Time to De-Felonize Drug Possession

Barry, My Liege :

First, a confession - I have supported the War on Drugs.

But, now is a good time to recognize that the War has failed.

The War on Drugs was going to prevent lives from being ruined, reduce crime and violence and lead to both a safer society and safer streets.

It didn't do any of that.

Instead, now we have jails and prisons full of people with non-violent criminal convictions.

When they come out, they have little hope, few prospects and a post graduate degree in criminal behavior.

Crime is up, social disintegration continues and violence is endemic.

Maybe by reducing the penalties for simple possession, we can reclaim our streets from the violence we see today. It couldn't be worse than the current situation - and a lot of knowledgeable folks think it will be better.

Turns out voters, police, political conservatives and judges all think it is time to reduce sentences for drug possession.

[See C. W. Nevius here : http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/nevius/article/Softening-law-on-hard-drugs-creates-unlikely-5187071.php]

How about you, My Liege : Can we support giving some hope to prisoners convicted of non-violent offenses?

Maybe it would turn the ship of society a few degrees in a better direction.

Your faithful servant,