Drug war research assistance needed

[Bradley in DC]

I'm working on a paper/proposal/coalition for more immediate and practical changes to the drug war.

Specifically, I'm looking for individuals willing to do some research into the positions of conservative, religious, libertarian, right-wing groups and institutions.

[Perry]

What's the basic synopsis?

[Bradley in DC]

What's the basic synopsis?

No one is happy with the status quo.

There is a lot of concern about different aspects of the status quo among non-traditional drug policy reform groups. Idea is to put those together as a coherent platform for change.

[Perry]

Just some general thoughts.
I think I would change that to, the status quo(drug war) does more harm than good.
It hurts more than it helps and costs more than it saves.
Why is there a war on drugs? what is/are the goal(s) of the war on drugs?
What goals have been met since the beginning of the war on drugs and are we close to attaining its end?
(these are all thinking points of course)

Another question, does this paper have a goal or is it simply to get a grade?
What will you be doing with it?

An idea I've thought about is putting into eloquent words exactly why one can be against both drugs(as in negative social behavior through chemical usage) and be against the drug war. So often the opposition falls back on the "what about the children?" brainwashing.
Sorry I'm not offering up any help here. These are just questions of general interest.
It's a topic I've always been interested in and have some knowledge of but I probably won't commit to doing any research.
Always like to stimulate thought though.

[pinkmandy]

Have you seen the documentary, "Grass"? It's awesome.

[Bradley in DC]

Before this thread goes awry, I have never smoked pot or done anything like that (and am very much opposed to it, actually) but am opposed to the drug war.

[wildebeest]

www.americandrugwar.com
The new DVD is out and maybe you should check it out
It contains a short clip of Ron Paul.

[wildebeest]

I see that on www.americandrugwar.com they are offering a 2 for 1 activist package.
In an attempt to support Barney Frank - purchase one copy of the “American Drug War” DVD and receive two copies.

"Keep one for yourself -we are on the honor system- and mail another to your State Representative, Congressman, Senator, News Agency or anyone else of power you think might have the balls to admit the Drug War’s failure. Please write them a personal letter that asks them to watch the film and to vote responsibly for HR 5843 and HR 5842.

If you’re Unable to mail the DVD yourself we will do it for you, at no extra cost! Unless otherwise indicated we will choose someone from your district."

[Mach]

Maybe you can find some "Upcoming Events" and get a live version of the current struggle for justice or just call them up and talk to them.

http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php

McCain for The War.... as usual.
http://www.leap.cc/link/124

[yongrel]

It's not at all worthy of scholarly citation, but Penn & Teller did an excellent episode on the War on Drugs.
Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HD6B94RURA&feature=related)
Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-lEm-IYuQU&feature=related)
Part 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVRUpmlEXJ4&feature=related)

Milton Friedman also made an appearance on PBS's Uncommon Knowledge to discuss the War on Drugs. Very good footage.
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=war+on+drugs&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv&oi=property_suggestions&resnum=0&ct=property-revision&cd=2

[yongrel]

Do you have access to any research databases?

[Bradley in DC]

Ok, thanks for the suggestions, but "No, I'm not interested in what anyone has has produced on the drug war, thanks."

I am looking for people willing to help research social conservative groups, etc.

No need to do this publicly, just send me a PM with your name and email address and what you're thinking, time availability, etc.