Tag Archive for 'henry-waxman'

10
Oct

Another email to Wax Man, D Fine, and Boxy Lady

Rep. Henry Waxman

Senator Dianne Feinstein

Senator Barbara Boxer

Representatives,

It’s me, Nick Adams, again. I’m sure you guys are well aware of the report issued by the Global Cannabis Commission. You know, the international group of scientists who studied the issue of global cannabis policy and then released their findings in a 226-page paper, Cannabis Policy: Moving Beyond Stalemate? Just in case you haven’t gotten around to reading all about it, I thought I’d point out some of the highlights of their report.

The enforcement effort has not had much success in deterring use.

Translation: With regards to marijuana, the drug war has been a failure.

The probability and scale of harm among heavy cannabis users is modest

compared with that caused by many other psychoactive substances, both

legal and illegal, in common use, namely, alcohol, tobacco, amphetamines,

cocaine and heroin.

Translation: It’s less harmful than alcohol and tobacco.

The rationale for severe penalties for possession offenses is weak on both

normative and practical grounds. In many developed countries a majority of

adults born in the past half-century have used cannabis. Control regimes that

criminalize users are intrusive on privacy, socially divisive and expensive.

Thus it is worth considering alternatives.

Translation: Our current marijuana laws are costly and infringe on our civil liberties.

In countries where data are available, arrest rates are sharply higher for many

minority and socially disadvantaged groups.

Translation: The war on marijuana disproportionately effects minorities and poor people.

Given this data, I’m sure that you will all immediately reconsider your illogical and counter-productive stance on the continued criminalization of marijuana.

27
May

Another non-response from Henry Waxman

 

And here I was thinking that I might get an actual substantive answer from someone who is elected to represent my interest in Washington.  Silly me.

————————

May 27, 2008

Mr. Nick Adams
8335 1/4 Blackburn Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90048-4217

Dear Mr. Adams:

       Thank you for contacting me to follow up on our recent
correspondence concerning H.R. 5843, a bill to remove federal
penalties for the personal use of marijuana.  Although we have a
different perspective on the issue, I appreciate having the benefit
of your view.  I hope you will continue to keep in touch in the
future on matters of concern.

     To learn more about my work in Congress or sign up for
periodic e-mail updates, please visit www.waxman.house.gov and
http://oversight.house.gov.

     Again, thank you for contacting me and I hope you will
continue to keep in touch on issues of concern.

       With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Member of Congress.

—————————–

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

 

The Honorable Henry Waxman
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

 

Dear Representative Waxman,

I’m just curious as to what your perspective is.  I have taken the logical and common sense tact that there is no reason to continue the criminalization of a substance that has been demonstrated to be significantly less harmful to the user and to society than alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.  Since you have refused to even address the points that I made in my original letter, it’s impossible for me to know where you stand.  I’ll repeat:

Right now, thousands of your constituents in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are partaking of marijuana in the comfort and safety of their own homes, harming no one.

Why continue to treat them like criminals?

 

Sincerely, 

 

Nick Adams

21
May

Giving credit where it’s due

I don’t know shit about the House Rules or Jefferson’s Manual, but I do know a double talking bureaucrat when I see one. Henry Waxman is trying his best to get a straight answer out of EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson.  When Darrell Issa tries to interrupt, he comes this close to getting the business end of the gavel.  Great job Rep. Waxman!  Now, answer my question.

Also, there are three C-Spans now? 

 

15
May

A reply from Henry Waxman

I contacted Rep. Waxman and urged him to support HR 5843.   This is his reply. 

May 13, 2008

Mr. Nick Adams
8335 1/4 Blackburn Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90048-4217

Dear Mr. Adams:

       Thank you for contacting me to express your support for
the legalization of recreational drug use.  I appreciate your taking
the time to get in touch.

       As you know, studies show that illegal drugs damage the
human brain, and many of these drugs have addictive properties
and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities.
While I do not support the legalization of recreational drug use, I
believe that individuals suffering from terminal diseases such as
cancer and AIDS should receive compassionate pain relief through
drugs and therapies, including medicinal marijuana.  I have also
long advocated the use of needle exchange programs as an
effective public health measure.

       For decades, federal and state governments have pursued
anti-drug policies that stress punishment over prevention and
treatment.  As a result, first-time nonviolent drug offenders have
overwhelmed prison systems.  I believe we must bring balance to
our policy and have consistently supported significant increases in
funding for prevention and treatment programs.  I have also
strongly opposed mandatory sentencing laws for first-time
nonviolent offenders.

       Although we have a different perspective on this issue, I
appreciate your taking the time to contact me, and hope you will
stay in touch on issues of concern.

        To learn more about my work in Congress or sign up for periodic
e-mail updates, please visit www.house.gov/waxman and
www.oversight.house.gov.

       With kind regards, I am

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Member of Congress.

———————

My reply:

The Honorable Henry Waxman
2204 Rayburn House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Rep. Waxman,

Thank you for your reply. In your letter you state the following:

As you know, studies show that illegal drugs damage the
human brain, and many of these drugs have addictive properties
and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities.

First of all, we must keep this conversation specific to marijuana.  By using phrases like "illegal drugs" and "these drugs" you’re attempting to lump marijuana in with significantly more dangerous and physically addictive drugs like cocaine, heroin and meth.  That’s the same tactic used by the DEA, Partnership for a Drug Free America, etc.  You and I both know that this is a  scientifically and medically unsound comparison to make.  We know this, of course, because of the findings of doctors and scientists.  I pointed you toward some of those findings in my initial letter. As one of the many individuals whom you are charged with serving, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from using such transparent tactics in the future. Frankly, it’s an insult. 

I contacted you specifically about HR 5843.  This is a bill that would decriminalize possession of a substance that we know to be less harmful to the user and to society than alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.  Ironically all those substances can "damage the human brain…have addictive properties and take a huge toll on drug users, their families, and communities." 

I eagerly await a more logical and fact-based response. 

Sincerely,

 

Nick Adams

 

 

 

 




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