Your comments on equity, McIlheran on air, six weeks to Annual Dinner Research Criminal Enforcement of Marijuana Laws Uncommon in Many Wisconsin Counties By Jeremiah Mosteller Since the Badger Institute’s last report on cannabis enforcement, we were able to secure three new years of data, and we wanted to explore how things might or might not have changed. Readers should remember that there were severe and unprecedented events — a pandemic, an economic shutdown, and a near-total end to criminal case processing — that will surely have affected all three years of this more recent data. An in-depth analysis of this and data from other sources reveals five conclusions: All components of the criminal justice system have reduced their focus on cannabis offenses even though we know that cannabis use has increased in the Badger State... Read the Full Report Viewpoint Let’s talk real facts about pot in Wisconsin By Mike Nichols The vast majority of Wisconsinites have an opinion about whether pot should be legalized or not — but based on what? According to a Marquette Law School poll last fall, 64% of registered Wisconsin voters, and 43% of Republicans, favor full legalization. Thirty percent of Wisconsinites and 50% of Republicans think it should remain illegal. Only 6% of registered voters say they just don’t know. Marquette didn’t ask respondents what, either way, influenced their opinion. That you once used it? Or still do? Or heard from someone that it’s a helluva lot more dangerous than it used to be? That you have a productive, successful neighbor who is also an acknowledged pothead? Or a nephew who smoked a ton of it before he migrated to heroin and overdosed? Your love of gummies or tax revenue? Your fear of general civic sloth or impaired drivers? Without coming to a conclusion about legalization or decriminalization or the status quo, at least not initially, the Badger Institute will be releasing a series of policy briefs in the coming months to establish as many relevant facts as possible. Continue Reading   📣 In Your Own Words 📣 “I’m outraged by this. The DPI is supporting radical theories and trying to integrate it even more into our schools curriculums. Our children deserve more than this. It’s called EDUCATION not indoctrination.” — Cody G., Colby “I have a real issue with your use of the word ‘equity’ as a negative condition. In my life experience (80 years), equity was, and I believe still is, viewed as a positive goal, condition, etc. Somehow, with the politicization of virtually everything in society, equity has been transformed and reduced to something that is somehow negative and undesirable. The negative connotation associated with the word equity has originated from the conservative mentality which purposely confuses everything (laws, books, treatises, essays) that promoted the whole concept of equity, especially in the context of human and American history.” — John Durham, Mosinee   Thank you for submitting your comments on our latest stories, op-eds and analyses. In case you missed it, here’s Pat McIlheran’s latest that sparked the debate: Bureaucracy brings in high-profile leftists     Badger on Air Vicki McKenna welcomes Patrick McIlheran to discuss the state’s controversial “Educational Equity Leadership Series” August 28, The Vicki McKenna Show Segment begins at 45:33 Listen Now Patrick McIlheran goes on air with Meg Ellefson to explain the difference between equality and equity in education August 31, Wisconsin’s Morning News (WSAU) Listen Now Badger Events Join us Thursday, October 12 (formerly October 3) for the Badger Institute Annual Dinner. Rep. Mike Gallagher will deliver keynote remarks on democracy, freedom and the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts | Brookfield, WI 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres 6:30 p.m. presentation and keynote remarks Sponsorship opportunities are available, along with general registration and VIP meet-and-greet tickets. RSVP Today Weekly Survey: Should Wisconsin lawmakers decriminalize the use of marijuana? Answer below! Yes No   Previous Poll Results: Invest in the Badger Institute The Badger Institute, formerly known as the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute (WPRI), has long been at the forefront of the fight for school choice, right to work, welfare reform, tax restructuring, limited government, civil society and so much more. If you appreciate the Institute’s legacy and want to support free markets, opportunity and prosperity, please consider donating today. Your support will help the Institute continue to advocate for conservative principles now and in generations to come. Support Freedom   The Institute never has, and never will, accept government funding. We gratefully welcome your online donation or email Angela Smith, Executive Vice President. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization funded solely by the generosity of foundations, companies and individuals. Badger Institute | 700 W Virginia St, Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.badgerinstitute.org Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!