DrugSense Email Fundraiser (index)

Date: January 03, 2008
Subject: Is that a light at the end of the Tunnel?

Is that a light at the end of the Tunnel?

Could it really happen in 2008?

Is it possible that in 2008 we might actually turn the corner on this endless, expensive, and ineffective War on Drugs?

There are definitely a few signs of hope. For one, although it's still early in the presidential election process, a number of candidates have already stated that, if elected, they will end the federal DEA raids on medical cannabis users and dispensaries ( http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1060/a11.html). In addition, support is growing for retroactively applying reductions in sentencing to those in prison for crack. This could free thousands of victims of mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which punish those associated with crack much more harshly than those facing charges for powder cocaine ( http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1458/a04.html).

However, these slight cracks in federal prohibition of illicit substances have not resulted from the compassion or kindness of elected officials. Instead, they emanate from years of educating the press and public, lobbying lawmakers at all levels of government, and pressure from drug policy reform organizations like DrugSense. If we're actually starting to see progressive policy shifts with regard to substance use, our hard work is just beginning.

And that's where DrugSense comes in. Resources like our Media Awareness Project (http://www.mapinc.org), which currently archives over 190 000 drug-related news stories, are invaluable resources for pushing an evidence-based approach to drug policy.

Getting accurate information to the media is important, but getting their attention can be difficult. To make this easier, we have compiled an incredible list of over 31,000 media contacts (including e-mail addresses, postal addresses, and fax numbers). And it's all available for FREE from our Media Contact On-Demand database ( http://mapinc.org/mcod/z_clickmap.htm).

If you're interested in local reform, please check out our Community Audits and Initiatives Project (http://www.drugsense.org/caip), which lists the initiative language, media strategies, and contact information of every major municipal drug policy reform initiative or audit in the last ten years.

Although these resources will help to move us away from drug laws based on fear and misinformation, and towards laws based on science, reason and compassion, none of this can happen without your support. DrugSense wants to encourage greater participation and involvement by everyone who cares about personal rights and liberties in this coming year. If you want to help out at the national level, then please check out our Activism Center (http://www.mapinc.org/resource/maf.htm).

The bottom line is that we need your financial support to continue our good work. To donate quickly and easily online, please click here: http://drugsense.org/donate/. All on-line donations are secure, private, and tax-deductible.

Checks can also be made payable to DrugSense and mailed to:

DrugSense
14252 Culver Dr #328
Irvine, CA 92604-0326

SPECIAL NOTE: You can spread your donation over the course of a year by automatically repeating it every month, quarter, or half year. Plus, online donations are private and secure. ( http://www.drugsense.org/donate/)

Even though it's clear that much work still needs to be done in 2008 to put an end to this war on our personal rights and freedoms, there may finally be a light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. This year, let's also remember to support those people and organizations that work so hard to make things better for all of us.

Happy New Year from DrugSense/MAP!

Mark Greer
Executive Director

P.S. Are you looking to make an even bigger impact on reform through your charitable giving? Please contact me for ideas on how to put your estate to work at DrugSense, both now and in the future, to create a legacy of sensible drug policies.

You have received this message because you are subscribed to one or more voluntary mailing lists (listserves) provided by DrugSense/MAP.

For more information please visit:

http://drugsense.org/mylists/20080103172629/borden@ee.net