Drug Policy: new DEA Head
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
Last updated February 11, 2009 4:39 p.m. PT
seattlepi.nwsource.com
Federal drug policy needs an infusion of reason and good judgment. Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske would make an excellent addition to the Obama administration as head of the drug office.
Kerlikowske would bring candor, progressive views and experience to discussions of the nation's long-running, long-failed war on drugs. As a former deputy director in the Justice Department and president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Kerlikowske is well prepared to address national issues as the president's expected nominee as director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The need for re-examination of drug policies stems not just from the end of a remarkably poorly focused administration but also from the nation's growing experience at home of the costs of overemphasis on arrests and the troubles inflicted on neighbors by the size of the illegal drug market in this country. Tijuana, Mexico, had more than 800 killings last year, just one hot spot in a nation wracked by drug-related violence, assassinations and scandal.
Kerlikowske is such a solid, professional leader that he will leave the Seattle Police Department not only with much-improved crime statistics but also well populated with highly capable top aides. There are at least four ranking officers whose talents, skills and overall reputations suggest they could succeed him quite capably.
We would hardly expect Kerlikowske to be marijuana advocates' first choice; after all, he fought the city's 2003 voter initiative that de-emphasized pot enforcement. But he has the balance to give us confidence that he would look fairly at new ideas on treatment, arrest and even legal reform. He would open the door to offices sealed from reality much of the past eight years. |
