I want to let you know what DPA's national game plan is. We just completed a two-day planning session, and I'm excited about our prospects for change. Your part is going to be crucial if we're going to make drug policy reform a focus of the incoming Obama administration.

First, we're going to rein in and redefine the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). We're going to start by working -- both publicly and behind the scenes -- to influence who President Obama chooses as his Drug Czar. Our goal is to get someone who supports treatment, not incarceration; science, not religious moralizing; and civil liberties, not punitive policies. We're also going to do some legislative judo, flip the agency's budget on its head, and refocus it on health and human rights. Imagine a Drug Czar that is required by law to reduce the number of nonviolent offenders behind bars -- or required to implement policies that protect people's privacy. 

Second, we're going to build on the momentum from this year and work to push several issues across the finish line in Congress. With some of our strongest congressional allies now holding positions of leadership, we're already mobilizing to eliminate the crack/powder sentencing disparity, repeal the federal syringe ban and undo the Bush administration's Reefer Madness.

Finally, we're going to launch a national campaign to highlight the fact that America cannot afford drug prohibition. We couldn't afford it when times were good and we certainly cannot afford it now that deficits are rising, tax revenue is shrinking and the economy is teetering. This campaign will involve educating the public on cheaper and more effective alternatives to the war on drugs as well as convincing legislators that they can save money by cutting drug war waste. A good start would be killing those stupid anti-marijuana ads (you know, the ones that say if you smoke marijuana you're going to get your fist stuck in your mouth, shoot your best friend in the face, and disappoint your dog: all ads paid for with your tax dollars).

There are a lot of details for this national game plan that still need to be worked out but I wanted to share it with you as soon as possible. The next year may very well be the most important year in drug policy reform history. We have an unprecedented opportunity to reduce the problems associated with both drugs and drug prohibition, put a national spotlight on costly and inhumane policies and bring the war on drugs crashing down. I'm so glad you're with us.

Sincerely,
Bill Piper
Director, Office of National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance