YOUR COMMENTS

Time for the Union Leader to name the 130 or so NH Police Officer members of LEAP.

I am curious just how many drug arrests this group makes per year in the performance of their SWORN duty.
- Miles N, Claremont, NH

HEY JUDE from Tuftonboro,
Does your list of addictions include extensive internet use including but not limited to blogging on the Union Leader? I just noticed that I haven't read an article without seeing a post by you attached. Lets have a quick intervention, maybe you should stop wasting your time posting your opinion on The Union Leader, and actually get out there and do something positive for your community. In other words PLEASE PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH DEAR.
- Rose, Tuftonboro

A law enforcement officer might not persecute American citizens for having some flowers ('tis the flower "bud" of the cannabis plant people smoke)???

If he won't stand up for the omnicompetent State and oppress their rights of life, liberty, and PROPERTY, then who is going to respect the formerly Iron Fist of the State? Are people going to still blindly obey, march lockstep, and cheer on the long slow advance of the totalitarian police state?

Apparently many of them will do their sheepish traitorous duty of betraying their own selves, their fellow citizens, and the future generations who will have to live and die under this fascist regime.
- Patriot Henry, Keene

"Cease and desist?"

That sounds like cop talk to me. BJ, are you a cop? You once one?

Hey, I'm back. Because BJ hasn't put up.

I do not doubt Brad Jarvis's sincerity as to what he believes or his motives. Am I an "authority" on drugs and drug laws - well I might be kind of up to speed. I've been around it for a long time, and some may rely on me for my knowledge. I think I'd take on a young cop, police academy or not, over my understanding of the subject.

Fact is, I, like you, BJ, care, too.

I understand. The town bosses say, "We got a drug problem," to the police chief in Anytown, USA. The police chief says, "We got a drug problem, make some arrests," to his department.

And it's so much easier - provides all the stats needed - to go out and bust 100 potheads; because you can't get close or have the resources to get to the crack, heroin, methadone and the other crap out there. All the PR is "Well, we saw the problem and went and did something!!"

I do care, and BJ, I don't agree it's time to put your hands in your pockets and say there's no way to win, so we gotta lose.

Again, BJ, or how about Brad Jarvis in your stead, step up and explain exactly and in full, here and now, your plan, your rules, and why you think it merits you being believed?

To tell you the truth, I'd love to be convinced. But don't challenge me to join a solution that isn't a solution - just a poorly thought out ideology.

I kinda wish Brad Jarvis could have seen that. What do you say, BJ?

Brad Jarvis is no hero. But I hope he comes back around, a little more mature and having gotten through this rough time - with lessons learned. He will find there is another way, maybe other than being a cop, that suits him and his beliefs, I think. That may the person I'd like to hear more about.
- RP, New Boston

Deb of Derry - "Maybe I can put together a group of Americans and we can spend our time influencing your politicians so we can change Australian laws..."

LOL! They already do. In fact most of the world's drug laws are because of a group of Americans who spend their time threatening other countries to follow their drug laws.

This group, made up of prohibitionists / moral crusaders / the religious right and other nutters demand that other countries follow the success of US drug policy e.g. the highest rate of drug use in the world, jailing more people than any other country on earth, spending $69 billion annually, having 10 times the HIV rate of Australia because of not supporting needle exchanges, massive drug related street violence, complete suburbs overrun by drug gangs and arresting nearly 800,000 non violent people for pot each year. Yeah, really successful. LMAO!

And comparing cannabis to heroin just shows your ignorance which would make you a prime candidate for that group you mentioned. Not arresting a person for medical marijuana to treat a medical condition is very different to putting a drug cartel kingpin in as president. But I didn't expect you to really know the difference because ... ALL DRUGS ARE BAD mmmkay (oh, except the legal ones which kill 50 times the number of people than all illicit drugs combined).

Thanks for the funniest comment yet.

Maybe you should leave the important stuff to grown ups.
- Terry Wright, Australia

He made a friend with me. . .or doesn't that count? Brad Jardis is a hero, and should be treated as such.
- Gregory Milligan, Monongahela, Pennsylvania

Okay, BJ. I'll shut up and go away.

So you can take the floor, and actually say something.

So, where do you draw the line? What are the rules we should live by?

Your turn.
- RP, New Boston

Okay, BJ. I'll shut up and go away.

So you can take the floor, and actually say something.

So, where do you draw the line? What are the rules we should live by?

Your turn.
- RP, New Boston

Dear RP - New Boston, I am issuing a cease and desist order for you to stop posting your mindless drivel, as if you are some kind of authority on drugs in our society. Seriously. You accuse others of commenting as if they are smarter than. How ironic that your idiotic comments only prove that they are!
Drug laws have proven ineffective at curbing use. The problem is not going away. Some people like drugs and will stop at nothing to get them...PERIOD. Deal with it.
Drug laws do not make us safer. In fact, they do the exact opposite by creating large black markets in which the drugs are dealt. The sooner that we can all face the fact that drugs are here to stay, the better. Then we can begin thinking about a responsible strategy to EFFECTIVELY deal with them.
Do you want a safer society for your children? I DO! Why don't you work towards becoming part of the solution, rather than dragging on the agony and pointless conflict of our current drug policy.
I write this because I love our state and care about our future. I do not write this because I use or want to use drugs.
- BJ, Winchester

Tim K,

Enforcing all criminal laws are not the same as enforcing traffic violations. You have the option of giving a warning, verbal or written, or a ticket. For other criminal activity sometimes the statutes require an officer to arrest - sometimes they do not. Some departments have policies that limit discretionary authority on the part of police officers. As for the enforcement of drug laws generally, and marijuana specifically, even if you charge them it is a slap on the wrist at most, unless there is the intent to distribute. The officer swore an oath to uphold the law and the constitution of NH. If he can not morally hold himself to that oath, he should resign and I am thankful he has.
- Patrick, Dunbarton, NH

Okay, people, look at it this way: Any officer makes the same decision to bend the rules when they issue a warning instead of a ticket for speeding. How many times have we been caught red-handed breaking the law (speed limit), only to have the officer give us a break? It happens all the time, but nobody EVER complains about that. I see no difference, and neither should you "The law is the law" dictator-types. Anybody ever see/listen to "The Point" by Harry Nilsson? Good message there about stupid laws.
- Tim K, Jaffrey

I find it astounding to see people commenting on how happy they are to see this particular officer go, and because of his "insubordination". Yes, I think we all agree that Mr. Jardis could have handled himself more professionally as a Police Officer, but at least he stood up for what he believed in, in department diskiked by many, and somehow, adored by a few. I personally know of three instances where Epping PD "bent" the rules for people, concerning posession of marijuana, and did not bring the full force of the law down upon them. Isn't this the approach that Mr. Jardis said he was going to adopt, as a police officer? He might have been a little more extreme, but he never actually did, because close minded people who are quick to celebrate his departure from Epping PD never gave him a chance to... don't pass judgement on someones INTENTIONS just their ACTIONS.
- Devon, Danville, NH

You can't negotiate with a crazy person, or an impaired one for that matter.

So a lot of the discussion here has been pretty useless.

"I own me. You own you" and "victimless" crime.

That could make sense, to some brains.

I agree, about me and you. The problem is when you and me come together, though.

There is a subculture, which says pot is fine and pursues it. Many become or are unproductive members of society, whose daily activity revolves around the obtaining and use of weed. For others, it's alcohol or some other drugs.

But alcohol is legal, so far pot in NH is not. If it were lagalized, the wasted time trying to score would be much less. The time and effort to secure the money to buy, whether earned from a job or otherwise, would be less - leaving more time to use or abuse the drug. If it doesn't come from a job, then likely somebody else is paying for it --- they're sort of like your victims, you know?

The idea of marijuana to relieve the suffering of extreme things, like terminal cancer, is one thing. But in the states that have legalized it, that has not become the rule in practice. Talk to those in California or Colorado, for instance - they're up front. All it takes is a back ache or anxiety.

Whether legalization has reduced crime, to get the money, or dependence on pubic funds to support the use and users, is an open question. But the claim of victimless is bogus.

Even legal, there are victims of alcohol, every day. Yeah, those who drink to excess own their bodies. We spend all kinds of money and resources to deal with them.

You see, there has to be a line, somewhere, where the rights of the indivdual and the rights and protection of the rest can be demarked.

In that debate, does the line rest above or below marijuana? I'm not convinced, but the argument of the crazy or impaired is not going to sway me.

But I'm afraid that my argument is kind of useless - certainly on the crazy or impaired.

So, I would suspect in the long run, is that of a former cop or his fan base - you have to consider the source and whether it may be crazy or impaired.
- RP, New Boston

At least once he did the right thing . He gave up after LEAP bounced him. This guy was hired to enforce the law and decided to prctice selective enforcement. No matter if you want pot legal or not he had no right to do what he did. Look at California. You can use pot to treat a hang nail if you get a doctors note. Only the pot addicts want that here. Don't use the "sick people" arguement pot heads, we all know what you really want and its not going to happen here. Politically this will be the end of LEAP.
- Ted, Manchester

Well, what do you think Mr. Jefferson? Is the constitution intended to be a document totally unreadable by the average man, and should we just blindly rely on whatever a judge says it means, or should other members of government interpret it for themselves, and do only what they believe to be both constitutional and moral?

"The Constitution . . . meant that its coordinate branches should be checks on each other. But the opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what laws are constitutional and what not, not only for themselves in their own sphere of action but for the Legislature and Executive also in their spheres, would make the Judiciary a despotic branch."
Letter to Abigail Adams (1804).

"You seem to consider the federal judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions, a very dangerous doctrine, indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy. Our judges are as honest as other men, and not more so. They have with others the same passions for the party, for power and the privilege of the corps. Their power is the more dangerous, as they are in office for life and not responsible, as the other functionaries are, to the elective control. The Constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruptions of time and party, its members would become despots. It has more wisely made all departments co-equal and co-sovereign within themselves."
Letter to William Charles Jarvis (1820).
- Paul, Los Angeles (Originally Keene)

Doesn't this story (that I would imagine Jardis helped contribute to) support his now form chief's story that Jardis would not do his job correctly? During that whole contraversy Jardis denied over and over again that his beliefs would not prevent him from doing his job.

I guess the chief was right all along! And from older articles and posts, people are also right, Jardis clearly just likes to be in the media spotlight.
- Bobby, Concord

The United States imprisons more people percentage wise than any other country. A great deal of these incarcerations involve the "crime" of people attempting to own their own bodies. With a track record like that, it is disengenous to maintain we are a free people.

I own ME, you own YOU...laws that contradict that create victimless crimes and promote the loss of freedom.

Thank you, Brad Jardis, for recognizing that putting people in jail for a victimless crime is immoral. Alot of other cops do not possess the integrity to do what you have done. You have demonstrated courage and have the support of many many people. Thanks again.
- Bob Constantine, Grafton, NH

The residents of Epping can now rest easy and let out a collective sigh of relief to know that we no longer have to deal with Bradley Jardis on the police force of our GREAT town! The selectmen should have taken stock in the fact that our Chief, who has been in his position for many years had never before (to my knowledge) gone before them with a suggestion for termination for any other police officer in his ranks. Had they done this early on, we, as taxpayers, wouldn't have had to bear the burden of paying roughly $5,000 for his fit for duty examination. In hindsight now, that was a waste of our money.

Did Jardis really think it was going to be easy to go back to work? Did he think all would be forgotten and he would be welcomed back with open arms? I think all, with the exception of him apparently, presumed that it would be difficult to do so.

I do find it comical that even LEAP, who I still believe to this day had no bearing on the Chief's recommendation of termination, finally came to the realization of what a poor exscuse of a man Jardis is and what a detriment he is to their organization.

I wonder how the Union Leader got a hold of the letter that Mr. Cole sent to Jardis in the first place. I highly suspect that it was more than likely Jardis himself who supplied the newspaper with that information. It wouldnt surprise me one bit actually, considering what an attention-seeking media whore he is. Wonder what he will do now that he has no reason to have his name and voice out there in the lime light. Man, what a shame!

In closing, I would just like to say that all of this is evidence of my belief that karma is a boomerang, and it will always find some way to come back and bite you in the end. Glad to see that justice has been served and karma has come back around for Jardis!!

THANK THE LORD HE IS NOT A POLICE OFFICER IN MY TOWN ANYMORE! :)
- Sarah, Epping

Nlightn. To you. Thanks for your recitation of the evils of alcohol. I wouldn't disagree.

It is a drug. It is the one drug that has the qualities of all others - a stimulant, a depressent, a hallucinogen, highly addictive, etc.

It is legal, and that war has been fought for like, forever. Still is, but...

It does not carry a warning label. Because it is is not sold as a medicine.

But that it is bad when abused does not disqualify other substances.

You don't read about how they kill on the highways as often - but the stories are out there. The facts are in court files and elsewhere. The deaths and injuries are out there.

But some ignore them.

The problem is there is no easy test for a driver. Except drawing blood - an intrusive procedure that is subject to certain protections under the law. To test, without consent, a warrant is needed. And drug abusers hide behind that. Those who advocate for legalization also abuse that. It's what they do. But it is a lie. Abusers lie.

Also there is no set level/ratio of intoxication for impairment, with other drugs. Alcohol provides that. With heroin, the physiolgical effects slam with the first molecules of the substance. With pot, it can be the first hit, or not until the person has consumed a lot and is "stoned, wasted, gone." It varies from the weed and the day and the - well, it varies. And the real problem is the person may not realize they have crossed the line - drugs do that.

Those who abuse and use the "lack of" the same kind of printed proof as their biggest argument - you are full of - well, s***; and probably that substance.

The fact is that in certain cases of serious injury or death, the blood test does find marijuana. You can't pick and choose your facts - you have to deal with all of them.

Nlightn - you are probably a consumer, and a dealer. You cite a long list, and it is true. Your "enlightenment" is as dark and insidious and deceitful as your lifestyle - and you think you are smarter than anybody else.

I am pointing at you and those like you, and I am saying it is true, what I am saying. You can say otherwise, feel free - but I have to hope you hurt yourself before you hurt others. And I hope that shuts you down - but you will ask for a joint to ease the pain.

Nlightn - your deductive reasoning is flawed. You are flawed. Former police officer Brad Jarvis, not to kick when he is down, may one day come to realize why he is flawed.

Because, as a cop, he had no way to determine whether a person, using weed for any reason, was impaired or not. He failed to understand the law, and the reason for the law, and his duty under the law.
- RP, New Boston

If people say that Cannabis should remain schedule one they have been brainwashed by our government and our elders (reefer madness)! We have been giving cannabis in large amounts to a small number of patients monthly for 30 years through the FEDERAL IND program. (yet your politicians say there is no medical benefit, why don't they stop doling it out) If it's so bad and doesn't have any medical benifits why hasn't someone like Irv Rosenfeld been tested by our feds and have them show us the evidence that it does more harm than good. (the feds have given him 300 joints a month for almost 30 years) Nextly any cop who says you can't choose what laws to enforce (Bradley said he wouldn't enforce against a medical user or caregiver grower) then YOU are the disgrace to the badge for being a hypocrite.

New Hampshire has a cople of laws on the books:

You may not tap your feet, nod your head, or in any way keep time to the music in a tavern, restaurant, or cafe.

On Sundays citizens may not relieve themselves while looking up.

I don't hear of current Officers enforcing these (thank god, they're stupid)...so you are either not informed of the laws that you are to enforce or you are making a conscious decision not to enforce stupid laws, just like Jardis. Who's the disgrace again and why, standing up to not enforce stupid laws that shouldn't be on the books in the first place? I thought the popular vote of the people was to legalize, (A 2008 Mason-Dixon poll showed that 71% of New Hampshire voters support allowing seriously and terminally ill patients to use and grow medical marijuana for personal use if their doctors recommend it) and what happened...your governor vetoed it! That doesn't sound like what the majority of folks in NH want, making it a stupid law! Thank god for all the uneducated backwoods people who keep the draconian laws on the books...thank you!
- Brent, Miami

Quick correction.

Combined Joe and Jules. Hey, it was easy to do.

In addition, Jules, folks are talking about alcohol on these blogs all the time. Must not interest you to read those.
- RP, New Boston

Joe B. - Grace was correcting another poster (Irvine - CA? Go figure) who stated the firing, in error.

THC is a hallucinogenic drug which can cause distortion of reality, time and spatial perception, and, like alcohol, can be a disinhibitor. In short, those using it may not make good decisions.

Such substances, if sold for medical purposes, usually would carry a warning not to operate machinery while using; among others.

Joe - don't slam into a tree, while you're driving stoned. Or me for that matter.

In fact, stay in your room.

Grace, tone it down? You can leap for joy or not, but you come off ridiculous expressing it. Have some perspective, too, for the rest of us. Now Epping may not be the best town to laugh at.
- RP, New Boston

Jardis is a great man. If only other police officers were willing to take a stand against immoral laws.
- Dan, MA

Just wanted to say great job to Mr. Jardis, I know that you are probably not feeling too good right now but you are very BRAVE and COURAGEOUS to stand up to tyranny and ridiculous draconian laws. I respect you very much and only can hope that in the future more officers will follow your lead. LEGALIZE IT!!!
- Tom, Manchester

"I've got your back Jardis. We need more people to realize authority comes from within.
- Alex Sterling, Akron Ohio"

Yah Alex, smoke another one. Good to know you have his back..... from Ohio. You must have long arms!

As for Marinol, the difference is it's available legally. Whether or not it actually impacts a disease I have no idea.
- Mark, hooksett

Grace from Epping... you evidently have no clue who Brad is. Good riddence to you and your useless comments. He never said he got fired... Try using your glasses before making another dumb comment!!!
- Joe B, useless land of epping

Good luck Brad.. Epping isnt worth the muck I clean off my shoes. He deserves better. Those who bash him, have no clue, or probably could not pick him out of a line up if you had to. Grow up people, if you think marijuana is bad, please post on here any hard fact proven evidence that its bad. He left because Epping WILL make it very hard for him to do his job without walking on egg shells. I know this as an insider. These are facts. Anyone who lives in a small town should know this. As Neggy said, the war on drugs has done nothing but cost money, and many countless lives. But still not as many as alcohol has,,, Why is no one commenting on how bad alcohol is? Like I said, the laws of yester year really need updating!
- Jules, Epping unfortunitely

You don't want to arrest fugitive slaves that flee the master's plantations? You don't want to enforce Jim Crow laws?

Keep it to yourself, soldier, continue mindlessly enforcing bad laws and just speak against them on your spare time.
- Dave Ridley, Grafton, NH

you talk about the cops firing Jardis-- He resigned he was not fired.good riddence to him, if you can't follow the laws you should find a profession other than police work
- Grace, epping

Back in 1934, Hitler ordered 200 police men into a town to kill all the women and children. He wrote a law - it was legal. The head of the police department asked his men if any of them didn't want to do it, they didn't have to. Two abstained and 198 of them killed all the women and children and old men in the town and then sat around pucking afterwards. This is what happens when cops decide not to think for themselves and just adhere to the law.

We are the same species today - and the cops fired this guy for not following orders and using his own good sense. Fantastic.

Hey, as a upstanding citizen without any criminal record who votes, can I ask that we educate the police on what "to protect and serve" really means?
- Matt, Irvine

Officer Jardis has shown real courage in sacrificing his job for this important issue. History will prove him correct. The total hypocrisy of the pot laws is particularly glaring right here in New Hampshire, where the state earns considerable revenue selling the legal, addictive, and deadly hard drug alcohol right on the state highways.

The Union Leader is continually filled with stories documenting the widespread social wreckage from the "state drug", which cuts across all class lines -

In 2002 state superior court judge John Broderick Jr. was severely beaten by his drunken son, requiring six hours of reconstructive surgery on his face.

This past week Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan learned that her father was beaten by her drunken brother. Her father died as a result.

Also this week, we saw a woman in New Hampshire arrested 3 times in one week for DWI.

In 2008, we saw a drunken bankruptcy judge from Massachusetts rear end a car on Elm street after leaving a local bar. This case drew national attention when it was noted that the judge was dressed as a woman.

The list is almost endless, and I haven't even included the constant and horrible alcohol related highway deaths.

I read the Union Leader every day - nobody covers New Hampshire as well as them. I never see these type of horror show stories related to pot. I only see people arrested for possessing it. Though we would be certainly better off with no drugs, the fact is that people like them, and they cannot be stopped.
Education is the key. We are wasting valuable enforcement and incarceration funds that could be better put to use dealing with drunk drivers and other more serious problems.
As pot is far far safer that alcohol, it is way past time to change the laws regarding it.
- nlightn, Manchester, NH

Well I am glad to see MR.JARDIS GO!! I live in epping and have read his posting that stated that he would not arrest anyone in possession, nor even take it away from them-- EVER! This boy was supposed to be a cop. He needs to realize that he needs to follow the laws and work to change them if he dosen't like them. To also read the letter posted from LEAP to him it says volumes I think- they don't want him either because even they said he crossed the line. He needs to grow up and figure out how to do things the right way-maybe then he could make the difference he was hoping for. I personally feel so much better knowing that he is no longer part of our towns authority figures. Everyone has made this into a LEAP problem when it wasn't and now because of his posting about his LEAP "work" he has no place anywhere. That's what you get when you don't think before you act and are incredibly IMMATURE. You have no right to wear a badge anywhere
Thankfully not here anymore!!
- Grace, Epping

Hes a good man I tell you ! Cops are just a bunch of jerks anyways!
- Jam, epping

I fully support Mr. Jardis in his endeavors, both past and future. He really has, in this area, and surrounding areas, brought positive attention to the organization known as LEAP. It is completely obvious that some of the negativeness that has been shown towards Jardis in the Epping PD was due to his public opinion regarding the decriminalization of Marijuana in NH. What I would like to say to the public is to commend him! Obviously it was hard, but he stuck up for what he believed in, even in a police department that let such horrible things happen (eg. the Shelia Labarre case, something that should never have occured if they did their job). LEAP.... things are in the past.. now you have the voice of a civilian with Police experience... UTILIZE IT!!!
- Devon, Danville NH

Mr. Jardis, bravo to you good sir!

It is a terribly illogical idea to ban a naturally growing plant that has so many beneficial uses for our civilization.
- dave, NC

Going to weigh in on this, again.

It's a shame. It's a shame when someone becomes so principled the clarity to step back and put yourself in context is lost. Flexibility is a mark of maturity; inflexibility is not.

It's a shame when you get egged on by "supporters." Those are people who are not really invested - won't lose a thing if you fall on your face. But they'll push you out in front and make you their "cause" and let you take the punches. After, most stick their hands in their pockets and explain why they knew you'd end up on the ground, anyway.

As often as not, you put yourself on the ground. But you may have to dig deep to figure that out.

It's a shame to kick anyone when they are down. It speaks to the character of the kicker, more than anything.

It's a shame to get cocky or so self-important that you forget most folks won't care; about you, your point, your "thing" for however long it lasted, that you actually believe you are important. Sooner or later, you will learn that you're not.

It's a shame if you forget that a reputation is only as good as the next thing you do.

All that said, I'd wish this young man good luck. But not as a supporter - not inspired by any of it.
- RP, New Boston

Mark, if marijuana serves absolutely no medicinal purposes, then why I ask, is Marinol (which is the lab created chemical compound THC, which the active ingerdient in marijuana) legal, and produced for human consumption?
- Frank, Manchester

Can't say as I blame the poor guy for resigning. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
- Boo, Claremont NH

People who have no respect for the law should not be employed in a position of enforcing it. So I'm delighted that this person is out of his job.

Making it easier for people to get stoned (or the BIG LIE that pot cures or even mitigates ANY disease) is not a noble cause, like civil rights, as some are making it out to be. This man is not a hero, he's a loser.
- Stephen A., Manchester

I've got your back Jardis. We need more people to realize authority comes from within.
- Alex Sterling, Akron Ohio

Dan (Epping),

Thanks for an inside view of the issue. It's refreshing to hear some commentary from someone intimately involved with the story.

You say, obviously from a point of experience, that:

"Perhaps the cops are already doing what you think should be done, and using some discretion about charging people found with marijuana..."

Isn't that the position espoused by Jardis? Is the problem that he went public with his "discretion"?
- Dan, Auburn

I think more people should stand up for what they believe in regardless of cost to them.

Bradley, you are inspirational!
- Jess, Dover

Oh mother of god, when will this cry baby stop whining???? Now LEAP doesn't even want him involved, they're probably afraid they'll get SUED. He needs to GET A LIFE!!
- ja, brentwood

Nancy in Concord, actually, Bradley posted on another website that he was treated very well upon his return by everyone from the Chief down...


See ya Bradley Jardis, I am happy to see you go!
- Betty, Epping

While it is admirable to stick by convictions, one must be certain they are worth the trouble. In this case, there are many legal alternatives to legalizing drugs - there are prescription drugs - MARINOL for one among a few. These folks who need weed can use a prescription. Their life is not in danger from lack of weed, so if they really want to do this then they should move somewhere that it is legal or face the consequences here. The whole medical legalization movement is nothing more than a stepping stone to total legalization. Having lived in Holland, I can tell you first hand this is something to be avoided.
- Mark, Hooksett

The headline of this article seems inappropriate as Bradley has many supporters. He has done quite a bit to help LEAP in the past and, despite our divergent approaches, we wish him the best of luck in his effort to change these terrible laws. You can find LEAP's full statement on the matter here: http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=3910#3910
- Shaleen, Medford, MA

Don't use Epping PD for a reference, Citizen Bradley.
- Spencer, New Boston

Deb, Derry:
"How about we make a law stating people are responsible for their own actions?"

BRILLIANT! The maybe we can get away from the idea that government is responsible for everyone, and no one is responsible for what they do because they are addicted to something: sex, drugs, rock n' roll, violence, over-eating, video games, smoking, hoarding, welfare checks, alcohol... The list goes on and on and on.

In most cases "addiction" means poor personal choces and no will power. That should NOT be your, my, or the government's resonsibiliy.
- Jude, Tuftonboro

I admire Bradley Jardis's courage and moral conviction. He risked his job and public reputation to stand for a higher morality. When most people would use the "It's his job; the law is the law" excuse, Mr. Jardis followed his own conscience. Most people lack that sort of strength.
- Kellie M., Nashua

"Jardis said that while selectmen allowed him to return, "disparaging comments made by Chief Dodge during his attempt to have me fired made it impossible for me to return and be an effective Epping police officer.""
The disparaging comments were not what made it impossible for him to be an effective Epping police officer. It was his insubordination, his lack of respect for his fellow officers, his recent affirmation that he would not arrest an alleged sick person with marijuana (although he has always insisted he would), and lastly his inability to keep his personal life seperate from work. I think it's hilarious that LEAP kicked their own golden boy poster child out of their organization. Maybe they'll let him back in someday, because their name notwithstanding, you don't have to be a cop to join.

I wish you people would get real, no one is putting sick people in jail for smoking marijuana. I've arrested a lot of people for possession, none of them served any jail time. You make it sound like a guy smoking a joint or having a nickel bag in his pocket is serving a prison sentence. It's usually a $500 fine with $250 suspended for a year on good behavior.

Perhaps the cops are already doing what you think should be done, and using some discretion about charging people found with marijuana...

It's darn near legal now, as long as you don't use it in public or get caught transporting it, you can use it all you want in a private place if you use a little common sense. What more do you want?

As an Epping taxpayer, I'm glad that Mr. Jardis is gone, and hope we have heard the last of him. I like to think my police chief has the authority to make a decision about who he wants working for the department. Chief Dodge has a tremendous amount of experience and I think he has excellent judgement. Selectman should have backed him in the first place, before shelling out thousands of dollars so Jardis could get evaluated and sit out on disability for months, while the other officers picked up the slack.
- Dan, Epping

I am giving LEAP a chance to come to their senses, but don't expect it to happen. Like the NRA, they appear to exist only to perpetuate their own existence and so actually prevent actions that will further the cause they claim to support.

Constitutionality is not ultimately decided bu the legislature or the courts, but by each and every individual in society. The Dred Scott case proves this: the Supreme Court ruled that slavery was to continue, but the Supreme Court was overruled by the people - many of them personally risking their lives to disobey tyranny.

Sometimes an evil becomes so entrenched in seats of power that the only way to fight it is civil disobedience. I believe that the evil known as the war on drugs is one such case. So many people: police, prosecutors, judges, etc. make their living mostly by enforcing such unconstitutional and immoral laws.

I fully support Brad Jardis and will be boycotting the town of Epping.
- Ron Helwig, Manchester

North Korea, Gemany . These countries have and had no shortgae of volunteers to enforce the "law" . There is no drug war ! Everybody who wants it has it ! While a few (G.E.D Min Edu requirement) police officers run around like the keystone cops arresting impoverished (borderline destitute ) people . Everybody with an 8th grade education knows that after a trillion dollars there is higher quality , more readily available , cheaper drugs than ever. When are the people going to take this country back ? Obama is working on a plan to arrest you for not having health insurance ! Wake up! Your going to jail !
- Tom L, Manchester Nh

Well yahoo Jardis. Now I can feel relaxed riding through my town without you looking at me crosseyed, and also making me feel like you have singled me out since the first ticket you gave me that was not warrented,but the police are always right aren't they? Thank you jesus. Have a good day.
- yahoo, epping

I respect people who 'walk the walk'.
- DM, Hampton

It sounds like Mr. Jardis needs to grow up. No matter where he works he needs to do the job he was hired for. He can't pick and choose which laws he wants to enforce.
- Bill, Dunbarton

Well now he can go and smoke all the pot that he wants while thinking about what job to go for next, as his law enforcement career is likely over. If you don't like changing tires, do you think you should become a mechanic? Probably not, so if you don't want to enforce the laws, then don't be a police officer. He is welcome to his own views, but glad to see him off his streets. His job choice was obviously not the right one.
- Frank, Gilford

The sad truth is that too many of our laws are unjust and unconstitutional. As to moral, laws coming from Concord are concocted by man, not some deity, so let's leave that one alone. Jardis has taken a principled stand, in a day & age where people who do that are often hated and attacked. For all those commenting against Mr. Jardis, if a majority of the 424 NH legislators were to pass a "law" allowing or encouraging your doors to be kicked in without due process (whether for drugs, or some vague & nebulous excuse of security), you would want some of the police to stand up and say "...wait a minute, this isn't right." When the Soviet Union was crumbling, Boris Yeltsin and other Russian legislators stood on a tank whose crew sided with freedom, instead of following their "lawful" orders to mow the crowd down. Thank God for the Jardis' of this world -- we need more of them.
- Mark Krochmal, Manchester

Constitutionality is NOT determined by individual opinion but by the courts. If everyone were entitled to whether something was constitutional or not it would soon be chaos and tyranny.
Officer Jardis is obviously in conflict with his personal biases and the laws he has sworn to uphold. That he is leaving law enforcement is good for all concerned.
- Chris, Concord

bye, bye, brad!
- stephanie, deerfield

As much as I'd like to see drug use and possession de-criminalized and psycho-social and medical interventions provided for problem users, Bradley Jardis's posting that he would no longer pursue drug arrests fully warranted the insubordination ruling and would have justified his firing.

It is not the part of law enforcement to decide which laws to enforce. That's not to say that they can't intervene with a warning. And that doesn't mean they have to act on situations that they know will not result in a conviction. The police have a fiscal responsibility to use the funds we provide them wisely.

There are two places to make the changes to drug laws. One is legislatively, at either the state or the federal level. Unfortunately, senators and house members are largely unable to act intelligently in the matter of drugs. They don't understand cause and effect relationships; and unless someone shows them a side by side comparison of the cost benefits to their constituents for decriminalization vs law enforcement, it's never going to change there.

Which leaves only one other place for the law to change, the courtrooms. What we as a nation need to do is for every man and woman on a jury to rule the law as null and void in cases of mere possession and use of drugs. Punish the illegal behaviors by all means. Driving under the influence of cannibis is just as reprehensible as driving under the influence of alcohol; and abuse and assault while intoxicated for any reason is still a crime. Punish the meth makers for OSHA and EPA violations; the fines and sentences are in some cases more harsh than current drug laws carry.

Jury nullification of drug possession laws puts the law back in the hands of the people. We don't need the police to be taking the law into their own hands.
- Michael D. Houst, Barrington, NH

Wow. Apparently all cops should be mindless automata, and ignore their own consciences. For shame, LEAP. We just celebrated MLK’s birthday — I suppose they endorse his imprisonment, since he broke immoral segregation laws. I suppose they believe it was right to throw Rosa Parks in jail too. I wonder what they would have done with Harriet Tubman, who broke federal law when she helped escaped slaves (and was one herself)? I suppose they’d send her back to her “master” to be whipped and killed. After all, "the law's the law".

We don’t need mindless automata “protecting” us. We need men and women with consciences, and courage, who are connected to the community they serve. We need men and women who care about maintaining peace and protecting innocents in that community — not blindly enforcing whatever diktats a politician hands down.

"Following orders" is no excuse for evil. That's called the Nurembug defense, since it was used by Nazi guards, and it's just as pathetic now as it was then. Immoral orders should not be followed.

Bravo Brad Jardis! It looks like there’s at least one true peace officer left -- or was.
- Paul, Currently Los Angeles (from Keene)

This man took an oath to serve and protect the public and the people of New Hampshire. Because of his distorted views on certain things (marijuana) he says he will not enforce those laws. What kind of Police Officer are you? You, Mr Jardis have betrayed the trust giving to you by the people of New Hampshire who expect Police Officers to do just that, enforce the laws. Not only are you a disgrace to yourself, you are a disgrace to the badge and uniform for which many great man of New Hampshire have worn in the past with pride and dignity. I myself have worn such a uniform and I can say now regardless of what your views are I'm so glad you have resigned. You my friend have no right to wear that badge. You know the badge of trust, loyalty, pride and above all, for the people of New Hampshire. Good luck to you but stay away from anything that deals with wearing a badge.

Rick Gilman Ret MPD
- Rick Gilman, Spring Hill Fl

PS to Ted of Hooksett--Yes, civil disobedience has sometimes led to healthy social change. Assassination too, sometimes. That doesn't endorse the method. Again, I think the War on Drugs undermines the Rule of Law--but adoption of my position should happen in the legislature, not on the front lines as armed officers disobey orders. That is the way to a military dictatorship.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

What a lunatic. You mean he didn't want to arrest sick people for using their medicine? What was wrong with him?
- Will, Baltimore, MD

"Officer Bradley Jardis, who suggested in recent online postings that he would not enforce certain drug laws."

Uhm...law is law and the police are suppose to enforce them regardless of their feelings. If you don't like the law then do something to change it! Clearly LEAP is trying to do that and I don't fault the officer one bit for being part of it, but when he decides to determine what laws he will and won't enforce then I find that to be an extremely troubling statement...lawmakers decide what is law not police officers! And if you don't like a law then vote in people who will change the law or run yourself and change the law!

How are his views about not arresting people with marijuana any different then if he said he didn't support speed limits and wouldn't arrest anyone driving over a 100MPH??? And I'm not talking about moral implications of a law here, I'm talking about the job a police officer is hired to do!
- Mike, Epping

Yes LEAP will define medical use the same way lawyers defined heroin use as a disease so those who chose to get addicted could end up on government assistance or fat people are disabled and have a disease also.

How about we make a law stating people are responsible for their own actions? We never needed one before as it was part of living in a free society but it seems we need one now because common sense and personal responsibility has been thrown out the window for the benefit of trial lawyers and that goes right in to our so called health care crisis we keep being told needs fixing. Yet being responsible is one of the things they are not focusing on.
- Deb, Derry

Just as I said in the last article, he got back to work and realized he had no backup and his life was in danger. Didn't take long to figure out he wasn't welcome.
- Nancy, Concord, NH

To Terry Wright, Australia: Laws on the books, Moral? Constitutional? Like Abortion? Mr. Jardis took an oath when he signed on for the job. He shouldn't be a cop. He made the right decision to resign.
- MIke D., Weare, NH

ted im glad you called him mr. jardis. This little boy was never a police officer!
good for epping.
- tom, manchester

FTA: ... he had posted a comment in an online forum stating that he would no longer arrest a person who possesses, uses or grows marijuana to treat a medical condition.
In the spirit of humanity, his post appears noble. Maybe he shouldn't be a police officer but to be disowned by LEAP is a bit harsh.
He summed it up perfectly.
Jardis: - "Just because a law is on the books, it doesn't mean it is moral or constitutional".
- Terry Wright, Australia

Well Terry the next time something happens to you I hope you feel the same way if the police officer on the scene decides not to do his job because he does not like the law he was hired to enforce because he does not agree with you or the law. When the goal of this group is to turn government in to the nations drug dealers for tax money I would not call that a moral government myself. Why not just elect the leader of a heroin drug cartel to be Australia’s president or Prime Minister if you like the idea so much? I'll be laughing when you get the end results you asked for.

Maybe I can put together a group of Americans and we can spend our time influencing your politicians so we can change Australian laws like giving you back your rights to own firearms and defend yourselves. Sorry but I see no reason to mind my own business in this desire because Australians obviously don’t know what is right or wrong for themselves.
- Deb, Derry

I don't use drugs of any sort and I support Bradley Jadis's position on the decriminalization of marijuana.

The war on drugs, like the war on poverty has been a failure and America's who;e drug policy needs to be looked at.

I am not condoning the use of cocaine, heroin, or the abuse of prescription medication, but if alcohol is legal, pot should be too, as it has far less of a detrimental effect on society.
- neggy, pelham

He doesn't even seem qualified to work under Paul Blart - Mall Cop.
- Patrick, nashua

FTA: ... he had posted a comment in an online forum stating that he would no longer arrest a person who possesses, uses or grows marijuana to treat a medical condition.
In the spirit of humanity, his post appears noble. Maybe he shouldn't be a police officer but to be disowned by LEAP is a bit harsh.
He summed it up perfectly.
Jardis: - "Just because a law is on the books, it doesn't mean it is moral or constitutional".
- Terry Wright, Australia

Well, if anything there is one thing where there is no doubt left. And that is to what extent Brad was willing to go for his personal beliefs and convictions. He clealy put it all on the line, to his detriment. Right or wrong aside on his views, there are few people these days who possess the integrity or personal conviction to step up and like that.
- Rick Olson, Manchester

Perhaps this guy should re-consider another psych evaluation. Nobody wants him and it appears he is on the wrong side of nearly everything.

Good riddance I say. Move on and we only want officers in our town who will actually enforce the laws they are sworn to enforce.
- Jim, Hooksett

A brave cop states that he will not arrest sick people for using medical marijuana, then LEAP, in a lame attempt at being “politically correct”, stupidly decides that it’s illegal for a cop to not enforce an unconstitutional law that violates their oath of office, and kicks him out. Only possible conclusion: LEAP accepts ignorant automaton boot lickers only!

If you want cops to stop arresting sick people, you don’t kick cops out of your organization for saying they won’t. LEAP has now become a poseur organization, or Law Enforcement Appearing to be Against Prohibition.

Making a condition that Officers, because of immoral and predatory laws, must arrest people dying of cancer for using a natural and life saving medication with almost no negative side-effects, will now leave them with:

1. No members.
2. No influence.
- malcolm kyle, the hague

Jardis is a true hero for standing up for what is right. To those who cry "insubordination" and "just follow orders", please study history. Read about the jim crow laws and the salem witch trials and the holocaust. There isn't one systematic human rights abuse that couldn't have been prevented if those involved had just stopped and said, "you know what, this isn't right and I'm not going to do it."

In a society that has otherwise seemed to have gone insane, it is heartening to see Mr. Jardis have the courage and conviction to recognize the immorality of imprisononing millions of people for victimless crimes. Thank you.
- Ted, Hooksett

I am upset that LEAP are being cowards.

It was wrong of them to release this man from the orginization.

That is so hypocritical, when over 800,000 people are arrested for Marijuana possession each year.

Officers are sworn to protect the citizens they serve.

It is not protecting someone to arrest them for smoking Marijuana and then subject them to more harm in jail.

I commend this officer for standing up for what is right.

It should be the officer's discretion, especially if his jurisdiction has deprioritized marijuana arrest, and also. It is unethical to arrest a medical marijuana patient.

It is wrong to arrest sick people and I dare say it is wrong to arrest anyone for the simple possession of Marijuana.

I make a promise to distance myself from LEAP.

Mr Jack Cole, know that I will NOT be giving you any support and I will tell everyone that I know of how you unfairly released this man.

Leap Smeep, I can not support Leap anymore. NEVER AGAIN.
- Chris, Abluquerque, New Mexico

Although Mr. Jardis evidently agrees with me on the futility of the "war on drugs" (and perhaps also on its harm to respect for the law), the assumption that he will suppress these opinions (as well as whatever opinions an officer has for specific individuals and groups) is an inherent part of being a policeman. It is the essential reason they wear uniforms. The Chief's conclusion of insubordination has always been pretty obvious. PS--Never sue to get a job back. If you win, you lose.
- Spike, Brentwood NH