Drug Policy Forum Of Texas

November 18, 2002 Meeting Minutes

1. In attendance:

Dr. Robison, Frank Smith, Ann and Bob Lee, Tami Halphen, Faye Hamilton, Jerry Epstein, Bobbie Culberson, Cheryl and Steve Nolin and Duane Jones.

2. Meeting started at 7:10 pm. Dr. Robison greeted the group.

3. Ann Lee started meeting off on Sterile Syringe Distribution. She stated very adamantly we should no longer call it Needle Exchange Programs. Group briefly discussed this issue.

4. Dr. Robison informed us of the upcoming special on Houston MediaSource television about Aids and Hepatitis C that will be airing on December 1, 2002. The group discussed and decided the best time slot for us to air a special Drugs, Crime and Politics would be 5:00-6:00 pm. Dr. Robison also asked group if we think we will still be able to afford to air Drugs, Crime and Politics. Bob Lee suggested that we need to get members to make sustaining donations to DPFT to help with expenses.

5. Tami Halphen informed group of the new 420 Internet Café and Coffee Shop located in the Galleria where Luke’s Hamburgers used to be. She stated coffee and tea prices were rather high but there is no charge to use Internet or their computers.

6. Group discussed and decided this year’s Christmas Party will again be held at the Lee’s home on December 16, 2002 from 6:30 pm until? Bob and Ann will supply a ham and turkey while guests are to bring a covered dish or the equivalent.

7. Ann Lee was very upset about getting form letter replies from reps like Kay Bailey-Hutchinson. She stated she has a friend who knows Kay personally. Ann will from now on give her letters to her friend to deliver to Kay.

8. Group discussed the Channel 8 television show “The Connection” that Al and Jerry appeared on. Several comments where made about the DEA agent that appeared with them on the panel.

9. Dr. Robison informed the group of the retreat in Austin a few weekends ago with the board of Directors. He also informed us DPFT did not get the grant from the Brown Foundation. He stated for our meeting next month, we will be showing the video tape Harla Kaplan showed them at the retreat, “Raising More Money,” to help DPFT raise more funds.

10. Frank Smith suggested that one reason places like Ohio lost on the ballot initiatives was because the government bought large corporations. Also discussed was how the government lies to the people and the need for us to prove they are lying. Much discussion took place on this topic.

11. Discussed as a group that we must get people emotionally involved before they will make larger donations and vote for drug reform. At this point most everyone was very emotional and discussion was quit lively.

12. Faye Hamilton brought up people on the religious right and how they are totally against drug reform – and also that they are such a large group.

13. Tami told group about the judge in Wisconsin that was caught smoking a marijuana cigarette at a rock concert. She also stated we need to make a commercial to show people who we are and what we do.

14. Frank stated DPFT needs to focus on one stance, such as medical marijuana or sterile syringe distribution, although he is totally against all aspects of the drug war. He stated we need a spokesperson, someone like Willie Nelson. Most everyone in the group had a comment for that statement. He also asked why marijuana cannot be regulated and controlled like alcohol. The group made many comments in response to that statement.

15. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.