HOT OFF THE 'NET

GAO CONCERNS REGARDING RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH

GAO-08-146T, October 10, 2007

GAO found thousands of allegations of abuse, some of which involved
death, at residential treatment programs across the country and in
American-owned and American-operated facilities abroad between the
years 1990 and 2007.

http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-08-146T

THE WAR ON POT - AMERICA'S $42 BILLION ANNUAL BOONDOGGLE

By Rob Kampia

What else could we spend $42 billion each year on? Health insurance
for kids? Better paid teachers? It's our choice.

http://alternet.org/drugreporter/64465/

THE UN REVIEW OF GLOBAL POLICY ON ILLEGAL DRUGS

An Advocacy Guide for Civil Society

This advocacy guide, published by the International Drug Policy
Consortium, serves as an introduction to the structure and operation
of the UN drug control system, and describes the forthcoming process
of review leading to the political meeting in 2009. It also
introduces the advocacy themes that the IDPC will be working on
throughout this process, and invites like-minded NGOs to become involved.

http://www.drugpolicy.org/docUploads/100707idpc.pdf

CULTURAL BAGGAGE RADIO SHOW

10/10/07: Celebrating 6 Years of Drug Truth, Mike Smithson LEAP,
Kevin Zeese, Bruce Mirken + Canada's PM, Marc Emery, Poppygate & more!

http://drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/FDBCB_101007.mp3

09/28/07: Sanho Tree situation in Colombia + Poppygate & Bruce Mirken
Marijuana Policy Project

http://drugtruth.net/007DTNaudio/FDBCB_092807.mp3

Listen Live Tuesdays 12.30 PM ET, 11:30 AM CT, 10:30 MT & 9:30 AM PT
at www.KPFT.org

GOP CANDIDATES COLD-SHOULDER MEDICINAL CANNABIS PATIENTS

Giuliani: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJdc9ULT02k

Huckabee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReVAk_IxLVM

McCain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAlH1oZ0NfU

Romney: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY6UTnS6Z-A

THE DRUG CZAR IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO LIE

By Peter Guither

Most people know that the "drug czar" -- the director of the White
House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) -- is an
advocate for the government position regarding the drug war. But not
everyone knows that he and his office are mandated to tell lies as
part of their Congressional authorization.

http://tinyurl.com/252ofy

AUTHOR SAYS LETTING KIDS DRINK EARLY REDUCES BINGING

Stanton Peele says other cultures have figured it out. He points to
Italy, Greece and Israel, where children are given small amounts of
wine at religious celebrations or watered-down alcohol on special occasions.

But many other experts say the psychologist is off base. "That's
ridiculous," says Calvina Fay, executive director of the Drug Free
America Foundation. "By allowing teens to drink," Fay says, "you are
giving permission to your children to do harmful things."

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/27/kid.drinking/

WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS WEEK

CONTACT THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Demand Action for Safe Access!

As the presidential primaries get closer and closer, we need to know
where all the candidates stand on important medical marijuana issues.
Call, write, and ask the candidates in person on their campaign trail
where they stand on medical marijuana.

http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5103

STOP BUSH'S DRUG WAR DRAFT!

Largely due to the unpopular war in Iraq, the U.S. Military is having
trouble meeting its recruiting goals.

To make up for the enlistment shortcomings, the Bush administration
has loosened restrictions and is granting more so-called "character
waivers" to allow more people with drug convictions to sign up.

Meanwhile, President Bush and some of his friends in Congress support
a law that has prevented 200,000 aspiring students from getting the
financial aid they need to afford college just because they have drug
convictions (most often for misdemeanor marijuana possession).

Take action now and tell Congress to have the character it takes to
give young people all the opportunities they need for success.

Visit http://drugwardraft.com/