The Senate in the USA is set to vote on the appointment of an administrator tomorrow. The nominee is Michele Leonhart, who has been deputy-acting administrator since Karen Tandy resigned in 2007 and is seen as a regressive rather than progressive force by campaigners in the USA.

Michele Leonhart represents a continuation of the politics of zero toleration that was very much a part of the Bush administration. Despite an edict from the President that stipulates a softer approach towards small time cannabis growers, especially in states where medical marijuana is legal, the DEA under Leonhart has continued to push resources into tackling these small enterprises.

Pro legalisation campaigners are warning that the permanent appointment of Leonhart as administrator will be a step backwards in the discussion on drug policy in the USA. Her stance on drug policy is very much a product of her political stance and not one that has been born out of careful consideration, with science and social observation in mind. If one reads the public statement she recently released, which panders to the idea that the ‘war on drugs’ is a successful enterprise, it becomes clear that any prospect of a reappraisal of the terms of the DEA’s mandate are unlikely to change under her supervision.

It can be argued that the rising death toll and war like situation prevailing in Mexico at present are a sign of the failure of current policies, however Leonhart claims that they represent “a signpost of the success." To read her statement see the link below

Whilst it is not for the administrator of the DEA to change policy, the tone of their output and an honest appraisal of the current situation should be forthcoming, rather than sticking to a brief which to most other observers, has failed.

Norml which campaigns for reform in marijuana laws is calling for Barack Obama to withdraw his nomination, citing the fact that in the last three years as acting administrator, Leonhart has demonstrated that she is incapable of leading the agency in thoughtful manner which reflects the current state of a country in which fourteen states have enacted medical marijuana reforms.

Under Leonhart the DEA has made seizures of medical marijuana which have been registered as above board by state authorities, in such cases working against state legislature and statements from the president which suggest that state decisions on the matter should be honoured.

NORML and a host of other progressive drug lobbies are calling for Americans to write to their senator asking them to reject the appointment of Leonhart.

To send a letter to your Senator click here.

To read the NORML statement click here.

To read Michele Leonharts statement click here.