Partners in crime

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. I knew the ONDCP and the Partnership For a Drug-Free America were in bed together, but the extent of the ONDCP's manipulation of actual TV shows revealed how we were the ones really getting fucked.

I was reintroduced to Mr. Forbes and his piece again today, when it ran as a flashback on the Drudge Report. Even though the story is close to 10 years old, it remains relevant today - and worthy of being discussed. So we'll take another shot at the ONDCP and the Partnership tonight. Plus, I'll recount my attendance at the 20th Anniversary Gala for the Partnership back in 2006. Best thousand bucks I ever spent - major hoot. Aside from the sweet irony of an open bar for the event, I bet emptying all the pockets and purses in the Waldorf-Astoria ballroom that night would have revealed a wide range of interesting drugs.

Also, Mary O'Grady over at the Wall Street Journal had another fine piece on the folly of drug prohibition. So tonight we'll give Mary her well deserved props.

Stay healthy and high when it helps