"Like other interest groups, the drug reform movement has the Obama transition under a microscope, searching for clues on the new administration's intentions as it scrutinizes those appointments for positions that are going to be key to advancing the cause. Some of the Obama transition team's early moves have some drug reformers sounding alarm bells, but other reformers -- not so much.
Eric Holder -- not the reformer's dream pick Drug reformers were not particularly enthralled with Obama's vice-president selection, Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), who made a career authoring drug war legislation. Biden can rightfully claim to be the father of the drug czar's office, he was a big fan of harsh sentencing laws, he crafted the horrid RAVE Act. Never encountering a "drug problem" that couldn't be fixed with another federal criminal law, Biden most recently authored a bill that would criminalize being on board a home-made submarine carrying drugs.
While Biden may have begun to see the light in recent years -- he is author of one of the best bills seeking to address the crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity (which he helped create) -- drug reformers remain deeply suspicious of a man who built a political power base on the shoulders of the assembled ranks of law enforcement."
I never knew this about Senator Biden and I must say I am disappointed. I see that Eric Holder probably won't be counted on to release all the people arrested for marijuana when he becomes the next Attorney General. I was thinking, "great, finally a black man that will release all the poor black men who are in jail for small misdemeanor drug charges." Obama, Obama, Obama. Please decriminalize drugs. We could get out of debit quickly just on the taxes that would be charged on marijuana if it were to become legal with the same sentences imposed on drunk drivers if you smoke and drive.
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