A prominent member of a drug law reform group comprised of former law enforcement officers will speak today at the University Center.
Terry Nelson, director of training for Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, will discuss perceived problems in the war on drugs at 4 p.m. in the UC Caribbean Room.
"We want to encourage dialogue amongst the public and ultimately try to get information to the students," said Michael Blunk, president of Students for Sensible Drug Policy at UH. "Often we only hear the negative side of drug policy, but here we are trying to offer an alternative viewpoint. Once they have the information it’s easier for the public to make an informed decision."
Nelson, who was invited by the SSDP at UH, spent three decades working for the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Customs Service and the Department of Homeland Security.
Blunk said Nelson’s unique perspective on ending the drug war would afford attendees greater insight on the issue.
"He has worked with the Border Patrol, so he has seen the war on drugs firsthand. As time went on he began to question the validity of what they’re doing." Blunk said. "Terry believes that the money from illegal drugs goes to the drug leaders, and that we should have these illegal drugs (sold legally) on the market. Then the money could go toward prevention and informing people, similar to how alcohol works."
Nelson will discuss the domestic and international effects of drug policy, which includes the recent escalation in Mexican cartel-related violence.
"We are an organization that encourages people to obey the current drug policy and at the same time question it because the current one doesn’t work." Blunk said. "That is why we try to have events that would get students involved and educated, and unlike other events we won’t just be serving pizza. Instead we are offering a menu."
The SSDP at UH also plans to hold Marijuana 1101, in which members will discuss marijuana misconceptions. For more information, visit www.uhssdp.com.
