White House Czar Calls for End to 'War on Drugs'

[Mass]

Here is for a positive news coming from the Obama administration and a real change that is welcome.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124225891527617397.html

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's new drug czar says he wants to banish the idea that the U.S. is fighting "a war on drugs," a move that would underscore a shift favoring treatment over incarceration in trying to reduce illicit drug use.

In his first interview since being confirmed to head the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske said Wednesday the bellicose analogy was a barrier to dealing with the nation's drug issues.

"Regardless of how you try to explain to people it's a 'war on drugs' or a 'war on a product,' people see a war as a war on them," he said. "We're not at war with people in this country."
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The Obama administration is likely to deal with drugs as a matter of public health rather than criminal justice alone, with treatment's role growing relative to incarceration, Mr. Kerlikowske said.
More

* Q&A: Transcript of the interview with Kerlikowske

Already, the administration has called for an end to the disparity in how crimes involving crack cocaine and powder cocaine are dealt with. Critics of the law say it unfairly targeted African-American communities, where crack is more prevalent.
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[Boomerang Diddle]

1. Thank God! n/t

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. First Bush kills us with chemtrails, now Obama wants poison children with drugs?

Where's the change? Change! Change!

[msongs]

3. there's a sensible plan - the narco/police industrial complex won't like it tho nt

[Trajan]

4. Great news ....

I'm surprised few DUers thought this worthy of discussion or praise ...

Thanks for this ....

[depakid]

5. I think a lot of folks are taking a wait and see approach

This administration seems to talk a great game- but when it comes down to concrete actions, the Justice Department in particular has inspired anything but confidence.