End the War On Drugs

“If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to end the drug prohibition; pardon, release from prison, and expunge the records of all non-violent drug ‘offenders’; end arrests and SWAT raids on suspected drug ‘offenders’; and cut taxes by the amount saved. In the interim, immediately reclassify marijuana the same as wine and beer, subject to the same freedoms and responsibilities.”

Why we should end the failed War on Drugs

• The War on Drugs has proven far more deadly and destructive than drugs themselves.
• Alcohol Prohibition prompted organized crime, consumption of stronger alcoholic drinks, and an epidemic of alcohol overdose deaths.
• LIkewise, Drug Prohibition has prompted the formation of deadly street gangs, use of stronger drugs, and an increase in drug overdose deaths.
• Because of the Drug War, the United States incarcerates more people per capita than any country on earth. More than 500,000 Americans are now serving time in jail or prison for drug “offenses.” They are peaceful citizens, separated from their children and families, who could be living productive lives.
• The incarceration of peaceful drug offenders has cost taxpayers more than $1 trillion since 1971.
• More than 600,000 people are arrested every year for mere possession of marijuana, diverting attention from where it should be: on violent criminals.
• Marijuana prohibition denies those suffering from cancer, AIDS, migraines, glaucoma, seizures, and other serious diseases their right to an effective treatment that both reduces suffering and saves lives.
• Democrats and Republicans enacted the failed War on Drugs, escalated it, and continue to defend it. It is indefensible.
• Continuing the failed and immoral War on Drugs sends the wrong message to kids:
  – Incarcerate people who have harmed no one else.
  – Deprive people with serious illnesses of the medicine they need.
  – Stubbornly continue failed policies while crime rages and millions suffer.
  – Be hypocrites, drinking alcohol while banning milder substances.
• Kids can see through this irresponsible message. It encourages them to discredit and disregard good advice.
• When Drug Prohibition ends, crime will go down dramatically, making our streets and homes safer.
• People now in prison who never harmed another human being will be free to go home to their families. Their children will grow up with their mom or dad at home.
• Law enforcement will focus more on finding and prosecuting murderers, rapists, and thieves.
• Each taxpayer will get back hundreds of dollars — every year — that they now spend on today’s failed prohibition. Money they can save, spend, or give away to others in need.
• People suffering from cancer, AIDS, and other serious diseases will have dignified and safe access to medical marijuana, giving them their best chance for a long and healthy life.
• Ending the War on Drugs sends the right message to kids:
  – Be personally responsible.
  – Be just, be reasonable, and honor individual rights.
  – Admit mistakes and get rid of bad laws that don’t work.
  – End unnecessary human suffering.