The War

This isn't a post about the War in Iraq, or in Afghanistan, or on Terror, or against Islamic Extremism. No, this is a post on the ridiculous, idiotic, and increasingly authoritarian war on drugs we are waging in this country. I don't have time to go into detail now, but go over to Radley Balko's place and just start scrolling. The upshot of the case is that an innocent man is sentenced to die in Mississippi as a result of his actions during a drug raid. Cory Maye is on death row because he acted in self defense after a police officer broke through his door while executing a no knock raid on his neighbor (Cory lives in a duplex). Cory reacted to the unidentified individual breaking down his door by shooting at the individual. The individual turned out to be an officer, the son of the sheriff. Cory was convicted of murder. Here's Balko's original summary of the case, but there's a lot more, including a disturbing conversation with the county court clerk, and his correspondence with the DA who prosecuted the case. (h/t to Instapundit for the story).

Oh, and if you think the war on drugs hasn't gone too far, check out this story.

Federal agents looking like storm-troopers on a drug raid toting weapons that citizens aren't allowed to own? Check.

Said agents storming a public place with nary a warning? Check.

Federal agents not telling any local officials about the raid? Check.

Chances for disaster? You be the judge.

h/t to Balko for both stories.