It is so heartening to see oppressive governments shaken by the power of their people.
By largely non-violent methods and motivations, tens of millions of people have risen up. With many voices they have delivered a single message to their leaders- your rule is unjust.
Using tools never before available, they agreed on a message, a demand, on coming together and demonstrating for change.
How appropriate would it be for we Detroiters and we Americans to call our government to account for its foreign meddling in that region? Or the similar oppression that it enforces upon its own people?
As the United States of America verges on practical bankruptcy- which is to say on the near certain default on its recognized obligations- it is time to ask: What do we want from our government?
Wars?
Do we want our Cities, Counties and States building large infrastructure for warehousing criminals- many non-violent?
Do we want to see Detroit City spend 50 million dollars on another jail downtown?
Do we want the Federal Government spending money on Drug Prohibition?
NO!
I know many friends may read this and agree change is needed. But HOW is the question. And this is where the courageous people of Africa and the Middle East have shown and are showing us the way.
Revolutions of violence never work, but demonstrations of unity and civility always destroy the illusions.
And this is why I implore you believers to RISE UP.
Personally, knowing that the Drug War has taken more than 300,000 American lives devastates my sense of justice. Detroit has seen over 10,000 of these deaths and a roughly 4-fold rise in its jail population since Nixon announced the drug war 40 years ago.
Drugs are dangerous, but wars are far more deadly. Especially in a country that respects its citizens right to bear arms, but not their rights to private property when in the possession of a drug.
It is time we take a cue from our Arab brethren who are also fighting 40 years of corrupted rule.
You CAN End Drug Prohibition.
Come to the May 7 Cures not Wars peace rally at Grand Circus Park- just outside Tigers stadium. It starts at 12. March is at 4pm.
Stand with the People of Detroit. If we want the justice system to work WE have to work for it.
Rides can be arranged. Please feel free to contact me.
