Listening to politicians and global commentators it would appear the world as we know it, has gone completely to pot? But a pro-reform news website based in the UK thinks the world is beyond simply 'going to pot', and the problems facing society run a lot deeper than we first thought.
You only need to read the news on any given day to realise the extent of the drug problem governments across the world are facing.
For instance, in the US yesterday we hear tell of a group of New Orleans firefighters and their dalliances with crack cocaine and heroin.
In a stressful occupation like that of a fire-fighter, perhaps some form of off duty "release" is to be if not condoned, then certainly understood, to a degree.
Lets face it these are the guys that had to clear up the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.The same guys that had to pump literally millions of tonnes of "ocean" back from whence it came, when a tidal wave hit the New Orleans riverfront.
In doing so it killed hundreds of New Orleans residents, washing away homes including those of members of the fire department, yet they unselfishly stayed on post to answer the calls from the New Orleans population, who desperately needed their help.
But today the good name the NOFD earned during the Katrina devestation has all been undone as we hear tell of a group of four firefighters who have been suspended from duty, for allegedly selling crack cocaine and heroin.
Court documents indicate undercover authorities began to investigate the men in late May. The indictment also said one of the men, Aaron White, rented a home for the purpose of storing, packaging and selling heroin, according to Kathy English, a spokeswoman for Letten's office.
So its quite literally a "big deal".
Others named in the indictment, which was unsealed Friday, were: Milton Joseph IV, 25; Wayne Williams II, 28; Aaron White, 24; Eddie Sandifer III, 22; Damon Burkhalter, 40; and Lawrence "Terrell" Honore, 34.
Joseph, Williams, White and Sandifer are New Orleans firefighters and have been suspended pending the outcome of a trial.
United Kingdom In the United Kingdom meanwhile, a Liberal Democrat councillor and leading Scottish politician who sat on various committees, has admitted smoking rocks of cocaine while he was a serving member of Aberdeen Council's Standards and Scrutiny committee.
Not only that but Lib-Democrat Raymond Hutcheon is said to have moved a prostitute into his house after he and his wife split up, and according to reports he regularly gave money to Nicola Stewart so she could buy his drugs for him.
Hutcheon resigned from office earlier this year for 'personal reasons' after police searched his garden in relation to a murder enquiry.
A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats confirmed that Hutcheon was no longer a member of the party. He added: "His private life is a matter for him and we have no further comment to make."
But the fact is all of his "drug dealings" where taking place while he was in public office so from where I'm sitting at least, someone in Scottish high office is answerable for this.
Mayor of London candidate and Conservative party MP Boris Johnson, has a history of cocaine use although in his defense, he commented that he "sneezed at an "inopportune time", as if thats meant to make things better.
Today, "Bozzer" Johnson tells us why we should vote for him as he challenges red Ken Livingstone for the job and title of the "Mayor of London". With regard to his past, it doesn't seem to matter to the Conservative party.
In the meantime back in the US and as if to prove the world has gone to pot, On Dec. 13, 1982, Gary Hapenny was convicted of one count of possession of marijuana. A schedule 1 substance in the same class as heroin and crack cocaine according to federal law.
It was a misdemeanor offence with a $62 fine, but 25 years later he's still paying for it.
Hapenny, now 46, has been banned for life from coaching youth sports after selectmen implemented a new policy in July, mandating all youth sports volunteers go through a Criminal Offense Record Investigation (CORI) check. Under the policy, anyone convicted of any narcotics charges automatically earns a lifetime ban.
That puts Hapenny — a father of six — in the same category as murderers, rapists, armed robbers and child molesters, according to the "Town of Bourne CORI Policy for Use of Town Facilities."
"You wouldn't believe what a joke this is in town, that if you smoked marijuana 25 years ago you're gonna get kicked out," Hapenny said.
But Hapenny said he's not laughing, and is contemplating legal action against the town.
Its plain to see. If you are a politician, civil servant etc, it seems you can negate all sorts of "youthful exhuberances" by blaming your age, your university, your peer group, anything in fact, that makes it not your fault.
But for the rest of us in society a drug conviction 25 years ago, is going to haunt you until the day you die.
Its unjust, and it needs to be changed.
http://cannazine.co.uk Canna Zine - Daily zine for the global cannabis scene - Drop by, say high..
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