Taking Action
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Search the Week Online/Rapid Response Bulletins.

The Archive

DRCNet Rapid-Response Bulletins
in reverse chronological order

1997

7/28

Drug Policy Media Alert -- Court TV and The Economist. Bulletin informing readers of Court TV coverage of the Chai Project needle exchange trial and the money laundering cover title in The Economist magazine.

7/24

The Week Online with DRCnet, issue #4. Request for members to write to the President, Congress, and the New York Times in support of the administration's advocacy of reducing crack cocaine sentences, and in opposition to their call to raise powder cocaine sentences.

7/22

Legislative/Media Alert on Crack/Cocaine Sentencing Disparity. Request for members to write to the President, Congress, and the New York Times in support of the administration's advocacy of reducing crack cocaine sentences, and in opposition to their call to raise powder cocaine sentences.

7/17

The Week Online with DRCNet, issue #3. Third edition of DRCNet's weekly update on results of past action alerts and happenings with the organization.

7/10

The Week Online with DRCNet, issue #2. Second edition of DRCNet's weekly update on results of past action alerts and happenings with the organization.

7/5

DRCNet Gets Top Feature in Wired News! Announcement of DRCNet's first major publicity, with letter-writing feedback request..

7/2

The Week Online with DRCNet. First edition of DRCNet's weekly update on results of past action alerts and happenings with the organization.

6/24

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Recriminalization in Oregon. Request for phone calls and faxes urging Oregon's governor to veto a bill restoring criminal penalties for possession of small quantities of marijuana.

6/21

New York Times Misrepresents Online Drug Policy Reform. Request for letters to the editor to be sent to the New York Times responding to their drugs and the Internet front page article.

6/17

URGENT: 6/18 Vote on Forfeiture Reform Bill (Tomorrow). Letter writing request in support of the bipartisan Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 1997.

6/2

Support for DPR Needed Within and Without Connecticut. Action alert in support of drug policy reform legislation in the Connecticut legislature.

5/21

Letters Needed This Week, and Other Items. Alert on public housing bill amendments requiring eviction of tenants convicted of drug offenses, and announcement of RAND study on mandatory minimum sentencing.

5/16

Will Foster Update and Action Alert. Action alert on behalf of Will Foster, patient serving 93 years for a first-time marijuana offense, who was being denied medical care by the prison authorities and was in danger of losing his legs.

5/11

Drug Policy Forum in New York City with Hugh Downs, 5/14. Announcement of public forum on drugs, prisons and justice, sponsored by the Partnership for Responsible Drug Information.

5/8

Urgent Federal Action Alert. Alert on public housing bill amendments requiring eviction of tenants convicted of drug offenses.

5/5

Washington, DC Action Opportunities THIS WEEK. Announcement of public hearings on District of Columbia marijuana mandatory minimum bill and FAMM rally on the Capitol steps.

5/2

Good News from Cleveland Needle Exchange. News release from the City of Cleveland of official acceptance of The Xchange Point needle exchange program, formerly threatened with prosecution.

5/1

ALERT: Santa Cruz Needle Exchange Facing Arrests. Letter-writing alert in support the Santa Cruz Needle Exchange Program, facing difficulties in their usually smooth relations with the city police.

4/28

Oregon Recriminalization Vote Tomorrow. Action alert in opposition to marijuana recriminalization bill in the Oregon legislature..

4/23

ALERT: Human Rights Abuses in Bolivian Drug War. Report and letter writing request on violence and other rights violations by Bolivian antinarcotics and other police forces.

4/19

ALERT: Major Canadian Newspaper Criticizes Drug Prohibition. Letter writing request in response to and support of The Ottawa Citizen's series of editorials criticizing prohibition.

4/17

Drug Policy Foundation Web Site Online. Press release from the Drug Policy Foundation, announcing the inauguration of their web site, and their pro bono advertising in Wired magazine.

4/17

ALERT: Important Federal Legislative Update. Action alert on federal crime bills and other legislation..

4/17

The Sky is Falling II. Urgent appeal for donations.

4/11

Federal Judge Says "Hands Off Doctors". Announcement of temporary restraining order against federal government regarding legal sanctions against doctors who recommend medicinal use of marijuana.

4/10

Major Constitutional Challenge to Canadian Drug Laws. Announcement of upcoming case in Canadian Supreme Court and information on how to donate to it.

4/10

Drug Policy Reform Calendar. April 10 edition of The Reformer's Calendar.

4/3

Oppose Drug Criminalization in Oregon. Action alert in opposition to several drug war bills and in support for medical marijuana and industrial hemp legislation..

4/3

Marijuana Legislation in California Legislature NOW. Action alert in support of medical marijuana and Prop. 215 implementation bill, and in opposition to "Smoke A Joint, Lose Your License".

4/3

Support Drug Policy Reform Bills in Connecticut. Action alert in support of several drug policy reform bills, including medical marijuana, deregulation of methadone treatment, and enactment of the comprehensive recommendations of the state's Law Review Commission for a public health approach.

3/26

Will Foster Action Opportunity. Action alert of behalf of medical marijuana patient Will Foster.

3/24

The Reformer's Calendar. Latest edition of our international calendar of events.

3/23

Help DRCNet Grow. Request for members to distribute recruitment text and place links on web sites.

3/23

Volunteering for DRCNet. Call for volunteers.

3/18

Human Rights Watch Denounces Disproportionate Drug Sentences. Information on report from human rights group denouncing U.S. drug sentencing as in violation of international human rights accords.

3/18

DRCNet Seeking Info for Calendar and on Current Events. Request for information for Reformer's Calendar and other purposes.

3/17

Nightline on drug policy. Announcement of Nightline edition featuring Prof. Craig Reinarman of U.C. Santa Cruz, a long-time drug policy reformer.

3/12

ALERT: Smoke-A-Joint, Lose Your License Vote Coming Up. Action alert in opposition to "Smoke-A-Joint, Lose Your License" and in support of opting-out of the federal requirement.

3/9

Drug Education Featured on DRCNet web site. Announcement of new drug education section on DRCNet's web site.

3/3

Protests, Hearings, and Meetings in Massachusetts THIS WEEK. Announcement of protest against drug czar Barry McCaffrey's appearance at Harvard and other events taking place in Massachusetts.

2/25

Press Release and Conference, 2/25/97, Washington, DC. DRCNet press release criticizing the Administration's 1997 Drug Control Strategy, and announcement of press conference held jointly by a variety of reform groups.

2/25

Clinton Drug Strategy Coming Out. Announcement of media coverage of the president's Drug Control Strategy by CNN, the Associated Press and National Public Radio.

2/18

Good News in Virginia, but Help Still Needed TODAY. Action alert, asking Virginians to call their Delegates in opposition to medical marijuana opponents' last ditch effort to pass a repeal bill by attaching it to a larger pharmacy bill.

2/14

Poll Finds Overwhelming Support for Medical Marijuana. Memorandum from Lake Research finding 60 percent support among Americans for medical marijuana and 68 percent support for California and Arizona's right to pass it.

2/14

Virginia Anti-Medmj Bill Faltering, Help Needed This Weekend. Request for Virginians to attend hearings at the Senate Health and Education Committee in opposition to repeal of the state's medical marijuana law.

2/12

URGENT: Virginia anti-medmj bill in committee TOMORROW. Request for letters to be sent to the Virginia Senate Health and Education Committee, asking them not to pass the anti-medical marijuana bill.

2/12

URGENT California Legislative Alert. Action alert in opposition to California's "Smoke-A-Join, Lose Your License" bill and in support of opting-out of the federal requirement.

2/8

Action Opportunity to Help California Physicians. Request for letters to the California Medical Board, asking them to develop sensible guidelines for responsible prescribing of medical marijuana to protect doctors from sanction.

2/6

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Patient Gets 93 Years. Information bulletin and letter writing request on behalf of medical marijuana patient Will Foster.

2/6

ALERT: Insane Drug War Bills in Maryland Legislature. Action alert in opposition to four negative bills filed in the Maryland legislature.

2/5

URGENT: VA Senate Considering Medical Marijuana Repeal. Action alert in response to the passage of an anti-medical marijuana bill by the Virginia House of Delegates and its fast-tracking in the Senate.

2/4

DRCNet Announcements, 2/4/97. Four media-related announcements, including a recap of the 2/3 Nightline debate and a listing of falsehoods and contradictions made by drug czar Barry McCaffrey about medical marijuana.

2/3

Nightline medical marijuana rescheduled for tonight. Announcement of Nightline rescheduling with debate between the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine and the chief counsel of ONDCP..

2/3

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Ohio Medical Marijuana Law Under Threat. Action alert on behalf of Ohio medical marijuana law facing repeal effort.

1/30

Nightline on medical marijuana. Announcement of Nightline coverage of medical marijuana and the NEJM editorial.

1/30

Medical Journal Endorses Medical Marijuana, Criticizes Feds. Announcement of pro-medical marijuana editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine, with press release from Americans for Medical Rights.

1/29

Live Call-In to Medical Marijuana Debate TOMORROW. Announcement of debate between Kevin Zeese and Robert McGinnis (Family Research Council) on Janet Parshall's America and request for callers.

1/28

URGENT: Virginia Voting on Medical Marijuana Repeal This Week. Action alert on behalf of Virginia medical marijuana law facing repeal effort.

1/22

Another Media Appearance. Announcement of medical marijuana discussion with Eric Sterling on National Empowerment Television.

1/21

Drug Policy in the Media. Announcement of discussions of medical marijuana, syringe exchange and teen drug use on the Gordon Elliot show, UPN 9 News in New York, and the Geraldo Rivera show.

1/19

EMERGENCY ALERT -- Cleveland Needle Exchangers Facing Arrest. Action alert on behalf of The Xchange Point needle exchange program facing prosecution by the city.

1/17

CNBC program on medical marijuana, early Friday evening. Announcement of medical marijuana debate on the program Equal Time.

1/16

Prohibitionists Attacking Virginia Medical Marijuana Law. Action alert in defense of state medical marijuana facing repeal effort in wake of California and Arizona initiatives.

1/14

California Medical Marijuana Class Action Suit Against Feds. Announcement of 1st amendment suit by doctors and patients challenging federal government on its anti-medical marijuana threats, with press release and information from Americans for Medical Rights.

1/14

The Sky is Falling. Emergency request for donations.

1/10

Demonstration against General McCaffrey in San Francisco. Alert about medical marijuana protest of drug czar's appearance in SF, organized by ACTUP Golden Gate.

1/9

Drug Policy Reform Calendar. Latest version of our calendar of drug policy reform events and other related events around the world.

1/9

Drug Czar Contradicts Himself, Stalls on Medical Marijuana. Press from Americans for Medical Rights commenting on the redundancy of the proposed Institute of Medicine review of medical marijuana research and noting ONDCP's contradictory statements denying existence of research then denying having denied it.

1/6

Drug Czar Circulates Fraudulent Document at Press Conference. Press release from California NORML about government's fraudulent chart of medical marijuana uses falsely attributed to Dr. Tod Mikuriya, medical advisor to Prop. 215.

1/5

CNN Presents marijuana special Sunday evening (tonight). Announcement of airing of updated version of CNN's drug war expose Higher Times.

1996

12/31

Ann Landers Calls for Debate on Marijuana Legalization. Request for members to respond to Ann Landers' call for letters debating marijuana legalization.

12/28

McCaffrey plan on CBS Sunday morning. Announcement of McCaffrey appearance on CBS "Face the Nation" to explain the government's plan to undermine the California and Arizona initiatives.

12/19

Research Scientists Call for Re-Evaluation of Drug Education. Statement of prominent education researchers on failure of current drug education strategies, in response to Monitoring the Future survey.

12/19

Drug Policy Reformers Respond to "Monitoring the Future" Study. Press releases from several reform organizations and research scientists, and announcement of press conference following government's press conference announcing results of Monitoring the Future teen drug use survey.

12/16

Pacific Region Drug Policy Update. Announcement of Snohomish County, WA meeting determining future of county's needle exchange program, and California NORML press release describing first Prop. 215 court cases.

12/10

Harvard Professor Resigns Addiction Center to Protest Drug Czar Award. Letter from Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Lester Grinspoon to Dr. Howard Shaffer, submitting his resignation from the Norman E. Zinberg Center for Addiction Studies in protest of the 1996 Zinberg Lecture Award being given to Barry McCaffrey.

12/9

Defend Chronic Pain Treatment II. Action alert in wake of 60 Minutes report on Dr. Hurwitz and the pain treatment issue, asking members to contact the Virginia Boards of Medicine and Pharmacy and the Governor and Lt. Governor, in support of Dr. Hurwitz and the liberalization of chronic pain treatment.

12/3

Press Release from Americans for Medical Rights. Press release suggesting that Ohio voters could get to vote on a medical marijuana ballot initiative in 1998 if the state repeals its medical marijuana law passed last year.

11/29

DRCNet Seeking Events Listings for Calendar. Request for events information for Reformer's Calendar.

11/29

Drug Policy Reformers on TV. Announcement of TV coverage of drug policy reform, including debates and interviews with Ethan Nadelmann, Ira Glasser, John Morgan, Ed Koch, Michael Massing and Andrew Chisholm, and coverage of the California and Arizona initiatives' aftermath.

11/26

Seeking Feedback on Regional Sublists. Request for advice on completing our set our regional e-mail sublists for rapid action alerts.

11/25

DRCNet Seeking Local Volunteers in DC. Call for local volunteers to help with work in DRCNet office.

11/23

DRCNet Needs YOUR Help: Update 11/23/96. Description of recent activities and request for donations.

11/21

October '96 DRCNet Newsletter Now Available on the Web. Announcement of online version of issue #9 of The Activist Guide.

11/21

Protest Campus Police State Policies. Action alert on behalf of "The Chico 10" and in support of the Chico Cannabis Coalition's efforts to reform campus drug policy.

11/14

NEWS RELEASE: NYCLA Releases Major Study on Drug Policy. Announcement of release of the report of the Drug Policy Task Force of the New York County Lawyers Association, including world-wide-web version.

11/13

NYC East Side Drug Policy Forum With Joycelyn Elders, 11/14/96. Announcement of public forum in New York City, sponsored by the Partnership for Responsible Drug Information, featuring former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, M.D., with authors Dan Baum, Dawn Day and Alfred McCoy.

11/13

Write to Congress via DRCNet Web Site. Announcement of online facility to look up U.S. Senators and Representatives by address and send them letters on drug policy issues.

11/9

Live From the Drug Policy Foundation Conference. Announcement of live chat on the world-wide-web with Dave Fratello, Communications Director and spokesperson for Californians for Medical Rights, and Jeff Jones, Director of the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Club, 11/9.

11/9

Protest Drug Czar, DC, 11/13. Announcement of speech at American University by Barry McCaffrey and student protest organized by AU NORML.

11/5

Drug Policy Foundation 10th International Conference on Reform. Schedule and program of the 10th International Conference on Drug Policy Reform in Washington, DC, Nov. 6-9.

10/18

The Reformer's Calendar -- Special Update. Listing of calendar events submitted by readers after 10/10 release.

10/18

California Medical Marijuana Initiative Needs Ad Dollars NOW. Call for donations to support Prop. 215 radio and TV advertising campaign.

10/10

The Reformer's Calendar. A comprehensive listing of events relating to drug policy reform.

9/3

DRCNet Needs Your Help. Announcement of hiring of Adam J. Smith as Assistant Director, and fundraising appeal.

9/3

Harm Reduction Conference in Oakland, CA, September 17-21. Information on upcoming national conference.

9/3

Update on Dateline DARE program and MSNBC Shows. Bulletin on Dateline's postponement of their DARE expose, and reminder about MSNBC program, with online address to submit questions.

9/1

MS/NBC Special on Drug War with 'Smoke & Mirrors' Author Dan Baum. Announcement of 11/3 MSNBC program on the "War on Drugs," with Tom Brokaw interviewing Dan Baum, author of "Smoke & Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure," and James Burke, chairman of the Partnership for a Drug Free America.

9/1

Urgent Request to E-Mail NBC Dateline. Action alert requesting members to send e-mail to Dateline, urging them to resist the pressure being exerted on them to water down or cancel their DARE expose.

8/13

"Get Out The Vote" conference this weekend for California Medical Marijuana Initiative. Announcement of weekend-long voter registration training conference in San Luis Obispo for advocates of Proposition 215.

8/6

The Reformer's Calendar. A comprehensive listing of events relating to drug policy reform, and related topics, including, but not limited to, sentencing, justice reform, liberty, AIDS, needle exchange, harm reduction, methadone maintenance, asset forfeiture, pain treatment, drugs and the law, and skills-building for activists. 55 events, ranging from large national conferences to small local meetings, from August '96 through April '97.

8/4

SF Buyers' Club Raided -- Protests Tonight & Tomorrow. Newsflash on police raide of the San Francisco Medical Marijuana Buyers' Club, protests in San Francisco to attend, and press release from Californians for Medical Rights/YES on 215.

7/26

DRCNet Seeking Letters of Support. Request for letters of support to include in our funding proposals.

7/19

Important Senate Legislative Update. Action alert, requesting letters be sent to members' Senators in support of medical marijuana legislation and in opposition to several repressive drug war bills.

7/7

Special Television Segment On Drug Policy And Human Rights. Announcement of upcoming PBS special including footage of the 5/21 Partnership for Responsible Drug Information forum in New York featuring Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke.

6/19

Harm Reduction Around the World. Announcement of mid-July conference in Vancouver and satellite feed.

6/5

Defend Chronic Pain Treatment. Educational bulletin on the issue of under-treatment of chronic pain; and action alert in support of pain treatment provider Dr. William Hurwitz, who faces charges by the Virginia Board of Medicine.

6/1

Coast to Coast. Announcement of publication of Smoke and Mirrors, The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure and 6/4 reception for author Dan Baum in downtown Washington; and drug policy reform forum at Stanford University on 6/5, with Atrocities of the Drug War human rights exhibit.

5/23

Narcotics Officers Opposing Compassionate Use Initiative. Letter writing request in response to press coverage of California narcotics officers opposing the medical marijuana ballot initiative.

5/15

West Side Drug Policy Forum, 5/21. Announcement of public forum in Manhattan featuring Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke and other distinguished panelists, hosted by the Partnership for Responsible Drug Information.

5/15

Public Forum on Drug Education. Drug Policy Foundation forum on Capitol Hill, with researchers from the California Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation Drug Alcohol and Tobacco Education Study.

5/14

Seminar on "Drug Policy in the Americas," NYC. Announcement of public forum on the Latin American drug war, at The Lindesmith Center.

5/12

Info Needed ASAP. Request for information about press coverage of the heroin-related emergencies in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Camden.

5/8

Lawmakers Addicted to Repression. Action alert regarding federal drug legislation and gun legislation affecting drug penalties.

5/8

Mother's Day Protest. Announcement of nationwide demonstrations during Mother's Day weekend, organized by JusticeWorks, focusing on the rapidly growing women's incarceration rate and its impact on children.

5/8

DRCNet Needs Your Help. Appeal for financial support.

4/12

CCU Urgently Needs Volunteers in its Last Week. Call for volunteer help petitioning for the Californians for Compassionate Use medical marijuana ballot initiative.

4/12

War on Drugs: R.I.P. Announcement of public forum at American University, sponsored by the student group Liberty Now.

4/10

Drug Policy Forums in New York City. Announcement of three public forums in Manhattan, sponsored by the Partnership for Responsible Drug Information, and of an ongoing seminar series at The Lindesmith Center.

4/9

California Legislature to Hear Marijuana Bills April 16. Action alert regarding pending legislation in the state assembly public safety committee.

4/3

48 Hours. Announcement of medical marijuana segment on the CBS newsmagazine.

3/19

PRESS RELEASE: CDC, DPF Co-Sponsor S.E. Harm Reduction Conference. Press release from the Drug Policy Foundation, and conference program.

3/19

URGENT: Prosecutors to Target NJ Needle Exchange Program. Action alert regarding threat to NJ's only needle exchange program, The Chai Project.

3/15

CNN Segment on Drug Czar McCaffrey. Announcement of CNN program on Barry McCaffrey, with Drug Policy Foundation President Arnold Trebach also interviewed.

3/15

Sixty Minutes to Examine Marijuana Issue. Announcement of 3/17 60 Minutes special on the marijuana issue.

3/14

New York State Methadone Alert. Action alert regarding a NY state assembly bill that would drastically restrict duration of methadone treatment programs.

3/13

MassCann/NORML Meeting, Sunday March 17. Announcement of Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition's annual meeting.

3/8

DRCNet Newsflash. Brief summary of various news items of interest to DRCNet members.

3/5

PRESS RELEASE: DPF Statement on Marijuana Hearings. Press release from the Drug Policy Foundation.

3/4

Addendum on Atlanta Harm Reduction Conference. Notice of two additional conference co-sponsors: The Centers for Disease Control and the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia.

3/4

Urgent Legislative Alert Regarding Marijuana Hearings. Action request for letters opposing higher sentences and supporting medical marijuana legislation.

3/1

Atlanta Harm Reduction Conference -- This Month. Notice of upcoming conference sponsored by the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition.

2/27

PRESS RELEASE -- from the Drug Policy Foundation. DPF press release criticizing political motives behind Drug Czar nomination.

2/23

Please Help Sentencing Reform in Massachusetts. Action alert regarding the Massachusetts Sentencing Commission's review of mandatory minimum sentencing, including address for letters and date and times for public hearings.

2/23

Important Announcements. Brief summary of various items of interest to members.

2/19

DRCNet Update -- 2/19/96. Various items, including DRCNet media successes, upcoming "live chats" on America Online, instructions for subscribing to regional sublists, information on CNN special on marijuana prohibition, and appeal for financial support.

2/10

New Issue of The Activist Guide. Announcement regarding availability of online version of latest issue of our newsletter, The Activist Guide.

2/8

Virginia Legislative Alert. Action alert regarding Virginia House and Senate bills relating to drug sentences.

1/31

Please E-mail NBC News Today. Alert asking members to e-mail NBC Nightly News to comment on a misleading medical marijuana segment they were about to air. NBC canceled the segment!

1/30

DRCNet seeking volunteers for WWW development project. Request for volunteers for the online library project.

1/29

Human Rights Group Questions Drug-Czar Choice in the Absence of Policy Change. Press release from the Washington Office on Latin America, commenting on the choice of General McCaffrey as Drug Czar.

1/25

Press Release and Alert -- from the Drug Policy Foundation. Press release and letter writing request relating to the McCaffrey nomination.

1/19

Oppose Militarization of Drug War. Action alert relating to the McCaffrey appointment.

1/5

DRCNet Reform Calendar. Listing of various events of interest to reformers.

1/5

Feedback Requests on Regional Sublists. Request for advice on how to define regions of the country for state-level sublists.

1995

12/27

TV Alert. Announcement of ABC/Prime Time special with former DEA agent discussing involvement of the US government in drug trafficking to fund the Iran-Contra operation.

12/19

Regional DRCNet sublists. Announcement of new mailing lists to cover certain regions of the country.

12/18

Drug Policy Debate on the Web. Announcement of an online dialogue with drug policy experts on the world-wide-web.

12/12

Newsflash. Early report of Drug Czar Lee Brown's resignation.

11/9

Extremely Urgent Phone Call Request for Medical Marijuana Bill. Action alert relating to threatened veto of Massachusetts medical marijuana bill.

11/3

Web Version of The Activist Guide. Announcement of the web version of the October '95 issue of The Activist Guide.

10/29

New Issue of The Activist Guide. Announcement of the new issue of The Activist Guide and instructions on how to obtain it.

10/14

News Release -- From the Drug Policy Foundation. Press release announcing the 9th International Conference on Drug Policy Reform, in Santa Monica.

10/13

DRCNet Legislative Update and Calendar. Action alert regarding two pieces of federal legislation, one undoing the Sentencing Commission's reduction of crack cocaine sentences, the other providing for legal distribution of marijuana for medical purposes; and list of upcoming events.

9/27

Drug Reformers Have Busy Month Ahead of Them. Calendar of events taking place in October.

9/20

Addendum to DPF Press Release. Information on how to purchase a copy of the National Research Council's report and how to obtain a free copy of NRC's press release.

9/20

Press Release -- from the Drug Policy Foundation. Press release regarding the National Research Council's report favoring needle exchange programs.

9/12

Schmoke Wins Primary! Late-night announcements about 1) DPF board member Kurt Schmoke's victory in what had been thought to be a closely contested primary election in Baltimore; and 2) press conference the following morning held by former Drug Czar William Bennett and Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse President Joseph Califano, announcing CASA's anti-legalization White Paper, "Legalization: Panacea or Pandora's Box," and 3) DPF press release denouncing Bennett and Califano proposal.

9/10

D.P.F. Conference, 10/18-10/21, Santa Monica, CA. Announcement of the 9th International Conference on Drug Policy Reform, including schedule, panels and speakers.

8/30

Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 1995. Action alert in support of federal forfeiture law reform legislation.

7/31

Pat Buchanan Supports Medical Marijuana -- Send Your Approval. Report on then presidential candidate Pat Buchanan's provisional endorsement of medical marijuana, with request to contact Buchanan's campaign to express approval.

7/24

DRCNet Web Site Under Construction -- Need Volunteers. Call for volunteers for DRCNet web site effort.

7/24

Senate Holding Hearings on Crack/Powder Sentencing Disparity. Letter-writing action alert to Congress, addressing sentencing disparity for crack and powder cocaine offenses.

7/15

In Memoriam: Bing Spear. Tribute to recently deceased former British drug control policy chief Bing Spear, a progressive law enforcement officer who carried out compassionate policies toward addicts.

7/13

NIDA Marijuana Conference Next Week -- Activists Respond. Announcement of planned protest of the blocking of AIDS/medical marijuana research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

7/13

Southern Rainbow Holds Harm Reduction Conference in Charlotte, NC, 7/29. Announcement of conference on harm reduction and alternatives to the War on Drugs.

7/7

Final Alert -- Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License. Action alert regarding upcoming committee vote in California on whether to opt out of the controversial federal mandate.

6/21

Cato Institute, Rep. Henry Hyde Hold Press Conference on Asset Forfeiture. Announcement of a Capitol Hill press conference presenting Rep. Hyde's book on the unjust civil forfeiture laws.

6/19

Rumors of Interesting TV Shows. List of upcoming news stories and specials covering the drug issue, including the Cronkite Report's The Drug Dilemma: War or Peace?.

5/31

Write Sentencing Commission for Retroactivity in Amendments. Action alert in support of retroactive application of the commission's sentencing reforms for crack, marijuana, and other low-level drug offenses.

5/24

Needle Exchange Fact Sheet -- from The Lindesmith Center. Fact sheet about needle exchange programs, published by the Manhattan-based think tank headed by former Princeton Professor Ethan Nadelmann.

5/24

Needle Exchange Video -- Fire in Our House. Moving educational video about needle exchange programs, produced by Mayday Media.

5/24

Press Release -- AIDS, Needles & Minorities. Press release from the National Drug Strategy Network on the severe impact of injection-related AIDS among African-American and Latinos.

5/24

Needle Exchange Alert from the Drug Policy Foundation. Action alert from DPF calling on its supporters to write the government in support of lifting the ban on federal funding of needle exchange programs and announcing DPF's release of secret government documents supporting needle exchange, and other news.

5/24

New York Needle Bills Need Your Support! Action alert relating to legislation in New York state to repeal laws banning non-prescription sale and possession of hypodermics.

5/12

DRCNet Update -- 5/13. Updates on the Atlanta Project demonstration, the Jimmy Montgomery case (an incarcerated, dying, paraplegic medical marijuana patient), and on a new DRCNet recruitment flyer.

5/9

Prosecutor Blocks Jimmy Montgomery's Release with Last Minute Objection. Action alert in defense of incarcerated paraplegic Jimmy Montgomery, and news item of arrests of medical marijuana activists in Washington state.

5/9

California "Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License" Bill Having Vote Next Week. Action alert relating to state legislation.

5/4

Harm Reduction Conference, 6/9 -- 6/10. Announcement of Drugs, Sex and Harm Reduction -- the first Northeast Harm Reduction Conference.

5/2

Rally Against the Drug War -- NYC 5/6. Announcement of upcoming protest rally in Manhattan.

4/14

Jimmy Montgomery Back in Prison. Action alert in defense of medical marijuana patient Jimmy Montgomery.

4/13

"Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License" Hearing April 17th. Action alert relating to California state legislation.

4/13

ABC Special a Success. Summary of the unprecedented ABC News special, "America's War on Drugs: Searching for Solutions," with ordering information and address and phone number for public comment.

4/10

Support Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Bills. Action alert relating to Massachusetts state legislation.

4/5

ABC-TV Drug War Discussion on America Online Tomorrow. Announcement of upcoming live-chat with ABC News anchor and former Texas Judge Catherine Crier, preceding airing of the ABC War on Drugs special.

4/4

ABC News Drug War Special Thursday Night -- Press Release from ABC. Redistribution of ABC's press release about its landmark special and the Nightline discussion following.

3/29

The Atlanta Follies. Action and fundraising alert for the DRCNet-organized protest at the anti-legalization conference in Atlanta.

3/29

Actor Carroll O'Connor Suggests Legalization. Bulletin about the popular actor's rational comments following his son's suicide.

3/27

Drug Policy Conference for D.C. Business Community. Drug Policy Foundation press release on the "Rethinking the War on Drugs and Crime" conference hosted by the National Association of Socially Responsible Organizations.

3/22

Newsbriefs. Announcement about the high quality newsletter published by the National Drug Strategy Network.

3/21

Operation Equinox -- Lecture 3/21 at UVA. Presentation by UVA student who spent 11 months in federal prison following the Operation Equinox raids.

3/21

National Public Radio Call-In TODAY. Action alert asking members to call in to NPR's "Talk of the Nation" panel of drug warriors.

3/20

DRC Phone. Announcement of our fundraising arrangement with the Affinity long-distance carrier.

3/16

California Medical Marijuana Initiative Conference This Weekend. Announcement of poll showing statewide support for medical marijuana and upcoming two-day planning meeting for the initiative.

3/16

Florida Statewide Hempfest this Saturday. Announcement of upcoming rally at the Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee.

3/14

St. Louis NORML Conference. Announcement of upcoming conference, including schedule, location and registration information.

3/7

Medical Marijuana Witnesses Needed for Hearing at Mass. State House. Call for attendees for hearings with the Massachusetts legislature's Health Care Committee.

3/7

Benefit Party for the California Compassionate Use Initiative. Announcement of CCU fundraising event with San Francisco Buyer's Club founder Dennis Peron.

3/7

Press Release: Government Hiding Reports on Needle Exchange. DPF press release on publication of secret internal reviews by the Clinton administration of the research on needle exchange programs, and announcement of DPF Congressional Forum on the issue.

3/3

Too Many Americans in Prison. Announcement of upcoming justice reform conference in Springfield, MA, co-sponsored by DRCNet.

3/1

Two California State Bills to Support. Legislative alert regarding state legislation on medical marijuana and opting out of "Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License."

2/28

Urgent: Letters Needed at the Sentencing Commission by March 7th. Action alert in support of certain reforms being considered by the US Sentencing Commission.

2/25

DRCNet Update . Announcement of new issue of newsletter, DRCNet's first DPF grant, and membership registration options.

2/23

Attn: Rangel Constituents. Attempt to gain support from a known "drug-warrior" for a pending, privately-funded AIDS/medical marijuana study.

2/20

New Marijuana Lobbying Organization. Announcement about the newly-formed Marijuana Policy Project, and legislative updates from them.

2/9

DHHS Continues to Postpone Decision on AIDS/Medical Marijuana Study. Action alert regarding AIDS/medical marijuana study being blocked by government.

2/8

Alert: Liverpool Clinic to Lose Funding on April 1. Action alert relating to heroin maintenance clinic of Sixty Minutes fame, closed by the British Health Service in response to US pressure.

2/1

Virginia State Legislative Update. List of bills in state House and Assembly for activists to oppose.

1/26

Lobby Agriculture committee for Industrial Hemp. Request for letters to the Agriculture Committee prior to Secretary Glickman's confirmation hearings.

1/22

Colorado Industrial Hemp Bill -- Action Alert. Letter writing request in support of state industrial hemp bill.

1/20

Sentencing Reform '95 -- Your Help Requested. Action alert asking for letters to Congress opposing new mandatory minimums and weakening of the safety valve in the new Crime Bill; and for letters to the US Sentencing Commission in support of proposed amendments reducing sentences for marijuana, crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

1/10

Point, Clarification, Counterpoint. Feature on the debate in the New York Times, including A.M. Rosenthal's attack on legalization advocates, "The Cruelest Hoax," a note from the Drug Policy Foundation clarifying the nature of the Soros funding mentioned in Rosenthal's column, Soros Foundation President Aryeh Neier's letter responding to Rosenthal, and Max Frankel's New York Times Magazine column "O.K., Call It War," that prompted Rosenthal's attack.

1/3

Government Blocking AIDS/Medical Marijuana Study: Act This Week. Request for letters to Deputy Secretary for Health Philip Lee and NIDA Director Alan Leshner urging them to allow the UCSF study to go forward.

1994

12/16

Attention Nebraska Activists: Constituents of Bob Kerrey are Needed. Request for letters from Nebraskans to Sen. Kerrey, asking him to support the UCSF AIDS/medical marijuana study, following his favorable remarks on the issue.

12/14

California Judicial Council Neglects Drug Crime Reclassification. Letter writing request regarding council's omission of drug crimes from its recommendations for downward reclassification at prosecution's discretion.

12/10

Decision on Medical Marijuana Study Postponed -- Keep Up the Pressure. Action alert on PHS and NIDA's postponement of a decision on the AIDS/medical marijuana study.

12/10

News Release from the Drug Policy Foundation. Statement from DPF on Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders' resignation.

12/7

Please Call Now for Medical Marijuana Research -- Urgent Update. Letter writing request on the AIDS/medical marijuana study, anticipating letters from the opposition following publication of a letter in the New York Times by Dr. Lester Grinspoon and others about the government's blocking of the study.

12/1

Medical Marijuana Research -- Addendum. Supplemental information on how to contact Philip Lee and Donna Shalala about the study.

11/30

December 9th is Medical Marijuana D-Day. Letter writing request prior to anticipated meeting at DHHS about AIDS/medical marijuana study.

11/22

The Activist Guide is Now Online. Announcement of electronic version of 11/7 issue of newsletter.

11/22

Live from the Drug Policy Foundation. Full text of daily newsletter distributed at the DPF conference in Washington, DC.

11/10

Press Release from the Drug Policy Foundation. Announcement about the 8th International Conference on Drug Policy Reform, including conference schedule, list of speakers and awardees.

11/10

DRCNet Update. Various news items.

11/7

Lobby Now for Medical Marijuana. Letter writing request on behalf of AIDS/medical marijuana study.

11/3

Bill D'Amico for State Rep. Announcement on behalf of a DRCNet member running for Indiana's legislature. (Note: Because we now receive funding from 501(c)3 organizations, we no longer make announcements on behalf of candidates.)

10/10

Attn: Drug Policy Activists -- Activist Info Needed for Newsletter. Request for information on legislation, initiatives, candidates, organizations, special projects and local resources available to activists.

8/18

NRA, Charlton Heston Criticize Safety Valve. Letter writing request in criticism of NRA's stance against safety valve amendment.

8/18

Oppose Crime Bill -- Support Safety Valve. Action alert relating to Crime Bill and "safety valve" amendment exempting some low-level drug offenders from the mandatory minimums.

8/18

DRCNet Update. Information relating to the organization, and announcement of upcoming MTV special Straight Dope.

7/26

Medical Marijuana Rally. Announcement of rally at Iowa Capitol Building in Des Moines.

7/16

Drug Reformers Go Hollywood -- Free Public Forum, Sunday 5/17, 11:30am. DPF press release on Town Hall and Show Coalition drug policy forum.

7/15

Introducing DRCTalk. Announcement of formation of the DRCTalk online forum.

7/11

Last Chance to Sign the Colorado Hemp Petition. Action alert for the Colorado Hemp Initiative Project.

7/6

Crime Bill Update -- A Little More Time, But Please Act Soon. Letter request relating to safety valve and three-strikes-you're-out Crime Bill amendments.

6/22

FAMM Crime Bill Update -- Extremely Urgent. Action alert in support of a retroactive safety valve amendment, including committee contacts.

6/21

Urgent Crime Bill Update -- Three Days Left. Crime Bill alert, submitted by NORML.

6/15

Senate Candidate for Drug Law Reform. Information about a Washington state independent Senate candidate running on a drug law reform platform. (Note: DRCNet no longer makes announcements on behalf of candidates, because of restrictions relating to our funding status.

6/14

IAL-Fax #13, June 1, 1994. Newsletter of the International Anti-Prohibition League.

6/14

Safety Valve Provision Alert. Action alert relating to safety valve's retroactive status.

6/14

Legalization Poll. Announcement about Parade magazine poll on marijuana legalization.

6/12

Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRCNet) Update. News about DRCNet and legalization specials in Rolling Stone, JAMA, and Police News.

5/29

F.A.M.M. Update, Tuesday May 24 (Crime Bill). Action alert focusing on Crime Bill conference committee members regarding safety valve amendment.

5/24

Nightmare in Idaho. Letter writing campaign on behalf of 14-year-old facing prosecution as adult for minor marijuana transaction.

5/16

Crime Bill: Probably Two Weeks in Which to Act. Action alert relating to House Crime Bill, in opposition to increases in drug penalties, including "three-strikes-you're-out," and in support of the safety valve amendment.

5/13

FAMM Justice Day, Tuesday May 17th, Washington, DC. Protest on steps of Capitol bringing attention to the thousands of inmates currently incarcerated under mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

5/12

E-mail TODAY for Decriminalization. E-mail campaign to WGN-TV news in Chicago, showing support for the city's proposed decriminalization of marijuana possession. Follow-up on earlier action alert.

5/12

DRCNet Looking for Chapter Organizers. Request for volunteer local organizers.

5/12

Colorado Hemp Initiative Needs Help Now. Call for volunteers to help with the industrial hemp petition drive in Colorado.

5/11

Washington State Marijuana Initiative Needs Help With Final Push. Call for petition volunteers in Washington state.

5/8

Attn: Drug Policy Activists -- Activist Info Needed for New Newsletter. Call for information on state and local groups and legislative information.

5/7

Alert from the Drug Policy Foundation -- Support Gustavo De Greiff. Action alert in support of Colombia's Prosecutor General facing attacks by the Clinton administration and Senator Kerry for his pro-legalization stance.

5/3

Harvard Drug Conference/Debate to Take Place May 21st. Announcement of upcoming conference sponsored by the Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts.

4/28

Attn: California Activists -- Oppose "Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License". Action alert relating to mandated drivers license suspension for all drug offenses.

4/27

DRCNet Expanding from Cyberspace into the Corporeal World. Announcement of plans for printed newsletter and bulletins, with membership fees and request for donations.

4/24

E-mail in May for Decriminalization. Announcement of planned one-day e-mail campaign to WGN-TV in Chicago, showing support for the city's proposed decriminalization ordinance.

4/24

International Anti-Prohibition League. April 15th edition of the League's newsletter, IAL-Fax.

4/13

Crime Bill Update from NORML -- Please Call Your Rep Today. Action alert supporting amendments striking the drug kingpin death penalty from the House Crime Bill and removing drug offenses from felonies qualifying for one or two "three-strikes-you're-out" convictions; and opposing amendment allowing drug offenses for all three strikes.

4/13

More Crime Bill Info from FAMM -- Please Include in Today's Phone Call. Addendum to previous bulletin, relating to the safety valve amendment.

4/11

USA Weekend Call-In Poll -- Open Until Tuesday Night. Alert concerning telephone poll on jail vs. treatment.

4/11

Jon Holmes. Announcement of speech and award ceremony at the Ethical Society of Boston, honoring Jon Holmes, chairman of the Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts Drug Policy Task Force.

4/11

Last Chance to Act on the Crime Bill -- Sample Letter Enclosed. Action alert relating to several proposed amendments to the House Crime Bill.

4/8

Washington State Marijuana Initiative. Call for volunteers and donations for Initiative 622 in Washington.

4/8

Cannabis Petition Drive -- Meeting this Sunday. Organizing meeting for Michigan state legalization initiative.

4/6

Surgeon General to Speak at Harvard Drug Policy Conference. Announcement about Joycelyn Elders agreeing to speak at conference organized by the Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, and call for conference volunteers and donations. (Elders was later pressured into cancelling.)

4/6

Crime Bill Update from FAMM -- One Week to Act. Action alert relating to safety valve and crack/powder cocaine sentencing equalization amendments.

4/6

Crime Bill Update -- One Week to Act. List of amendments and contact information for Rules Committee members.

3/30

Michigan News -- The Progressive Action Alliance. Action alert opposing state Senate bill to drastically increase marijuana penalties; and announcing medical marijuana protest at Capitol Building in Lansing.

3/29

California Alert. Action alert opposing "Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License" bill, at committee level.

3/29

Introducing State-Level Sublists. Announcement of sublists for state-related bulletins.

3/28

Harvard/CLUM Anti-Prohibition Conference -- Volunteers Needed. Call for online volunteers to help with conference.

3/23

Very Urgent -- Please Act by Thursday AM. Action alert, in support of Melvin Watt's amendment to strike the death penalty for large scale drug offenses from the Crime Bill, and of Barney Frank's amendment to exclude marijuana offenses from the death penalty.

3/21

Please Read Before 3:30 PM Tuesday 3/22. Request for readers to call the members of the House Rules Committee in opposition to the death penalty for drug offenses.

3/21

Crime Bill Coming Up Maybe Wednesday -- Urgent (and Easy) Action Items. Action alert regarding safety valve and "three-strikes-you're-out" amendments.

3/15

Write to Oppose Three-Strikes-You're-Out. Sample letter to the editor.

3/15

Urgent -- Fight Crime Bill Provisions. Action alert relating to three-strikes, safety valve and death penalty amendments.

3/13

Last Chance to Write-In for Marijuana Sentencing Reform. Action alert relating to US Sentencing Commission vote on marijuana sentencing reform amendment.

3/13

Help End Drug War Through Local-Access Cable. Announcement of video series on drug policy reform, designed for local access cable stations.

2/24

Two Items: A Better Crime Bill, and Marijuana Sentencing Reform. Action alert in support of Rep. Craig Washington's justice alternative crime bill and marijuana sentencing reform at US Sentencing Commission.

2/19

Sample Speech by Clifford Schaffer. Sample speech to help people prepare their own presentations.

2/19

Help F.E.A.R. Support Forfeiture Reform. Announcement about forfeiture reform organization and legislation they helped get introduced.

2/19

Write-In Against Pro-Drug Testing Advertisement. Letter request responding to "drug-free workplace" advertisements.

2/14

Five New Co-Sponsors for H.R. 3100. List of additional sponsors for Rep. Edwards bill for a federal drug policy commission.

2/7

You Can Make a Difference in Passing H.R. 3100. Suggestions for how to lobby for passage of the drug policy commission bill.

1/27

How to Send Faxes for Free on the Internet. Tip to help facilitate letter writing.

1/25

H.R. 3100 -- Deadline Coming Up. Letter writing request for federal drug policy commission bill.

1/24

Call NBC to Vote for Legalization. Action alert for NBC telephone poll, "Will Legalization End the Violence?"

1/19

Elders Stands Her Ground. News item about the Surgeon General's continuing advocacy for a study of drug legalization.

1/18

Committee for a Federal Drug Policy Commission. Action alert and informational packet to facilitate lobbying for H.R. 3100.

1/11

Presenting the Drug Reform Coordination Network (DRCNet). Announcement of organization's chosen name, and immediate priorities.

1/7

Medical Marijuana. Action alert relating to the Clinton administration's review of the medical marijuana issue, with sample letter.

1/5

Drug Policy Activism in Australia. Report on the situation in South Australia.

1/2

Seeking Suggestions for a Name. Request for suggestions for a name for the organization.

1993

12/22

Who Are We? Request for information on subscribers.

12/21

H.R. 3100. Letter writing request in support of legislation creating a national commission on drug policy, as called for by the "Hoover" Resolution.

12/20

Urgent: Resist McCarthyism. Sample letter to the editor on the arrest of Kevin Elders.

12/19

Support the Surgeon General -- Sample Letter. Sample letter to the President and members of Congress.

12/18

Support the Surgeon General -- Keep the Controversy Going. Letter writing request in support of Joycelyn Elders.

12/14

Original Signers of the Resolution. List of original signers of the Resolution for a Federal Commission on Drug Policy ("Hoover Resolution") and text of the Resolution, with signature form.

12/14

Drug Reform E-mail List -- Statement of Purpose. First posting to subscribers.

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