More on the New Drug Czar
February 13th, 2009 by Perry
The more I hear about our new director of national drug policy, Gil Kerlikowske, more I’m thinking he might not be a total disaster. Naturally, anything short of complete and utter legalization, or views more conservative than Marc Emery, and the MPP and NORML is disappointing. But there have been signs throughout Kerlikowske’s 36-year career that have shown he might not be a rank-and-file drug-war advocate.
Alison Holcomb, drug policy director for the ACLU of Washington, said Kerlikowske’s officers have “demonstrated compassion” in not arresting known growers and users in medical marijuana cases.
He recently gave his blessing to a pilot program in drug-plagued Belltown for officers to send drug users to treatment or job centers instead of jail. Treatment advocates praised Kerlikowske for setting a respectful tone emulated by the rank and file toward the city’s many innovative services for addicts.
In 2003, the chief had initially opposed Initiative 75, a measure approved by Seattle voters that made enforcement of marijuana for adult personal use the lowest priority for police and city attorneys. However, activists say he has since ordered his officers to implement the law.
These are all good signs for those holding out hope for an end to federal raids.
