Anniversary of the War on Drugs

40th Anniversary of the War on Drugs

RALLY FOR CHANGE

Friday, June 17, 2011

Skyline Park, Between 16th and 17th Ave on Arapahoe St., Denver

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Liberty on the Rocks Debate

Friday, June 17, 2011

700 Kalamath St., Denver

Cocktail Reception/Free Appetizers

5:30 - 9:00

 

June 17, 2011 marks the 40th Anniversary of the War on Drugs which has had a devastating effect on people, families and communities, particularly minority and poor communities.  Drug policy reform advocates all across the county will mark the auspicious date with a day of action to raise awareness about the failure of drug prohibition and call for an exit strategy on the failed war on drugs.

 

CCJRC is helping to coordinate a rally in Denver which is part of a national day of action being organized in 15 states.  Speakers include:  Pam Clifton (CCJRC), Art Way (Drug Policy Alliance--Colorado), Mike Krause (Independence Institute), Dr. Vincent Harding (Iliff School of Theology), Jessie Ulibarri (ACLU-Colorado) Mason Tvert (SAFER) and others.

 

Liberty on the Rocks will also be hosting an evening educational forum which will be moderated by Mike Krause.   Panelists include:  Jessica Peck Corry (Attorney), District Attorney Carol Chambers (18th Judicial District) and David Williams (Gadsen Society).

 

"Some anniversaries provide an occasion for celebration, others a time for reflection, still others a time for action.  Forty years after president Nixon declared his war on drugs, we're seizing upon this anniversary to prompt both reflection and action.  And we're asking everyone who harbors reservations about the war on drugs--to join us in this enterprise."  Ethan Nadelmann, executive director Drug Policy Alliance

 

Colorado has made progress recently in passing relatively significant drug sentencing reform legislation, increasing funding for treatment, and passing needle exchange legislation.  However, Colorado still has along way to go before we achieve truly effective drug policy that is based in a health-oriented framework that protects civil liberties and fully utilized effective prevention and harm strategies.

 

Since the declaration of this War millions of people have been incarcerated for low-level drug violations and trillions of dollars have been spent, but addiction, overdose and incarceration are more prevalent than ever.  Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost in the United States due to drug overdose, Hepatitis C and AIDS because life-saving interventions were not readily available.

 

Please get involved and be part of this historic occasion as we continue to move forward for a safer and saner Colorado.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

CCJRC Staff (Pam, John, Ellen and Christie)