44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

EXPRESSING THE LEGISLATURE'S OPPOSITION TO THE LEGALIZATION OF DRUGS.

WHEREAS, during the last year, the governor has expressed his opinion that the war on drugs is a failure and that legalization and control of drugs is the best way to eliminate the high costs of interdiction and punishment; and

WHEREAS, the governor's opinion is not shared by the overwhelming majority of law enforcement personnel, social workers, judges, teachers, parents, church leaders and others; and

WHEREAS, the experience in countries that have tried legalization does not engender confidence that legalization of drugs is either a sound public policy or a sound public health policy; and

WHEREAS, the legislature strongly opposes the governor's stand on legalization of drugs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislature express, in no uncertain terms, its opposition to any attempts by the governor or anyone else to legalize drugs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature publicly support the efforts of federal and state law enforcement personnel in stopping the trade, distribution and consumption of illegal drugs and applaud their efforts to halt the use of illegal drugs in America; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature, through the passage of this joint memorial, send the strongest possible message to those who sell or use illegal drugs that the New Mexico legislature is committed to the nation's war on drugs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretary of public safety and the United States department of justice.