New Satirical Ad Masterfully Trolls Congress, DEA and Drug WarBy Carey Wedler The mock advertisement comes on the heels of the disgraceful resignation of Bush-appointed administrator, Michelle Leonhart, who failed to terminate agents caught in cartel funded, drug-filled parties with prostitutes. Perhaps more offensively, she repeatedly refused to concede that cannabis was not as dangerous as heroin or crack. The ad skewers nearly every aspect of the DEAs scandals and policies as part of a campaign to influence President Obamas selection for a new administrator. It begins with the statement that the DEA is looking for a new chief to prolong the failed war on drugs. It continues: The ideal candidate should have at least ten years experience turning a blind eye to scandal and corruption, be adept at undermining the Bill of Rights, and have a firm and unwavering commitment to the status quo. You must also be a self-starter, as this position comes with little congressional oversight. The ad goes on to boast that job perks include wasting billions of taxpayers dollars at your discretion and great vacation opportunities. It then addresses deeper issues with the DEA and War on Drugs, sharply criticizing some of its most violative, police state tactics. It addresses mass incarceration: You will fill U.S. prisons with people for non-violent drug offenses, disproportionately people of color. It criticizes the fact that those imprisoned receive felony convictions and are thereby disadvantaged when they re-enter the work force. The ad then specifically addresses violations of privacy committed by the DEA: You will spy on virtually all Americans without a warrant, systematically fabricate investigations to rob defendants of their right to a fair trial, seize peoples property even if theyre never charged or convicted of any crime, and violently bust into thousands of homes in para-military style no-knock raids. A lack of respect for the 4th amendment is crucial for this position. Next, the listing shifts focus, mocking the DEAs refusal to accept marijuana as medicine. It says, After a section on subverting democracy by violating states rights, the sovereignty of other nations, and increasing prohibition related violence, the ad closes with a final quip on human rights. It accuses the DEA of working with foreign governments that torture and execute individuals suspected of drug-related crimes. A note underneath the listing clarifies that the ad is satirical and urges readers to take action to reform the DEA and support [the DPAs] work at drugpolicy.org/DEA. In a statement about the ad, Executive Director of the DPA, Ethan Nadelmann, said It is unlikely the ad will change the minds of Drug Warring congressional representatives or President Obama; but, at the very least, it offers a hilarious and much needed indictment of the agencys monumental failures. 