Drug WarRant is One Year Old!

One year ago today, I ventured forth in the land of blogs, thinking that I’d maybe write a post per week or so about the drug war. Considering this is post 497, I think I overshot my plans. It’s been a very full year, and seems longer. I had a reader, in fact, assure me that he has read my blog daily for 2-3 years, maybe more.
Certainly, it’s been a success beyond my wildest dreams. In one year, Drug WarRant has moved up to 21st in Salon Blogs popularity all-time, with close to 120,000 views. Got nominated for a Koufax. And I’ve found tremendous support from all areas in the political spectrum.
A huge thanks to all those wonderful folks in this crazy community who have been such a help (and I know I’m going to be leaving important ones out), including Libby, Jeralyn, Jeff, Walter, Sukoi, Patrick, Dave, David, Scott, Jim, Desert Cat, Serial Catowner, Brutal Hugger, Steve, Harmony, Baylen, Ben, Loretta, Elmer, Chris, disgusted vet, jackl, Matt, Matthew, Tad, Yan, Richard, and all the regular posters at MAP, SSDP, DPFIL, etc.
There were some light moments during the year, including

• If I Were Contrarian King of the United States
• Increase in Burger Abuse Seen
• Who is the Drug Czar? (humorous, but sadly true)

And there was some serious education going on, as these items have been spread widely across the internet.

• Why is Marijuana Illegal?
• Drug War Victims
• and to a lesser degree Frequently Asked Questions section

(If you haven’t read any of the above, you should.)
Other highlights of the year included taking on the DEA’s Karen Tandy and Michele Leonhart, covering the Hinchey amendment debates (in 2003 and 2004), The Great Debate, Clowns on C-Span and A Story for Thanksgiving.
What’s next? In addition to continuing to “look at the front lines of the drug war, with news, analysis, and the occasional rant,” I’m very much aware that this is an election year. Look for some detailed analysis of some of the smaller races, where the drug reform community can really make a difference. I’m going to be asking for your specific help in affecting the outcome of some elections. It’ll be fun! Drug WarRant will be endorsing candidates and getting readers to actively work for a few of them. More on this in a few days.
But right now, I thought I’d give you a one-year anniversary present. Some inspiring quotes that appeared on the pages of Drug WarRant during its first year. This is not a comprehensive list, nor does it follow any logical rules, but these are quotes from reformers, newspaper editors, judges, and others that appeared here. Taken together, they give you a sense that perhaps drug policy reform is not such a fantasy — that there are many people who recognize the faults of the drug war, and are willing to push for change.
Read “A Year of Inspirational Quotes”