Fouth of July: From Beaches to Blight

CNDP July Newsletter

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I enjoyed the beauty of the beach and sun on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan, where we have a family home. For years, after similarly idyllic weekends, we have returned to Chicago on Sunday evenings, and each time I feel a pang of anger and shame upon entering the city. In this newsletter, I try to explain why.

In addition, we ask you to Take Action for a second time on behalf of veterans’ access to medical marijuana. About 50 of you responded when we first made this appeal several weeks ago. The bill appeared headed for approval. However, a single legislator was able to block joint committee approval. We have the opportunity now to support an amendment that would override his opposition.

Rev. Alexander E. Sharp
Executive Director, Clergy for a New Drug Policy

Returning to the City

Recent blog post by Rev. Alexander E. Sharp
My wife and I had a good Fourth of July weekend. Children and grandchildren joined us in a resort community on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan where I grew up, about two hours from Chicago. Even though my parents moved several times during my childhood, for all my life this has felt like a home away from home, to me.

At the end of the weekend, we packed the car, and head south around the bottom of Lake Michigan, into Indiana, through Gary, and then, over the Skyway at the 87^th Street Exit, and onto Stoney Island Drive. We pass Jackson Park Hospital, boarded up stores, a lot of fast food places, and there we are –right in the center of Chicago's South Side.

There is no way I can understand what I see as we enter the city. I just know that I have spent the weekend in a very different place.

Take Action

Two months ago, both the U.S. House and Senate passed amendments to a bill seeking to allow Veterans Affairs physicians to write medical marijuana recommendations. Despite both chamber's approvals, the final bill omitted these provisions. We need your help notifying members of congress to adopt the Blumenauer/Daines/Merkley Veterans’ Access to Medical Marijuana Amendment.

- It's not too late for Illinois Clergy to urge Gov. Rauner to sign SB 2228.

- Sign CNDP's Religious Declaration against the War on Drugs.

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- It's not too late for Illinois Clergy to urge Gov. Rauner to sign SB 2228. - Sign CNDP's Religious Declaration against the War on Drugs.

- It's not too late for Illinois Clergy to urge Gov. Rauner to sign SB 2228.

- Sign CNDP's Religious Declaration against the War on Drugs.