cannabisnews.com: U.S. Drug Czar Attacks Legalization Call





U.S. Drug Czar Attacks Legalization Call
Posted by FoM on October 05, 1999 at 14:02:05 PT
Reuters
Source: Fox News
LOS ANGELESWhite House drug czar Barry McCaffrey Tuesday accused the governor of New Mexico of ignorance and irresponsibility in calling for the legalization of marijuana and heroin. 
Responding to Republican Gov. Gary Johnson's radical alternative to the "expensive failure'' of the war on drugs, McCaffrey told reporters: "I am astonished. Gov. Johnson in New Mexico is acting in an irresponsible manner. This is the same governor last year who vetoed a $2.6 million drug treatment program. "Obviously the governor hasn't seen the nature of drug addiction in the same manner that drug treatment professionals in that state and law enforcement have encountered,'' said McCaffrey. Johnson, a 46-year-old triathlon athlete who admits having used drugs in college, said last week that legalizing drugs could be the best way to fight abuse. Saying his goal was to reduce drug use in United States, Johnson suggested that legalization would allow the government to regulate them as it does alcohol and tobacco. McCaffrey, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said the number of heroin-related deaths in New Mexico had doubled the national average in recent years. "The problem isn't that they (drugs) are illegal. The problem is that they are ferociously addictive and they make people act in a compulsive manner. They make them unemployable and they get them involved in permanently altered and impaired brain function. That's the problem with these drugs,'' McCaffrey said. "In a democracy everyone is welcome to debate these notions. But if you are going to be a public official it seems to me you have to have informed and rational perspectives.'' McCaffrey was in Los Angeles to address an anti-drugs concert for school children and to meet Olympic champion Carl Lewis for talks on doping in sport. 4.06 p.m. ET (2012 GMT) October 5, 1999© Reuters Ltd. Students Like NM Governor's Message Legalize Drugs-10/05/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3145.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #16 posted by Chris Knestri on October 06, 1999 at 08:32:07 PT:
McCaffrey's Lies
Thanks for eveyone's input yesterday - I think I found the information I need (or at least something close). I wrote a letter to the editor that I wanted to post here, to see if anyone is able to find any mis-statements on my part. Unlike the "czar", I believe in checking my facts! :-) I know it's pretty long for a LTE, but I think I've found a supportive newspaper that will still print it.Dear Editors:This week, the Republican governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, has comeout in support of the legalization of marijuana and heroin as analternative to the current Drug War, which he classifies as a failure.Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey has attacked the governor's stance as"nutty," "bizarre," and most recently, "irresponsible." He asserts thatthese drugs "are ferociously addictive and they make people act in acompulsive manner. They make them unemployable and they get them involvedin permanently altered and impaired brain function." He further attackedGov Johnson by claiming that public officials must have "informed andrational perspectives."It seems that the "czar" could stand to take some of his own advice,especially with regards to marijuana:1) "ferociously addictive" - According to the Institute of Medicine'sreport earlier this year on marijuana, few users develop any sort ofdependence, and withdrawal is "mild and short-lived." The NationalInstitute of Drug Abuse shows the level of dependence, withdrawal, andtolerance of marijuana to be below those of caffeine.2) "unemployable" - A survey released in September by the Department ofHealth and Human Services reveals that 70% of all drug users arefully employed (this includes all illegal drugs, not just marijuana)3) "permanently altered and impaired brain function" - Noticeably absent inall the current research regarding marijuana is anything that wouldsupport this statement. The Institute of Medicine mentions this as apossible concern, and points out that while some studies have attempted toprove that heavy marijuana use (notice the czar does notdifferentiate between normal use and heavy use/abuse) causes long-termbrain changes, the results are not conclusive. Based on the currentscientific knowledge, this is nothing more than a scare story at it'sworst.I guess that no one should be surprised with McCaffrey's lack of knowledge- this is the same man who once blamed the fact that Holland has a murder rate that's twice that of the US on their liberal drug policy. Themurder rate in Holland is one-fourth of that in the US.McCaffrey has also misrepresented the results two Canadian reports on theeffectiveness of needle-exchange programs (which McCaffrey does notsupport). The researchers were so horrified that they took out anadvertisement in the New York Times to correct McCaffrey and urge the USto adopt similar programs because of their proven success.The American people deserve better than a man who does nothing butcontinue to perpetuate myths. Until we begin calling him on his lies, hewill continue to misinform the American public, making any sensible drugpolicy all but impossible.   
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #15 posted by rainbow on October 05, 1999 at 22:59:34 PT:
communicating with the General idiot
Thanks for sending the general emails. I thought i was the only one. His address is is at the white house (or is that yellow house) site.At first I ask his staff to get other jobs and stop supporting such nonsense. When that did not happen I used it as a venting site. It feels good to tell a General off. It is easy with this numbskull. BTW numbskull is a military term that is more insulting that ignorant or stupid. They know that but numbskull is what they really are.As I have requested send him some birdseed. Plant some in his neighborhood. Maybe we can make this guy see the green leaf of mercy and health.CheersRainbow 
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #14 posted by FoM on October 05, 1999 at 20:38:54 PT
Very Interesting day!
To the best of my knowledge McCaffrey won't debate. He knows he doesn't hold a winning hand so he won't unless people really ask him why not! They must be listening to us a little these days! I sure would think so! I also saw on C-span that they will have audio and video available on the Cato Institutes web site: http://www.cato.org/ on Governor Johnson's address today, but I couldn't find anything earlier so I'll look tomorrow. Thanks Everyone!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #13 posted by Dankhank on October 05, 1999 at 20:23:18 PT:
Cowardly Drug Warriors
Drug Warriors avoid like the plague any speakers that know the truth about drugs ...Drug Warriors know that marijuana smokers are mostly harmless, full-time workers in America...Drug Warriors think that it is OK to shoot a grandpa in the back on a raid in the wrong house ...Drug Warriors think that it is OK to lock up sick people for choosing a medicine that works ...Drug Warriors think that it is OK to block and repeal a LAWFUL VOTE OF THE PEOPLE OF WASH. DC ...Drug Warriors are cowards that are afraid of the truth, and will go to any lengths to lie to save their jobs and their "face." Drug Warriors refuse to debate with Pot Activists since lies cannot stand when the truth appears ...
Hemp n Stuff
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #12 posted by Chris Knestrick on October 05, 1999 at 18:52:29 PT:
Debate
Has McCaffrey actually turned down debates and said he wouldn't do them? 
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #11 posted by STAN DUP on October 05, 1999 at 18:50:17 PT:
mccaffery in N.M. on thur.
Somebody needs to go to the hotel that mccaffery is going to speak at on thur. and repeatedly heckle this "COWARD" with one word, "DEBATE,DEBATE,DEBATE!!!   STAN DUP
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #10 posted by FoM on October 05, 1999 at 17:43:01 PT
Just A Note!
Governor Johnson just came on C-Span at 8:30 ET. It is a 40 minute broadcast! Hope some of you find it!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #9 posted by FoM on October 05, 1999 at 17:19:47 PT:
Maybe This Might Help
Maybe the links to McCaffrey articles will help to compare what he says. I don't know where specific pages are at the moment on marijuana and brain function but the one Dankhank posted might well have what you are looking for. Thanks for all these great comments folks! I really appreciate it alot!http://www.rxmarihuana.com/ Barry McCaffrey Articles:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/McCaffrey.shtmlPS: I Jean!!!!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #8 posted by Dankhank on October 05, 1999 at 16:45:02 PT:
Links to use ..................
ondcp ncjrs.org appears to be a way to send an e-mail to the evil Drug Czar's organization.Try it, but go get a hotmail account first ... or any other web-based e-mail account ... don't use your personal ISP, why tempt fate?I also have his website ... http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/
Hemp n Stuff
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #7 posted by Jeaneous on October 05, 1999 at 16:39:57 PT
e-mails
This is one of McCaffrey's e-mails... and another is ..ondcp ncjrs.org... MCCAFFREY_B a1.eop.gov
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #6 posted by Dankhank on October 05, 1999 at 16:34:47 PT:
The Evil Drug Czar
For some good info on effects of marijuana on a wide range of conditions see this site ...http://www.rxmarihuana.com/It is run by a Harvard Doctor and a Harvard lawyer ...There are some good sources of medical info in High Times' archives, including one that says that marijuana prevents permanent damage from a stroke,see: "Marijuana Daddies Rejoice ..." ,and an account of how the human brain is hardwired with receptors for THC, and therefore creates a high in a different fashion from opiates, cocaine and "speed" type drugs.I have some of those articles saved and will send them to any who ask ... and I will see about posting them on my website, soon.So ... check my links page for some good information linkshttp://www.freeyellow.com/members/hbaca/LINKS.htmlTo Mr. McCaffrey:Sir, the recent seizure of hempseed shipments from Canada to the US for use in birdseed illuminates the unbelievably senseless, idealogically self-serving and bizarre cynicism and insensitivity that characterizes the truly pitiful attempts by your organization to stem the tide of freedom. Yes, Freedom. The American adult public can decide for themselves what they want to do about their personal recreation. America does not need your destructive hypocracy masked as "concern" for America.Sir ...... STOP LOCKING MARIJUANA SMOKERS UP !!!!!!!By the way ..... I am looking for his e-mail address ... or ... failing that I will post his mailing address on my website and here as soon as I get them ...Fight the Good Fight and don't stop ...Register to Vote ....
Hemp n Stuff
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #5 posted by Chris Knestrick on October 05, 1999 at 16:05:47 PT:
Information
I've looked through the IOM report, but haven't found any statements on the effect of marijuana on brain function. If it's in there and you could point me to it, I'd really appericiate it (I have an on-line copy of the text if I could just get a general idea where it is). I don't plan on writing to McCaffrey - that's like arguing with a wall. I intend to show him for the fool he is in public. Letters to the editors - lots of them. Before we had Gov Johnson (crosses himself as he says the name :-) ) we had no real "bully pulpit" power, while the taxpayers footed thje bill for prohibitionist propoganda. The onlyy way that we can really get our feelings and beliefs and TRUTHS out is through things like letters to the editors, and I am more than happy to do so :-) I know that it won't change everyone's opinion, but if we can just crack the armor, and get the people wondering "why?" then we are well on our way to really changing the tide.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #4 posted by kaptinemo on October 05, 1999 at 15:58:17 PT
All the studies in the world
will not prevent this liar from lying. Remember, the IoM study was commissioned by him to stave off the lawsuit brought against him by reformers. Despite the fact that the study refuted every propaganda point he and others have made, he still talks as if it vindicated him.the only way we can take him down is to corrall him in a public debate and show the public what a shameless two faced jerk he is.Or, just as good, have him explain to someone in the throws of nausea why they have to suffer so that 'the wrong message' won't be sent to America's youth about pot usage. Let him tell someone who's dying from malnutrition because he can't keep anything down why they have to die for the sake of a principle. Let him do that on TV. Then we'll get results.The General knows full well that if you can't dazzle 'em with facts, baffle them with BS. Take away his BS, and he doesn't have any facts. And we have plenty. Which he knows and which is why it will take some kind of truth squad to go around to every place this jerk mouths off and swat down his lies with facts.
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #3 posted by Jeaneous on October 05, 1999 at 15:57:47 PT:
McCaffrey vs Johnson
This man does become tiresome after awhile... again I write to him... but i'm sure he will still remain close minded and self gratifying... If he were fired this country might have a chance to actually learn better and more efficient ways to deal with drug issues..My letter..... he needs to recieve more like it too...Mr. McCaffreyMany people in this United States are tiring of your spread of lies regarding legalization of drugs and what it would do to our country. It is time this country find a better way of dealing with drugs that to incarcerate without treatment. Your name calling is childish. Governor Johnson has a different approach to the drug issue than you do, and I think he is being more logical and realistic that your actions have ever been. You need to stop namecalling and open your eyes to the reality we all live in this country. You might be above it, but the majority of us live in the real world and see that a new approach is needed to help the drug issue. Continuing to stuff more good money after bad is only showing you are close minded and believe that your way is the only way.This is a democracy and you need to realize that you can not demand to have your way or no way. Compromise is the key and that is something that we have yet to see in your stance. It is time for a different way... not yours.You should really rethink the statements you have made about this Governor... He shows the true meaning of democracy... he listens to his constituents and is willing to look for better ways to deal with situations. When something such as your "war on drugs" has not worked for the many years it has been enforced it is time for a new approach.Show you are part of this free society and open your mind to suggestions. You might learn something.Thank you,Jean Cowsert
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 05, 1999 at 15:51:14 PT:
Need More Info!
Chris,Do you need the IOM Report? I'm sorry but I'm not quite sure of what you are looking for. I can find the IOM Report easily if you want it. Let me know when you have time. I'll check back later.Peace, FoM!
[ Post Comment ]

Comment #1 posted by Chris Knestrick on October 05, 1999 at 15:26:13 PT:
I Need Help To Find Information!
OK, all you people who know every marijuana study by heart, here's your chance to help me :-) I need a reiable study (preferrably governmnet) which refutes the ignoramus' claim that marijuana causes permentant brain alteration. I've already got "ferrociously addictied" (IOM study, NIDA ranking of drugs) and "unemployable" (survey by the Department of Health and HUman Servies that says 70% of drug users are fully employed. I want to take this M.F. down!!! He needs to take his own advice - public officials must be informed before they open their mouths. BUt, what else would you expect from a guy who said that HOland had a murder rate double that of the US!
[ Post Comment ]

Post Comment


Name: Optional Password: 
E-Mail: 
Subject: 
Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message]
Link URL: 
Link Title: