Conversation 1

  14:36

Gov. Gary Johnson defines "insanity" and applies the word to America's drug policy. "Don't Do Drugs," Gov. Johnson urges, then declares America's War on Drugs a miserable failure. He distinguishes personal from criminal behavior. He describes Zurich, Switzerland's success decriminalizing heroin and Holland's success legalizing marijuana. He suggests alternative ways to assess the impact of drugs. Assuring us that both Republicans and Democrats have strong internal divisions about drug policy, Gov. Johnson describes the profound and far-reaching effects of today's laws. The electorate substantially supports his legislative drug program in New Mexico, Governor Johnson reports, and talks about the 80,000,000 Americans who have smoked marijuana. He declares we now have a war NOT on drugs, but on ordinary citizens. He lists many of the issues directly related to the criminalization of drugs.

Conversation 2

  9:37

Governor Johnson notes that 50% of state and federal prisoners have a drug-related problem. He assures us that most problems are prohibition-related -- not use-related -- and expands, explaining the economics of prohibition. Gov. Johnson frames the alarming dimensions of problems which face every governor in the nation. He describes the international implications, detailing how more cocaine now comes into America than ever before. The supply problem is directly linked to America's demand for these drugs, he points out, and draws an analogy to illustrate how current policies cause current problems. He expands on his own sense of mission in politics and suggests what he thinks brought down (alcohol's) Prohibition.

Conversation 3

 15:05

In the year 2000, there were 1,600,000 people arrested in the U.S. on drug-related crimes, Governor Johnson reports, offering statistics about how dramatically people of color are discriminated against in the enforcement of current laws. $50 billion dollars are spent every year enforcing current policies, he says, and suggests better allocation of those resources. He reiterates that doing physical harm to a person or property is and always should be criminal. He describes and explains "asset forfeiture," alarmed that we have given up Constitutional rights in the name of the War on Drugs. He gives examples and details what he would do if given a magic wand. He reiterates why he believes the drug issue should be a health issue, not a criminal justice one. He compares the dramatically different health consequences of tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs and cocaine/heroin. While agreeing that social corruption accompanies current policies, Gov. Johnson summarizes his own, different approach.

Conversation 4

 10:34

The attitudes of citizens are dramatically different from those of elected officials, says Gov. Johnson, claiming surprisingly strong support. He assures us, "Politicians Follow," and explains. He holds out hope of a growing consensus among politicians that current policies must change because they don't work. Declaring drugs the biggest head-in-the-sand issue in the world today, Gov. Johnson describes the package of modest bills he took to the New Mexico Legislature and what he thinks these laws will accomplish. He assures us America will change its policies but wonders how long it will take. He characterizes how he believes Republicans and Democrats have approached similar issues, then summarizes.