LAWMAKER
USES TRAFFIC TO EDUCATE
January 25, 2001
from the Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - Here's a traffic ticket a lawmaker might
welcome. Rep.
Joseph Thompson, an Albuquerque Republican, began distributing
free passes Wednesday to his colleagues to see the drug-war
drama ``Traffic,'' starring Michael Douglas and his new wife,
Catherine Zeta-Jones.
``It's
terrific,'' said Thompson, a friend and ally of Gov. Gary Johnson,
a critic of the nation's war on drugs.
Johnson
is promoting a package of drug bills that includes some decriminalization
and reduced penalties.
The
Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation, a research institute
and a key supporter of Johnson's drug efforts, paid for passes
to the film.
"My
understanding is (the movie) does an excellent job of highlighting
just how complicated the issue is, and how important it is to
have a public debate,'' said Katharine Huffman, director of
the New Mexico Drug Policy Project, an affiliate of the center.
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