Economics and Drug Prohibition News:

California Chamber of Congress Floats Bogus "Legal Analysis" of Proposition 19
By Eric Sterling
8/20/2010

Jumping into the media debate on Proposition 19 that would legalize and control private use of marijuana, the California Chamber of Commerce (“CalChamber”) on Aug. 12, 2010, published what its press release and spokesperson called a “legal analysis” of Proposition 19, entitled “Proposition 19: The Impact on the Workplace.” Their first absurd conclusion is that if Proposition 19 became law “employers would have to permit to employees (sic) to smoke marijuana at work.” This is not what the proposition says, and no reasonable reading
of it and the law could lead to this conclusion.

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Strapped States Find New Virtues in 'Vice'
By Cari Tuna and Justin Scheck
The Wall Street Journal 5/11/10

Voters and politicians in Ohio used to slap down attempts to expand gambling in their state. But last week, many cheered as demolition crews razed an old auto-parts plant in Columbus to make way for a new casino. Facing high unemployment and the aftermath of a $3.2 billion state-budget shortfall, Ohioans voted to allow casinos in November.

Right-Sizing Prisons

In this January 2010 release by The Pew Center on the States, prominent and successful business leaders from around the country make a compelling case for corrections reform, often suggesting we introduce and expand rehabilitative programs, including drug treatment. Through Pew's Public Safety Performance Project, the announcement is part of an effort to promote fiscally sound, data-driven policies that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, and control costs.

America's 'Near Poor' Are Increasingly at Economic Risk, Experts Say
By Erik Eckholm
The New York Times - 5/8/06

The Abbotts date their tailspin to a collapse in demand for the aviation-related electronic parts that Stephen sold in better times, when he earned about $40,000 a year.
He lost his job in late 2001, unemployment benefits ran out over the next year and he and his wife, Laurie, along with their teenage son, were evicted from their apartment.

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Our Dead-End Approach to Homicide
By Eric E. Sterling
The Washington Post - 1/19/06

Our regional crime problem is depressing investment, property values and retail sales, and increasing insurance premiums and tax burdens. The Post has reported on this phenomenon, but an analysis of the problem that will mobilize our civic leadership has remained elusive.

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