FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Tom Riley/Jennifer de Vallance 202–395–6618
Wednesday, November 6, 2002
WHITE HOUSE DRUG CZAR:
BALLOT INITIATIVE RESULTS
"A STUNNING VICTORY OF COMMON SENSE OVER PRO-DRUG PROPAGANDA"
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Commenting on the results of ballot initiatives in Arizona, Nevada, and Ohio seeking to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy, made the following statement:
"These failed initiatives represent the high water mark of the drug legalization movement. Common sense has prevailed, and from now on, the tide turns our way-the way of dedicated Americans working to protect their children and their communities from the dangers of drugs.
Despite the millions of dollars spent by a super-wealthy few to influence voters in these states, today's results affirm what most Americans already know: That no family, no community, no state is better off with more drug use. Despite being outspent by as much as 25 to one, voters refused to have their voices drowned out by those who are indifferent to the harms that drug use brings.
We will continue to support the tireless work of parents, teachers, treatment providers, prevention advocates, law enforcement officials, and the millions of other citizens working to make our nation's drug problem smaller."
