The Only USA Presidential Candidate In Favor Of Legalization

[Greenie Girl]

For over 20 years Congressman Ron Paul has been in Favor of Legalization :thumbsup:


Ron Paul interviewed on NORML 2007

YouTube - Ron Paul interviewed on NORML (part 1 of 2) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8t7jqis2Mc&mode=related&search=)

Ron Paul on Morton Downey Jr. 1988

YouTube - Ron Paul on Morton Downey Jr. 1988 - Pt. 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHB2I83_N_k)


Ron Paul 2008-Hope for America

Ron Paul 2008 — Hope for America (http://www.ronpaul2008.com/)

[norkali]

The ONLY one? Wow.*

Anyway, RON PAUL 2008

WAKE UP PEOPLE! IT'S TIME TO SAVE AMERICA!!!!!!!!

Goodbye to:


Illegal/unjust taxes
the IRS
NAFTA
North American Union
Big government
Federal Reserve system - bring back the gold standard
Illegal wiretapping/spying
the Patriot Act
THE WAR IN IRAQ-AND-SOON-TO-BE-IRAN)
the "War on Drugs"
No Child Left Behind Act
*and now apparently: The criminalization of Marijuana. YAY!!:jointsmile:


Just a few things I can think of at the moment.....

[igot4cheep]

The ONLY one? Wow.*
Goodbye to:


No Child Left Behind Act


Just a few things I can think of at the moment.....

Pump-your-breaks for a second. Legalization is one thing, but screwing over children is another. There are alot of childern who trully need this. Chill.

[aardvark]

The No Child Left Behind Act is a bureaucratic nightmare. The Department of Education has just about doubled to administer the benchmark scores. Idealistically, No Child Left Behind is a helpful piece of legislation. Realistically, it costs too much to maintain on a national level with too many hands in the cookie jar.

BTW, even though Ron Paul would disband the DEA and federal drug laws, the individual states would decide the criminality of certain substances. So, if you happen to live in the Bible Belt or Utah don't bring your bongs out of hiding any time soon.

[king of the world]

if you actually believe this man is going to be president then you really are lost

[Jouryokujin]

Mike Gravel also wants to legalize marijuana...I think people that frequent this forum would agree with his policies moreso than Paul's, but this is just a guess. He has an equally horrible chance of becoming president though, which is unfortunate.

[Nebraskan]

Paul's chances are way better than Gravel's. He raised 2.5 million dollars last quarter. That is 4th or 3rd for the Republicans. Just a few days ago he raised 75K in one day. That is a record for his campaign and it happened recently.

[ghosty]

yeah, after hearing so much about ron paul, i looked more into him and his views, i'll vote for him... i hope he wins and stays true

[Greenie Girl]

My bad, I was unaware Mike Gravel was for legalization when I made this thread. After researching Gravel I think he would make a great president, but Ron Paul would bring about more positive changes.

[Tea Party]

if you actually believe this man is going to be president then you really are lost
This is not really directed to King of The World, but to everybody who, in frustration, can only see fit to put out one liners of doom when anybody gets excited about change.

I would like to gently point out that that was not a very nice thing to say to somebody who is seeking change. The status quo is created solely by naysayers. Oppressors have always used the inertia of the oppressed against them. They don't really have to do the oppressing. By doing nothing we are keeping ourselves chained.

Even if the good doctor's chances are slim, his supporters are the people that raise the level of debate among the citizenry. Shitting on activists is worse, in my view, than being a rotten, pocket-lining politician. At least they have a reason ($$$) for their actions or lack thereof. If you don't believe miracles can happen, do a Google search for Senator Jeff Smith, or watch the documentary about him. You will see that sometimes grassroots efforts succeed...certainly more often than doing nothing.:D

[Greenie Girl]

Your awesome Tea Party

[Mississippi Steve]

For the uninformed liberal masses, the "no child left behind" act is a travisty.... people seem to have forgotten that in life, there are winners and losers in everything.

Not everybody is cut out to graduate from college and become vice president of IT&T, nor is everybody cut out to be a broom pusher, though thats not a bad place to start.

Not everybody is the same and to lower the educational standards so that even the dumbest, most ignorant, person can pass is unjust to them and also to the overachievers who what to make something of their lives and become shakers and movers in our society.

[mfqr]

if you actually believe this man is going to be president then you really are lost

Whether he *is* going to be the president or not doesn't matter. In order to allow him a fighting chance, we need to vote for him. Don't vote for people you think are going to win - that's backwards. Vote for people who you want to win. That's how democracy works. Though I will agree that the media will brutally release anti-Ron Paul propaganda, because, of course, every other candidate is mostly against what he is for.

Fight for your fucking freedom. Don't question whether or not he will make it. You need to fight for that. So if you think that whether or not he will make it is a pertinent issue and argument against him, then you are lost.

And a good point you have made, Tea Party. +rep

Cheers.

[Greenie Girl]

I love these comments I am glad to see there are such intelligent people out there.

[burnable]

while I totally agree with the principles put forth by tea party and mfgr, this is an unusual point in our political history. As a rule, people absolutely should vote for who they think best advocates their interests, regardless of popularity. However, voting for underdogs based on intelligible reason sometimes diverts votes from the better of the two front runners.

I'm thinking of 2000, when a small amount of votes went to Ralph Nader (I think it was), Al gore lost to the dangerous George Bush. If those small amount of votes went to Gore, he really might have won.

The problem is, the smart people are going to vote for who really is best, but those valuable votes might have been needed to oust the choice of idiots, in this case bush.

I don't know if our country can afford principles right now. This next election, we need to be careful not to allow the loser that idiots vote for to win because the better opponent lost intellectual votes to misunderstood underdogs.

My favorites in order are, edwards, obama, romney, hillary, kucinich, ron paul. (kucinich is also pro-legalization). However I would have to sacrifice my favorite to make sure the true bonehead won't get elected (like giulani or mccain or thompson).
Although I think Kucinich's nonprofit health care plan would be a disaster

[mfqr]

while I totally agree with the principles put forth by tea party and mfgr, this is an unusual point in our political history. As a rule, people absolutely should vote for who they think best advocates their interests, regardless of popularity. However, voting for underdogs based on intelligible reason sometimes diverts votes from the better of the two front runners.

I'm thinking of 2000, when a small amount of votes went to Ralph Nader (I think it was), Al gore lost to the dangerous George Bush. If those small amount of votes went to Gore, he really might have won.

The problem is, the smart people are going to vote for who really is best, but those valuable votes might have been needed to oust the choice of idiots, in this case bush.

I don't know if our country can afford principles right now. This next election, we need to be careful not to allow the loser that idiots vote for to win because the better opponent lost intellectual votes to misunderstood underdogs.

My favorites in order are, edwards, obama, romney, hillary, kucinich, ron paul. (kucinich is also pro-legalization). However I would have to sacrifice my favorite to make sure the true bonehead won't get elected (like giulani or mccain or thompson).
Although I think Kucinich's nonprofit health care plan would be a disaster

To be honest, in my opinion, while you bring a good point up about diverting votes away from the two front-runners, that does not matter, does it? We vote based on who best supports our interests. And of course, if one of the front-runners loses because he or she lost votes due to people voting for candidates that support their interests, well... that's democracy. The underdogs will never have a chance if people just decide to only vote for the big timers.

If anyone else other than Ron Paul wins (other than maybe Kucinich), I might just be forced to pack my bags and move to Holland (yes!). In no way am I going to live in such an oppressed country, especially if the NAU gets formed.

In reality, we the people are the government, in a way. We elect the officials. We elect the ones who will make the laws that we want. We The People are the ones who are supposed to control it. However, that isn't how it is anymore. We need that back!

[mfqr]

And as I have noticed, the front-runners are usually the ones will lie to get into office. Bush is one out of many of those. The point is, we need change, and without people like Ron Paul running, our change will never have a chance of being brought forth. Ron Paul is consistent in only voting yes for things that are completely within the bounds of the constitution. And I don't understand how so many Americans can overlook this and not want that; that is, to want their original-given freedom back. Human liberty. Why can't people vote for that? Oh, I know why. Because we've been lied to so much that most people believe security is better than freedom, because otherwise the "terrorists" will get us right? Well, the terrorists have already got us. The terrorists are also known as: The U.S. Government.

Ron Paul is our only hope in this next election to have our human liberties and constitutional freedoms restored.

take care :stoned:

[burnable]

yes, mfgr, but you're a smart person. It is much easier for a smart person to join the ranks of dumb people than it is for dumb people to be educated to the point at which they can see the truly appropriate candidate. Smart people throughout history have had to make ridiculous concessions for the collective good (consisting mostly of dumb people).

One example is Galileo and how he published his astrological findings in the common vernacular for everyone to read. basically he stirred up a bunch of shit and was arraigned before catholic cardinals, like sepulveda, to repudiate his true but tough findings. He did admit that the sun revolved around the earth while under his breath stating how ludicrous everyone was being. People were stupid and were not ready for the truth until later.

We are a self-governing people, but the majority will always be pretty damned stupid. While it is worthwhile and admirable to vote for the best under most scenarios, we are in a precarious time when the objective is damage control. Because of that, it is better now to ensure that things won't get worse rather than vote for the most ideal candidate. I'm not sure how able anyone is going to be to fulfill their grand promises with all the housekeeping that needs to take place after bush leaves office.

[mfqr]

yes, mfgr, but you're a smart person. It is much easier for a smart person to join the ranks of dumb people than it is for dumb people to be educated to the point at which they can see the truly appropriate candidate. Smart people throughout history have had to make ridiculous concessions for the collective good (consisting mostly of dumb people).

One example is Galileo and how he published his astrological findings in the common vernacular for everyone to read. basically he stirred up a bunch of shit and was arraigned before catholic cardinals, like sepulveda, to repudiate his true but tough findings. He did admit that the sun revolved around the earth while under his breath stating how ludicrous everyone was being. People were stupid and were not ready for the truth until later.

We are a self-governing people, but the majority will always be pretty damned stupid. While it is worthwhile and admirable to vote for the best under most scenarios, we are in a precarious time when the objective is damage control. Because of that, it is better now to ensure that things won't get worse rather than vote for the most ideal candidate. I'm not sure how able anyone is going to be to fulfill their grand promises with all the housekeeping that needs to take place after bush leaves office.

Very well, you leave a very good point. In fact, I am not exactly sure what to respond with.

Anyway, have a good one :)

[burnable]

haha it's all good mfgr. It's never about who's right it's about what's right.

[khronik]

I support the guy too. Last election I voted for Badnarik, the Libertarian candidate. I knew he wouldn't win, but so what? If you vote for a guy that you don't think will win, you're essentially saying that you're willing to vote, but you don't like your choices. And even if the guy you vote for does lose, if enough other people vote for him, the leading candidates will think, maybe they need to change their platforms to be more like his in order to get those votes.

Keep this in mind: no presidential candidate has ever won by a single vote, and the laws of averages state that this will likely never happen. No matter who you vote for, the election results will be the same. And wouldn't you rather your vote go toward change than toward keeping the same broken system in power?

Oh, and No Child Left Behind sucks. More like, No Child Gets Ahead.

[Chronisseur]

Alot of very good points here. I however feel it is time we all stand up and speak out, (or stand out and speak up)! It's all about gaining a little ground and holding on. If we pursued that idea, I believe we would sooner than later see some positive changes. I think that by voting for our most disliked candidates opposition, we're contributing to the downfall of democracy. And btw, I thought that when you hit bottom there's only one way to go, apparently not!

[MajMike]

I also don't think he's electable, not enough visibility and nowhere enough money. If Hillary is elected we will at least have medical marijuana without federal interference, a step in the right direction (this from a lifelong Republican, scary isn't it?).

More power to his supporters though, perhaps their efforts now will pay off in the future.

[Ganj]

I love Ron Paul's idea on minimizing the government's power & spending. It's absolutely brilliant! No longer will America's government have the funding or power to be the intrusive meddlers we have come to know. If he can revolutionize the concept of government in America, then it will set new standards for future presidents to come. Hopefully, an experience like the one Ron Paul promises will not only revolutionize government, but also revolutionize the minds of Americans! We need a better philosophy on all this!

[mfqr]

I love Ron Paul's idea on minimizing the government's power & spending. It's absolutely brilliant! No longer will America's government have the funding or power to be the intrusive meddlers we have come to know. If he can revolutionize the concept of government in America, then it will set new standards for future presidents to come. Hopefully, an experience like the one Ron Paul promises will not only revolutionize government, but also revolutionize the minds of Americans! We need a better philosophy on all this!

Yes!

[Tea Party]

I also don't think he's electable, not enough visibility and nowhere enough money. If Hillary is elected we will at least have medical marijuana without federal interference, a step in the right direction (this from a lifelong Republican, scary isn't it?).

More power to his supporters though, perhaps their efforts now will pay off in the future.
No reason to expect this from Mrs. Clinton. Eight years of Bill Clinton saw Pot Smokers going to prison as always...


.

I don't know if our country can afford principles right now.

Did somebody really say that? If not now, then when? Never, that's when. We could survive a 100 years and more of shitty Presidents. Don't buy into the fear that the world is going to end.

We have to take our lumps and get this ship righted. We need to pitch in and make some sacrifices by choosing what we want and not what is least offensive. This is why the war in Iraq is not over. The people expect the gov. to solve all problems. Our government should have forced us to sacrifice as in WWII. Osama would have been caught, and the Afghanis would have been rescued from their oppressors.

The president is always less of a problem than we the people...and that is why we need an intelligent leader who will motivate us to be more involved in democracy. We need a leader that rallies the people around him/her rather than one that scares the shit out of us. Fear. Fear. Fear.

This is the same reason that Marijuana is still not decriminalized. If everybody that actually smoked, became more active rather than hiding out in fear of being bust (and I consider myself one of these cowards)...who knows. And this is the fear that will allow us to weather many more ill-minded Presidents. The self-interest and fear are what keeps the country glued together in one brilliant mass of what-could-have-been. I am willing to risk the destruction of our country in order to create a hope that it will somehow persevere. The status quo leave no room for improvement, and that is what we will get if we do not make bold choices and take risks. This way of thinking that everything will stay at least as good as it is right now as long as we keep applying band-aids is misguided.

And by the way, Nader and his supporters did not loose the election for Gore. Gore and the Democratic party lost the election by not having any balls during his campaign. It never should have been close enough to allow Nader's votes to come into play. Kerry? Same thing. Hillary can probably pull it out this time even though she also has NO cajones. Her speeches are void of any charisma, personality, honesty, or constructive sentiments.

All of this being said. Kucinich is my man. He is more informed and more intelligent than any other candidate. And that is what I want. I don't want any more Presidents who are there due to inheritance (Dem. or Rep.) I will keep voting for who I want to win, not who has a better chance of winning. You can't win any money at the track unless you go for the longshot.

[aardvark]

I also don't think he's electable, not enough visibility and nowhere enough money. If Hillary is elected we will at least have medical marijuana without federal interference, a step in the right direction (this from a lifelong Republican, scary isn't it?).

More power to his supporters though, perhaps their efforts now will pay off in the future.

Where do you get that Hellary supports medicinal MJ? From everything that I have read she will keep things status quo as far as the drug war.

[burnable]

tea party, the text you extracted from my post and then isolated now has a totally different meaning than the context in which I originally inserted it. Granted I could have said "I don't know if our country can afford THIS particular principle." poor choice of words. Of course the white house has been totally devoid of principles, except loyalty to a person, since 2000.

My point was that the damage that bush has caused is not yet fully known. It's like someone shows you a lot of fancy gifts and then later you find that they charged thousands of dollars to your credit card to make the purchases.
Once the next president gets to the WH, they'll sit down, go through the books and find much more demanding priorities than what they sold their campaign on.

I'm very much an idealist and do hope that notwithstanding the cleaning up that has to take place, the next prez will be able to do the things he/she campaigned on, especially since there are unpredictable nuances that interconnect when it comes to national policy and the economy that might balance out when completely new things are done.

And of course Gore himself lost his own election, I was merely using that as an example that there are many variables in an election and sometimes it's good to vote for who will benefit the majority over who will better represent your personal interests. We couldn't have known then, but we should know better now.

You should keep voting for who you want to win, but if you want the "longshot" to even be submitted for consideration you'd have to do a lot more than vote, like join their campaign and try to shape public opinion yourself in a broader arena than an internet forum (maybe you do, I don't know). I'm on your side, I wish more people were willing to be uncompromising in their vision of America, I just think you misunderstood most of what I said, partly owing to the fact that I was trying to convey an abstract thought in a unilateral manner

[Tea Party]

tea party, the text you extracted from my post and then isolated now has a totally different meaning than the context in which I originally inserted it...

...I'm very much an idealist...



Flip Flopper!...


...just kidding:D

I was in no way attacking your words, but that particular sentence jumped out and punched me in the nose, so I had to highlight it. I always wanted to be a campaign speech writer...I don't care what your opinion is, as long as you have one!

...But if you really want out of context:

tea party...my post...has a ...poor choice of words...the white house has...principles.

...My point...shows you a lot of fancy...unpredictable nuances that interconnect when it comes to national policy...variables...in an election...sometimes it's good to vote for who will benefit... your personal interests. We couldn't have known then, but...

... ...You should keep voting for ... yourself in a broader arena...I'm...uncompromising...America...I just ... misunderstood most of what I said, partly owing to the fact that I was trying to convey...thought.

:S2:

[burnable]

hahaa ha

[MajMike]

BBSNews 2007-07-17 -- MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (GSMM) - Two prominent presidential contenders have moved in opposite directions on the issue of federal attacks on medical marijuana patients, as America's second largest cancer charity, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, came out strongly for protection of medical marijuana patients. Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) called for an end to federal raids in states where medical use of marijuana is legal, while Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) backtracked on an earlier promise to end the raids.

During a Manchester campaign on July 13, Len Epstein, a volunteer for Granite Staters for Medical Marijuana (GSMM), told Sen. Clinton, "Twelve states allow medical marijuana, but the Bush administration continues to raid patients," to which she responded, "Yes, I know. It's terrible." Epstein then asked, "Would you stop the federal raids?" Sen. Clinton responded firmly, "Yes, I will."

Does this guarantee she will really do this, I can't say. But, at least she seems to be amenable to MM by the states.

[Tea Party]

Great news! Now if she would only seek to decriminalize bjs!:D

[marmarkus2006]

Well all very good and valid points. I am not gonna get into a debate on who should be president, or naysay any previous president. I love my country. And right or wrong we put them in power. Why? because they all tell us what we want to hear. Everyone bashes bush, He told us what he was going to do before he was elected with the war ect, and we elected him anyway. I am only 36, but as of yet, i havent seen one president get elected and hold to everything he said he would. yep, we can dream and we can vote, but in the end they will do as they have always done, get what they want(elected) and forget the promises that got them elected. I am totally for marijuana reform but to get rid of the dea? hell no. just because i am pro m.j. doesnt mean i am pro meth or pro extacy, or pro cocaine. granted they do a lousy job but they do achieve some measure of keeping some of that crap out of the country. But i am just some guy got my armchair and the internet. I dont know as much as i should about politics, but i do know that even if our new president says disband this program, legalize that, reform reform reform he is only gonna hold to it maybe through half of his term then he starts looking for popularity among congress, the senate, the state reps ect so that he can stay in office. bye bye promises to the american public.

[jaGerbom]

ron paul ftw. He would get rid of the IRS which is good enough for me.

[Tea Party]

i havent seen one president get elected and hold to everything he said he would. yep, we can dream and we can vote, but in the end they will do as they have always done, get what they want(elected) and forget the promises that got them elected.

To expect any person to accomplish everything they set out to do is not realistic, presidents or otherwise. And to say that no president has ever done any good or moved forward in any of their promises is also hooey. (Even George Bush promised to cut The Arts and he followed through!) We must be optimistic even unto our graves, otherwise there is no reason to live in the first place--we are just taking up space. 1+1=2 & -1+1=0, so one bit of pessimism really is very much worse than saying nothing at all--it sets things back two steps rather than moving them one step forward.


I am totally for marijuana reform but to get rid of the dea? hell no. just because i am pro m.j. doesnt mean i am pro meth or pro extacy, or pro cocaine. granted they do a lousy job but they do achieve some measure of keeping some of that crap out of the country.
No. They achieve no measure of success. They punish the user rather than the crime syndicates/governments/corporations that continue to keep the world in turmoil. Re: other drugs. Meth and cocaine, and X have no business being compared to the medicinal prowess of Marijuana. These are all dangerous substances. Besides, the DEA can't stop them either. The DEA is in business to seize real estate, so that they can buy more coke, so that they can seize more real estate, so that they can buy more coke...


But i am just some guy got my armchair and the internet. I dont know as much as i should about politics...
Admitting that you have a problem is the first step towards a cure. Join us...

i do know that even if our new president says disband this program, legalize that, reform reform reform he is only gonna hold to it maybe through half of his term then he starts looking for popularity among congress, the senate, the state reps ect so that he can stay in office. bye bye promises to the american public.
Not really, no. Once Marijuana is decriminalized, it will be very hard, if not impossible, to turn back the clock, especially once the money machine starts rolling with it.

[ezygzy]

Not really, no. Once Marijuana is decriminalized, it will be very hard, if not impossible, to turn back the clock, especially once the money machine starts rolling with it.

Thats what I just cannot understand about the current stubborness of the government. Its already been said last year or so (sorry bad memory :stoned:) that Marijuana is the SINGLE BIGGEST CASH CROP IN THE UNITED STATES. Period. After that article was on yahoo news, I thought prohibition was nearly done with and celebrated with a few bong hits. The article ITSELF even said how the government was trying to figure out how to tax the new cash crop champ. Unfortunately that was the last I've heard about it. Bush and the ultra conservatives probably didnt even read this repot. They probably just brushed it aside and labled it propaganda.

Usually if the government smells money, they're right there with their hands out. This baffles me. At first I expected every state to just throw in the towl fighting medical marijuana and open up a state pot dispensary in a neighborhood near you. Wanna grow your own? Fine heres a growing permit for $100 bucks a year or so with a limit on plants and of course laws to keep intoxicated drivers off the streets.

These are the United States' biggest money makers:

1 Marijuana $35,803,591
2 Corn $23,299,601
3 Soybeans $17,312,200
4 Hay $12,236,638
5 Vegetables $11,080,733

Its coming folks. Hopefully sooner than later, but its coming.

I'm voting Ron Paul for sure.

[DemoCommando]

I think you guys should think outside the world of marijuana. These are the leaders of our country, their every decision decides the fate of our citizens including ourselves. So what if they support marijuana, it's a miniscule issue in the hope of a survivable future.

Yes we love ganja, but don't base your entire vote on who supports legalization or not, please!

Can you still buy marijuana and smoke it to your pleasure? Yes, legalization will come but try not to base your decision on this, now, hopeless measure.

Look at what else they stand for and DON'T stand for, those are the big ones.

The government has invested tens of billions, if not 100's of billions of dollars fighting the "insanity" drug, the evil Marijuana!

Do you think they will let up in just 1 push? No, this legalization thing will take many a decade.

In conclusion, don't be narrow minded, observe candidates real objectives and political bases besides just "do they support legalization?" Or we are doomed.

Dave

[Nebraskan]

I think you guys should think outside the world of marijuana. These are the leaders of our country, their every decision decides the fate of our citizens including ourselves. So what if they support marijuana, it's a miniscule issue in the hope of a survivable future.

Yes we love ganja, but don't base your entire vote on who supports legalization or not, please!

Can you still buy marijuana and smoke it to your pleasure? Yes, legalization will come but try not to base your decision on this, now, hopeless measure.

Look at what else they stand for and DON'T stand for, those are the big ones.

The government has invested tens of billions, if not 100's of billions of dollars fighting the "insanity" drug, the evil Marijuana!

Do you think they will let up in just 1 push? No, this legalization thing will take many a decade.

In conclusion, don't be narrow minded, observe candidates real objectives and political bases besides just "do they support legalization?" Or we are doomed.

Dave


Legalization should be an important issue for us. It is the government policy that most affects us. If we don't stand up for our own rights no one will. Marijuana is not some miniscule issue. The War on Drugs is not a minuscule issue. It is one of the biggest problems facing the country. The DEA spends 60 billion dollars on fighting drugs. I don't even want to guess what the rest of the government spends on the drug war. Ending the Drug War could reinvigorate America. Imagine all the money America could save with the legalization of soft drugs. Imagine all the money America could make. For hard drugs there are better ways to discourage use than the Drug War. Legalization may be the answer it may not. However the current course does not work and must be changed. Also you are wrong on legalization. There are plenty of reasons to believe in could happen in a decade or less.

Another reason why the drug war is important is b/c it shows how honorable a politician is, especially Ron Paul. He is a Republican that opposes The Drug War. There aren't to many of those. They aren't even that many Democrats at the federal level that want to end the Drug War. Most politicians know The Drug War doesn't work. They don't stand against because it is easy not to. Those few politicians that stand against the Drug War should be commended for their courage. They have the character to criticize a policy that benefits the rich and makes reelection a million times easier because you are "tough on crime."

You seem to have a dislike for Ron Paul. I wish you had just begun an educated debate about Ron Paul's views. Instead you choose to chastise us supporters by saying all we cared about was legalization. Then you went even further by saying this is a bad thing. I am sure most posters do not vote purely on legalization. I do not. However I would have no problem with someone who voted for a candidate solely for his or her views on marijuana. Legalization should be the major issue for most these posters. This issue could make their lives a million times easier.

[DemoCommando]

Cancel that, that was jibberish!

this is the right one:

People should not base their entire vote on 1 issue. The Drug War is especially a failure and a drain on society, we both know this.

I do not dislike Ron Paul, nor do I care to delve deeper into his beliefs. The whole point of my post was to hopefully, not grudgingly, encourage voters to invest time into studying the views of their elected or soon to be elected officials.

Perhaps, I am speaking to the wrong crowd. This board is devoted to Marijuana and any neutral or controversial writing of the sort will not be tolerated.

The American people need to keep an open mind. Marijuana users will be users and they will get their "weeds". With the whole on our ass ie China, Iran, Russia, all the big powers and little ones hating our guts for interference in their affairs, I believe that is bigger than marijuana issues. For god sake it's a drug to live life with, not to live life for the drug!

It will be legalized and every mature user should vote according to their ideals, but PLEASE don't throw your vote away on marijuana laws alone.


Right there,

Dave

[aardvark]

Cancel that, that was jibberish!

this is the right one:

People should not base their entire vote on 1 issue. The Drug War is especially a failure and a drain on society, we both know this.

I do not dislike Ron Paul, nor do I care to delve deeper into his beliefs. The whole point of my post was to hopefully, not grudgingly, encourage voters to invest time into studying the views of their elected or soon to be elected officials.

Perhaps, I am speaking to the wrong crowd. This board is devoted to Marijuana and any neutral or controversial writing of the sort will not be tolerated.

The American people need to keep an open mind. Marijuana users will be users and they will get their "weeds". With the whole on our ass ie China, Iran, Russia, all the big powers and little ones hating our guts for interference in their affairs, I believe that is bigger than marijuana issues. For god sake it's a drug to live life with, not to live life for the drug!

It will be legalized and every mature user should vote according to their ideals, but PLEASE don't throw your vote away on marijuana laws alone.


Right there,

Dave

The problem with the current government and the drug war itself is that the interference in other nations affairs is now an interference in United States citizens affairs.

I understand that one should not solely base their vote on MJ issues, however, the MJ issue is part of a larger issue which is eroding Constitutional rights in America. The federal government has no Constitutional right to shutdown medicinal MJ operations in states that have voted to allow it. The federal government does not have the authority to enforce Roe v. Wade...it is a state decision. We, as citizens, have the right to habeaus corpus, and that has been taken away.

Ron Paul, personally, does not encourage or even support MJ use, but he does believe in the individual right to choose. He does not believe that the federal government has the right to choose whether an individual smokes up or abstains. A vote for Ron Paul, is a vote for individual freedom of choice.

However, if you choose the wrong road, you are ultimately responsible for you're choice. Don't expect the government to bail you out.

[UTD Toker]

What about Bill Richardson from NM? I'd DEF trust the country I live in in his hands....

[JD1stTimer]

To Burnable: The problem with that thinking is that they often suddenly turn into a different person when they get into office. For example, how do you know FOR SURE that Al Gore would have actually been better than Bush? They're really ALMOST the same. So if everyone who voted for Bush or Gore instead of their real pic, had voted for their actual guy anyways, maybe Gore WOULD have gotten it, or maybe something wild and crazy like Nader winning could have happened (Assuming that he actually had a major underground following within the two biggest parties.)

[JD1stTimer]

Okay, I just came up with my dream law that would be highly unconstitutional and I would never ever do it even if I had the power.

Promotion of front-runners in election campaigns for no other reason than that they are front-runners is hereby prohibited under penalty of a flagpole wedgie.

[MadSativa]

Theri are lots in favor of legalization however most are wierd and think that things wiil fix them selevs once herb is leagal..............my vot is for this guy and hes for herb too
The Bill Richardson File - SantaFeNewMexican.com (http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/66883.html)

[redhotstoner]

Note** Ron Paul is Pro Life. he also opposses same sex adoption
Just stating the facts

[redhotstoner]

and also, while he is against the War on Drugs- he isn't "pro-marijuana" and he is against stem cell research. He's seems like a cool guy for a republican, but i think we should be careful not to jump to the conclusion that he is the solution to america's problems

[JohnnyII]

and also, while he is against the War on Drugs- he isn't "pro-marijuana" and he is against stem cell research. He's seems like a cool guy for a republican, but i think we should be careful not to jump to the conclusion that he is the solution to america's problems

The point is that he doesn't believe the federal government should enforce a particular view, unless it is specifically in the Constitution. That's why he's such a spectacular choice, he doesn't try to be Mr. Morality and try and ban whatever someone wants to do. He leaves all that authority to the states, which is where it should be in the first place.

[Asasan]

Excellent posts burnable.

As far as intellectual discipline and multi-perspective critical thinking goes, thats not just the best I've seen on this forum but about as good as it gets on any internet forum. Big ups on your high-level operating.

:D

[stopsnitchin]

i wish i could vote... im gonna get all my friends to vote for RON PAUL

[angry nomad]

This is not really directed to King of The World, but to everybody who, in frustration, can only see fit to put out one liners of doom when anybody gets excited about change.

I would like to gently point out that that was not a very nice thing to say to somebody who is seeking change. The status quo is created solely by naysayers. Oppressors have always used the inertia of the oppressed against them. They don't really have to do the oppressing. By doing nothing we are keeping ourselves chained.

Even if the good doctor's chances are slim, his supporters are the people that raise the level of debate among the citizenry. Shitting on activists is worse, in my view, than being a rotten, pocket-lining politician. At least they have a reason ($$$) for their actions or lack thereof. If you don't believe miracles can happen, do a Google search for Senator Jeff Smith, or watch the documentary about him. You will see that sometimes grassroots efforts succeed...certainly more often than doing nothing.:D

Wow. I have been thinking the same thing for the past six months, but I couldn't put it into words like that. Thanks.

Also, I would like to point out that Ron Paul said the drug laws should be decided at the local level, not even the states, which means each one of us would have a million times more say over the laws.

[tuete]

:smokin: thanks so much for posting this info.... now i have someone to root for :yippee:

[Tea Party]

I think you guys should think outside the world of marijuana. These are the leaders of our country, their every decision decides the fate of our citizens including ourselves. So what if they support marijuana, it's a miniscule issue in the hope of a survivable future.

Yes we love ganja, but don't base your entire vote on who supports legalization or not, please!

Can you still buy marijuana and smoke it to your pleasure? Yes, legalization will come but try not to base your decision on this, now, hopeless measure.

Look at what else they stand for and DON'T stand for, those are the big ones.

The government has invested tens of billions, if not 100's of billions of dollars fighting the "insanity" drug, the evil Marijuana!

Do you think they will let up in just 1 push? No, this legalization thing will take many a decade.

In conclusion, don't be narrow minded, observe candidates real objectives and political bases besides just "do they support legalization?" Or we are doomed.

Dave

Dave, we are already doomed!!!!!!! We have been doomed since William Randolph Hearst and Anslinger created this Reefer Madness Universe that has taken our liberties away. That is what we are trying to fix. I find your posts too ridiculous to take you seriously. I do not believe you actually care about America, or you would not criticize a serious freedom fighter for not being worthy enough to be President. You assume we are voting for Ron Paul because of one issue alone, and urge us to be mature and not throw away our vote on one issue alone, while at the same time posting that you have just "fucked this thread in it's sphincter." I say this out of love, Dave: Grownups are talking here, please go back to the children's table. Leave your weed on the counter. You can have it back when you grow up.

The War on Drugs is both a symbol of the current illegality of personal freedom in America, and its concrete counterpart in the real day-to-day lives of its citizens. The prison industry and pharmaceutical industry, and the State run media are our biggest threats to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...and our lack of freedom in America is responsible for so many global issues, it ain't funny...so to me, decriminalization of all drugs is the largest issue around. When we are allowed our freedom once again, we will be able to have the breathing room to love our country again and solve other critical problems.

It is absurd that you think Ron Paul is only on about Marijuana, but you are correct in assuming that Ron Paul is a one issue man. You are right indeed: he believes in serving the constitution so that it may serve us. And if you watch the debates, which I doubt you do, you will see that he destroys all comers like the cardboard cutouts they are. Plus, he is a doctor and he is rational and stable and sure of himself. I don't see these qualities in any other candidate except for Kucinich, a brilliant man, who unfortunately, is too short to be President of a modern, image conscious Unites States (I know, I have been short all of my life, and people do not take short men seriously)...but he is not too short to be V.P.:D We need smart, brilliant, honest people to lead us out of what we are in.

And as far as Bill Richardson goes: Nice guy...but he looks a little timid and afraid for the job. At the end of the day, I base my vote on:
What have you done?
What are you doing?
Are you acting up there, or are you walking the walk?
When you talk about the American public, do you come across as though you were a member of the American public yourself, or as a conquering hero from without?
Are you suspicious of your citizens, or do you trust us and want us to improve ourselves?
Do you have confidence in what you stand for and in your ability to carry it out?
Do you put in the work and truly care, or are you an actor up on that stage?Ron and Dennis are the only two in the race that fit these requirements for me.

Watch the Tavis Smiley hosted Republican debate on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NZfeHN7DxQ), the one where none of the Media Republicans even showed up because they know they have no chance of pulling Americanized African voters. If you watch those debates and still believe Ron Paul is not qualified to lead America, then you, my friend, are not qualified to be an American, and I will kindly ask you to leave. There is the door.
4NZfeHN7DxQ

[Tea Party]

Theri are lots in favor of legalization however most are wierd and think that things wiil fix them selevs once herb is leagal..............my vot is for this guy and hes for herb too
The Bill Richardson File - SantaFeNewMexican.com (http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/66883.html)

Bill, is that you there with the New Mexican flag? Horatio Sands wants you to win to!

Ron Paul is not weird. He is a doctor and U.S. congressman who believe in the constitution of the United States of America. Bill Richardson would make an excellent drug Czar in the Paul Whitehouse.

[Tea Party]

Note** Ron Paul is Pro Life. he also opposses same sex adoption
Just stating the facts

Ron Paul is a doctor who brings babies into the world. Of course he is Pro Life. That does not mean that he would overturn Roe V. Wade. While I am a liberal, I am beginning to be Pro-Life myself. I mean, I used to have a "Save Roe V. Wade" bumper sticker on my car...I would not appose abortions for rape victims, but if you are not responsible enough to pack birth control, then you better strap on that papoose daddy-o! You're a parent.
Same sex adoptions...I would gladly let him slide on that 1999 vote if if all of the political prisoners of the drug war were released from prison. They can then be filled by accidental parents who would be taught how to raise the children they would have aborted...besides, he has voted NO on the banning of same-sex marriages.
and also, while he is against the War on Drugs- he isn't "pro-marijuana" and he is against stem cell research. He's seems like a cool guy for a republican, but i think we should be careful not to jump to the conclusion that he is the solution to america's problems

Who cares if he is or is not pro marijuana. Do you want to force him to smoke all day in the oval office. He's got important shit to do. The point is: he won't bust your door down because You want to get high! First and foremost, he wants to bring back the constitution, and a big part of that it the end the drug war (http://www.druglibrary.org/Schaffer/library/graphs/graphs.htm) and the patriot act. You know, I am not pro Opiate, but if you are into them and can keep from injuring me while you are high, I am not going to want to see you in prison for life!
Ron Paul does not oppose the States and private citizens research of stem cells. He opposed the government forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for it (http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul252.html).
He is not a Republican...not that there is anything wrong with that. He is a Libertarian running on the Republican ticket.People seem to want a President that is perfect. Nobody is perfect for everybody. Look here to see if Ron Paul fits into your way of thinking. (http://www.ontheissues.org/TX/Ron_Paul.htm)

[Miagi666]

I only just heard of Ron Paul 2 weeks ago when a friend preached his views to me over a few dozen beers. The issue he primarily touted about was the legalization of marijuana stance, so i refrained from taking him too seriously because there are many other issues in America today we need to be concerned with.

I just spent 3 hours reading documents and watching video clips of Ron Paul and his position on all issues of the candidacy. At this moment I am definetely voting for the man. Marijuana legalization is not the only issue that makes his views intriguing. I'm not one to ever get into political debates because in my experience they're about as useless as religious ones, but I pray that his messages are heard as mainstreamed as the top-runners.

The fact that the GOP and certain media branches try to cover his attention makes his messages all the more appealing and necessary to hear. It's possible that he's just saying what he thinks he needs to say to grab attention, but his history doesnt reflect that.

I hope that people understand that when he speaks of the Middle East attacking us because of our antagonistic ways, they realize that he is not putting that on the American people....Govt POLICY is the force that contributed to it. "Strong" republican candidates will spin that into Ron Paul's unpatriotic message.

The American people don't have to disagree with decisions Govt, or any branch of power makes, but we should always question it.

[FireTheft]

on the issue with Ron Paul being Pro-Life .... I myself am Pro Choice but am still voting for RP. I commend Ron Pauls stance on pro life simply because he is making his decision based his life experiences of being a Doctor. THAT I can respect....not these religious idiots running who make their choices based on their god

also, someone on here said ron only raised 2million last quarter....it was actually over 5

and I think we need some clarification....correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think RP is pro legalization only for medicinal purposes not for recreation.

also, if you all haven't seen the video of Mit Romney being asked a question about marijuana by a guy in a wheel chair who has MS I suggest you find it....it's one piece of a larger pie which shows what a moron he is.

and to the people that say wake up he'll never win - I'm sorry, I refuse to waste my vote and my breath on the lesser of two evils. I'm going to vote and support who I WANT. If I dont, then it defeats the purpose of freedom. I refuse to let who has the most campaign money and the most mainstream media attention sway my decision. We've been forced to make a decision based on what the higher powers view as who are the top candidates for far too long

[weedmant]

I hope Ron Paul wins! I was eating at my favorite pizza place last night called Mellow Mushroom (wonderful pizza) and its kind of like a hippie place which is awesome! But anyways they have a vote for Ron Paul sign and so I thought I would just say that because I thought it was awesome.

A vote for Ron Paul is a vote for LEGALIZATION! :thumbsup:

[Mohksha]

Sometimes, the beauty of what America could be shines through to me when I read other people's comments. It would be amazing. Wow, my eyes are actually watering. It's sad, the state it is in compared to what could have been. I will vote for Ron Paul, even if I am the only American to do so.

[Nailhead]

If Hillary is elected we will at least have medical marijuana without federal interference, a step in the right direction (this from a lifelong Republican, scary isn't it?).

Are you joking? Hillary Clinton is one of the largest recipients of health care industry contributions. Who do you think is really behind all this pressure to close down co-ops and end medical marijuana? A president speaking to God? Fuck no, that's just what he is there for you to assume, it's what it's always about, money. The health care industry cannot have people growing their own medicine, it would cost them too much. With Clinton in their pocket, I will guarantee that medical marijuana raids will not end with her in office as president!

I encourage everyone to subscribe to Ron Paul's youtube videos and find out what he is all about, you can't just go about thinking what he is for and what he is against, you have to find out why he supports one thing, and not another. This is true for any candidate, but for most candidates the reasons are almost always simple, however, Ron Paul is not a simple candidate, the guy actually thinks for himself rather than thinks for poll position.

I would never vote for Ron Paul simply for his views on drug legalization, I feel there are far more important things going on than that to be a core reason for choosing one candidate over another, but the more I heard him talk the more I realized that as crazy as some of the things he says sound, really, it all makes perfect sense. The main reason he isn't so popular is because he is so different from what we are used to expect from a candidate, we have become so used to a cookie cutter image, that we have allowed ourselves to expect that in future candidates rather than be open to new thinking, which is exactly what we need right now!

I don't give a rats ass how far of a shot he has at becoming president, I'm still voting for him. Why would I vote for someone else that I don't really agree with, but simply because they are more popular? That's just stupid, and a waste of a vote. If you aren't going to put any thought into who you choose for president, maybe you shouldn't be voting to begin with.

[rks171]

What about Chris Dodd? He's for the decriminalization of marijuana and he also has a good energy plan, is for the quick withdrawal of troops form Iraq, and he is doing a lot to defend the constitution right now (something this current administration has absolutely no respect for). He doesn't get much face time like Hillary and Obama, but I'm sick and tired of the media picking our candidates for us. If you agree with his ideas, spread the word about him. I think he's a much better candidate than any of the DNC frontrunners; they are very unclear on issues.

[burnable]

Kucinich, a brilliant man, who unfortunately, is too short to be President of a modern, image conscious Unites States (I know, I have been short all of my life, and people do not take short men seriously)...but he is not too short to be V.P.:D We need smart, brilliant, honest people to lead us out of what we are in.

I usually enjoy what you post, and I don't know why you would be banned, except for maybe being underage, and if that's the case you're extremely precocious and mature. But aren't these comments about kucinich kind of consistent with the mentality of avoiding voting for someone based on the influential perception that others have? It would be like not voting for RP because people think he's too old or too radical.

Ron Paul is sweet; I was even more impressed with him after seeing him on jay leno.

I'd like to be pro-life, but the world is way too overpopulated. I think if abortion helps curb that, go for it. I think there is a grander cause in stabilizing existing population than defending the right to live of yet another potential human, as magnanimous an effort as it is. I tend to vacillate between the two sides of the argument, but that's where I currently am

[TheSmokingMonkey]

Ron Paul is the only good choice. No candidate is perfect, but he is the perfect candidate for our country at this point in time. I am wholeheartedly supporting him and I hope you all will too, if you'd like to see your favorite herb legalized and some sanity restored to Washington DC.

[420 FMX]

if you actually believe this man is going to be president then you really are lost

lol at the previous posts in response to this quote ^

no where in this quote did he say he would not vote for him, i gathered he is merely stating that there is a reallly slim chance of the majority of the american population following the policies Ron paul wants to put in place.

We are a minority ! for now ;)

[420 FMX]

I love Ron Paul's idea on minimizing the government's power & spending. It's absolutely brilliant! No longer will America's government have the funding or power to be the intrusive meddlers we have come to know. If he can revolutionize the concept of government in America, then it will set new standards for future presidents to come. Hopefully, an experience like the one Ron Paul promises will not only revolutionize government, but also revolutionize the minds of Americans! We need a better philosophy on all this!

Corrrecct!!

also America might get some respect from the rest of the world.......



in a bit.

[Nailhead]

marijuana legalization is not the most important issue I have with selecting a presidential candidate, the most important to me is foreign policy. This doesn't just mean someone screaming to get out of Iraq, it means someone who actually understands why we are where we are at today, and why and how we should conduct ourselves in the future.

I use to think of Ron Paul as some nut saying whatever crazy thing he can to get some attention because he is far behind in the polls, but the more I started actually watching his videos and finding out what he is really made of, the more I realized that he is the most sane candidate of any of them, and the only one that doesn't answer questions like he's some robot with pre-recorded answers.

I've always felt I leaned more on the conservative side, but Ron Paul seems to be the first republican that isn't some right wing Christian nut job. The more I hear him talk about different issues, the more I find myself agreeing with his points, I can't say this about any other candidate, democrat or republican.

[angry nomad]

I decided a few months ago to vote for Ron Paul for many reasons, liberty being the main one.

[angry nomad]

on the issue with Ron Paul being Pro-Life .... I myself am Pro Choice but am still voting for RP. I commend Ron Pauls stance on pro life simply because he is making his decision based his life experiences of being a Doctor. THAT I can respect....not these religious idiots running who make their choices based on their god

also, someone on here said ron only raised 2million last quarter....it was actually over 5

and I think we need some clarification....correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think RP is pro legalization only for medicinal purposes not for recreation.

also, if you all haven't seen the video of Mit Romney being asked a question about marijuana by a guy in a wheel chair who has MS I suggest you find it....it's one piece of a larger pie which shows what a moron he is.

and to the people that say wake up he'll never win - I'm sorry, I refuse to waste my vote and my breath on the lesser of two evils. I'm going to vote and support who I WANT. If I dont, then it defeats the purpose of freedom. I refuse to let who has the most campaign money and the most mainstream media attention sway my decision. We've been forced to make a decision based on what the higher powers view as who are the top candidates for far too long

Listen to the NORML podcast of Ron Paul.

YouTube - Ron Paul interviewed on NORML (part 1 of 2) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8t7jqis2Mc)

He said marijuana laws should be left up to local regulations if that. He wants to end the War on Drugs, which we all know, is a war on us. They just don't kill us, they just throw us in jail.

[UCI-James]

Dude, no, you can't vote for Ron Paul... I don't know what it is, man, but it can't be good. I've got this feeling... This really bad feeling about it. He appeals to too many... He holds the majority... it can't be good...




Im sorry i dont mean to bash anyone, I'm just really high right now and can't think any other way. I'l come back after I've come down and thought it over a bit.

[angry nomad]

Dude, no, you can't vote for Ron Paul... I don't know what it is, man, but it can't be good. I've got this feeling... This really bad feeling about it. He appeals to too many... He holds the majority... it can't be good...




Im sorry i dont mean to bash anyone, I'm just really high right now and can't think any other way. I'l come back after I've come down and thought it over a bit.

you do that.

[greg23]

Thatâ??s great, but he has zero chance of even getting the nomination.

[UCI-James]

Ok, so, after having come down and thought about it...




GO RON PAUL! WOOT!

[MarijuanaIsMyName]

"Thatâ??s great, but he has zero chance of even getting the nomination."

If everybody thought like you(I'm not voting for him, he'll never get elected)we'll never see a change!!

[Squiggle]

Ok I just want to say something about the "No child left behind act"

This act is 100% bullshit. When I was in school this came around...

I am 25 now but it is complete bullshit...

When my brother was in 8th grade hes a senior now. he busted his ASS to make grades so mom wouldnt beat his ass but kids who dont bust their ass and FAIL get the good ole "No child left behind" and pushed onto the next grade without doing SHIT!

Kids should HAVE to PASS ALL their classes AND STATE TESTS till they can go on to the next grade...

And maybe parents would learn that beating their children is what they need sometimes (Not violent beating just the kind that teaches discipline)

[JAKERM8]

Ron Paul is a real American

[JAKERM8]

I hope Ron Paul wins! I was eating at my favorite pizza place last night called Mellow Mushroom (wonderful pizza) and its kind of like a hippie place which is awesome! But anyways they have a vote for Ron Paul sign and so I thought I would just say that because I thought it was awesome.

A vote for Ron Paul is a vote for LEGALIZATION! :thumbsup:

Mellow Mushroom Rocks

[greg23]

"Thatâ??s great, but he has zero chance of even getting the nomination."

If everybody thought like you(I'm not voting for him, he'll never get elected)we'll never see a change!!

Yeah. The government will no longer regulate the economy, Federal power will be limited, Homeland Security will be gone, IRS will be gone, Taxes will go way down, Death Penalty will be gone, Commercial Space Trips, Marlboro Marijuana Joints, and free candy on Tuesdays. It isnâ??t gonna happen.

Oh and he isnâ??t in favor of legalization. He is in favor of letting states decided what to do instead of the government.

[Nailhead]

Thatâ??s great, but he has zero chance of even getting the nomination.

I'm sure there were many people like you saying "No way, they will hang for what they are doing, it will never work!", when our founding fathers decided to rebel and become free. It is also very foolish to only choose the most popular candidate, that type of weak voting can only elect a weak president.

[hyperion04]

I joined this forum just to reply to this thread. First off, I'd like to say that I am sincerely delighted to have an intelligent conversation with people who can form coherent sentences.

One of the largest myths being perpertrated by our Government is that cannabis kills brain cells. The majority of posters in this thread has just destroyed this myth. I believe that cannabis should be legalized. Absolutely. I honestly believe in the principles that Ron Paul has addressed. He makes alot of sense, and is actually an articulate, intelligent person unlike our current leader. I will be voting for him without a shadow of a doubt come November '08.

Currently, our economy is in a major slump. If you do not believe me, just go to XE.com and check for yourself. Compare the strength of the dollar today against the strength of the dollar from Jan 1, '99. We are currently in debt 9 trillion dollars... That's 9,000,000,000,000. Yes, 12 zeros. Most of this debt is to China and Saudi Arabia. This so called "War on Drugs" and "War on Terrorism" is majorly contributing to this ever-increasing national debt. If we reduce our government spending on needless things, our debt would be reduced drastically. How important is it that a professional basketball player is payed $100 Million dollars to play a sport, whereas our military servicemen and women are barely paid enough to support their families? Many of our servicemen and women collect food stamps and WIC. Did you all know that? Probably not. I personally know because I've served my Country and completed my military obligation to Her.

If cannabis is legalized, it would mean that hemp would also be legalized. There are numerous benefits to this happening. So what, if they tax cannabis? I would gladly pay a tax for something I believe in, and in turn would help reduce national debt. We currently pay taxes for tobacco, alcohol, cars, etc...

It would be wonderful if you could grow 5 plants legally like they currently do in the Netherlands. I would gladly pay $100 annually for a grower's license as someone has previously mentioned. I guess that's enough rambling from me, but before I go I'd like to say the choice is ours to make. Let's get our Country back to being a Democracy. Happy Veteran's Day, brothers and sisters.

Hyperion

[yoda]

RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT! i've been heavily favoring him since i heard the slightest amount of his ideas from a youtube video i saw on him. now that i know he favors legalization, i hope a miracle comes true, that he becomes president.