Episode #132 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Senator Thomas Umberg and Deterrence to Fentanyl Drug DealingEpisode #132 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Senator Thomas Umberg and Deterrence to Fentanyl Drug Dealing
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Should there be consequences for dealing fentanyl? Should that consequence include secondary murder charges when known counterfeit pills kill people ? State Senator Thomas J. Umberg is the Chair of the Senate’s Judicary Committee. He is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal criminal prosecutor, four-term state legislator, small business owner, and was the Deputy Drug Czar for President Clinton. Senator Umberg began his military service at the Korean DMZ and was deployed overseas for three tours – totalling over five years. In additon to his overseas deployments, Colonel Umberg was assigned as a paratrooper with the Army Special Operations Command and the XVIII Airborne Corps. As a federal and miltary prosecutor, Senator Umberg prosecuted numerous white collar, civil rights, murder, and sexual assault crimes. He successfully tried over 100 cases to verdict or judgment. Senator Umberg served as Deputy Drug Czar for President Bill Clinton where he was responsible for foreign drug interdiction, counter-drug intelligence, and international drug policy. Umberg has a deep understanding of the strategies and resources we need to stop the current opioid epidemic and to put an end to senseless gun violence in our communities. Senator Umberg also served three terms in the State Assembly, representing central Orange County. During this time, he worked across party lines, authored 76 laws, and brought more than $563 million in funds to Orange County. Senator Umberg founded and built a successful veteran-owned small business in Orange County, recognized as one of California’s preeminent boutique law firms by Best Lawyers and The Daily Journal. Senator Umberg knows how to run a business and is a strong advocate for local business owners helping them to cut red tape and streamline unnecessary regulation. Senator Umberg and his wife, Brigadier General (retired) Robin Umberg, have three children and seven grandchildren.
42:49•3 Jul 2023
Tackling the Fentanyl Crisis: Insights from Senator Thomas Umberg
Episode Overview
- The episode explores the critical need for deterrence in preventing drug-related deaths and the disproportionate protection for drug dealers over innocent victims.
- Senator Umberg shares his perspective on the fentanyl crisis and the comprehensive legislative approach needed to combat it.
- The conversation touches on the connection between marijuana use and the risk of schizophrenia, providing valuable insights and compelling arguments for upstream supply and demand reduction of drugs.
- The episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted challenges of drug addiction and the urgent need for effective solutions.
“I encourage people to visit our website, druginducedhomicide.org. We need consumer protection that prevents drug dealers from becoming death dealers. That's why we support legislation similar to drunk driving that warns drug dealers and prevents them from causing death.”
What happens when a state senator and a seasoned emergency physician sit down to discuss the fentanyl crisis? In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev welcomes State Senator Thomas Umberg for a candid conversation on the urgent need for deterrence in drug dealing. Senator Umberg, with his rich background as a former federal prosecutor and Deputy Drug Czar under President Clinton, brings a wealth of experience to the table.
He argues for harsher penalties for fentanyl dealers, including secondary murder charges when counterfeit pills result in death. The discussion doesn't stop there; they also delve into the link between marijuana use and schizophrenia, shedding light on the broader implications of drug policy. If you're looking to understand the complexities of the opioid epidemic and the legislative measures that could make a difference, this episode is a must-listen.
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