Possible Obama Pick for “Drug Czar” Criticized by Dozens of Health, Criminal Justice and Drug Treatment Organizations

A growing number of organizations are expressing concern about reports in the media that President-elect Obama may be considering appointing Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad (R-MN) to be his “Drug Czar”, citing Ramstad’s positions on syringe exchange programs, medical marijuana, and other issues.

> Einstein, Insanity and the War on Drugs

Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. His definition fits America's war on drugs, a multi-billion dollar, four-decade exercise in futility. The war on drugs has helped turn the United States into the country with the world's largest prison population. The budgetary impact of legalizing drugs would be enormous, according to a study prepared to coincide with the 75th anniversary of prohibition's end by Harvard economist Jeffrey A. Miron.

Policy Forum: The 75th Anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition

December 5, 2008. Washington, DC

Please join the Cato Institute for a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition and a discussion of its legacy and continuing impact on America. Drinks will be served following the discussion.

>  Law Enforcement and Civil Rights Groups Divided Over
    California Ballot Measure
    New York Times (US) [11/01/08]    

>  To Jail or Not Jail for Drug Relapse?
    AlterNet (US Web) [10/26/08] 

>  Prop. 5 Would Overhaul Sentencing of Drug Offenders
    Los Angeles Times (CA) [10/02/08]