Wow

A must read from Bill Tilney, the former Mayor of El Paso, Texas: Former mayor to City Council: Stay the course on drug resolution

Kudos to city Rep. Beto O’Rourke for the courage he showed in proposing an amendment to the resolution expressing support for Ciudad Juarez. Mr. O’Rourke’s efforts demonstrated that he, along with brave members of the El Paso City Council, have an understanding of what is tragically unfolding in the Paso del Norte region. In a sense, they are on the cutting edge of what is needed to change the direction we are going in our 40 year long “war on drugs.” We may be far from Washington, but there is no reason why an honest open national debate on ending the prohibition on narcotics shouldn’t begin here along the Rio Grande. […]
The American people should be questioning the federal government’s policies as to how we deal with drug trafficking. Will we continue to witness our neighbor to the south become a “failed state” because of the American insatiable demand for drugs? Will we continue to see budgets and numbers balloon as we throw money at this obscene problem? When will we have a president who has the “huevos” to say “enough” to this macabre dance along the border?
As a side note, I would like to point out that if we didn’t have this failed “war on drugs,” the quality of life could improve along the border. Global manufacturing would be more efficient and productive. At the same time, we would be more competitive on the global stage. […]
As a final note, I want to say bravo to the brave band of City Council representatives for putting forth the resolution. I am sure they have been subjected to “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” Nevertheless, now that you have gained the attention of the national media, don’t drop the ball.

Read the whole thing. It’s really outstanding.