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Drug Truth Update - June 11, 2007

Drug Truth Network Update: Cultural Baggage + Century of Lies + 4:20 Drug War NEWS Half Hour Programs, Live Fridays... at 90.1 FM in Houston & on the web at www.kpft.org. 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., Cultural Baggage for 06/08/07 Richard Traylor disproves faulty Tx correctional urine tests & Doug McVay with Drug War Facts & Phil Smith of Stop The Drug War MP3 MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/FDBCB_060807.mp3 Century of Lies for 06/08/07 Sanho Tree debunks O'Reilly Screed & Lynn Paltrow dispels meth baby myth MP3 MP3 Link: http://www.drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/COL_060807.mp3 4:20 Drug War NEWS 06/11/07 to 06/17/07 now online (3:00 ea.): Monday 06/11/07 Black Perspective on Cocaine w/ Phil Jackson Tuesday 06/12/07 Poppygate, various Wednesday 06/13/07 Jerry Cameron of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Thursday 06/14/07 Doug McVay & Drug War Facts + DTN Editorial Friday 06/15/07 Phil Smith of Drug War Chronicle Saturday 06/16/07 Bill OReilly vs Sanho Tree of Institute for Policy Studies I Sunday 06/17/07 Bill OReilly vs Sanho Tree II NEXT Friday: - Cultural Baggage 8 PM ET, 7 PM CT, 6 PM MT & 5 PM PT. Authors Preston Peet & Wade Agnew - Century of Lies 2 PM ET, 1 PM CT, Noon MT & 11 AM PT. Aghan Fiasco Focus Check out our latest video with Terry Evans regarding methamphetamine use by black, gay population. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8Avum59fTM Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform. "Those who support drug prohibition, through complicity, ignorance or silence are the best friends the drug lords could ever hope for." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer

The Sentencing Project: Disenfranchisement News & Updates - 6/08/07

Wisconsin: Media Support for Re-enfranchisement As Wisconsin is in the midst of charging a handful of formerly incarcerated individuals with voter fraud, a Wisconsin Journal Sentinel editorial stated that permitting voting by people released from prison would help integrate them back into society, streamline the administration of elections, promote democracy and provide law enforcement more opportunity to enforce more pressing issues. Further, the editorial asserted that "disenfranchisement laws compound the racial imbalance. They sap the political strength of black Wisconsin." Wisconsin law currently bans individuals from voting until parole and probation are completed. Arizona: Voting Ban Challenged in Federal Lawsuit The American Civil Liberties Union this week filed a federal lawsuit challenging Arizona's voting ban which denies the right to vote to people with felony convictions who have not paid financial penalties associated with the conviction, according to the Arizona Republic. In Coronado v. Napolitano, the organization says the ban is akin to a modern "poll tax" and constitutes a violation of the 14th Amendment. The ACLU has targeted similar laws across the nation, including a Washington State lower court ruling which is now pending in the state Supreme Court. "Throughout recent years, it has become common practice for states to expand the list of disfranchising felonies, and the end result is that thousands of people are losing their political voice and being deliberately shut out of the democratic process," said Nancy Abudu, staff attorney with the ACLU National Voting Rights Project in Atlanta. For more coverage, see VoteLaw.com and Ballot-Access. National: Disenfranchisement - The Modern-Day Poll Tax An article by Erika Wood and Neema Trivedi of the Brennan Center for Justice , entitled "The Modern- Day Poll Tax: How Economic Sanctions Block Access to the Polls," has just been published in the Clearinghouse Review. The article details the over two-centuries-old tradition of disenfranchisement and how it became a practice in targeting formerly incarcerated individuals. "The spread of felony disenfranchisement laws in the late 1800s was part of a larger backlash against the adoption of the Reconstruction Amendments. Despite newfound eligibility, many freedmen remained practically disenfranchised as a result of organized efforts to prevent them from voting," the article states. The article reviews in detail Equal Rights legal challenges, the various types of economic sanctions and the racial impact of disenfranchisement. Alabama: Decision Set Aside, but Disenfranchised Still Have a Chance Judge Robert Vance's August decision lifting the post- sentence voting ban for all Alabamians was set aside by the Alabama Supreme Court last week, the Associated Press reported. In a prior ruling, Judge Vance held that a state constitutional amendment denying voting rights to persons convicted of crimes of moral turpitude does not sufficiently identify all crimes which fit that definition, according to the Decatur Daily. Judge Vance felt that this ambiguity was impermissible and ruled that all persons should be allowed to vote upon completion of sentence until the state legislature specifies exactly what offense types are classified as crimes of moral turpitude. This week, the Supreme Court held that the August ruling "exceeded its authority" by recasting the character and substance of the case into "forbidden territory of the abstract and hypothetical." Although the Supreme Court ruling may initially appear as a setback to voting rights advocates, it provides important clarification regarding the responsibility of state officials to permit persons to register to vote if they have been convicted of certain felony offenses that have not been defined as crimes of moral turpitude. These include: felony DUI, felony possession of drugs, violation of liquor laws, assault and battery, speeding, trespass to land, attempted burglary, doing business without a license and aiding a prisoner to escape. The practice by the previous Secretary of State, which called for the denial of voting rights to persons convicted of all types of felonies, was the original catalyst for the lawsuit. "Now we have a ruling requiring state officials to follow the law and permit eligible felons to vote," stated the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which filed the suit along with attorney Ed Still. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

Harm Reduction Project News Digest June 4, 2007

News & Opinion This Week 1. The Abstinence Gluttons 2. Poland Probes Gay Teletubies 3. United States Among Least Peaceful Nations In The World 4. AIDS In Eastern Europe And Central Asia At Crisis Levels 5. United Nations' AIDS Program Under Fire (Two new books are forcing the United Nations' AIDS program to defend itself) 6. Robert Zoellick to Replace Wolfowitz As Head of World Bank 7. Gay Men Who Use Methamphetamine Have Greater Risk Of HIV Seroconversion 8. HIV-Negative Serosorters May Increase Their Risk for HIV, Study Says 9. Czech Republic: Time Bomb For Roma B Upcoming Conferences and Events C Quotes D How To Help E About HRP F Subscription Information ----- I. The Abstinence Gluttons by MICHAEL REYNOLDS June 18, 2007 ~ The Nation Over the past six years George W. Bush's faith-based Administration and a conservative Republican Congress transformed the small-time abstinence-only business into a billion-dollar industry. These dangerously ineffective sexual health enterprises flourish not because they spread "family values" but because of generous helpings of the same pork-heavy gumbo Bush & Co. brought to war-blighted Iraq and Katrina-hammered New Orleans--a mix of back-scratching cronyism, hefty partisan campaign donations, high-dollar lobbyists, a revolving door for political appointees and a lack of concern for results. One of the chief cooks is a media-shy 63-year-old Catholic multimillionaire, welfare privatizer and Republican donor named Raymond Ruddy. With close ties to the White House, federal health officials and Republican power brokers that date back to W.'s days as Texas governor, Ruddy has leveraged his generous wallet and insider muscle to push an ultraconservative social agenda, enrich a preferred network of abstinence-only and antiabortion groups, boost profits for his company and line the pockets of his cronies--all with taxpayer dollars. Following the money swirling around Ruddy offers an eye-opening glimpse into the squalor at the heart of the abstinence-only project. One top Bush adviser left to take a job at Ruddy's charity, Gerard Health Foundation, and a senior officer at Ruddy's for-profit company, Maximus, left to take a top-level position at the Department of Health and Human Services. Leaders of Christian-right organizations that are Gerard grantees have gained advisory HHS positions--and their organizations have in turn received AIDS and abstinence grants to the tune of at least $25 million. Maximus itself has raked in more than $100 million in federal contracts during the Bush era. As for Ruddy's abstinence-only policy, recent reports, including one contracted by Bush's HHS, show that after more than $1 billion has been poured into the enterprise, it simply doesn't work. Already nine states have opted out from federal funds for this faith-based boondoggle in favor of more comprehensive and effective programs of sex education for their youth. "I can't think of another federal program where so much money was spent without any oversight and to such little effect," said James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, a national organization that promotes comprehensive sexual health policies. "It wasn't that policy-makers didn't know that abstinence-only didn't work. In 2000 the Institute of Medicine issued a scathing report on these programs. But they went full steam ahead despite the warning. It's beyond naïve. It's immoral."

Drug Truth Update -- June 4, 2007

Drug Truth Network Update: Cultural Baggage + Century of Lies + 4:20 Drug War NEWS Half Hour Programs, Live Fridays... at 90.1 FM in Houston & on the web at www.kpft.org. 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., Cultural Baggage for 06/01/07 Ed Rosenthal & medical marijuana persecuted... Again + Brian C. Bennett MP3 MP3 Link: http://www.drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/FDBCB_060107.mp3 Century of Lies for Ryan King of the Sentencing Project on disparity, discrimination and failure in US drug policy + Philippe Lucas of Vancouver Is. Compassion Society MP3 MP3 LINK: http://www.drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/COL_060107.mp3 4:20 Drug War NEWS 06/04/07 to 06/10/07 now online (3:00 ea.): Monday 06/04/07 Richard Traylor busts the "Pee-role" Dept. I Tuesday 06/05/07 Richard Traylor II "Due Process for Everyone" Wednesday 06/06/07 Jerry Cameron of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Thursday 06/07/07 Ed Rosenthal convicted... Again I Friday 06/08/07 Ed Rosenthal convicted... Again II Saturday 06/09/07 Brian C Bennet Fights Govt Lies Online Sunday 06/10/07 Philippe Lucas of Vancouver Is. Compassion Society NEXT Friday: - Cultural Baggage 8 PM ET, 7 PM CT, 6 PM MT & 5 PM PT. TBD - Century of Lies 2 PM ET, 1 PM CT, Noon MT & 11 AM PT. TBD Check out our latest video with DL Scott of Project NEON discusses methamphetamine use by gay population at Harm Reduction Coalition in Salt Lake City "Strength Over Speed": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecw_Hk2PriQ Please become part of the solution, visit our website: www.endprohibition.org for links to the best of reform. "Those who support drug prohibition, through complicity, ignorance or silence are the best friends the drug lords could ever hope for." - Reverend Dean Becker, Drug Truth Network Producer Dean Becker 713-849-6869

ASA’s Media Summary for 6/1/07

FEDERAL: Rosenthal Retrial Ends With Split Verdict COLORADO: DA Rethinks Caregiver Case CALIFORNIA: Dispensary Regulations, More Patient Protection in LA VERMONT: Expanded State Medical Marijuana Law Enacted RHODE ISLAND: Overwhelming Support for Medical Marijuana Bill CONNECTICUT: Support for New State Medical Marijuana Bill Urged WISCONSIN: State Medical Marijuana Measure to be Considered Again FEDERAL: Dispensary Operators Charged CANADA: Patients Criticize Medical Marijuana Program CALIFORNIA: Dispensary Case Goes to State Court DOCTORS: Specialists Battle Prejudice on Behalf of Patients -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL: Rosenthal Retrial Ends With Split Verdict Even though he did not put on a defense, author and medical marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal was acquitted on one felony charge and the jury deadlocked on another. He was re-convicted of three other charges related to his work growing cannabis for patients under a city of Oakland program, but there were other victories for medical marijuana patients. With help from ASA, seven members of the community who the government tried to compel to testify against Rosenthal refused; the judge ultimately complimenting them on their “dignity” and “decorum” and refused to punish them. And ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford got the bulk of the government’s case dismissed by arguing that it was “vindictive prosecution.” Medical marijuana advocate convicted by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle Ed Rosenthal was a free man, but not a happy one, after a jury convicted him Wednesday for a second time of violating federal drug laws by growing marijuana for medical patients. "Ganja guru" convicted in San Francisco retrial Reuters After fighting for years to clear his name, a prominent marijuana advocate known as the "ganja guru" was convicted again on Wednesday on charges of cultivating and distributing the weed. Federal Jury Convicts 'Guru of Ganja' by Paul Elias, Associated Press The self-proclaimed "guru of ganja" was convicted again Wednesday in federal court of illegally growing hundreds of marijuana plants that he said were meant to treat sick people, which state law allows. 'Ganja guru' guilty, but won't see jail by Josh Richman , ANG Newspapers A federal jury in San Francisco convicted Oakland "Guru of Ganja" Ed Rosenthal on Wednesday of three of the five marijuana-growing felonies of which he stood accused. Jury Convicts Rosenthal on Three Marijuana Counts, Acquits on One by Julie Cheever, Bay City News Service Oakland marijuana activist Ed Rosenthal was convicted in federal court in San Francisco today of three counts of conspiring to grow marijuana and growing marijuana at an Oakland warehouse. Pot advocate convicted on three charges by Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle Marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal was convicted for a second time today of violating federal drug laws by growing pot plants for medical patients, but he faces no punishment for the felony convictions, apart from the one day in jail that he has already served. `Ganja Guru' case goes to jury by Josh Richman, ANG Newspapers The fate of Oakland "Guru of Ganja" Ed Rosenthal once again rests in a federal jury's hands -- in a manner of speaking. after his first trial and conviction in 2003, later overturned by a federal appeals court. Whether with a clean slate or as a convict, Rosenthal will walk free no matter what this jury decides. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASA ACTION: DA Rethinks Colorado Caregiver Case What was touted as an important test case for medical marijuana caregivers in Colorado may send an even stronger message to the state’s law enforcement community. Like many states with medical marijuana laws, Colorado does not provide realistic guidelines for how qualified patients are to get their medicine, leaving its citizens to make ad hoc arrangements. Attorney Brian Vicente – who is director of the Colorado Campaign for Safe Access, a joint project of ASA and Sensible Colorado -- appears to have convinced authorities to recognize the legitimacy of this set of caregivers. Charges in medical marijuana case expected to be dropped today The Coloradoan The Larimer County District Attorney is expected to drop charges in the medical marijuana case against Fort Collins residents James and Lisa Masters, the couple's defense attorney said today. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crack the Disparity Newsletter Vol. 1, No. 2

[Courtesy of the Crack the Disparity Coalition] Secure Fairness in Crack Cocaine Sentencing -- Join Lobby Day this Spring Plans are underway for the second national lobby day for crack cocaine sentencing reform in Washington, DC, hosted by the Crack the Disparity Coalition. An exact date has not yet been set but we invite advocates from around the country to attend the Capitol Hill event this spring. As a participant, you will speak with Members of Congress and their staff about the unjust sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine and the need to eliminate it. Training and materials will be provided to you. Look for more details in the December issue of the Crack the Disparity Newsletter. Home for the Holidays By Karen Garrison Karen Garrison is the mother of twin sons sentenced to nearly two decades for a first-time nonviolent crack cocaine offense. Her son Lawrence will soon be released due to the U.S. Sentencing Commission's recent changes to the sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine offenses. The dream will be a reality for one of my sons who will be home this December. It has been 10 years and Lawrence and Lamont's room has hardly been touched. I covered the beds with heavy plastic. Long ago I gave away their clothes and shoes to shelters and halfway houses, not only because of their weight loss, but clothing goes out of style in a period of ten years. I must now begin to prepare a place for one of my twins, never forgetting that one will remain behind unjust bars. I am buying sheets, towels, and gathering healthy recipes he will enjoy preparing. I will try to purchase new furniture and have already bought the paint for his room. Coming home to those same bunk beds would just make it harder on both of us. Those are the beds he shared with his twin brother Lamont. Commute Crack Cocaine Sentences in Time for the Holidays By Jasmine Tyler This month the Crack the Disparity Coalition launched the "Home for the Holidays" campaign to rally support for individuals serving excessive penalties for crack cocaine offenses who have filed commutation requests with President George W. Bush. The President expressed concern for the crack cocaine sentencing disparity in the early days of his administration. The sentencing disparity "ought to be addressed by making sure the powder-cocaine and the crack-cocaine penalties are the same," he said in 2001. "I don't believe we ought to be discriminatory." Advocates are hoping to capitalize on these sympathies to expedite applications for crack cocaine cases and increase recommendations for clemency. The campaign is promoting support for clemency applicants seeking relief from the uniquely severe penalties for low-level crack cocaine offenses that subject defendants possessing as little as 5 grams of crack cocaine to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. A powder cocaine defendant must be convicted of selling 100 times that amount to trigger the same sentence. Since Congress has yet to act to alleviate this disparity, advocates' focus this fall is to ensure that those who are seeking clemency do not go unheard. Teen Profiles Crack Cocaine Reformer: Pamela Alexander - A Profile in Courage By Laura S., Cincinatti, OH This article was reprinted courtesy of TeenInk.com, a nonprofit, national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing and art. On December 11, 2007, members of the United States Sentencing Commission voted unanimously to make a groundbreaking change in one of their policies. They decided that the disparity between sentences for crack cocaine crimes and those involving powder cocaine was exceedingly unjust and prejudiced. With crack users being predominantly black and powder cocaine users predominantly white, the Sentencing Commission judged the much harsher sentences for crack users to be racially biased at their core. The Commission therefore has allowed thousands currently imprisoned for crack cocaine violations to appeal their sentences before federal judges, in an effort to shorten these sentences where feasible. While this represents a major step toward racial equality and justice, one uncelebrated, independent woman put her career on the line for this same issue - seventeen years ago. Petition President Bush Join citizens concerned about the harsh mandatory minimum sentences for low-level crack cocaine offenses by telling President George Bush and Pardon Attorney Ronald Rodgers to expedite and give special consideration to commutation applicants serving excessive sentences for crack cocaine. Sign a petition by clicking here. Save the Date September 24-27, 2008: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 38th Annual Legislative Conference, Washington, D.C. September 26-September 28, 2008: Critical Resistance 10th Anniversary Celebration and International Conference and Strategy Session, Oakland, CA October 19-22, 2008: International Community Corrections Association 16th Annual International Research Conference, "Risk, Resilience and Reentry," St. Louis, MO Spring 2009: Crack the Disparity Lobby Day, Washington, D.C. Media Attention Daily Press Editorial on Equalization of Crack and Powder Cocaine Sun-Sentinel Coverage on Prison Term Reductions for Cocaine Cases Kansas City Star Coverage on Former Kansas City Royal Baseball Player Willie Mays Aikens The Crack the Disparity Coalition includes the American Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, Break the Chains, Drug Policy Alliance, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Open Society Policy Center, Restoring Dignity, Inc., Students for Sensible Drug Policy, The Sentencing Project, and United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society.
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