Pubdate: Sat, 23 May 2009
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n514/a02.html
Author: William Brandt

CHANGE THE CONTEST'S NAME IF WAR WEARINESS SETS IN

Following closely on the heels of the end of the "war on terror," is 
the end of the "war on drugs" ("White House Czar Calls for End to 
'War on Drugs,' " U.S. News, May 14).

Who would have thought that all of America's wars would end not with 
a bang but with a delete click on a keyboard? Apparently, "war on 
drugs" was too bellicose and was interpreted by people "as a war on 
them." One presumes that "people" in this context refers mostly to 
drug users, although drug czar Gil Kerlikowske doesn't really make 
that distinction.

In his defense, he's fresh out of Seattle, so he may not realize that 
there is a distinction. Seattle's needle-exchange program and, with 
any luck, the Hempfest celebration of hemp and marijuana will be 
models for national policy. The latter can be held on the National 
Mall going forward so that everyone in Congress and the Obama 
administration can attend; maybe that'll slow down legislation and 
stimulus spending for a day or two. Our lexicographer leaders fully 
grasp the power of words, which is why they are "spreading the 
wealth" instead of waging another "war on poverty." War is hell; at 
least many Americans will be too stoned to notice if our enemies 
respectfully disagree with that notion.

William Brandt

Norwalk, Conn.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake