Decriminalization vetoed with prejudice in El Paso, Texas...

I am not sure how many here have seen it, but in El Paso the City Council unanomously passed a resolution to review the effectivenes of the current drug policies in the United States. Decriminalization was on the table.

Major John Cook vetoed it and sent and email about potheads supporting legislation.

The Resolution was...
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/muni_clerk/agenda/01-13-09/011309ADD2B.pdf

The response was...
http://newspapertree.com/news/3312

Ultimately it was vetoed. Many think because of an upcoming re-election campaign.

The simple fact of the matter is that I was bewildered by the resolution's appearance and passing through city council. Very promising. The ayor had an opportunity to bring attention to the problems in the border region and with the drug war and failed to do so.

I hope people keep pushing this sort of legislation. Something has to be done. Decriminalization should be on the table--since the current methods are falling flat.

I urge people to send E-mails to the El Paso Mayor's office expressing their disappointment. Even if you arent from El Paso, the fact that there was a responsible attempt to draw attention to the problems with the drug war from a city who knows better than most and they were ignored is reason for concern on a national level. Here is the email address (keep em professional, you dont want to hurt the cause)...

mayor@elpasotexas.gov

Exercise your right and tell him he failed in his civic duty.