decrimwatched When I first started this project in the fall of last year, I had hoped it would be temporary. The Mayor of Chicago had indicated marijuana decrim is no big deal, therefore I assumed there would be an interesting process to observe as new policy was implemented.
Sadly, the process stopped almost immediately, and I'm not sure when the discussion is going to be revived. A friend who knows someone who is supposedly close to the decision-making process on this issue tells me there are a handful of upper level Chicago police brass who have attempted to apply brakes to the process ever since it started. Those opponents seem to have successfully stopped the plan's momentum last month with another phony reform related to marijuana arrests.
So, at least until the momentum starts again, I am putting decrimwatch on official hiatus (as opposed to the unofficial one it's been on for the past several weeks).
In addition to the lack of news on the Chicago issue, and already excellent coverage of marijuana-related news comming from other blogs, I find myself becoming busier with other commitments. The most exciting: An independent publisher has contacted me about releasing a revised edition of Maximizing Harm, my book about the drug war. Nothing's been finalized yet, but if everything falls into place, a new version of the book should be available by this time next year. And, perhaps, there will be a new blog to go with the new book...
If you positively can't live without my regular commentary on prohibition issues, be sure to read DrugSense Weekly every Friday, which features me and my colleagues picking the top drug news stories from the past seven days along with analysis and all the latest details from the drug war.
My sincere thanks to everyone who visited decrimwatch, especially those who took time to leave comments and/or contact me. I'd also like to express my admiration for all the committed and energetic drug war bloggers listed to the left. I've been learning all I can about the drug war for nearly a decade, but I'm always pleasantly surprised by the insights and information that other concerned individuals like Pete, Libby, Jim, Scott, Loretta, M., Sister Geoff, Preston and the folks over at D'Alliance have to share. (Sorry if I missed anyone!)
Peace.
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