Huffington Post: UK Riots - How the Drugs War Fits In

Published here on 11/08/11:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jason-reed/uk-riots-how-the-drugs-wa_b_923930.html

Most of us have an opinion, and many of us look higher than simple knee-jerk reactionary comments. To discuss the current situation of the UK riots rationally, you of course have to interject with the disclaimer of; "I do not condone riots but" - I'm sure no one advocates the actions of the violent few, and that much is a given.

Society has had a fragmented democracy for many years, and it can be assumed that we now are seeing this dangerous malaise come to the fray in the spilling of engorged emotion. With any riot scenario, there are those that have simply gone along for the ride and have no other ambition that to collect a shiny bounty. We can all insert opinion, we can bullet point the failings and decay of the inner cities, but we must also look to the top for our answers. Society has a habit of leading by example, and this has been less than exemplary. Banks, MP's expenses and interests, lack of accountability in parliament, media corruption, the PCC, and questionable actions in the MET within the last few months. Allegations are rife - and subject to investigations - but it still sets a precedent for a certain brand of apathy in a respect based community.

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Huffington Post: The Misuse of Drugs Act - Happy 40th Birthday

Originally published 03/08/11
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jason-reed/the-misuse-of-drugs-act-h_b_914962.html

On 2nd June 2011, the Guardian newspaper hosted an open letter to the Prime Minister. Drafted by the organisation Release, the letter marked the 40th anniversary of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and tried to evoke a mood of change in drugs policy. Signatories included celebrities, peers and academics; tabloid journalism decided to focus on "naive luvvies" and there was an almost deliberate negation of those that have some degree of knowledge in drugs policy. As honourable as it is for the likes of Dame Judy Dench to lend credence, the overlooked figures of: Professor in criminal justice Alex Stevens, former Chief Constable Tom Lloyd, and LEAP member Paul Whitehouse were given no mind in favour of cynical reporting.

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A Move - As Good As a Change?

I have a new place of writing residence.  It is with pleasure that I shall direct most of my blogging to the Huffington Post.  Please feel free - whatever your position - to come and join the discussion.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jason-reed

Hope to see you there. Jason Reed.

PM MP UPDATE SECTION

Updated 18th Feb 2011 -


So, we're having a few replies back already from the PM MP initiative.  What's PM MP?  Have a look here.


First reply; Nigel Dodds MP OBE:

Thank you for your email, the contents of which have been noted and will be taken into consideration if and when this issue comes before Parliament.

I do appreciate you writing to me to make me aware of your views.

Yours sincerely

Nigel Dodds OBE MP

The second reply comes in the form of a blog post; a reply from Steve Brine MP;

 Connmhaihh Blog  - Well worth a read.

Please keep us updated if you have a reply and would like to share.

Additional - Alun Buffry from the LCA has linked a section which draws attention to the standpoints of politicians.  Click here to view.