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Buzzby

Walter Cronkite Urges People to Oppose Failed Drug War
Calls for New Policies Based on Science, Compassion, Health and Human Rights
Drug Policy Alliance | 02/24/2006

Walter Cronkite, the man dubbed "the most trusted man in America," sent out a passionate letter to over 100,000 people on February 23rd asking them to help end the war at home— The Drug War— by supporting the non-profit organization, the Drug Policy Alliance.

In his appeal, Cronkite recounted his experiences covering the Vietnam War. “I remember the lies that were told, the lives that were lost—and the shock when, twenty years after the war ended, former Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara admitted he knew it was a mistake all along.”

Mr. Cronkite also pointed out that in addition to the current war in Iraq, there is a devastating war right here in the United States, the US Drug War.

“Today, our nation is fighting two wars: one abroad and one at home,” Cronkite wrote. “While the war in Iraq is in the headlines, the other war is still being fought on our own streets. Its causalities are the wasted lives of our own citizens. I am speaking of the War on Drugs.”

Mr. Cronkite explained his reasons for opposing the current drug war policies. “And what is the impact of this policy? It surely hasn’t made our streets safer. Instead, we have locked up literally millions of people…disproportionately people of color…who have caused little or no harm to others-wasting resources that could be used for counter-terrorism, reducing violent crime, or catching white-collar criminals.

“With police wielding unprecedented powers to invade privacy, tap phones and conduct searches seemingly at random, our civil liberties are in a very precarious condition,” he added. “Hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent on this effort-with no one held accountable for its failure.

Cronkite’s concluded his message by urging readers to support the Drug Policy Alliance. “Just as they did in Vietnam three decades ago, politicians know the War on Drugs is a failure that is ruining lives. Please help the Drug Policy Alliance tell the truth about the war on drugs, and get our nation on the path toward a sensible drug policy.”

The Drug Policy Alliance, the nation’s leading organization working to end the war on drugs, was honored to have Mr. Cronkite’s endorsement.

“Walter Cronkite opened America’s eyes to the quagmire in Vietnam many years ago. Decades later, he is lending his powerful voice to point out another failure – the War on Drugs,” said Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “This letter is yet another example of Mr. Cronkite speaking truth to power. There is a reason Mr. Cronkite is considered ‘the most trusted man in America.’”

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troublemaker_42

THIS is what we need more of....well known people, who already have the trust of the general public, supporting our cause. I'm sorry, but people like Marc Emery, The NJweedman, and other eccentric "activists" will never open up people's eyes to the miserable failure that is the drug war. If anything, they are preaching to the chior, which does little good as far as the "Big Picture" goes. People are much more likely to listen to people like Walter Cronkite. I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it.....it order to influence people, our cause needs people who look like, talk like, and appeal to those we are trying to influence, rather than offbeat people who symbolize the anti-drug warriors' sterotype of "druggies". that approach sets us back moreso than furthers the cause.

Stephanie S.

What a great message. Cronkite is a good guy. I appreciate his effort.

What I'd really like to see is someone like, oh say, Ted Kennedy, Michael Enzi, Jim Inhofe or Hillary speak so openly about this. I would like to see one of them push through legislation to completely overhaul the situation. Sticking with the status quo apparently is not solving any problems.


peace

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"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda." —George W. Bush, Greece, N.Y., May 24, 2005 (Listen to audio)

Buzzby

As long as 2/3 of the voters are against the legalization of marijuana it's highly unlikely that you're going to see any politicians blowing their political capital on a lost cause. Ending "The Drug War", the DPA's agenda, is even more remote.

What's needed now is for more non-elected public figures who engender trust, like Mr. Cronkite, to speak out and, hopefully, change public opinion. In my opinion, it makes more sense to push the legalization of marijuana before attempting to get rid of the whole spectrum of drug prohibitions.

johnnyd

I'm glad he is now supporting a change in the drug laws BUT now that he's 10,000 years old and NOBODY listens to him anymore I doubt he has much influence on anybody. Isn't it surprizing that none of these people come out in favor of marijuana legalization while they have influence and the power to change the laws. Good Job Walter but you're 3 decades too late.

 

Buzzby

I'd say that Walter Cronkite has tremendous credibility among those of us who grew up in the '60s. He was a voice of reason at a time, like now, when the government seemed to be run by people who were completely out of touch with reality.

Stephanie S.

I know. But I can dream, yo.


Which public figures do you think would have the biggest impact on public opinion? I'm having a hard time imagining anyone who'd sway my opinion on such a divisive topic. Seriously, I'm curious because I just can't think of anyone.


peace

Buzzby

Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Woodie Harrelson, Montel Williams, Andrew Weil, Peter Lewis, actors, musicians, other (retired) newsmen, (retired) sports figures, and (retired) politicians.

Well-known and respected public figures could star in PSAs. The problem, as always, is that the money isn't there for a pro-marijuana PSA campaign. The ONDCP spends $120,000,000 on TV spots every year. The three major pro-marijuana organizations have a total budget that's one-tenth of that.

Stephanie S.

Now see, all of those folks I can pretty much relate to. On the other hand, it's not my opinion that needs changing. My mom would not listen to Clinton, Williams, Carter. Maybe if Nancy Reagan spoke out my mom would listen.

My concern is that nobody in the public eye really finds this issue that important. Otherwise they would show up in ads for no or a marginal fee.

Maybe Hank Jr., Garth? Reba? Would those people change minds?

I don't know how anyone could compete with the ONDCP. Which is why I'd like to see legalization legislation pushed through. Pushed through just like all the other garbage passing through Congress that most people know little to nothing about. I don't think it would be a difficult thing at all, if enough people in the Senate got involved.


peace

Buzzby

The problem is not paying the speakers. They'd do it for free. The problem is buying all that TV time.


That's a pleasant fantasy, but, as I said, as long as 2/3 of the public is against legalization not a likely reality.