VOTE TO END THE WAR ON DRUGS On Nov. 7, UI students should take a moment from the presidential elections and watch the returns from Alaska. Alaska's Ballot Measure 5 would legalize marijuana for all adults. Furthermore, the measure would be retroactive, granting amnesty to many current prisoners of the war on drugs in Alaska. The measure made it onto the ballot with more than twice the required number of signatures. It is not surprising to see potential for such a bold move for freedom in Alaska. It is the only state libertarian enough to pay its citizens instead of taxing them. The idea that liberty extends to social policies as well as economic policies should not be surprising. Students at the UI should take note of what is going on up north. If you have ever gotten high, you should ask yourself if you should be in jail right now. Most of you have friends and family who have gotten high. Should your friends and family be in prison? Even if you believe that those close to you have never used marijuana, you could still be a victim of the war on drugs. Our drug laws let the government listen to your phone calls and intrude into your private life. Congress is trying to let federal agencies subpoena your private records without your knowledge or a court warrant. If the police get the wrong address with a no-knock search warrant (so that you don't have time to flush the drugs down the toilet), you could get shot after the government busts down your door and shoots your dog. Regrettably, even if the measure in Alaska passes, the measure would not abolish the Drug Enforcement Administration. California allows individuals to have more than an ounce of marijuana for medical use. That did not stop the federal government from breaking into Peter McWilliams' house in California. After they found marijuana at his home, the government gave him regular drug tests to ensure that his use stopped. McWilliams takes anti-virals to help him fight AIDS. He was taking marijuana to help with nausea. After the government took away his marijuana, the nausea set in, and McWilliams died choking on his own vomit. The war on marijuana kills peaceful people. Though the vote on marijuana is in Alaska, UI students can help. UI students can vote for federal candidates who want to end the federal war on drugs so that states such as Alaska can free their citizens. Libertarian Russ Madden is running for Congress in Iowa's 1st District; he will support liberty by fighting to end the war on marijuana. For president, you can vote for Harry Browne, Libertarian, or Ralph Nader, Green, who both support ending the war on drugs.
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