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   From: unqualified.black.cunt@splcenter.org   
      
   A coalition of political and business leaders in Oregon is pushing for the   
   reform of the state’s drug laws following the decriminalization of drugs   
   in 2020.   
      
   However, public opinion has shifted, with polls indicating a desire to   
   recriminalize possession of hard drugs and ban public drug use.   
      
   The coalition aims to prioritize diversion, treatment, and recovery over   
   prosecution and jail, while also seeking improved oversight of tax dollars   
   and tougher penalties for drug dealing. (Trending: Melania Trump Announces   
   Big Change For 2024)   
      
   Supporters argue that the current law has led to thousands receiving   
   substance use treatment, peer support services, and harm reduction   
   supplies.   
      
   Former director of the Oregon Department of Corrections Max Williams said,   
   “Oregonians still believe that the best strategy is a minimal use of   
   criminal justice resources to encourage people into treatment and   
   recovery.”   
      
   “But they also realize the tools that we’ve currently given law   
   enforcement . . . are not working,” he continued.   
      
   Portland trial attorney Kristin Olson said, “Oregon has turned into an   
   international spectacle, and I think we looked at each other and realized   
   that we made an enormous mistake.”   
      
   “Writing somebody a ticket that is oftentimes less than what you would get   
   for parking illegally in downtown Portland is not motivating people to   
   seek treatment and recovery,” explained Max Williams.   
      
   “The data for that is overwhelming,” he continued. “Nobody’s looked at   
   Oregon and said, ‘Wow, this is a model of fabulous success,'” added the   
   former lawmaker.   
      
   On the other hand, opponents fear that a return to criminalization would   
   stigmatize those in need of help and argue that there is no evidence   
   linking decriminalization to fatal overdose rates.   
      
   The coalition is prepared to bring their proposal to voters if the   
   legislature does not act promptly.   
      
   Tera Hurst, executive director of the Oregon Health Justice Recovery   
   Alliance, said, “It re-stigmatizes people who need help. People are less   
   likely to get help when they are stigmatized.”   
      
   “Nobody’s looked at Oregon and said, ‘Wow, this is a model of fabulous   
   success,'” said Williams.   
      
   “If anything, a state like our friends to the north in Washington, I   
   think, quickly moved to reinstate criminal sanctions associated with   
   possession of these hard drugs because they did not want to follow the   
   pattern that Oregon had followed,” he added.   
      
   https://www.stateofunion.org/2024/05/05/residents-fed-up-with-oregons-out-   
   of-control-drug-laws-issue-ultimatum-2/   
      
   --- SoupGate-DOS v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)