

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Just Say Know works on your behalf toward drug policy reform, preserving and re-instating your legal rights. Since cannabis “offences” account for approximately half of all drug arrests, we believe taking away the ability of criminals to profit from cannabis will be an important initial step in drug policy reform. How? Just like it was done with alcohol, remove the prohibition and regulate legal adult use, especially the legal ability to grow your own. As soon as alcohol prohibition ended, the crime and violence caused by alcohol prohibition ended. The year alcohol prohibition was repealed violent crime fell by sixty five percent. Drug policy and enforcement tactics are out of control and removing your Constitutional rights at an alarming rate.

 

Your financial contributions are greatly appreciated. If you can afford it, please donate today. To make a donation reply to this message with “donation” in the subject line and an associate will contact you by return email. If you wish to remain anonymous you can. Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration. Don’t hesitate to contact us by replying to this message, we appreciate your comments, questions and concerns. Together we will make a difference!

 

The drug war is being used as an excuse to remove your Constitutional rights, steal your property, waste 69 billion tax dollars per year and a long list of other harms to citizens and society. There’s a mountain of evidence supporting the need for policy reform that will make citizens, their families, their livelihood and their property more secure. The right; to freedom of religion, free speech, a free press, to keep and bear arms, to be secure in your person, house, papers and effects against unreasonable search and seizure, to life, liberty and property, to be protected from having your property taken by the government without due process of law and without just compensation, to confront the witnesses against you, to be protected from excessive bail, excessive fines, cruel and unusual punishment, to vote and other Constitutional rights have been denied to millions of Americans in the name of the drug war.

 

Tell your friends about the "Enough is Enough" petition to stop the reckless overuse of SWAT tactics and save the lives of civilians and police alike. This petition is sponsored by: StoptheDrugWar.org Click here for details.

 

 

The Sentencing Project -- Disenfranchisement: News/Updates 4/3/08

[Courtesy of The Sentencing Project] Florida: Anniversary Restoration Reveals "Pile Up" One year ago, Florida changed its disenfranchisement policy for residents with felony records, but as fall elections get closer, nearly 96,000 citizens still await eligibility notice of rights restoration from the clemency board, according to the Wall Street Journal. Reporting on Florida's backlog of restoration requests, the Journal stated, "The fate of these votes is especially sensitive in Florida, where George W. Bush claimed the presidency by a mere 537 votes in 2000." Last April, the executive clemency board moved to restore voting rights to individuals convicted of non-violent offenses who have completed their prison term, probation and parole, and paid court fees and child support. Thus far, nearly 75,000 citizens' rights have been restored. Activists, however, say a whopping 400,000 people seeking eligibility to vote may have been rejected - with no explanation. As various churches across the state host informational sessions on the year-old change, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition rallied this week at the state Capitol to ask the Legislature to create a more efficient, paperless restoration process, the Associated Press reported. Kentucky: House Approves Disenfranchisement Amendment The Kentucky House approved a proposed constitutional amendment seeking to automatically restore the voting rights of most citizens with felony records the Associated Press reported. The bill, HB70, would allow for offenders to vote once their sentence is completed. The proposed change would not apply to those who committed such offenses as murder or a sex offense involving a minor. The bill must pass the Senate before making it onto the ballot for voters to ultimately decide. The Courier-Journal reported that the Louisville branch of the NAACP will distribute voter registration forms and information about applying for restoration of rights to churches and businesses to increase turnout during the May 20 primary election. Branch President Raoul Cunningham said even though it's too late for formerly incarcerated individuals to have voting rights restored before the April 21 registration deadline, there is time before the November general election to do so. National: A Case to Justify Voting in Prison David Schraub wrote an opinion piece entitled, "Should Prisoners Be Allowed to Vote," for The Moderate Voice which explores, in detail, the history and philosophy behind punishment and disenfranchisement. He wrote: "Allowing prisoners to vote would not give them any more opportunity or make it any more likely that they will commit more crimes. Indeed, if anything it may make it less likely: insofar as criminal activity is positively correlated with marginalization from general social practices, integrating people into socially mainstream acts (such as civic participation) should be a bulwark against recidivism. Deterrence, too, [is] inapplicable - I have trouble imagining the prospective criminal for whom prison is not a deterrent, but loss of voting privileges is." - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information -- e-mail: [email protected], web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

Americans for Safe Access: April 2008 Activist Newsletter

California Cannabis Dispensaries Testify at Tax Hearing

Medical Cannabis Generates More than $100 Million in Sales Tax

On Tuesday, March 18, medical cannabis advocates and dispensary operators from around California went to the state capital to testify about the sales tax medical cannabis generates. The group urged the Board of Equalization (BOE) to help protect an important source of revenue for the state—$100 million in sales tax collected annually by medical marijuana dispensaries.

The BOE testimony The patients, advocates, and operators who testified.

ASA's Chief of Staff Rebecca Saltzman testified first. She told the BOE that the tax revenue the state receives from licensed medical cannabis dispensaries is in danger, due to increased federal interference in the state medical marijuana program.

"The sales tax collected by medical marijuana dispensaries in one year could fund the construction of two large schools or 2,000 elementary and high school teachers," said ASA Chief of Staff Rebecca Saltzman. "By robbing California of this much needed revenue, the federal government is not only harming thousands of patients that rely on this medicine, it is also impeding the state's ability to fund critical aspects of its infrastructure."

Others who testified included Dale Geiringer, Ph.D., the head of California NORML, who outlined the millions of dollars of tax revenue dispensaries produce for the BOE, and several dispensary operators and former operators from Berkeley, Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Sacramento and Santa Cruz, who all testified to their problems with the DEA.

Among those dispensary operators was Lisa Sawoya, the tax-paying former director of Hollywood Compassionate Care in Los Angeles, who was forced to close her dispensary because the DEA intimidated her landlord by threatening to seize the property. Her collective still suffered a raid at the hands of the DEA, even though her landlord had notified the DEA that the dispensary was closing in a matter of days.

Bill Pearce, former director of River City Patients' Center in Sacramento, described the $700,000 he had paid to the BOE over the past three years, as well as a quarter of a million to the IRS and Franchise Tax Board. The DEA shut him down in September.

All those testifying urged the BOE to do everything possible to help protect safe access and state tax revenues. ASA's Rebecca Saltzman also pointed out that the DEA would soon face oversight hearings before Congress on their tactics, and State Senator Carole Migden is introducing a resolution calling for an end to federal interference and urging Congress and the President to establish policy consistent with the compassionate use laws of California.

In 2007 alone, the DEA raided more than 50 medical marijuana providers, and they embarked on a new strategy, sending more than 300 letters to landlords of dispensaries, threatening property owners with criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture.

Read more in Rebecca Saltzman's report on the hearing on ASA's blog. Also, see the ASA Fact Sheet on sales tax on the website here.

ASA Mounts Strong Response to Latest LA Raids

Patients, Activists and Victims of DEA Raids Rally, Speak to City Council

ASA organized a quick response to DEA raids on six locations of a medical cannabis collective in Los Angeles on March 20.

Activists were at the locations quickly to protest the raids, thanks to ASA's Raid Response Emergency Text Messaging system. One of the activists onsite even overheard a DEA agent tell the others that "the alert has gone out" and "they're on the way."

Within days, operators of several dispensaries that have been targeted testified before the Los Angeles City Council, then joined 60 medical cannabis patients and advocates for a protest in front of the DEA offices downtown.

"It's very difficult to comply with state law with the DEA continuing to raid legally-sanctioned dispensaries," said Virgil Grant, who had multiple dispensary locations raided. "It's time for the Los Angeles City Council and other local governments to end DEA interference."

The city council was asked to re-convene the city working group that is developing regulations for collectives, and Council Member Janice Hahn said she would.

Next Wednesday, April 2, the council will vote on a resolution endorsing state Senator Carole Migden's Senate Joint Resolution 20 calling on the President and US Congress to end the raids. See below in the City and County Hearings section for more details.

No arrests were made and the collectives, which took only minor losses due to careful precautions, are expected to reopen today.

Sign up for ASA's Emergency Response Text Messaging System to receive instant alerts about raids in your area. Visit ASA online at www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/RaidAlert.

ASA Fact Sheet on Senate Joint Resolution 20, calling for an end to DEA interference is at www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/downloads/SJR_20_Fact_Sheet.pdf.

Maryland Patients Get ASA Rights Training

As part of a campaign to raise awareness about Maryland's medical cannabis law and improve it, patients throughout Maryland received trainings on their rights this month as part of in an education partnership between ASA and the Drug Policy Alliance.

ASA's first Medical Marijuana Teach-In and Know Your Rights Training in the state drew a diverse crowd to hear about the state's medical marijuana law. A few attendees were not even aware that Maryland has a medical marijuana law.

Unlike most states with medical cannabis laws, Maryland still considers patients criminals, even when they can prove that their marijuana use is a medical necessity. A successful medical defense will leave a patient with a misdemeanor criminal record that poses barriers to financial aid, housing, employment, and more.

Those attending the training all signed ASA's petition to protect Maryland medical marijuana patients, and many also signed up to participate in a field trip to meet with state legislators next month.

ASA conducted similar teach-ins throughout the month of March, including trainings in Salisbury, Maryland (Eastern Shore), Silver Spring, MD (Montgomery County) and Western Maryland. The campaign is designed to build grassroots support and identify potential leadership to support future legislative reform efforts.

For more information about how to help improve Maryland's medical marijuana law see ASA’s website at: AmericansForSafeAccess.org/maryland.

LEAP on the Hill: Stories from Week of March 21, 2008

LEAP on the Hill: Stories from the week of March 21, 2008 Standing on the shoulders of giants: In the hallway en route to lunch at the Longworth cafeteria, I saw four guys coming in the opposite direction. I recognized one as an aide I had spoken to earlier this year. We exchanged a quick, ‘Hey, how is it going?’ as we passed each other, each with no time to stop and chat. (The Hill is the closest I have come to living/working like an ant. Everyone is always busy with something). Having finished the initial meetings with the 540 offices in the House and Senate (minus the 3% who refused to give me time), I am now in the process of doing it again; either a 3-5 minute update or a new presentation to a new legislative aide. This second meeting is a huge assist in helping me recognize a face, thus the brief ‘how are you’ in the hallway. Does it make a difference, to be recognized? Five years ago I asked Norma Sapp how she was able to pass a marijuana reform bill thru the Oklahoma Senate. What was her ‘magic’ argument, what brilliant presentation did she make? None of that she replied. After 14 years of being in the halls of the legislature, becoming a person whose information was trusted & knowing all the politicians and their aides…. those were the keys to her success. In short, wear out many pairs of shoes or boots. As Jonathan Livingston Seagull said, “The perfect speed is being there.” So, if you ever wondered about my methods, why I make all these visits, are they doing any good…I believe it is. I learned from those who have been successful.

9 Program Drug Truth Update: 03/31/08

The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War From the Drug Truth Network: (Please Note early release of Cultural Baggage, due to travel, posts will be out of sync for 1-2 weeks. Posting 4:20 Drug War News, Century of Lies and Cultural Baggage with this one post. Radio 4 all was down at this post time ) (To downlad these 29:00 files, click on links below. To simply listen, go to www.drugtruth.net and select the arrow below the shows description.) Cultural Baggage for 04/02/08 Pregnant Women, another casualty in the drug war with Dutch Chatenberg, Lynn Paltrow and Susan Boyd MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/1827/FDBCB_040208.mp3 TRANSCRIPT: (No Transcript this week) Century of Lies for 04/01/08 Mass Imprisonment extract from KUOW in Seattle featuring Paul Wright of Prison Legal NewsMP3 Link: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/1826/COL_040108.mp3 TRANSCRIPT: (No Transcript this week) 4:20 Drug War NEWS 03/31/08 to 04/06/08 now online (3:00 ea:) Select online at www.drugtruth.net Mon - Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy Project Tue - Bruce Mirken & Paul Armentano of NORML Wed - Paul Armentano II Thu - Paul Armentano III Fri - Chris Hermes of Safe Access Now Sat - Chris Hermes II Sun - "I'm Not Criminal" - Teddy Woodard "World War Infinity Squared" NEW DTN Tee Shirt Design at http://www.cultural-baggage.com/drugtruth/teeshirt.htm PLEASE NOTE: We now have transcripts of most shows, potcasts, searchability, CMS, XML, sorts by guest name and by organization. Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed, listen online at www.kpft.org: - Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD - Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org and at www.radio4all.net. We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US and Canada. Programs produced at Pacifica Radio Station KPFT in Houston. www.kpft.org Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: More than 50 Drug Policy Videos online) Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform. "Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer Dean Becker 713-849-6869 www.drugtruth.net

Just Say Know Weekly News: 3/28/08

[Courtesy of Just Say Know] 

 

Thank you if you were among the many compassionate people that contacted either the prison warden or the Governor of Nebraska on behalf of ten year old Jayci Yaeger. Last week we asked all our readers nationwide to contact the authorities on behalf of this most innocent victim of the drug war. It was Jayci’s dying request that her dad be allowed to be with her when she passed away. Jayci had terminal brain cancer and her dad is very close to being released from prison on drug charges. We’re glad to report that her dad was allowed to spend some time with her Wednesday and we appreciate the compassion of the authorities for allowing the family this time. It was reported that public outcry was the determining factor in the decision. We’re deeply saddened to have to tell you that Jayci passed away early this morning. Our prayers are with the family in this time of grief. You can read about her visit with her dad here: http://www.ketv.com/news/15721550/detail.html and you can read about Jayci’s passing here: http://www.kolnkgin.com/news/headlines/17080656.html 

JUST SAY KNOW appreciates and commends the efforts of the drug policy reform organizations below and we thank them for their contributions to our drug policy reform work. Please visit their websites and support them to the best of your ability. 

Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an international grassroots network of students who are concerned about the impact drug abuse has on our communities, but who also know that the War on Drugs is failing our generation and our society. SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people to participate in the political process, pushing for sensible policies to achieve a safer and more just future, while fighting back against counterproductive Drug War policies, particularly those that directly harm students and youth. 

Stop the Drug War (DRCNet) calls for an end to drug prohibition (e.g. some form of legalization), and its replacement with some sensible framework in which drugs can be regulated and controlled instead. Founded in 1993 by executive director David Borden, DRCNet has from the beginning called unambiguously for an end to prohibition; we are the largest "full-purpose" national membership organization with a wide range of programs to hold that position. 

Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. NORML: Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. Email: [email protected] Drug Truth Network is a media production organization, based at KPFT Radio Houston, TX. Cultural Baggage, hosted by Dean Becker, is the only nationally distributed radio program focused on discussing the war on drugs. Dean produces 9 radio shows each week about the harms of the drug war. Their shows are broadcast on more than 50 affiliates in the US and Canada. Call your favorite radio station and ask them to include these innovative radio programs. SAFER (Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation): SAFER is working with students, organizations and other individuals around the country and abroad to spread the message that marijuana is safer than alcohol and should be treated as such. 

FULLY INFORMED JURY ASSOCIATION (FIJA): Click here to learn about a powerful tool most people don’t know about that can be used to shut down prosecution of non-violent “drug offenders” on a case by case basis. It’s called Juror Nullification. 

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The Sentencing Project -- Disenfranchisement: News/Updates 3/27/08

Kentucky: Easing Disenfranchisement Barriers Carl Wicklund, executive director of the American Probation and Parole Association, argues that felony disenfranchisement is not successful in attaining any law enforcement or community objectives and, in fact, prevents ex-offenders from reintegrating into society as law-abiding citizens. In an op-ed article in the Lexington Herald-Leader, he supports Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear's recent easing of the onerous procedures that ex-felons were required to undergo in order to apply for restoration of their voting rights. Previously, offenders who had completed their sentences were required to pay a fee, write an essay, and submit three personal recommendations, on top of submitting a written clemency application. Despite recent steps toward equality for ex-offenders, Kentucky remains one of only two states that automatically disenfranchises all persons with previous felony convictions for life. Florida: Minority Vote Sought After, More Support for Ex-Felons' Rights Florida's Republicans are reaching out to the African-American community with proposals to reconcile the state's racist past, including addressing voting rights for ex-felons. Top Republican leaders are bolstering support for issues that have long been advocated by black legislators, with the black vote seen as an increasingly powerful vehicle in elections. Currently over 50% of the state's prisoners are African-American, reports the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Sen. Frederica Wilson of Miami, who has pushed for felons' civil rights for years, now hopes to garner enough support for a bill that would enhance employment opportunities for felons upon sentence completion, in addition to re- enfranchisement. Mississippi: Legislature Compromises, Moves toward Felony Re-enfranchisement A resolution in support of legislation that would grant voting rights to persons with felony convictions after they have completed their sentences with a two-year waiting period - except for those convicted of murder or rape - has been approved in the Mississippi Senate, reports the Clarion- Ledger. Republicans and Democrats have been in extensive dispute over clashing proposals for disenfranchisement reform and voter identification requirements, but the compromise may lead to change in both areas. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information -- e-mail: [email protected], web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

DrugWarLog: March 26, 2008

www.HaRdCOREhARMREdUCER.be
HaRdCOREhARMREdUCER's Drug War Log

 


Drug Truth Update: 03/25/08

The Unvarnished Truth About the Drug War From the Drug Truth Network: (Please Note early release of Cultural Baggage, due to travel, posts will be out of sync for 2-3 weeks ) (To downlad these 29:00 files, click on links below. To simply listen, go to www.drugtruth.net and select the arrow below the shows description.) Cultural Baggage for 03/26/08 Bruce Mirken of Marijuana Policy Project, Paul Armentano of National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, Chris Hermes of Americans for Safe Access & Teddy Woodards song: "I'm Not Criminal" MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/1817/FDBCB_032608.mp3 TRANSCRIPT: (No Transcript) Century of Lies for 03/25/08 Eric Sterling, President of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation regarding violations of constitutional amendments by processes of the drug war + Doug McVay regarding drug reform in America MP3 Link: http://www.drugtruth.net/cms/?q=audio/download/1818/COL_032508.mp3 TRANSCRIPT: (Will be posted this weekend) "World War Infinity Squared" NEW DTN Tee Shirt Design at http://www.cultural-baggage.com/drugtruth/teeshirt.htm PLEASE NOTE: We now have transcripts, potcasts, searchability, CMS, XML, sorts by guest name and by organization. Next - Century of Lies on Tues, Cutural Baggage on Wed, listen online at www.kpft.org: - Cultural Baggage 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD - Century of Lies 12:30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM MT & 9:30 AM PT: TBD Hundreds of our programs are available online at www.drugtruth.net, www.audioport.org and at www.radio4all.net. We provide the "unvarnished truth about the drug war" to scores of broadcast affiliates in the US and Canada. Programs produced at Pacifica Radio Station KPFT in Houston. www.kpft.org Check out our latest videos via www.youtube.com/fdbecker: More than 50 Drug Policy Videos online) Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform. "Prohibition is evil." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer Dean Becker 713-849-6869 www.drugtruth.net
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