Reefer Madness Goes Felony

by Robert Norse

Sat, May 5, 2012 8:54AM

Isaac ("Lyrical I") Collins faces felony "possession of marijuana with intent to sell" charges. The War on Drugs and boldness of Drug War cops has increased significantly. For the first time that I remember at the 4-20 rally in the Great Meadow last month, an activist was arrested on felony charges for doing what others around him were doing, celebrating and sharing the joy (not to mention standing up to the absurdity of the laws). There are also racial. class, and political dimensions involved in the arrest since Isaac is African-American, a leading Occupy Santa Cruz activist, and an outspoken street poet who has spoke regularly on my Free Radio Santa Cruz show.

The Sentinel's unhelpful story can be found at http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_20444247/annual-420-celebration-bakes-heat-at-uc-santa? . I encourage people to distribute the flier below and support Isaac. The last report I read from the Measure K commission (supposedly charged with monitoring police misconduct around making marijuana busts the lowest priority for consenting adults in private) marijuana busts had increased 50% in 2010. As they've been going up all around the country.

Not a word yet from our local ACLU (who had their national Drug Policy unit stationed here for several years on Pacific Avenue).

§Flier

by Robert Norse

Sat, May 5, 2012 8:58AM