daniel's blog

As this is the time of Halloween, let's take a look inside our candy bag to see if President Obama tossed in a trick or a treat. Every drug policy reform leader has wildly cheered the memo, so I'm guessing they see a treat. I'm not so sure. I think it could be a trick. So that's what we'll be discussing inside the Opium Den tonight. Should be interesting.

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Back in 2000, Daniel Forbes wrote a Salon.com piece detailing the secret collusion between the ONDCP and network TV to deliver anti-drug messaging. At first the deal was just to buy ad time (at a heavily discounted rate of 2 for 1), but it escalated into the ONDCP approving TV scripts that contained the "right message" for "the children." That's when the whole thing got really creepy. I remember reading it at the time and having a "what the fuck?" moment.

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A fair number of drug policy bloggers have been giving attention to a new report concerning how American domestic cannabis growers, specifically those supplying medical marijuana dispensaries, are giving the Mexican drug cartels a good run for their marijuana money. In the story, it is reported that Mexican cartels supply us with about 35M lbs of pot, and that it is roughly equal to half the American consumption, suggesting we consume around 70M lbs of bud. The article further states that 10% of Americans - or 32M of us - smoke pot in a given year (2007 was cited).

inks to listen live: iTunes or WinAmp Windows Real Media Player Real Player Call Daniel anytime during the show at 727.493.2205 or by using skype. Daniel's skype ID is thenewlibertarian

The October issue of a popular magazine for women (and, now, for this man), marie claire, ran a feature story titled "Stiletto Stoners." I was delighted to read it, as it confirmed what I've known for some time: smart, successful women like to indulge in cannabis. And I was even more delighted to see where the story generated a favorable and honest discussion on the Today show. (You can watch the Today show discussion on Hulu, as on other video blogs.) I recommend everyone read the piece - it's available in the magazine, of course, but also on many of the drug policy blogs.

Links to listen live: iTunes or WinAmp Windows Real Media Player Real Player Call Daniel anytime during the show at 727.493.2205 or by using skype. Daniel's skype ID is thenewlibertarian

The Patriot Act is back in the news today - as if it ever left. After September 11, during the debate over the Patriot Act, the Bush White House argued successfully for the authority to covertly break into any home in America anytime in a search for terrorists or their supporters. Their belief was that it didn't make sense to tell anyone they were under investigation - why give them a head's up before sneaking in and taking a look around? In Congress today, Senator Russ Feingold, the lone vote against the Patriot Act when it passed, quizzed Asst.

Links to listen live: iTunes or WinAmp Windows Real Media Player Real Player Call Daniel anytime during the show at 727.493.2205 or by using skype. Daniel's skype ID is thenewlibertarian