The GOP has generously donated fresh tomatoes for the potluck.

where is Jeff Merkley's goofy Flannel Shirt?

Merkeley is the democratic machine candidate and Obama is the progressive newcomer: what makes you think Obama's coattails will help Merkeley?

Gordo will win this election unless he withdraws from the race. He'll win 60% of the votes with a decent effort.

Well Mike, if Merkley can imbed in the voters minds photo op images of Gordon fairly recently visiting Colombia seeking yet more trade agreements like the ones that are already crushing American workers & small businesses, Merkley will win by a landslide.

Get back under the bridge, Mike.

Honestly. I visit this blog because I want Merkley to win then you all seem kind of cozy and personal. Mike's right, Merkley's behind in the polls, not on issues, but because Smith is familiar and (honestly) comes across better on TV. I suppose I ought to just stop typing and go out and do something.

July 14, 2008

“Merkley Will Fight Meth,” reads the subheading under the heading, “The Jeff Merkley Plan to Protect Children and Families from Violent Crime” posted at JeffMerkley.com. I read through Mr. Merkley’s “plan” and I’m sorry to report, I see nothing “progressive” in his “meth” plan. Like most politicians, including Gordon Smith, Merkley continues to ignore the drug prohibition dynamic; instead he resorts to fear and ignorance, while creating a Drug War police state in the process. Meth addiction may be sad and tragic, but I’m not giving up my rights in a futile fight to save everyone from himself or herself.

For example, while it’s true clandestine meth production in Oregon and elsewhere has declined – and that’s certainly a good thing – yet it’s clear, since Merkley’s law treating everyone with sniffles like a criminal, and despite less production in Oregon along with record levels of interdiction by law enforcement, the meth supply side has seen little impact. On the street, the price of a gram of crystal has remained constant. Out-of-state and Mexican producers and shippers quickly made up for any shortage of the drug. Please keep in mind it’s estimated to cost about $100 to make an ounce of meth, with a street value of $800 an ounce.

The law Mr. Merkley, and the pro-drug war politicians are so proud of is, in effect, a boom to domestic and international drug cartels, especially in Mexico. It’s all explained, by the federal gov’t, here.

As with all recreational drugs the vast majority of adult users are not abusers. Simply put we do not have, nor have we ever had a “meth epidemic.” According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2004, (the last year numbers are available) an estimated 600,000 (0.2% of the US population) had used meth during the past month. Source. Interim numbers seem to indicate meth use in general is in decline.

Sadly, like other illegal drugs subject to blanket prohibitions and the subsequent lack of regulatory control, young people account for “The highest rate of methamphetamine use during the past year,” according to the same SAMHSA reference above. Our current meth laws are not protecting children and more of the same will not help. We need a new approach to meth and all drug policy.

It’s common knowledge that a great deal of crime and violence in our society is related to the buying and selling of illegal drugs, our first priority in fighting this scourge should be to take away the enormous, untaxed profits associated with drug production and distribution that have empowered criminal enterprises worldwide. Most of the “drug problem” in our society is related more to an out of control drug market, not actual drug use. Control the drug market, and we can do a much better job of policing, healing and protecting our young people from dangerous drugs like meth.

So, Mr. Merkley get real or get lost!