Pubdate: Wed, 07 Aug 2013
Source: East Bay Express (CA)
Copyright: 2013 East Bay Express
Contact: http://posting.eastbayexpress.com/ebx/SubmitLetter/Page
Website: http://www.eastbayexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1131
Author: David Downs

US DRUG CZAR GIL KERLIKOWSKE OUT - QUESTIONS LOOM

US Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske will leave his post in the White House to
become the likely head of US Customs, various news sources report
today. Kerlikowske will be remembered for campaigning against Prop 19
in California in 2010, yet staying out the 2012 battles to end
cannabis prohibition in Washington and Colorado.

Kerlikowske also famously declared the War on Drugs was over during
his first interview as Drug Czar. However, the war continued in
everything but name. Police have killed scores in drug busts gone
wrong. About 700,00 Americans will be arrested for marijuana this
year. Military drones have begun looking for domestic pot growers.

image.jpgReason magazine has rounded up some of Kerlikowske's more
memorable moments: June 2009: "Marijuana is dangerous and has no
medicinal benefit." August 2010: "It is our experience that an
overwhelming majority of police professionals does not support
legalizing marijuana. ... Our opposition to legalizing marijuana is
grounded not in ideology but in facts and experience."

December 2010: Kerlikowske identifies "'Just Say No' under Nancy
Reagan" as one the drug war's "major successes."

The federal government has still not detailed its planned response to
the end of prohibition in Colorado and Washington.
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