They're all in this HeadCount Issue Update!
Hello liberty lovers, we've got a lot of ground to cover: President Obama's Drug Czar, Gil Kerlikowske says he wants to end the war on drugs; but does the new drug control strategy released this month match up with the rhetoric? You might be surprised to learn that Laura Bush and her husband disagree on some important personal choice issues. And if UT Sen. Orrin Hatch's ode to the Jews made you uncomfortable, see what happens when you put him, a gun and Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan in the same room.
Plus, we've got the poll results from the last month's Community Question on personal liberty.
- The Obama administration released its annual drug control strategy this month and it signals a shift toward treating illegal drug use as more of a public health issue than a criminal justice issue. The plan proposes a 13% increase in funding for alcohol and drug prevention programs and a 3.7% increase for addiction treatment. However, the budget still calls for allocating almost two times more funds for law enforcement than treatment, leading some drug policy experts to call it an "imperfect improvement."
- For those of you that feel it's your right to control what you put into your own body (absent harm to others) the plan offers little sympathy. Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske stated that the administration is "firmly opposed to the legalization of marijuana." He hasn't made it clear how they will respond if the ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana in California passes this November. The AP recently published a searing piece that boldly reports the war on drugs is a total failure that has cost over $1 trillion and met none of its goals.
- In last month's update, we asked readers "What personal liberty issue is most important to you?" Marijuana legalization was selected by over 50% of participants and gay marriage, 2nd Amendment rights, economic freedom and free speech received a relatively equal number of votes.
- Laura Bush surprised America by announcing to Larry King that her support for gay marriage and keeping abortion legal were two areas where her and G.W. disagree. Be sure to check out the video on our blog.
- Howard Dean has released an open letter to President Obama demanding that the President repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" by the end of this year. At this time, almost 100,000 Americans have signed on in support of ending the policy that bans gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military.
- Finally, the possible appointment of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court has 2nd Amendment lovers putting her position on gun rights in the crosshairs. Just watch this super awkward moment she has with Sen. Orrin Hatch as he points out the handmade flintlock gat he hangs on his wall.
Still with me? Good. Because that's just the tip of the liberty bell. Be sure to follow us on Twitter where you'll find daily news updates on everything personal liberty.