The simple truth about America’s marijuana prohibition: any law that allows the easy incarceration of any citizen any time those in power want to do it is the ultimate enemy of democracy. With 800,000 annual arrests over an herb used by tens of millions of Americans, it is the cornerstone of a police state.

The newly energized movement to end prohibition in California – home to more than 10% of the nation – is one of the few healthy developments in this otherwise horrific election.

Grow Great Marijuana: ... Edwards, Logan Best Price: $4.58 Buy New $18.91 (as of 12:30 UTC - Details)

To help pass Proposition 19, go here and sign up to make phone calls in these last crucial hours.

Part of the battle has already been won. By all accounts the California campaign has thrust the issue to a new level. The terms of repeal are not perfect. But the acceptance of marijuana use has taken a giant leap forward. When joints are openly lit and smoked on national television, it’s clear that sooner rather than later, this travesty will fall.

Last Call: The Rise an... Daniel Okrent Best Price: $1.95 Buy New $19.95 (as of 09:55 UTC - Details)

The California campaign has drawn the sides clearly. Demanding continued prohibition first and foremost are the drug dealers who profit directly. As Dan Okrent has shown in Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, organized crime booms around such bans.

With them are the prison builders and operators, plus the lawyers, judges, guards and street cops who make their livings off the human agony of this endless stream of meaningless arrests. To their credit, some of these – especially cops who actually care about controlling actual crime – have come out for legalization.

Then come the alcohol and tobacco pushers who don’t want the competition from a recreational substance that – like renewable energy – can be raised and controlled locally. Ditto Big Pharma, which fears marijuana as a superior anti-depressant with healing capabilities far beyond a whole multi-billlion-dollar arsenal of prescription drugs with deadly side effects. They fear an herbal medicine whose warning labels will be limited to statements like: "Caution – use of this healing herb may lead to excessive desire for chocolate cup cakes."

Ultimately it’s the politicians who cling to a prohibition that enhances their power. One after the other they endorse more arrests and fiscal insanity.

Read the rest of the article

November 4, 2010

The Best of Harvey Wasserman