Jimbo
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Speaking in Seattle September 10, 2003 White House Drug Czar John Walters called for "a national debate" on marijuana policy. MPP's answer: We'll debate you anytime, anywhere!
Walters, who has repeatedly avoided debates or joint appearances with representatives of MPP and other drug policy reform organizations, brought up the subject during a press conference at which he denounced Seattle's Initiative 75, a measure to make arrest and prosecution of personal marijuana possession the lowest priority for local police and prosecutors. Despite–or perhaps because of–Walters' interference, the measure passed by an overwhelming margin.
Initial press reports of Walters' remarks did not mention the subject of a debate, but the September 17 Seattle Weekly quoted Walters as saying, "The real issue is, should we legalize marijuana? Let's have a national debate about that."
In a letter faxed to Walters' office that morning, MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia took Walters up on the proposal, offering to debate him on national television as soon as possible. "You were absolutely right when you told your Seattle audience that marijuana policy has never been properly and thoroughly debated in this country," Kampia wrote. "I have no doubt that–once armed with all the facts–the American people will make wise choices."
MPP Challenges Drug Czar To Debate Marijuana Policy
Walters, who has repeatedly avoided debates or joint appearances with representatives of MPP and other drug policy reform organizations, brought up the subject during a press conference at which he denounced Seattle's Initiative 75, a measure to make arrest and prosecution of personal marijuana possession the lowest priority for local police and prosecutors. Despite–or perhaps because of–Walters' interference, the measure passed by an overwhelming margin.
Initial press reports of Walters' remarks did not mention the subject of a debate, but the September 17 Seattle Weekly quoted Walters as saying, "The real issue is, should we legalize marijuana? Let's have a national debate about that."
In a letter faxed to Walters' office that morning, MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia took Walters up on the proposal, offering to debate him on national television as soon as possible. "You were absolutely right when you told your Seattle audience that marijuana policy has never been properly and thoroughly debated in this country," Kampia wrote. "I have no doubt that–once armed with all the facts–the American people will make wise choices."
MPP Challenges Drug Czar To Debate Marijuana Policy
