DRUG WARS NEAR AND FAR

"For us, the only action we have is to maintain pressure against the
drug traffickers and act against their crops, harvests, labs, goods
and continue this frontal fight."

Colombia Vice President Francisco Santos, on the need for Colombia to
receive foreign aid to continue its war on drugs.

"It's high time to replace an ineffective strategy with more humane
and efficient drug policies."

Written by former Presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil,
Cesar Gaviria of Colombia, and Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico, suggesting
abandoning the war on drugs and focusing on prevention and education.

"I think the outcome would be very healthy for California and
California's economy."

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, about his proposed
legislation to legalize and tax marijuana.

"The last thing our society needs is yet more legal
intoxicants."

John Lovell, who represents the California Peace Officers'
Association, California Police Chiefs Association and California
Narcotic Officers' Association, and opposes Ammiano's bill.

"We need to stop the prosecutions, bring the prisoners home, and
begin working to eliminate the conflict between state and federal
medical marijuana laws."

Steph Sherer, executive director of Americans for Safe Access, the
nation's largest medical cannabis advocacy organization.

This article appeared on page H - 4 of the San Francisco Chronicle