Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio spoke on behalf of drug courts today at a Washington, DC, rally (Capitol Hill Day) organized by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Video footage is included in coverage by Jambands and Relix, though provides a look more at his suit than at his remarks, as distinguishing his voice from the crowd "woot"s proves challenging.
NADCP is holding a training conference in DC July 17-20. Following the rally, conference attendees "will take to the Hill to meet with Members of Congress and their staff to tell them the Drug Courts save money, cut crime and serve veterans." Other celebrities involved include Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, and Denny Siewell.
Drug court support comes at a critical juncture - headlines about deficit and debt woes, against a backdrop of a failed drug war, a DEA administrator who lies, and serious efforts to defund the drug czar. Whereas the "czar" (under the monicker Office of National Drug Control Policy) costs taxyapers billions and accomplishes nothing but violence, misery, and nonsense, drug court proponents are seeking less than $100 million for proven effective approaches, half of that via the Department of Health and Human Services.
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it sure as hell accomplishes a lot more good than throwing people in jail!!
I am very passionate on the topic of addiction for personal reasons and I applaud Trey for his continued service. Thank you!! An inspiration to a lot of us.
Also, Trey rocks.
When I was imprisoned, I lost everything I had. TV, stereos, clothes, car. But when I got out, my music collection was waiting. After a loooong absense of my favorite music- hearing it again, made it worth that much more to me. I relived some of my favorite shows, in listening to them. The difference- it became more about the music, the emotion.
I wondered, being sober, and living a new healthy lifestyle, if I would ever get to see live music again. I feared if I didn't at least try it out, sober and all, that I would never feel the love and vibe I once felt. I feared life would pass me by and I would regret not seeing live music.
But how? Drinking was my life, and I grew up drinking in almost every social situation. Sobriety was new, and would I be able to stay sober if I went to a show? How would I handle, this very social affair without some crutch?
After released from parole, Phish announced their getting back together. A lot of their hiatus, I was behind bars. This announcement came at just the right time. To me, it was a sign. I had heard the rumors, Phish may be getting back together, and I told myself, if they do, that would be my first show sober. And it was. There was a lot of emotion. I had the support of a couple of my good friends, I had let down and hurt with my drinking. It was very hard not drinking, but was soooo exhilirating. I will not miss seeing summer Phish.
Knowing my music was out there waiting for me, kept me going when I was locked up. I love my family, my children, but music is the soundtrack of life, for me. It inspired me then, and continues to inspire me now. There were many days behind bars where all I had, were the conversations from home, the letters from home, and I always thought of this: "I took a moment from my day, and wrapped it up in things you say. I mailed it off to your address, youll get it pretty soon unless..."
Thanks to Trey for speaking on our behalf, and thanks to Phish for giving an old retired drunk, ( who may be a little lost in this world) a place that he can still call home.