Pubdate: Wed, 04 Sep 2013
Source: Corvallis Gazette-Times (OR)
Copyright: 2013 Lee Enterprises
Contact: https://gazettetimes-dot-com.bloxcms.com/app/forms/contact/letters/
Website: http://www.gazettetimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2976
Author: Michael Coolen

WE MUST NOT RESIST EFFORTS TO DEFUND THE FAILED DRUG WAR

The increased militarization of police in the U.S. has occurred in 
direct relationship to federal funding to local jurisdictions that 
have come not only to rely on that funding directly, but indirectly 
through the ability to seize and keep property during operations.

SWAT teams, including our local one, have benefited greatly from 
federal funding to purchase tank-like SWAT-mobiles, weapons and other 
equipment, and local police forces have not been shy in wanting to 
deploy these teams, even here in Corvallis. Use it or lose it.

The decision by the Department of Justice not to prosecute marijuana 
violations in Colorado and Washington was met by a furious and almost 
pathological response by major law enforcement agencies around the country.

Even though the War on Drugs has been a complete and tragic failure, 
these agencies have concluded that not only should they enforce the 
laws, but they should be able to decide which laws should be kept on 
the books, citing the need to "educate" the public. I wouldn't be 
that surprised to see a URL, www.NSA.edu.

The national militarization of policing places tremendous pressure on 
the more thoughtful members of local law enforcement. One noted that 
"instead of being a heavily armed meter maid in a fast car, I'm 
becoming a member of National Police Force."

De-funding the Drug War will bring great benefits to our nation, 
including slowing the rise of a police state. Local communities must 
avoid the temptation to replace that funding through local initiatives.

Michael Coolen

Corvallis
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom