A panel of experts from across the globe has called for an end to the drug war and acceptance of harm prevention strategies. The Obama Administration continues to ignore their recommendations and backtrack on campaign promises.

The Global Comission on Drug Policy just released their findings to the U.N. after years of research. Guess what? We aren’t winning the drug war. The Commission began as a Latin American investigation in how to combat the corruption and violence associated with the war on drugs. It eventually evolved into a global effort to rewrite drug policy goals.
The meeting of minds that put together this report is truly astounding. Sir Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin chain of companies, was one of the primary funders of the commission. Other members included: UN Secretary Kofi Annan, NATO Secretary General Javier Solona, the former presidents of Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Former US Secretary of State George Shultz and even former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker. (more…)

State Senator and Lieutenant Governor Candidate Billy Hewes wants to implement drug testing for everyone receiving government assistance.

Mississippi State Senator Billy Hewes would have everyone receiving public assistance pass a drug test if he had his way. On the surface not giving public money to feed someone’s drug addiction sounds good. Hewes makes a strong case when he says, “if you have to get drug tested for a job, shouldn’t you have to be drug tested for government checks?” In practice however, mass drug testing had serious social repercussions. If Hewes had his way, Mississippi would join Florida and Missouri in requiring drug testing.
(more…)

The youth vote that elected Obama in 2008 has grown tired of him. The Obama Administration’s stance on drug policy could save or cost the election for Obama.

Remember summer of 2008? The economy was good, the wars seemed to be improving, and a young, energetic Barrack Obama had captured America’s attention. Obama’s message of hope and change spurred him on to victory in the general election. His message particularly resonated with the eighteen to twenty-nine crowd. This demographic had long been ignored by politicians because they never turned out to actually vote. With three consecutive elections of increasing young voter turnout, Obama broke with tradition and aggressively courted the younger voters. In 2008 Obama carried this demographic with nearly a two to one ratio. Young people also turned out in record numbers accounting for 18% of the total vote in the general election. Four years later can Obama count on the continued support of this important demographic? Maybe. (more…)