It’s been somewhat good news that Senator Leahy blocked a favorable State Department report on Mexico’s human rights record.
Leahy’s action delays the release of $100 million in U.S. aid meant to help Mexico combat drug traffickers. The Merida Initiative, a $1.4 billion, three-year package, requires Congress to withhold some of the funding unless the State Department reports that Mexico is not violating human rights while prosecuting the drug war, the Post reported.
But will it do any good? Unlikely.
But objections by Leahy and others may have limited impact. Because the law requires only that the report be submitted, the State Department could spend the conditional money even if lawmakers object to its findings.
God I love him for delaying that $100 million though… public statements are worth something, they are seeds planted, and oh, it just feels nice… but you’re right, in the immediate practical sense, eh, doesn’t actually do much. It was enough to push me over the tipping point to become an official Leahy fan on Facebook though, haha!
Oh my God. I just realized you added me to your blog roll. Honored. Thanks!
So, kind of random, but will you be at the Reform Conference in Albuquerque in Novemeber? If so, maybe I’ll see you there:-) I’m excited to meet bunches of drug policy reforming people I’ve thus far only communicated with online!
It’s unlikely this year. I’ve already been doing too much traveling and time away from work — If I have any extra, I need to use it to see my folks.
I’ve been to the last few major conferences, and I think you’ll really enjoy it. It is good to finally get together with those you’ve only met online.
Oh well sorry I won’t be seeing you! But your reason for not going is totally understandable:-) I am pretty excited to meet people though… I’d say put names to faces but I’ve seen photos of a lot of the people I interact with lol, so it’ more like put 3d personas with internet personas? Yeah, that makes more sense.
Random, but is there any way so that I can set up e-mail notifications for when someone comments/replies on a comment thread that I’ve commented on? For example, to see your comment, I had to come back and check manually. E-mail notifiers would be oh so delightful if they’re possible…