Author Archives: Pete

I don’t consider any government that commits murder or violates basic human rights to be legitimate. Capital punishment and public opinion The campaign to abolish capital punishment in Indonesia suffered a huge setback following the execution of six drug traffickers … Continue reading →

Johann Hari’s new book “Chasing the Scream” is getting some good coverage. Apparently he was on Coast to Coast recently with a huge audience, and reviews are starting to show up quite a few places. The book is available for … Continue reading →

This is potentially big (and has gotten people quite excited), but it really depends on how certain things are defined. Executive order dated today: Prohibition on Certain Federal Adoptions of Seizures by State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies The tricky … Continue reading →

That’s one of the powerful messages that comes from Johann Hari’s excellent new book “Chasing the Scream” (see my review earlier this week). Everything we’ve done to address the issues of addiction within the context of the drug war has … Continue reading →

So the NCAA, which has far more strict criteria on flunking a marijuana test (5 nanograms compared to 35 for NFL, 50 for MLB, and 150 for World Anti-Doping Agency), has suspended an Oregon player or two from tonight’s game … Continue reading →

Over the holidays, I had the opportunity to read a new book about the drug war by Johann Hari: “Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs.” I have to admit, I wasn’t sure how … Continue reading →

It’s baffling to me that we have such insane restrictions on the use of drugs, and yet we let absolutely anybody use religion. Sure, the vast majority of people who use religion do so responsibly, and in a way that … Continue reading →

Obama reaffirms U.S. support of embattled Mexican President after closed door meeting Despite pressure from protest groups in both the United States and Mexico, it appears that nothing much will change in terms of Washington’s anti-drug support to its southern … Continue reading →

The tide has shifted over the years, and, while all the politicians may not yet realize it, they’re smarter to hitch their wagons to legalization than prohibition. Councilwoman Resigns Amid Backlash for Anti-Marijuana Vote Days after officials in Columbia, Missouri … Continue reading →

This bizarre article in the Washington Post seemed unaware of its own implications. In fight against drugs, Cuba and U.S. on same team Cuba is surrounded by countries used as cartel way stations. But it has distinguished itself as a … Continue reading →