Sting: Let's End the War on Drugs

[marmar]

from HuffPost:



Sting
Composer, Singer, Actor, Activist
Posted: March 31, 2010

Let's End the War on Drugs


Whether it's music, activism or daily life, the one ideal to which I have always aspired is constant challenge -- taking risks, stepping out of my comfort zone, exploring new ideas.

I am writing because I believe the United States must do precisely that -- and so, therefore, must all of us -- in the case of what has been the most unsuccessful, unjust yet untouchable issue in politics: the War on Drugs.

The War on Drugs has failed -- but it's worse than that. It is actively harming our society. Violent crime is thriving in the shadows to which the drug trade has been consigned. People who genuinely need help can't get it. Neither can people who need medical marijuana to treat terrible diseases. We are spending billions, filling up our prisons with non-violent offenders and sacrificing our liberties.

For too long, the War on Drugs has been a sacrosanct undertaking that was virtually immune from criticism in the public realm. Politicians dared not disagree for fear of being stigmatized as "soft on crime." Any activist who spoke up was dismissed as a fringe element.

But recently, I discovered just how much that's changing--and that's how I came to speak out on behalf of an extraordinary organization called the Drug Policy Alliance. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sting/lets-end-the-war-on-drugs_b_519505.html

[saltpoint]

1. Whether you like his music or don't, Mr. Sumner is a pretty smart cookie.

I do like the music -- the Police and the solo work also -- and I appreciate his progressive world view.

[msongs]

2. too many americans make legal money off drugs being illegal like cops etc. great idea tho nt

[Fumesucker]

3. I would guess that even here on DU a majority don't want to end the drug war..

Oh, most of us want to scale it back some but completely end it? No way..

[spanone]

4. a-fucking-men mr sting

[leftstreet]

5. Somebody call the police!

K&R

[Catshrink]

6. LOL

[progressoid]

10. I've always been rather partial to their next album

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uB-0D-gV8mY/SN8KRA5n0VI/AAAAAAAAL_o/kAmVsfYniXM/s400/police

[TheDebbieDee]

7. Everyone's a loser in the war on drugs except the people who build prisons!

[Odin2005]

8. Sting is awesome, as usual!

[aikoaiko]

9. I agree with Sting, but legalization might not solve the problems many hope it will

Both the legitimate and illegitimate plays in the drug trade have a lot invested and they won't go away easily.

After all, organized crime didn't go away after prohibition ended, they turned to other illicit activities.

I don't know what would replace drugs, but something might.