Rants from Russia with Love

"We will win"

 Victor Ivanov @ The Third World Against Drugs Forum

Win what?

According to the Obama administration there is no official 'War on Drugs" it's just an extreme position.

So now that's just not adding up.

Neither is Victors paranoid ranting in his opening speech at the 3rd World Against Drugs Forum about about a 'high scale and highly aggressive PR campaign" that is apparently being run by anyone who seeks an end to prohibition or who opposes the US lead 'War on Drugs". 

I think Victor needs to do three things.

1 Put down the bottle and concentrate

2 Listen

3 Get real

The people who WANT the status quo to continue are those who are profiting from the current "War".
These profiteers include not only the drug cartels, corrupt government officials, law enforcement but include those who own private prisons, big pharma and a whole host of lawyers, counsellor's, rehab centres and the list goes on. Motivated by money.

Opposing prohibition are the Harm Reductionists, including people who use drugs, their families and loved ones, people who have lost a child of a member of their family, LEAP (Law enforcement against Prohibition) members, INPUD (International Network of People who use Drugs) members, drug user organisations the world over,  human rights promoters and civil rights activists.

Stop distorting the issue Victor.
No-one is suggesting legalization to enable drug cartels as you say but in fact just the opposite.

The legalization and regulation of illicit drugs by the government takes back power and control from illegitimate drug cartels and narco states.

So 1 of 2 things. It's either you really dont understand the parameters of the arguement and therefor should not be even talking about it or 2 You are deliberately confusing the issue for others. Either way....

Whos interests are you protecting?

We know you dont care about human rights , free will or personal sovereignty.

Everything you promote increases the harms to people who use drugs and their families.... and for the record the term is People who use drugs; not as you say; "Drug addicts".

Silver bullets, drug reform, power and lies.

When the US drug Czar (what is that?) Gil K starts making sweeping statements about drug reform and legalization that include terminology like 'silver bullets' is time to put this all back into context.
Drug reform is not about mythological creatures or things we don't understand. Its quite simple really.

The US lead Prohibition "War on Drugs" is a war on drug users, farmers, poor people, minorities and women and children.

All this misinformation and half truths from men who take drugs themselves- just legal and government subsidised forms such as alcohol and tobacco is a disgrace.
Human nature and addiction is complex no doubt but prohibition only makes everything a whole lot worse.

There is a old native American Indian proverb that says:

 "You cannot wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep"

This is the problem .
The truth has been and is as we speak being distorted and people are being manipulated by powerful legal drug using men to maintain power and control. Legalize and regulate all drugs and drug markets. Educate the people. Power to the people.

Australia21 Time to rethink The War on Drugs

Australia21http://www.australia21.org.au/ has just released a report into The War on Drugs calling for a rethink on The War on Drugs and Australia's drug policies.

After 40 years under Prohibition we know our current policies are counterproductive and cause more harms than the drugs.
The Australia21 think tank is comprised of eminent doctors, lawyers, police and a former premier but more importantly a representative from Families and Friends for Drug Law Reform, Marion McConnell a woman who lost her beloved 24 year old son to a avoidable heroin overdose.

In this argument there are often many voices and the louder and more sensationalist and opinionated tend to drown out the rest.

My call is for everyone to sssshhhhh stop talking and listen, let those who are informed and who have been on the FRONT LINE speak.

It is a war and there are casualties.

Let their family members speak to the Prime Minister of their loss and of what would have made a difference.
Julia Gillard would be well reminded to remember her party colleague Former Prime Minister Bob Hawkes daughter and what he and Hazel went through as she was going through heroin addiction, or Bob Carrs own loss of his brother.

The evidence is in ... Prohibition of Drugs has failed.
Our jails are filled with casualties of the drug war and our morgues have seen too many young unnecessary deaths and their families have been torn apart. Teenagers can buy drugs quicker than a pizza.
It's time for change.
Lets start really listening. If you have nothing at stake just your opinion please butt out.

Director @ Global Drug Policy Kasia Malinowska-Sempruch Speaks

 Last year, the Global Commission on Drug Policy called for an open debate on the global war on drugs.
On Tuesday night, they went a long way to achieving this objective. A live debate streamed via YouTube entitled 'It's Time to End the War on Drugs' was watched by millions over the world. This pioneering method of engagement on social and political issues has given the drug war debate a global audience that was unthinkable a few years ago.
Non-governmental organisations and prominent individuals have tirelessly worked to propel this once marginal debate into the public realm. In doing so, they have garnered unprecedented public support and raised the issue on the global political agenda.

An impressive line-up of public figures advocated for global drug policy reform-at King's Hall in London and via video-link at 'Google hangouts' across the globe- including Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former President of Brazil, Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico and Sir Richard Branson. They represent an eclectic mix of professional backgrounds: former heads of state, businessmen, journalists. It points to the mainstreaming of the movement and its increasingly diverse support base. Specialist NGOs are now working together with key international players, to strategically push for change.
The debate was opened with a statement from current President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, whose potential influence as a sitting head of state advocating for an open debate on this issue should not be underestimated. Santos said

"It's time for an in-depth discussion on this issue. All, I repeat, all the options must be considered. A rigorous, evidence-based discussion is needed on the costs and benefits of the alternatives, which should be led by scientists and experts."

Call to ban Alcohol.

Yes that's right people, thought that might get your attention.
Time to level the playing field.
Alcohol is a drug and you know "Drugs are bad, okay". 
Seriously though, I'm getting so tired of talking about human beings having 'rights' and I'm tired of defending our right to use drugs.
Meanwhile 99% of the general population are getting drunk whenever they see fit without so much of a glimmer of thought  towards their brothers in arms (who use drugs other than Alcohol).

You love to drink? Well we love to do other things. And guess what  no matter how you try and slice and dice it.... Alcohol is a DRUG which makes you a DRUG USER.