cannabisnews.com: Legalizing Pot In No Way Makes Us Safer





Legalizing Pot In No Way Makes Us Safer
Posted by CN Staff on July 22, 2008 at 06:35:59 PT
By James Capra
Source: Dallas Morning News
Texas -- The column last week by the local CEO of Mothers Against Teen Violence once again highlights the misguided understanding and myths about marijuana legalization. Joy Strickland is on point when she writes, "every child deserves a safe and supportive home, school and community." But how does decriminalizing marijuana ensure that this will happen?There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that legalization or decriminalization would reduce crime in our communities. However, ample evidence suggests that such action would result in more users and health costs.
Many advocates of decriminalization or legalization consistently point to The Netherlands and other European nations as an effective model for nirvana-like drug control. But these statements border on fantasy. Officials in The Netherlands blame the rise in crime in the past several years on their lax drug policy. Addicts are blamed for 80 percent of all property crime, and Amsterdam's burglary rate a few years ago was twice the rate of Newark, N.J.The Dutch National Committee on Drug Prevention stated that marijuana use among students increased 250 percent in eight years. Most Dutch towns have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward coffee shops that sell marijuana due to growing opposition to the idea that it is a relatively innocent soft drug. The Dutch have instituted new policies requiring 27 coffee shops in Rotterdam that sell marijuana within 200 meters of schools to close down by 2009. The other myth intimated by Ms. Strickland is that the prisons are filled with drug users, in particular, marijuana users. This is an illusion that has been perpetuated by drug advocacy groups seeking to relax or abolish our marijuana laws.Note: James L. Capra is special agent in charge of the Dallas Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Snipped   Complete Article: http://drugsense.org/url/KcQwGIG4Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)Author: James CapraPublished: Tuesday, July 22, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/PcKbCr1WCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #34 posted by NikoKun on July 25, 2008 at 16:40:22 PT
Yeah, and lets not forget...
Giving blacks equal rights didn't make whites any more "safer"... But that wasn't the point... The point is to do what is RIGHT for freedoms and fairness!This IS a civil rights issue... and as such "legalizing it doesn't make us safer" is not a reason against legalization...
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Comment #33 posted by rchandar on July 25, 2008 at 10:29:48 PT:
Dallas...
got a soft machine,
Houston,
too close to New Orleans,
New York,
got the ways and means,they just won't let you, be.
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Comment #32 posted by rchandar on July 25, 2008 at 09:51:20 PT:
Capra's Cooked Book
Some of this cooked stuff really irks me because innocent people are going to think that the Netherlands' policy is changing into a US-style policy--which is what the DEA has been stating since the 80s. What they're doing is trying to spread fear, give the illusion that the DEA is eminent and eminently victorious in its War on Drugs. It is a crock of s #t, and here's why:--contrary to what most people have been writing on the message boards over the past two years, there is NO cap on coffeeshops. Meaning: you can still open a new coffeeshop, at least if it is not in Amsterdam. Nol van Schaik has documented this, as has Lemming at coffeeshopdirect (ACD)--Capra's claim, that the coffeeshop policy is on the verge of ending, is a bollocks lie that shows how the DEA works. Be afraid. We're going to get you, and everyone who thinks the way you do. Some of us have been put off by the tobacco "smoking ban", but in reality the shops are open, and will be. There is no majority in Parliament to change this policy. Let me make this clear: to "end" the coffeeshop policy would require a complete rewrite of the Opium Act, and a parliamentary vote in its favor. --Capra's other claim, that the Dutch policy doesn't work and creates an endless cycle of addicts, is balderdash. A recent study (available at UK420.com) shows that Holland ranks low in levels of cannabis use among teens, where the United States ranks high because of her ostensibly "sound" policy of arresting and trying nonviolent offenders. Studies of Dutch marijuana potency show that it has leveled off; remember, in a country where pot is illegal (US), there is no study or interdiction based upon potency. That is not the case in Holland, and from what I've seen, they've got it under control. Coffeeshop hours are determined by the city council; in some cities, such as college towns like Utrecht, they're only open for business in the evening, to curb cannabis smoking among college kids. In short, Capra tries to sell the idea that the Dutch policy is irresponsible and reckless, when nothing could be further from the truth.But you get the idea. Classic DEA strategy: which is, continually promise and preach a coming end to the War on Drugs, where all countries will have the sane, rational approach to drugs that the US does. Those people who are in doubt about whether pot is "right" or "wrong": we're gonna get you. And soon. Those of you who have been to the Netherlands: shed some tears, coz we're gonna kick their Dutchie asses, and real soon. Hide yor mama. Smile for yer daddy. We're the badass DEA and we kick ass. Capra's claims about the Netherlands are not new; they have been first-page press down here for at least twenty years: same bogus claims, same bogus wishes.When in reality, they have no solution, and there is no "victory" for "us" anytime soon.--rchandar
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on July 25, 2008 at 05:36:38 PT
Paint with light 
You must have a wonderful job. I'm sorry you missed it. What impressed me was how Senator Obama was received by the people of Berlin. After these past 8 years of hate towards us to see all the American flags being waved in the air gave me such a wonderful sense of hope and pride. On Monday morning the organizer for the Obama Campaign for our county is coming to my home. She wants to know how we can energize our county. I will be helping at our county fair. I never cared about politics. This year I have given it my all. I will never care like this again but I am on a mission and when I am on a mission nothing gets in my way.
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Comment #30 posted by Paint with light on July 24, 2008 at 23:29:33 PT
FoM
I was out teaching some photography tonight but I plan on trying to catch some replays on you tube or regular TV. I would love to see the 'big' speech in its complete form.I saw the figures for three of the most famous speeches from the same location and it was JFK, 120,000, Reagan, 40,000, and Obama, 200,000.I am glad to see Europe and some of the other places he has stopped give him the reception he deserves. I believe he is trying to unite the world and not just the USA. I think he understands the interconnectedness of it all and wants to share that. I also like where he has been humble in admitting we have made a lot of mistakes internationally.He visits the Israelies, and then the Palestinians. He seems to be willing to listen and work with both sides on most issues instead of starting with a cultural bias like so many of our past leaders. I believe that is because he grew up as a student of the world and did not get locked into a local cultural identity.Maybe he is trying to return to "e pluribus unum", which was our national motto before it was hijacked in the fifties as a reaction to those "godless" communists. "From many, one", would be a great motto for the world. If the world can focus on how much more we are all alike, rather than how much we are different, everyone would be better off. We all need to realize how precious life is.Keep your dreams alive. We are almost there!Fired up! Ready to go!And as always, equal with alcohol is all I ask.
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on July 24, 2008 at 10:18:37 PT
Paint with light 
I am watching a live stream on CNN of all the people in Berlin. This is history in the making and very exciting to be able to see. I hope you and others will get to watch it too.
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Comment #28 posted by OverwhelmSam on July 24, 2008 at 07:46:51 PT
Good Analysis JT
Although I've known that the ONDCP and DEA use false arguments, your in depth analysis clearly shows their deception. I generally consider anything stated by these frauds on Society as a bald faced lie.I had a related quandry. If you encounter law enforcement, and they tell you something you don't believe is true, if you ask them if they are authorised by the courts to lie and they answer no, how do you know they're not lying. If they say yes, then you can't believe a thing they say. I know, best to just provide name and address and remain silent. 
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Comment #27 posted by Paint with light on July 23, 2008 at 21:29:02 PT
Good folks doing good work
I felt the same way about this article as treeanna. I wanted to see observer's piece by piece dissection of these lies and propaganda. Observer does it so well.Ekim is another whose work is inspirational. If we could only have those billboards nationwide.Thanks for doing what you do.Equal with alcohol is all I ask.
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Comment #26 posted by Hope on July 23, 2008 at 19:40:40 PT
Leap billboard
Kinda magnificent!Thank you!
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Comment #25 posted by John Tyler on July 23, 2008 at 18:24:55 PT
using every
This is one of those annoying argument the prohibitionist like to make. They talk about one thing and then compare it to a different concept and say see, I’m right. Like when they quote "every child deserves a safe and supportive home, school and community." That is an OK premise that most people can agree with. However, when they follow with “how does decriminalizing marijuana ensure that this will happen?” They imply that ending cannabis prohibition would or should guarantee improvement in the lives of every child in every community, and if it can’t, then cannabis should remain illegal. This is impossible and ridiculous. Nothing can do that, and that is not the point at all. When alcohol prohibition was ended did every child get a safe and supportive home, school and community? No. Did anybody care? No. If tobacco products were banned would every child get a safe and supportive home, school and community? No. You can run this comparison against anything and the answer will always be no. It is a rhetorical trap using every, and is a false argument. 
Cannabis is a mild, relatively harmless plant with many uses. The relegalization of cannabis products would be for adults to use responsibly.  
By the way the crime rate would go down by 800,000 arrests a year, and just because you may not get jail time if convicted, it is still unpleasant, unnecessary, and unjust.  
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Comment #24 posted by ekim on July 23, 2008 at 17:56:31 PT
ck out new Leap billboard
Our first-ever billboard! 
That’s right – LEAP’s first ever billboard – now showing at 108th and I street in Omaha, Nebraska. It is up high, where many can see it, and it shows a new website for us which we can use to measure response and effectiveness.It will be there three months and then will move around the city to other locations for additional three month periods for at least a year – all thanks to LEAP supporter and donor Melanie Marshall.I was in Omaha to assist with the unveiling of the billboard via an on-air interview with talk-show host Scott Vorhees of Omaha’s superstation KFAB (1110 AM).While in Omaha July 17 and 18, I also spoke at three Kiwanis Club meetings, wrote an Op-Ed on the War on Drugs which was published Friday, July 18 in Omaha’s World-Herald, did an interview with the Bellevue Leader weekly and, along with Melanie and her husband, spoke with Omaha’s US Congressman Lee Terry about the Drug War.It was a great, productive two days – in a city we hadn’t been to before. Again, thanks, Melanie!Oh, one other thing- directly across the street from our billboard is another sign, pointing out the Nebraska Highway Patrol's Troop A Headquarters. Tony Ryan
http://leap.cc
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Comment #23 posted by websterpark74 on July 23, 2008 at 17:45:02 PT:
Article in the Dallas Morning News
What do expect from James L. Capra, a division head of the
DEA? Intelligence? The DEA are a bunch of animals, and must be treated as such. As an Italian, I am ashamed that he is of my ethnicity. Traitor.
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Comment #22 posted by dankhank on July 23, 2008 at 11:39:35 PT
We're in Bizzaroworld ...
check this short story, 'bout a drunk, but consider the facts ans think then how cannabis users are treated ...fodder for us to relate?don't know, but, you gotta read it...http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,389223,00.html
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Comment #21 posted by runruff on July 23, 2008 at 10:58:42 PT:
Hey! Is there something wrong with my computer or 
I took out the "N" word and replaced it with the PC words black people. I know this is proper but Nixon was not a kind or proper man and I was just quoting him. He deserves to be quoted, I think, to accurately reveal what a vile human being he was.
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Comment #20 posted by Treeanna on July 23, 2008 at 06:53:25 PT
Observer
Heh! The first thing I thought of when I saw this load of BS was the analysis you do - so entertaining! :) Wish they were on more websites (like this one, perhaps: http://safeaccessnow.org/punbb/index.php )Thanks for doing this so often :)
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Comment #19 posted by runruff on July 23, 2008 at 03:29:35 PT:
That's funny Rev. Green
but as a point of order I did use the "N" word [Nixon] in a quote.I don't personally use the word myself.
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Comment #18 posted by observer on July 23, 2008 at 00:06:41 PT
analysis, part I
[1]
James Capra: Legalizing pot in no way makes us safer  12:00 AM CDT on Tuesday, July 22, 2008  James L . 
(Sentence 1) re: "Legalizing" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[4]
The column last week by the local CEO of Mothers Against Teen Violence once again highlights the misguided understanding and myths about marijuana legalization . 
(Sentence 4) re: "Violence" - The rhetoric of prohibition asserts that insanity, crime, and violence are caused by drugs, or are controlled by prohibition. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "Teen" - Prohibitionist propaganda continually whips up parental fear, invoking lurid images of children corrupted by drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) re: "legalization" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[5]
Joy Strickland is on point when she writes, "every child deserves a safe and supportive home, school and community."
(Sentence 5) re: "community" - The health of the "community" (read: government) is assured, prohibitionists explain, because drug users are punished. Jailing drug users is thus painted as upholding society. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "child" - Prohibitionists play on parental fears by exaggerating the dangers to children of drugs. Adults must be jailed (reason prohibitionists), because kids might be corrupted with drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[6]
But how does decriminalizing marijuana ensure that this will happen?
(Sentence 6) re: "decriminalizing" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[7]
There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that legalization or decriminalization would reduce crime in our communities . 
(Sentence 7) re: "crime" - Prohibitionists claim use of currently illegal drugs causes crime, death, illness, lunacy, mania, melancholy, and all means of sin and degradation. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "communities" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) 
 
 
[11]
Officials in The Netherlands blame the rise in crime in the past several years on their lax drug policy . 
(Sentence 11) re: "crime" - Prohibitionist propaganda claims that horrible dangers are caused by "drugs." (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[12]
Addicts are blamed for 80 percent of all property crime, and Amsterdam's burglary rate a few years ago was twice the rate of Newark, N.J . 
(Sentence 12) re: "Addicts" - The rhetoric of prohibition tries to link drugs with marginalized people. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) re: "crime" - Drugs, claim the prohibitionist, cause insanity, violence, and terrible sickness. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[13]
The Dutch National Committee on Drug Prevention stated that marijuana use among students increased 250 percent in eight years . 
(Sentence 13) re: "marijuana use" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[14]
Most Dutch towns have adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward coffee shops that sell marijuana due to growing opposition to the idea that it is a relatively innocent soft drug . 
(Sentence 14) re: "zero-tolerance" - Any mention of lessening the harshness of drug laws is portrayed as a sinful "legalization". Only total prohibition (or more jailings) will be righteous. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[17]
Strickland is that the prisons are filled with drug users, in particular, marijuana users . 
(Sentence 17) re: "drug users", "users" - Drug war propaganda insinuates drugs are evil, because they are linked with hated groups. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) re: "drug users", "marijuana users" - "This strategy equates the use and abuse of drugs and implies that it is impossible to use the particular drug or drugs in question without physical, mental, and moral deterioration." [W.White,1979] (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[20]
Some were convicted for drug trafficking and some for marijuana possession along with one or more other offenses . 
(Sentence 20) re: "marijuana possession" - Any use of an illegal drug is deemed to be "abuse," weasels the propaganda of prohibition. (After all - it is illegal!) (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
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Comment #17 posted by observer on July 23, 2008 at 00:06:08 PT
analysis, part II
 
[22]
Most criminals are repeat offenders with a lengthy history of other crimes . 
(Sentence 22) re: "crimes", "criminals" - It is prohibition, claim prohibitionists, that saves people from drug crazed, whacked out, high flying drug users. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[24]
Strickland to suggest that she "is not aware of one single death directly caused by marijuana" or that it "is irrational to lock up an individual because of what he chooses to put into to his own body" as justification to decriminalize is disturbing logic . 
(Sentence 24) re: "death" - Prohibition propaganda rarely misses an opportunity to link crime, violence, and insanity with "drugs". The propagandist insinuates that prohibited drugs cause evil, and if it weren't for "drugs" bad things would not exist. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[25]
Ongoing scientific research continues to prove the harmful effects of marijuana on the body . 
(Sentence 25) re: "harmful effects", "harmful" - Drugs, scream prohibitionists, cause all bad things in life: crime, violence, insanity, etc. If not for prohibition (i.e., jailing drug users), then criminality, violence and psychotic behavior would explode upon the land, the prohibitionist assures us. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[26]
More young people seek treatment for marijuana abuse than for any other substance . 
(Sentence 26) re: "marijuana abuse", "abuse" - Prohibitionists try to hammer in the idea that 'all use is abuse.' The rhetoric of prohibition needs to deny that many people can use currently illegal drugs without abusing them. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "young people" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[27]
In addition, many serious motor vehicle accidents and fatalities have occurred where the drivers have been charged with being under the influence of marijuana . 
(Sentence 27) re: "accidents" - Drugs, scream prohibitionists, cause all bad things in life: crime, violence, insanity, etc. If not for prohibition (i.e., jailing drug users), then criminality, violence and psychotic behavior would explode upon the land, the prohibitionist assures us. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[28]
The United States has had tremendous success in our fight against drug use and abuse:   According to the most recent survey, 860,000 fewer teenagers are using illicit drugs now than in 2001  a 24 percent decline . 
(Sentence 28) re: "drug use", "abuse" - Prohibition propaganda claims that all use of any "drug" is abuse. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teenagers" - "Since the Harrison Act of 1914, the user and the seller of illicit drugs have both been characterized as evil, criminal, insane, and always in search of new victims, the victims are characterized as young children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) re: "fight against drug" - Drug users are evil fiends which, save for the noble drug "war", would multiply as the "epidemic" of drug use engulfs an innocent people. (Demonize, War (propaganda theme 6) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme6.htm#6 ) 
 
 
[29]
Between 2001 and 2007, marijuana use by teens dropped by 25 percent . 
(Sentence 29) re: "marijuana use" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[30]
Methamphetamine use by teens plummeted 64 percent . 
(Sentence 30) re: "teens" - Being a prohibitionist means you can never shed too many crocodile tears for the "children". (As you lustily jail or kill their parents for using drugs.) (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[32]
Overall, drug use among workers is at its lowest levels in 19 years . 
(Sentence 32) re: "drug use" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[34]
We would do well to continue our comprehensive drug enforcement strategy, to ensure that the next generation of Americans are free from the trappings of drug use and abuse and that they are afforded the blessings of liberty that are rightfully theirs . 
(Sentence 34) re: "Americans" - Prohibitionists assert that the survival of the community, society, the nation, the world, etc. are at stake. Only continued and increased punishments for drug users can be contemplated, because, say prohibitionists, society will otherwise fall apart. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "drug use", "abuse" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[35]
Legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana would hamper this progress and cause great harm to our schools and neighborhood communities . 
(Sentence 35) re: "communities" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "Legalizing", "decriminalizing" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
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Comment #16 posted by BGreen on July 22, 2008 at 23:46:59 PT
It's because you used the "N" word, runruff
You should have never mentioned Nixon. LOLThe Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #15 posted by runruff on July 22, 2008 at 20:48:22 PT:
I'm a Dalla News reject!
The blogger, Jerrett Rush, rejected my first post so I copied and edited my post from this thread.My first post was this one;President Nixon created the CSA the [Controlled Substance Act] after white house advisor Alexander Haig suggested it by telling Nixon he could then place a federal police presence in every precinct in America. This would be the first time in history Washington would have police authority in all the various states. Nixon said on a white house tape that "marijuana was the drug of choice for Mexicans, Hippies and Niggers", all whom he hated.He so admired the Nazi organizational skills that he created the DEA based on the Brown Shirts and the SS as models. It looks like they learned their propaganda skills from Joseph Goebbels. This is all documented on the white house tapes "The Nixon Years".Of all the freedoms trashed, innocent people killed, homes and families destroyed, I'd say the DEA has lived up to their roll models. I guess I was a bit too raspy for him?
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Comment #14 posted by MikeEEEEE on July 22, 2008 at 19:37:50 PT
Typical of robots
You don't have to go far if you're looking for what they teach these guys at the DEA. Some soldiers question their orders, others sing like mindless robots. Spreading elements of hate have formed many war crimes.The industrial/military/prison complex is alive and well. 
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Comment #13 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 22, 2008 at 16:10:38 PT:
Thanks Paul
I'll be sure to make my voice heard. I love debating in the comment sections of these articles. Although a lot of them don't have a place to comment.
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Comment #12 posted by paul armentano on July 22, 2008 at 16:07:24 PT
Folks can voice their opinion on the DMN blog
The Dallas Morning News has a special forum set up for comments on this essay, entitled "Legalizing marijuana: a debate." You can post your thoughts here:http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/the-war-on-drug.htmlMy comments are below:Posted by Paul Armentano   5:50 PM Tue, Jul 22, 2008DEA agent James Capra's opposition to liberalizing US marijuana policies is understandable. After all, his job security depends on it.Since the early 1990s, police have arrested more than 10 million Americans on for marijuana offenses. Nearly 90 percent of these arrests are for minor marijuana offenses, not sales or cultivation nationwide. (In Texas, more than 95 percent of all pot arrests are for simple possession.)Yet, according to a World Health Organization report released earlier this month, more than 42 percent of Americans have experimented with pot – a percentage that is higher than anywhere else in the world and is more than twice the rate of cannabis use in the Netherlands, where the sale and use of marijuana is legal. (See: "US leads world in substance abuse, WHO finds," Reuters, July 1, 2008)In short, the punitive anti-drug policies endorsed by agent Capra have had no discernable impact on Americans drug use. By contrast, it has provided Mr. Capra and his colleagues cradle-to-grave employment at the taxpayers' expense.
http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/the-war-on-drug.ht
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Comment #11 posted by rainbow on July 22, 2008 at 13:08:57 PT
email
I was hoping for a comment line in the paper. If any one has a desire here is his contact information.What a terd but then he belongs to the DEAth squad.James L. Capra is special agent in charge of the Dallas Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He may be reached through piodallas yahoo.com
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on July 22, 2008 at 11:57:34 PT
Also
this DEA Agent's piece is written in answer to an earlier Op-Ed by Joy Strickland, CEO of the local chapter of Mothers Against Teen Violence .http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n694/a07.html?1132War on Drugs Undermines the Safety of Our Children
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Comment #9 posted by augustwest on July 22, 2008 at 10:31:52 PT:
so...
"We would do well to continue our comprehensive drug enforcement strategy, to ensure that the next generation of Americans are free from the trappings of drug use and abuse and that they are afforded the blessings of liberty that are rightfully theirs"so, if we just endure one more generation of abuses of power and terrible injustices the next generation will be "free".
What's he basing this logic on if history shows us that the next generation will actually have it worse under the current model. Everything he wrote was a lie but yes people will sadly swallow this crap especially in the brown star uh, I mean, lone star state.
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Comment #8 posted by runruff on July 22, 2008 at 09:55:01 PT:
Storm Crow....
Education is not his problem. He obviously knows how to use spell check anyways. I believe he is aware of the coming democratic takeover in Washington and it probably means the the end of his career as he knows it. If he can sell the public his propaganda he my get some support for his war on cannabis. His credibility is in the shoots right now whether he knows it or not. Texas may present the most fertile ground for his BS. In Texas, at one time, you could get 30 years for two joints.This guy is living on a lie and a prayer. His days are numbered and he must be sensing it. Sit back and enjoy the show.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on July 22, 2008 at 09:49:51 PT
I was hoping 
you'd post this thing.So much to say about this piece of deceptive social manipulation crap by government agents who want to keep their money teat flowing.Aaargh. It's hard to believe anybody will swallow this piece of trash... but some will, sadly.At least some people are beginning to see what these guys have been up to and are up to. Perverted fascist. He just wants to keep busting "children" and everyone he can.Eyes are opening. They won't get away with these lies and deceptions forever.The worst was that pile of poop cherry the guy put on top of the crap he piled into print."We would do well to continue our comprehensive drug enforcement 
strategy, to ensure that the next generation of Americans are free 
from the trappings of drug use and abuse and that they are afforded 
the blessings of liberty that are rightfully theirs. Legalizing or 
decriminalizing marijuana would hamper this progress and cause great 
harm to our schools and neighborhood communities."
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Comment #6 posted by Sam Adams on July 22, 2008 at 09:34:16 PT
crime
What about the crime of armed thugs taking down 800,000 people a year? Remember, in police state, there is very little crime, except for the crimes being committed by the government. 
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Comment #5 posted by Storm Crow on July 22, 2008 at 09:29:32 PT
He says....
"Joy Strickland is on point when she writes, "every child deserves a safe and supportive home, school and community." But how does decriminalizing marijuana ensure that this will happen?"This man has never watched CPS dutifully destroy a family after a cannabis bust! They rip families apart over a medical herb!"There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that legalization or decriminalization would reduce crime in our communities."Come on man, that's a no-brainer. Eliminating a victim-less "crime" that has put over 500,000 people (2005 number) in jail or prison. I'd say that would lower "crime"! And the Dutch "crime wave" is nothing compared to a "good night" in ANY American city! And then there's this-http://www.drugtext.org/library/articles/maccoun01.htm
"Dutch homicide rate was over twice that of the U. S., when in fact the U. S. rate (8 per 100,000) is four times larger than the Dutch rate (1.8 per 100,000)." He states-"The Dutch National Committee on Drug Prevention stated that marijuana use among students increased 250 percent in eight years."Whose numbers is he using? There seems to be a bit of variation when it comes to the statistics!http://www.drugtext.org/library/articles/maccoun01.htm
"According to recent clippings in our files, the lifetime prevalence of marijuana use (the percentage who have ever used marijuana) among Dutch teens had either fallen from 15 to 2 percent or risen from 5 to 14 percent. Readers were told that respective marijuana rates for Dutch and U. S. adolescents were either 14 vs. 38 percent or 30 vs. 11 percent."He says- "However, ample evidence suggests that such action would result in more users and health costs." Apparently he is unaware of the numerous medical uses of cannabis. More users? Definitely! More health cost- no way!  I believe legalized cannabis will result in LOWER health costs. My reasoning is supported in this post-http://www.treatingyourself.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=23136There are literally hundreds of medical studies on how cannabis heals. Cancer, Alzheimers, strokes and more- cannabis heals, treats and prevents! This man needs an education! 
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Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on July 22, 2008 at 08:41:13 PT
dea work
No Don, I'm sure he was up at 700 AM on Saturday morning hustling to get this done......
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Comment #3 posted by dongenero on July 22, 2008 at 08:13:23 PT
DEA special agent James Capra
Do you suppose he is penning his op-eds on the tax payer's dime?
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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on July 22, 2008 at 07:59:30 PT
amsterdam
the truth is that most of the Western European countries' governments are doing a better job at just about everything than our federal govt. Business, health care, environment, foreign policy, law enforcement, education. They're outperforming our govt. at every level.I remember when I was 22 I visited Amsterdam for the 1st time with a friend. In planning our Europe trip we had heard all sorts of warnings about the city - sleazy! crime! avoid the red light district - lots of crime, especially after dark. Keep your wallet in the front pocket, etc.The 2nd night there we were wondering about in a fog at about 3 AM, trying to find out hostel, when all of sudden we realized we were right smack in the middle of the "red light district". We said this to each other and burst out laughing. There was no ghetto anywhere in Amsterdam! For 2 guys that had grown up visiting NYC it was laughable. Amsterdam was the safest place we'd ever seen in our lives.The last time I was there I noticed that the city is now about 1/3rd African people. Yet there is no ghetto and virutally no violent crime in Amsterdam. Why does almost every American city have a minority ghetto?
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Comment #1 posted by runruff on July 22, 2008 at 07:13:03 PT:
All cops lie, period!
"The other myth intimated by Ms. Strickland is that the prisons are filled with drug users, in particular, marijuana users. This is an illusion that has been perpetuated by drug advocacy groups seeking to relax or abolish our marijuana laws."--This is a lie. I met the people in prison. It seemed like at least half to me and they were all like me, herbal farmer entrepreneurs. All peace full intelligent types.Cos told me they love pot offenders [as they called them] They are peaceful, do their work and don't bother anyone plus by and large we were the best educated group in there.
In short, people who didn't belong there.
Who belongs in there are these lying scumbags who exploit the lives and families of good people so they can have a better career than they would otherwise qualify for. These guys are thugs, liars and idiots and this pig proves it!We all know what he says about the Netherlands are lies, period.
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