Commentary

THE PROGRESSIVE VOICE OF REFORM

DO WE REALLY NEED THESE DINOSAURS ?

At this juncture in the Reform Movement as we struggle to finely find some justice, we all should be asking ourselves, are we really being well served by the institutions we have created. Are organizations like NORML, The Drug Policy Foundation and the Lindesmith Center really the answer.

When this movement first started it was run by Activists as a lobbying group for the Cannabis Consumer. In its first 5 years, starting in 1971, groups like NORML (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) had succeeded in changing the laws in 14 states (13 decrim. and 1 legal). Since then , most of the institutions we created have been taken over by a small group of "Right Wing Elitists" who honestly believe that the common rank and file are not good enough to run these organizations. THESE PEOPLE DON'T SEEM TO HAVE THE CORRECT PEDIGREE !

The Drug Law Reform Movement had its greatest gains when it concentrated directly on the political process. When electing politicians that support our point of view was important, regardless of what party they happened to belong to. The present situation the country is in was caused by Government and can only be remedied by Government. We have no one to blame but ourselves. After all, we elected all of these wing-nuts and apparently are content to continue to do so.

It's time to shut all of these organizations down. While they profess to work on our behalf, I defy anyone to point to any significant changes for the better since the mid 70's. Things have only gotten worse.

What is needed is a National Political Action Committee that will work directly to influence local, state and federal elections. In addition, if the current elected officials continue to refuse to listen to us, we should use local recall laws to remove these characters from office before their terms end. The minute we as a movement prove that we have significant political power, its all over, its finished. We will have won !

Once we show that we can prevent anyone we want from holding office, the power hungry Drug War Fascists now controlling the Government will be forced to realize that we are not going away and they will have to deal with us.

ITS TIME TO STOP PLAYING DEFENSE AND START PLAYING OFFENSE