So much for any hope of decriminalization?

[girl gone mad]

A new sheriff at Justice
April 28, 1997

As U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Eric Holder has been a frontline soldier in the city's war on drugs. Now, as deputy attorney general-designate, he reveals his strategy for dealing with the scourge of drugs.

To Eric Holder, the first black to lead the country's largest US. attorney's of office, marijuana is not just a gate way drug, it is an avenue that leads to violent crime and death. This 21-year resident of D.C. has walked the streets of Northwest and Northeast Washington investigating crack houses and witnessing the blank eyes and empty faces that linger on city street corners. Holder is convinced that selling marijuana in drug-plagued D.C. should be a felony, not simply a misdemeanor as current law dictates. He has drafted legislation introduced to the city council to change the law and has worked to institute mandatory minimum sentences for convicted drug dealers.

For months people speculated that Holder, 46, was preparing to challenge Democratic Mayor Marion Barry's bid for a fifth term next year, but when President Clinton nominated him in March to become deputy attorney general -- the No. 2 post at the Department of Justice -- the rumors quickly ended. The son of Barbadian immigrants and a Columbia Law School graduate, Holder served as a prosecutor at the Justice Department handling public-corruption cases before he was appointed to a D.C. Superior Court judgeship by President Reagan in 1988. Later, in the U.S. attorney's office, he earned national recognition for leading a federal investigation that ended with the indictment of Democratic former Rep. Dan Rostenkowski of Illinois on 17 counts of corruption, including mail fraud. Although he won't discuss the Clinton appointment, Holder reflects on his efforts to curb violent crime and illegal drugs.

Eric Holder: I have taken a lot of grief for my attempt to make selling marijuana a felony in the district, not just a misdemeanor. I introduced the legislation in December that would make distribution and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana a five-year felony. I've been criticized for it by reporters in various publications, saying things like I have "reefer madness." But what we found was that in 1991 about 11 percent of all juveniles who were arrested in the district tested positive for drugs. In 1996, we found that 62 percent of those who were arrested were now testing positive for drug use and that it was largely marijuana. And that is something we can change. Hearings are scheduled for April and I am hoping that we have enough support to push it through.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_n15_v13/ai_19340518/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1

:wow:

My heart is sinking.

[Webster Green]

1. So much for "change"..

What a load of crap. This guy sounds like a real asshole.

[spanone]

67. change from misdemeanor to felony

[Skip Intro]

2. yup.

tip of an iceburg?

[stillcool]

3. We just de-criminalized marijuana...

in my state in the very recently past election. I don't know where we were at in 1997.

[girl gone mad]

7. Do you think his position has changed completely..

in the last 10 years?

Has yours?

This is a a man who had decades of experience as a front line soldier fighting the War on Drugs before he did that interview. Why should we believe that his position is any different now?

[stillcool]

24. I'm not sure if there is something..

I might have said in 1997 that I no longer agree with. I'm thinking probably. As far as imposing harsher penalties for any drug offense, as a former addict I would never support such a thing. As a matter of fact, I don't think jail serves any purpose. I don't think people get 'rehabilitated' via a jail cell. But I'm not running for election anywhere near Marion Berry in his crack days either. And I'm not a lawyer, or a judge. I haven't read his complete bio yet, just the little one-liners that are running around, so I will hold off judgment.

[appal_jack]

31. Remember, we VOTED for OBAMA, NOT Holder

Look, I sincerely HOPE that Obama is appointing mainstream folks in order to legitimate his agenda of change, but of course I also FEAR that such appointments (combined with keeping Lieberman in his chairmanships in the Senate, etc.) represent a caving-in to the worst elements of reich-wing/DLC corporatist bullshit.

But despite my my worst fears, I'm sticking with the hope that comes from an early campaign promise: back in January 2008, Obama publicly stated his support for marijuana decriminalization. Those who are curious about this public proclamation can read my review of the early debate where Obama made this statement:
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/app_farmer_rb/20

Obama raising his hand in response to this simple question had a lot of influence over my eventual vote. I intend to hold him to his promise. If enough of us choose to do the same, then I believe that our hopes can be realized and implemented.

-app

[Zhade]

33. That's what I fear - the same cave-in we've come to expect from the Dems.

NT!

[Fumesucker]

38. What "cave-in"?

Seriously, you can count the federal level Dems in favor of ending the drug war on your thumbs.

[appal_jack]

41. c'mon man, go with hope instead! (n/t)

[notadmblnd]

4. it wouldn't lead to violent crime and death if it were legal

Boy, educated people can be so stupid sometimes.

[Le Taz Hot]

63. It has nothing to do with education

and everything to do with political expediency. I'm so sick of these Washington insiders I could puke.

[Stardust]

5. Ruh-roh. 8>(

[parasim]

6. Shit.

I'm sorry, but that's just fucked up.

Right. Just because 62% percent of those arrested were largely tested positive for pot, it means that pot is the culprit for their crimes? Gimme a break. What's the percentage for alcohol? or antything else? Come on, you fucking idiots, pot doesn't cause the kind of behavior these kids get in trouble for. Taking pot away from criminals ain't going to stop crime.

[akwapez]

62. Outlaw hamburgers.......

42% of those crimes were committed within 72 hours of a meal at MickeyDs

[Fumesucker]

8. I'm not disappointed..

I had exactly zero expectations that Obama was going to do anything about the drug war, except maybe ramp it up, like Clinton did.

[Zhade]

9. Man, I hope he's gotten smarter since then. That is sheer idiocy.

Patently untrue.

Obama said he'd work on decriminalizing - an issue for patients and freedom-loving citizens alike. Will that become an empty promise?

[Fumesucker]

10. I'm pretty sure I remember Obama stating that he was not in favor of legalizing pot..

I could be wrong though so take this with a grain of salt.

Decriminalization does nothing really, it still leaves the black market which drives the violence and high prices.

[Zhade]

16. I know, but I seem to recall him mentioning decrim.

I agree with your points - this beneficial herb should be legal, period.

[Romulox]

49. Obama retracted his support, claimed he didn't know what "decriminalization" meant. nt

[girl gone mad]

13. Rahm Emanuel is also a major drug war hawk.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Rahm Emanuel released the following statement in response to reports that Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez’ called the war on terror a real war, not like the war on drugs.

“Thanks for the white flag. From the United States’ most senior law enforcement official, the man who should be leading the war on drugs, this white flag of surrender will not be reassuring to the millions of parents trying to protect their kids.”

http://johnschwenkler.wordpress.com/2008/11/12/that-white-flag/

And Joe Biden cosponsored the dopey "RAVE act".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAVE_Act

[Fumesucker]

14. And let's not forget...

Joe Biden is the strongest drug war hawk on the Dem side of the aisle..

I think the pattern is being set here.

[scheming daemons]

11. A) That was 11 years ago.... B) The AG serves at the pleasure of the president

AG's don't set policy, they carry it out.

[Fumesucker]

12. As someone asked above..

Do you think the man has completely changed his opinion in 11 years?

[scheming daemons]

15. Doesn't matter.... what matters is OBAMA's opinion. Holder serves Obama's agenda, not his own

[Fumesucker]

18. Why won't you answer the question?

Do you think the man has changed his opinion 180 degrees?

If you think Holder won't bring his agenda with him, you really don't understand people very well.

[scheming daemons]

20. I've changed a lot of my opinions in 11 years.... I can't look into the man's mind

My point is that his agenda, whether he brings it "with him" or not, is no relevant.


At the moment he stops serving OBAMA'S agenda, he will likely cease to be employed.

[Fumesucker]

23. Drug warriors, like leopards, seldom change their spots..

And you don't put someone in charge of major policy who disagrees with you on a very basic level.

Not if you want your ideas carried out vigorously and effectively.

[Zhade]

17. So where does Obama stand on this? If he thinks it should remain illegal, he's wrong.

If he thinks it's dangerous, he's wrong.

If he thinks it leads to violence and/or crime, he's wrong.

If he think it has no medicinal properties, he's wrong - demonstrably so.

[girl gone mad]

19. Look at the quote above.

Rahm Emanuel thinks the Attorney General should be leading the War on Drugs.

Obama appoints a hardliner who wants serious jail time for those who sell even small amounts of marijuana for AG.

Why should we expect the policy to be anything but status quo? I would think it might even get stricter based on Emanuel and Holder's comments.

[Fumesucker]

21. As only Nixon could go to China..

So only a "conservative" can end the drug war.

Democrats will be crucified if they even try and, let's face it, Dems are not known for courage in the face of criticism these days.

[Duppers]

47. Point!

True, sadly true. It's sucks, doesn't it?!

[Ichingcarpenter]

22. Biden, Rahm and Holder have terrible records on Medical Marijuana laws.

Yet, I still hold out hope more than did
with what I have to deal with now.

They may change their tune
But I won't bet my stash on it.


Biden, Rahm and Holder have terrible records on Marijuana laws.


Biden record;
http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/08/that_queasy_feeling


Rahm:

“We are going to continue to find ways within the administration to fight legalization and the notion of legalization,” a key Clinton drug policy adviser said in defense of this unconstitutional policy, which ultimately was overturned by a federal appeals court. “We’re against the message that sends to children.”

Who was this zealous drug warrior, eager to forcibly suppress “the notion of legalization” in the name of protecting children? Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s chief of staff.




http://www.ontheissues.org/IL/Rahm_Emanuel_Drugs.htm

[Zhade]

28. FUCK RAHM. He'd rather people like me go blind.

NT!

[Fumesucker]

39. You can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs...

All policies have their downsides..

Just consider losing your vision as being a small sacrifice for the glorious vision of a drug free America.

And yes, I'm being sarcastic.

[4lbs]

25. So, as AG how can he do anything to make marijuana use a felony or de-criminalize it?

It's not like he can make state or federal law.

Gee, who does that? The various state senates and U.S. Congress.

If you are so damn gung ho about de-criminalizing marijuana, write your Congresspeople.

[Fumesucker]

26. The AG has nothing to do with the way law are enforced either..

Let's face it, the AG has almost no effect on law enforcement in the USA, it's purely a figurehead position. :eyes:

[4lbs]

27. You've obviously been "spoiled" by the way the AG operated under the Bush admin.

Eric Holder is a strict interpreter of the powers of the AG and how to enforce the laws. He doesn't believe in taking more powers than those expressly given him. He also doesn't believe in politicizing the office. That's why Obama chose him.

When he underwent confirmation hearings in 1997 to be Deputy US AG under Janet Reno, he was questioned about his stance on the death penalty. He stated he was not in favor of the death penalty, but as Deputy AG, he would enforce the federal death penalty statutes and pursue the death penalty in cases when warranted and ordered by Janet Reno.

Even if he disagrees with a law, he'll still enforce it and uphold it as required by his position. He won't suddenly change his thoughts to pursue a political agenda. In other words, he won't be another Alberto Gonzales.

[Fumesucker]

29. And the law is: drugs are illegal...

He won't have any problem at all upholding that part of the law, since he agrees with it.

[4lbs]

30. Yes, that's because it's still currently illegal under federal law.

So, if Congress passes a law decriminalizing marijuana, Holder won't be prosecuting or investigating people for it, even though he personally feels it should be a felony. He'll follow the letter of the law.

Thus, Congress holds all the cards. Convince Congress to decriminalize it, and Holder will uphold it regardless of his personal feelings.

[Zhade]

34. So, in essence - we're fucked.

NT!

[Fumesucker]

35. Perhaps you could list all the federal level politicians..

In favor of ending the drug war?

Which is a polite way of saying that Congress will never end the drug war.

It's not going to happen.

And Obama's pick of Holder makes it quite clear that Obama has no intention of moving things in a more positive direction.

[girl gone mad]

36. Didn't Clinton say one of his biggest regrets..

was not moving us towards a more sane drug policy?

I guess he was too busy getting the Republican/DLC corporate agenda passed.

[Fumesucker]

37. I don't remember Clinton saying that...

But then I'm a long way from knowing everything. :)

I'm one of those strange people that looks at the results of a politician's policies rather than listening to what they say..

[girl gone mad]

40. It was right after he left office.

I recall him giving an interview where he said he thought the nation was ready to move towards some decriminalization and he wished he had done something on that front.

Here's a lecture he gave more recently, along similar lines but specifically focusing on the harsh sentences for crack:

Bill Clinton admits 'regret' on crack cocaine sentencing

By DeWayne Wickham

PHILADELPHIA — It was an expression of regret that didn't seem to register with the knot of journalists who came to cover the event — an apology that deserves more than fleeting attention.

In a keynote address last week at a University of Pennsylvania symposium commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Kerner Commission report on the causes of racial disturbances in the 1960s, Bill Clinton did what many politicians find hard to do: admit he made a big mistake.

"I regret more than I can say that we didn't do more on it," he said about his administration's failure to end the disparate sentencing for people convicted of crack and powder cocaine offenses. "I'm prepared to spend a significant portion of whatever life I've got left on the earth trying to fix this because I think it's a cancer," the former president said of the devastating impact this sentencing imbalance has had on blacks.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/03/bill-clinton-ad.html

[Fumesucker]

42. The differences in crack vs powder cocaine sentencing..

Really wouldn't have made all that much difference in the black community I think, blacks would still have lost their right to vote and spent years in prison..

The cocaine sentencing itself is ridiculous, the disparity with crack is simply icing on the cake.

I honestly don't understand why more blacks aren't up in arms about the drug war, they suffer more than anyone else both from the legal effects and the (perhaps) unintended effects of increased violence, gang activity and drug use.

[Romulox]

50. You are 100% wrong on this. The AG has everything to do with which cases are PROSECUTED.

If there is no prosecution, there is no effective enforcement.

[Fumesucker]

54. I guess you missed the eye roll in my post...

Indicating that I did not believe what I was saying.

[Romulox]

55. Yep. Sorry. People were (are) saying that about EVERY Rightwinger Obama has appointed so far.

Parody is difficult when every outrageous, right wing apologist position is spouted by DU "progressives"...

[Fumesucker]

64. No problem...

You're right, parody and sarcasm are just about impossible these days.

[Le Taz Hot]

65. Nope.

The apologists are the "New Democrats" that will make excuses for everything this administration does. The progressives are the ones ringing the alarm bells and have been since LONG before the election. :hi:

[Romulox]

71. I agree, hence the scare quotes. nt

[Le Taz Hot]

74. Please forgive.

Senility's a bitch sometimes. ;-)

[slay]

32. All I can say is he had better have changed his tune - Marijuana is NOT the problem

Hopefully this guy has grown wiser over the years - OR hopefully Obama will get him in line to lay off weed. I hope Holder is publicly asked about his current views on marijuana. Very scary indeed. :scared:

[orleans]

43. OMG! yeah, sure--look how fucked up it made barack! what a "criminal!"

holder sounds like a royal asshole

[Fumesucker]

44. Good point...

Not to mention the long list of other very well known people who have smoked pot, some quite often.

Gore was a heavy pothead at one time, as was Gingrich.

[orleans]

45. well, obviously Gingrich is representative of the criminal element

caused by pot smoking

but i would say that is the exception rather than the rule.

maybe holder can explain to barack what a horrible thing dope is and how everybody that smokes is belongs in jail.

(ugh. the more i hear about this guy the more i don't like him)

note to barack: please hire people liberals can be proud of!

[Lochloosa]

46. Obama position is to end the Federal raids on states like CA.

Lighten up.

[Festivito]

48. Arghh. Another nut case in the AG office. Will he prosecute milk drinkers?

Almost all criminals have drunk milk. It's the gateway drink of criminals the world over.

There is always a chance that established men and women will grow up. Better late than never.

I was hoping Obama would have bigger balls. But, hey, we get what we get. Thank God it's not another Republican.

[Romulox]

51. It was clear that Obama was going to be a "drug warrior" when he selected Joe Biden as VP

It was also clear Obama was going to side with banks over people. :hi:

[TexasObserver]

52. let's hope Obama doesn't share that view

[Romulox]

53. How DO all those rightwingers end up in positions of power around him?

Maybe he's a victim of circumstance?

[kristopher]

56. I don't think we should read too much into this.

There are a LOT of issues out there, and drug policy is only one. My understanding is that Holder is seen as someone that can be trusted to root out and correct the politicization of the JD. He is inheriting a twisted legacy and the abuse of power issues are much higher priority.

Also. considering the nearly non-controversial nature of pot decriminalization, the budget problems are a strong lever. Incarceration rates and costs have to be on the budget table for reductions consideration. That MIGHT push for early action on the matter, but I also wouldn't bee too surprised to see it wait until O's second term so that it would affect reelection.

I DO think there will be an effort at some point, however.

[DS1]

57. I'm tired of idiot fuck crack and meth-heads ruining it for the rest of us

Just OD and fuck off forever you useless lousy worthless sacks of shit

[nebenaube]

60. The meth epidemic was the consequence of cracking down on weed! n/t

[DS1]

61. oh bull shit

people figuring out how to make a drug with cold pills, drano, and all sorts of other nasty shit is nowhere near people watering a plant in their own homes

[Fumesucker]

69. And of course, alcohol prohibition had nothing whatsoever to do with bathtub gin...

Eh?

[bigwillq]

58. We just have to see what happens.

I am not going to pass too much judgment until I see the Administration-elect in action. Everything right now is speculation. I do find it odd, though, that the A-E has a true Clinton-feel to it. Strange.

[-..__...]

59. Pot IS a "gateway" drug.

Get the facts...

Marijuana is the flame, heroin is the fuse, LSD is the bomb!

[Greyhound]

66. Damn, you got me.

I'm convinced now:rofl:

[-..__...]

68. Jack Webb is (was), the ultimate Freeper.

You gotta watch the"blue boy"] scene.

It's scream, but Webb was dead serious.

[notadmblnd]

78. I'd have to argue that it's alcohol or tobacco

people seem to forget these are drugs, the difference is.. they're legal. Two of the most dangerous and devastating of the bunch. Tobacco is more addictive than heroin and harder to break the habit of. And the loved ones of those suffering the effects of long term use, have to watch that individual die a pretty ugly death. Alcohol, I've seen it devastate so many lives. From abusive fathers and boyfriends to woman who neglect their children to the point of harm, along with the needless numbers of people dying on the highways because of the use of alcohol while driving. Marijuana THE gateway drug, I don't think so

[Ignis]

79. Well, he's right. LSD *is* the bomb.

:crazy:

[Initech]

70. Fuck him, seriously.

[gollygee]

72. I'm going to be optimistic here

and yes, I know I might be wrong.

But there has been a shift in public perception regarding marijuana in the past 10 years. He might have said that 10 years ago to get elected, but now that there's been that shift he might not still feel that way. Politicians are very receptive to public perception.

Just my hope. I've never used marijuana but it seems really stupid to spend so much money on having it be illegal when it doesn't sound any worse than alcohol, so I'd like to see it legal.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

73. The AG doesn't pass laws, last time I checked.

And I seriously doubt Holder is going to have much time to go after pot on his hands if he gets the job.

[Uzybone]

75. Only a dreamer would be thinking about decriminalization.

Neither candidate mentioned it on the campaign trail. Why would anyone think it would happen once he took office?

It will never happen until a candidate actually campaigns on the issue.

[wildbilln864]

76. God Damn it! nt

[Uncle Joe]

77. Well that sucks, I would think we would have reached some point of sanity regarding

the ridiculous, insane, corporate loving, criminalization of Marijuana.

The Orwellian so called "War Against Drugs" is nothing but a dead end, literally impossible to win unless the government totally destroys the American People's privacy and freedom first.

This is most disappointing.:-(