Friends have long discouraged the use of alcohol and drugs in the interest of advancing sobriety. Unfortunately, in the support of Friends’ opposition to intoxication and the misuse of drugs and alcohol, Friends have supported, either directly or through silence, the anti-narcotics laws and policies of the U.S. government and the United Nations. These laws and policies are enforced in racially unjust ways. Eric will explain how the drug law creates and sustains violence. Quakers must develop a more sophisticated understanding of how to teach and encourage sobriety and abandon any further support of prohibition of drug use and distribution. Eric Sterling is a member of Bethesda Friends Meeting, a graduate of Haverford College, and is highly experienced in this field. Potlucks at 6:30 pm. (williampennhouse.org/Sept.2013.Potluck)