[On a personal note, I thought I would be posting to the Mpls Issues
list more, not less as the case is, when I chose to run for public
office. I apologize for not-so-prompt follow-ups to responses from my
posts. It is important to me to keep the discussion going. Nevertheless,
my posts seem to be generating some of that vital civic dialog. AN]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The time has come for an honest dialog about our nation's failed War on
Drugs, its negative effects on our people, and what we can do as a city
to reduce the harm that is a direct result of our failed national policy.
At first glance, the problem seems too large. African Americans are
imprisoned at 20 times the rate of Caucasians, mostly for drug offenses.
Data from the Uniform Crime Reports and the United States Census Bureau
show that in 2000, 44% of all African American Hennepin County men had
been arrested and booked. Minneapolis ranks 4th in the greatest
disparities in Black and White marijuana possession arrest rates in
metropolitan core counties.
The drugs laws, disproportionally enforced, have created a huge
underground and decentralized illegal market where the storefronts are
in poorer urban neighborhoods, like in some neighborhoods in the
Northside, and where gangs are willing to kill over the marijuana market
- a drug in which no one has ever died from its use. The War on Drugs
itself has shattered millions of lives, left many families torn due to
harsh incarceration sentences, and has added fuel to the fire in respect
to gangs in Minneapolis. It's time for a sensible drug policy, and time
to educate, advocate, and organize for reform of our nation's draconian
and failed drug war at the municipal level.
1. We must and pass (and I will author) a harm reduction statement and
resolution against our nation's failed War on Drugs - like the Frankfurt
and Hoover resolutions in other cities - which is an outline for policy
that calls for the de-penalization and de-criminalization of drug users
with a focus on treatment. Largely symbolic, this resolution has been
the beginning of real reform in other municipalities.
2. We must de-criminalize the responsible personal use of marijuana by
adults, making this a non-arrest able offense and the lowest possible
police priority, via an ordinance similar to Measure Z in Oakland.
Criminalizing marijuana has unfairly imprisoned thousands of nonviolent
offenders, including a disproportionate number of people of color.
Meanwhile, our police are expending precious time, energy, and manpower
they could be using to focus on violent crime. De-criminalization will
allow Minneapolis police to focus on fighting violent crime and reducing
the homicide rate instead of on nonviolent marijuana offenses.
3. We must develop a legal framework for marijuana normalization in the
city - whether licensed through liquor stores and/or tobacco shops - to
prepare the for the state and federal laws to be reformed. This may be
politically challenging, but ultimately, this is responsible city policy
to be developed. This will also include a legal framework for the proper
medical use of marijuana by those who are disabled, sick and dying in
Minneapolis from dehibilitating medical conditions, like AIDS.
This is the stand I believe we must take. It is courageous to address
the root issues, offer new solutions, and have a vision for long-term
livability in all of Minneapolis. We cannot wait any longer for
cut-and-paste policies from the past - that have not generating concrete
improvements in people’s lives in this city - to address serious and
complex issues, like drugs, gangs, and policing as we shape the 21st
century. This is why we must put forth authentic progressive priorities
and policy, regardless of electoral chances and outcomes, so that we
create the most livable, just, and peaceful Minneapolis possible.
Aaron Neumann
Candidate for Minneapolis City Council (Green)
Ward 3 - Northside * Northeast * Southeast
Neighbors for Neumann!
1828 Marshall St. NE #18
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612.788.1284
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://VoteNeumann.org
/Bridging our Diverse Communities with Social, Economic, and
Environmental Justice - Authentic Progressive Priorities for Minneapolis//
// //
/"Politics isn't about big money or power games; it's about the
improvement of people's lives." - Paul Wellstone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMINDERS:
1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If
you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL
PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[email protected]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
