Who should be the next drug czar? And what should he do?

[High Plains]

I look for at least a kinder, gentler drug war under Obama, although I may be dreaming. The drug czar--head of the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)is the front man for federal drug policy. Bush's drug czar, John Walters, was absolutely horrid.

Who would be better? An academic, say Dr. Peter Reuter of U Maryland? An activist/academic, say Dr. Ethan Nadelmann, head of the Drug Policy Alliance? A doctor? Who?

There was some early speculation about LA police chief William Bratton, but as chief in NYC, Bratton presided over the massive increase in minor pot arrests that made NYC responsible for almost 10% of all pot arrests in the country.

[Richard D]

1. Dr. Andrew Weil . . .

. . . or someone like him.

We need someone there who knows the difference between entheogens and narcotics. Between coca leaf and cocaine.
A new policy that recognizes that some of these substances now classified as drugs are really medicines with great potential for healing.

[Ezlivin]

7. I second that nomination

And move for a full vote.

[High Plains]

8. Not a bad idea! n/t

[But....]

12. Nice!

and very possibleO8)

[unpossibles]

18. a great idea!

His books are some of the most completely balanced, rational, and educated things I have ever read on the subject.

[paparush]

2. How about we forget the "drug war" and the billions of dollars we pour down that hole.

[guitar man]

10. hear hear!!

Take the scalpel to the budget and cut out the programs that don't work, especially that one. :thumbsup:

[High Plains]

11. Ain't gonna happen, at least not right away.

Much as I would love to see it. And I don't really see Obama using his political capital to end it, but his appointment as drug czar could set the tone for a saner set of policies.

I think if we're going to see any progress on ending the drug war, it will have to bubble up from the Congress. At least, Obama won't be an obstacle, I hope.

[Fumesucker]

3. Joe Biden coined the term "Drug Czar"

I think a kinder, gentler drug war under Obama is unlikely.

As only Nixon could go to China, only a conservative can ameliorate the drug war, Democrats will be instantly pegged as "weak on crime" if they even mention it.

[Traveling_Home]

14. Joe Biden also pushed through the "RAVE Act"

I personally think that it is more important that we stop hundreds of thousands of American's lives being turned upside down through viscious drug laws - we can worry about being labeled soft on crime after we stop hurting our fellow citizens.

[Fumesucker]

16. But we are liberals/progressives..

The majority of elected Democrats are not liberal/progressive, in fact they appear to hate their base and dis it at every opportunity.

Good point about the RAVE act, BTW.

[some guy]

4. Tommy Chong.

He should declare victory, and end the "war." :)

[akwapez]

5. Tommy Chong?

[some guy]

6. GMTA

:pals:

[lame54]

9. He should watch this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXQgdKQDDws

[RedCappedBandit]

13. Drug war needs to end.

[IntravenousDemilo]

15. Whoever it is, he should resign.

It's a bad war that deserves to be lost.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

17. There shouldn't be a new drug czar.

I hope Congressman Frank would reintroduce the same legislation he introduced a few months ago.

[dixiegrrrrl]

19. No more "czars" or "wars on drugs-terrorism,etc"

But, it may be looking good for Barney Franks proposal to legalize cannabis.

[Poseidan]

20. someone who abides by Constitutional law

Almost all current drug laws are in clear conflict with the 4th and 8th amendments (Bill of Rights).

[Stinky The Clown]

21. George Bush

He surely understands drugs.

And we should fund him as well as he's funded things like NCLB.

[Vidar]

22. I nominate Cheech Marin.