Roll the drums…Former Congressman and Republican candidate for President Tom Tancredo this week stated for the first time in public the need to legalize drugs, all drugs. Mr. Tancredo and I have been in regular contact the past 12 months, including being on his radio show. I applaud his courage to become a leader on our issue. Though no longer in Congress, he remains the spiritual head of the Congressional Immigration Caucus. I am exploiting this connection.

The Kumbayjah Moment has arrived: I attended a Senate hearing this week. Although the topic was immigration and the borders, the witnesses spent well over half their time on how federal agents are arresting drug smugglers and seizing drugs. The Chairman, Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was focusing his hearing to demonstrate that the borders are now secure enough to allow the Congress to move forward with a comprehensive, immigration bill.

Near the end Senator Hatch (R-UT) stated to all, The War on Drugs has been a failure. Ladies and Gentlemen his admission has become the general tone on the Hill. His sentiments reflect the Zogby poll that 76% of Americans agree the Drug War has been a failure. As I present to staffers, there is a statistical zero pushback on declaring the Drug War a dysfunctional failure. This does not mean we are near the finish line. No. There is a lot more work to be done. Think of the 12-step process for Alcoholics Anonymous. – Hi, my name is Bob and I am an alcoholic: Hi, my name is America and the Drug War is a failure. Eleven steps to go. Kumbayjah.

Out to lunch: As you know, many believe that the Congress and federal employees live in a Lah-Lah Land and have no idea of what the real world (outside the Beltway) is like. This perception was reinforced at the above hearing. A federal police agent reported a great victory as the federal police have seized 13 million dollars (out of a yearly total of some 25 billion) in the past two months going from the US to Mexico. Upon hearing this, I reacted instinctively and made a pddffhh noise that was heard by a few around me, including a newspaper reporter and a former Congressman and hearing witness. After the hearing the reporter and I had a good chat and chuckle. Yes, it was impolite but I was unable to stop myself. Me bad.

After the show he admitted that his position was really not that far from mine. He then pointed to my LEAP lapel badge and asked how to get one. I reached in my pocket and gave him one. He smiled broadly and we parted company.

While no one was looking: The non-story of the week was made by our new Drug Czar Kerlikowski who declared that the term War on Drugs would no longer be used. The Obama administration is likely to deal with drugs as a matter of public health rather than criminal justice alone, with treatment's role growing relative to incarceration, Mr. Kerlikowske said.

Thus, while the Inside the Beltway* crowd was occupied with Pelosi and the CIA story, after 38 years the term War on Drugs ended. The Sunday talk shows never mentioned the ending of the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral domestic policy since slavery and Jim Crow. And that is fine. Medium step, IMO.

Howard working at a reception for the Drug Policy Alliance

To whom do most Senators listen? You don’t want to know.

Does anyone believe the witness? During yet another House crime hearing dealing with the Mess In Mexico my DEA colleague spoke of two great victories in the War on Drugs, as the Feds arrested hundreds of drug dealers. I was tempted to sneeze loudly and shout the words bull shit in the middle of the sneeze. But, I was a good boy and did not.

After the hearing I asked Chairman Scott (D-VA) to submit a written question to the DEA agent, asking him for an estimation of how much time would pass before the 750 dealers would be replaced. Scott’s comment revealed he already knew the answer.

I then had an excellent 5 minute chat with a high ranking Republican. As one who saw first hand the problems of prohibition from the bench, he completely understands the futility of current efforts but Do we just give up on people with a drug problem? He was dead serious and one could feel his internal conflict.

In a follow-up letter I said we need lots of people with his compassion and caring attitude. I gently reminded him that as we arrest the Willie Nelsons and Michael Phelps, we miss the drunk drivers who kill three Texans every day. The government, via its police officers, cannot stop personal stupidity. Public safety not personal safety should once again become our mission.

I have spoken to this gentleman before. He is close to coming to our side. Patience.

Note: After we finished the taping and interview, I had 18 minutes to catch the train, thus I was running. I had ZERO idea the camera was still on. Let that be a lesson. LOL …I did make the train (with 30 seconds to spare) but the conductor thought I was going to have a heart attack..it was a hot day.

Otherwise it was a quiet week.

Road Trip! You may have read how President Obama likes to get away from the White House. As I have said before, Washington’s environment is unique and not always pleasant. Getting out of town is nice/important. Spending time with regular folks and chatting is a welcome change.

This week I was able to get out of town on two road trips. I spoke Tuesday evening to a group of students at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. On Friday I traveled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where on Saturday I was the keynote speaker at the state ACLU conference.

Pick your poison: An R staffer did not like illegal entry of people into the country and his office is opposed to ending prohibition. Drawing on government employees as sources, I showed him that if we ended drug prohibition, Customs and Border Patrol agents would be able to effectively stop illegal entry. A two minute follow-up conversation went to 15, as the aide weighed the options. I wish I had a photo of the aide’s face and a recording of his voice showing the anguish. It was priceless.