Re: Meet Neill Franklin, LEAP's New Executive Director

Jack A. Cole, Chairman of the Board Like most folks, I just sort of fell into things. It was my time, so I joined the Marines, after which I joined the New Jersey State Police where I served for 26 years. I was told to be a narc, so I spent over a decade working undercover. I passively accepted my role in the drug war just as the rest of the country accepted the war itself. But it didn't last. What I experienced was disillusioning, disturbing. I began to deeply question what I was doing, even as I kept doing it. Once retired, I acted on my personal questioning and transformation, and along with four other cops, we created Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Just five of us, encouraged by a few brave allies, giving voice to those who fought on the frontlines and had the best chance to counter the poisonous misinformation and hysteria that fueled the drug war. I can hardly believe that in less than eight years, LEAP has grown into a professionally staffed, internationally recognized organization with some 30,000 supporters and 100 speakers in 76 countries who have given over 5,000 presentations. It seems impossible, but it wasn't, because of the rapidly disintegrating wall of self-justification that surrounds the drug war, a political sea change LEAP helped to create. Unique, gutsy  and improbable, LEAP is actively supporting local drug policy reforms, developing a cops and clergy alliance, and making significant outreach to communities disproportionately impacted by the drug war yet underrepresented in drug policy reform. This is simply made possible by contributions from people like you - folks who let us know every day that we are not alone. Neill Franklin, Executive Director And now, proudly, LEAP is undergoing a transformation in its leadership, as I step down and welcome our new executive director, Neill Franklin, a retired 33-year veteran of the Maryland police with extensive non-profit management and board experience. I am blessed to introduce Neill - he has the vision, credibility and passion to lead us and the drug policy movement into the next, more ambitious phase of ending this destructive, wasteful policy. Please give as generously as you can - your donation today will support LEAP and send Neill the message - as five cops who had had enough learned eight years ago - that he is not alone. Thank you, Jack A. Cole Chairman of the Board Law Enforcement Against Prohibition DONATE NOW Your donation puts LEAP speakers in front of audiences. To support LEAP's work by making a contribution, please click here.             121 Mystic Ave. Suites 8&9 Medford, MA 01255 (781) 393-6985 info@leap.cc You received this e-mail because you are a supporter of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.   We need help growing our all-encompassing movement of citizens who want to end the failed "war on drugs," so please invite your family and friends to learn about LEAP.