Originally published May 14, 2009 at 9:16 AM | Page modified May 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Comments (142)
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Kerlikowske wants to drop "war on drugs" term
Former Seattle Police Gil Kerlikowske, the Obama administration's new drug czar, says in today's Wall Street Journal that he wants to banish the idea that the U.S. is fighting a "war on drugs."
Seattle Times staff
Former Seattle Police Gil Kerlikowske, the Obama administration's new drug czar, says in today's Wall Street Journal that he wants to banish the idea that the U.S. is fighting a "war on drugs."
"Regardless of how you try to explain to people it's a 'war on drugs' or a 'war on a product,' people see a war as a war on them," Kerlikowske said his first interview since he was confirmed last week to head the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. "We're not at war with people in this country."
Kerlikowske, a 36-year law-enforcement veteran who was Seattle's top cop for nine years, has previously pledged to take a balanced approach to the job using scientific study to shape policy. He also said he will focus on reducing demand for illicit drugs in the United States — a sharp contrast from the Bush administration's focus on intercepting drugs as they cross the border and punishing drug crimes.
Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this story.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
Obama trip puts spotlight on growing power of Asia
How your U.S. lawmaker voted this week
Details emerge about Fort Hood suspect's history
McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan
Election Night: Mike McGinn
Election Night: Susan Hutchison
Election Night: Dow Constatine
Candlelight vigil for Officer Brenton
Flying Elephant on Aurora
nwjobs
Post a comment
Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
Open Houses | Find this weekend's open house listings.  Or search by location: |
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- Suspect in officer's slaying shot by police
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- Stormy weather to continue today in the Seattle area
- UCLA game thread 937
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer 389
- Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment 332
- Troubling portrait emerges of Fort Hood suspect 286
- Decision day for health care in the House 193
- McGinn widens lead over Mallahan in Seattle mayoral race 183
- Schools emerge as new tactic in gay marriage votes 99
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA 90
- Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working 74
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman 71
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land
- Guest columnist | Cut the South Carolina jokes, Seattle. Get ready to compete
- Practical Mac | With new features, Apple's MobileMe is worth the price
- H1N1 vaccine for high-risk group coming to King Co. pharmacies
- Shoreline man killed when struck by falling tree part
- Suspect in officer's slaying shot by police
- Movie review | 'An Education' you won't forget
