Will Obama Legalize Marijuana?

[zenneson]

The pubic is getting less ignorant about marijuana and once the news of how it has and will benefit California's economy becomes well known. This subject will come up in a lot of political conversations. This will probably be followed by backing for legalization or decriminalization. The question is will Obama have the bravery to support it? Would have McCain? Ganja Wise wants to know what you think.
(http://ganjawise.com)

(http://ganjawise.com)

[Markass]

obama's been paid to "think straight" about drugs and such..probably millions upon millions of dollars to say that legalization is not in his vocabulary..he will increase the national debt though, that's the change we can believe in

[krums1000]

He pretty unequivocally said no to this already, though I think it was before the election where you can't touch anything vaguely controversial. Nonetheless I doubt it; Barney Frank introduced a bill for decrim but I doubt much of anyone will touch it.

If anything maybe the Governator's replacement will do it and others states will follow suit.

[the image reaper]

" will Obama legalize marijuana ? " ... :wtf: ... no personal offense meant, but that's just about the dumbest question I've ever heard ... do you have NO comprehension or concept, of Obama's whole administration ? ... simple version: PHONY, PHONY, PHONY ... stop wasting your time with him, start doing your research for the next election, and leave the gullibility behind ... :smokin:

[hachiman6677]

I dont think he will. It sucks but its the truth hes the first african american pres you think hes gonna do anything the people pullin the strings tell him NOT to do? like the aboves said hes probably getting millions to keep doing the same old thing everyone does.

Change we can believe in? lol the only thing that changed was the color of the skin of the man sittin in the fucking chair thats it. He lied his ass off from the getgo like EVERY OTHER POLITICIAN DOES when we americans get to vote its usually between two bowls of shit the only difference is the smell. I dont think anyone has fairly won an election here since the 1800's and even thats debatable whoever is willing to play ball is put into the seat and just as quickly removed once they go against the games creators lol

[zenneson]

A part off the question was weather or not McCain would have either.

Also which politicians if any do you have faith in to have enough courage to support marijuana law reform. For example Ron Paul.

Please comment here (http://ganjawise.com/?p=85) and see what others are saying about the issue.

[hachiman6677]

Ron paul would have pushed for it mccain i dont think so I think it woulda been even less likely he would have if anything I think it would have made it worse having him in office. At least tolerence is out there now. Tolerence isnt acceptence though.

What you could do is do what I did go to NORML.com and check out the people in office or who are planning to in that list for your area and see who to vote for when its time its what I did Id idnt even know some of the names on there and that they were pro decrim etc and also on that some of the people I WOULD have filled in that dot for were AGAINST it

more often than not on those ballots you have to actually put in the persons name which I did and the way I got it was from NORML sorry to rant earlier lol :jointsmile:

[gypski]

If it does become legal, I wonder how they will rectify all the lives they have destroyed? Kind of hard to admit the myths were false and politically motivated after all the destruction its caused. Time for a real change, get honest people elected to office. Not political parasites, fear mongers or shit-talkers. :smokin:

[hachiman6677]

If it does become legal, I wonder how they will rectify all the lives they have destroyed? Kind of hard to admit the myths were false and politically motivated after all the destruction its caused. Time for a real change, get honest people elected to office. Not political parasites, fear mongers or shit-talkers. :smokin:


Its a good idea but look how long they took to apologize and make restitutions for anything theyve fucked up on. Its like trying to get family with one kid who broke somethin to say he did it. You know damn well he did it hes the only fucking kid in the house the problem is getting him to admit to it.

imagine all the poor folks back int he 70's and 80's who got like fucking 20 years and shit for just buying and smoking it we think we got it bad today but man...if ida been around back then id probably be in the pen until i was too old to give a shit about goin back just for tokin:wtf:

[redtails]

Dude, he's already said he's stopping prosecuting legal mmj users in states that have such decriminalization laws. I guess it all just comes down to proper education and proof of concept. I saw a Law & Order as well as a Glee episode a few weeks ago when the news spread that they were advocating the use of mmj(well Glee didn't do it too well, kind of made fun of it). If I had to guess, this is just a trial run to see if there's any merit to decriminalizing/legalizing it and IF he does continue it will be later on in his term. Let's hope he does, afterall there's more non-violent mj users/dealers in prison than black people, at least in my state. Lol, not saying blacks should be arrested or anything.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/us/19holder.html
House bill pushes Pennsylvania to go green, legalize marijuana - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_655678.html)
Arizona Medical Marijuana Policy Project, Sponsors of 2010 Medical Marijuana (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arizona-medical-marijuana-policy-project-sponsors-of-2010-medical-marijuana-ballot-initiative-in-arizona-cheer-obama-administration-action-64803062.html)
etc...

[boaz]

The pubic is getting less ignorant about marijuana and once the news of how it has and will benefit California's economy becomes well known. This subject will come up in a lot of political conversations. This will probably be followed by backing for legalization or decriminalization. The question is will Obama have the bravery to support it? Would have McCain? Ganja Wise wants to know what you think.
(http://ganjawise.com)

(http://ganjawise.com)

good question. I voted for McCain. I figured Obama might be more herb friendly than McCain but really didn't have a whole lotta hope that either side would reschedule. The best I was hoping for was a good healthy respect of the US Constitution and States' Rights.

I never bought into all the Obama hype and voted against him in the general election, but I gotta say I was impressed when his administation announced that would no longer be busting the med coops in California. That was a victory I did not expect.

I think the real test will come next November when Californian's legalize thru the ballot box and, as provided by the Cali Constitution, legal bud for adults becomes the law of the land in California. :smokin: Obama's reaction to this event will be my litmus test for him. If he is cool with it all then I'm cool with him. Hell, I might even vote for him, and smoke one with him in Oaksterdam. :pimp:

but that said :rastasmoke:, he needs to reschedule, there is no excuse for him not to. it is his responsibility under the CSA. until Congress guts the CSA then it is his administrations job to make sure the drug schedules reflect reality.

it just occurred to me after I posted this, why is the CSA even constitutional?? I wonder if anyone has challenged the legality of it, you know giving the executive branch basically the ability to write law. seems kinda ass backwards to me. :twocents:

[the image reaper]

IF California were to 'legalize' marijuana in the upcoming ballot initiative, Obama's Administration WILL strike it down ... Guaranteed :wtf: ... Eric Holder, with Obama's approval, would like to lock us all up (stoners don't contribute millions of dollars to campaign funds) ... do your homework ... :smokin:

[gypski]

IF California were to 'legalize' marijuana in the upcoming ballot initiative, Obama's Administration WILL strike it down ... Guaranteed :wtf: ... Eric Holder, with Obama's approval, would like to lock us all up (stoners don't contribute millions of dollars to campaign funds) ... do your homework ... :smokin:

I agree, stoners, or most don't contribute to campaigns. I believe all elections and all candidates get a set sum to run on. Once you've spent it you don't get anymore. Free speech isn't invoked with the power of money. Those with the money right now spread nothing but lies to get elected and we need honest representation. :cool:

I don't agree that the feds will stop legal marijuana if it passes in California. State's Rights and all the BS. Time for truth and honesty. :D

[the image reaper]

Legalization ain't gonna happen, on the Federal level ... y'all gotta get out more, you can't get a feel for the popular opinions from a marijuana website :wtf: ... hell, yeah, everybody here, wants to see pot legalized :D ... that's a no-brainer ... try listening to the 'other sides' ... P.S. - the argument over "States' Rights", is not a legal precedent, it is a political debate ... and, since the Federal Government's Laws, override the States', it means nothing ... :wtf: ... here, this popped up in the news, just minutes ago:

**********

NorCalâ??s â??Pot Paradiseâ?�
December 8, 2009 - 12:00 PM | by: Claudia Cowan

Tucked amid the vast forestland of Northern California's Trinity County, the small town of Hayfork is - literally- going to pot...with marijuana being smoked, grown and sold more than ever before.

Legal cannabis cultivation has become Hayfork's #1 industry. Sophisticated growing operations --both indoors and outside--are flourishing, thanks to the regions climate, cheap real estate, and local laws allowing medical marijuana farming and possession.

Lawful or not, the cannabis culture is dividing the town.

Retirees, including many grandparents, say they've had it with the bad element that follows and exposes kids to the drug trade, from the buyers who come in with their foul language and poor hygiene, to the farmers who guard their crop with guns and attack dogs.

But with the timber industry gone, and gold mining a thing of the past, others maintain Hayfork's fledgling pot farms need all the support they can get.

Marijuana advocates argue the town is in dire need of an industry that can provide tax dollars and jobs.

But many question the wisdom of an economy based on pot profits... And worry about the impact on the town's youth.

Schools superintendent Tom Barnett says he already sees one disturbing trend: graduating seniors-- skipping college, career training programs, and even travel, to stay put-- and grow pot.

-Claudia Cowan, Hayfork, California

**********

see what I'm talkin' about ? :smokin:

[boaz]

IF California were to 'legalize' marijuana in the upcoming ballot initiative, Obama's Administration WILL strike it down ... Guaranteed :wtf: ... Eric Holder, with Obama's approval, would like to lock us all up (stoners don't contribute millions of dollars to campaign funds) ... do your homework ... :smokin:

you don't know that for sure. That is your guess. Did you predict Holder would back off the coops? You may be right, but I say time will tell. I am not going to try to predict how they will react, but States Rights is no pipe dream, read the ninth and tenth amendments to the Constitution. :smokin:

[boaz]

^ didn't mean to sound so rude IR. i should never post until after a bowl or two. :jointsmile: :stoned:

[Markass]

Congress allows DC to implement 1998 medical marijuana law
Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:35:15 By: Russ Belville, NORML Outreach Coordinator
Share This Article
House and Senate negotiations for the 2010 Appropriations bill have been completed. This is the huge federal budget bill and it just so happens that Washington DC is a federal district and its spending is controlled by Congress.

In 1998, DC passed a medical marijuana bill overwhelmingly, but Congressional drug warriors led by Rep. Bob Barr of Georgia prevented DC from spending any federal money to count the votes (thatâ??s right, in our democracyâ??s capital, our leaders conspired to prevent citizens from counting votes in a legal election). When that was deemed unconstitutional, they spent the money to count the votes, showing that 69% of DC supported medical marijuana. So Rep. Barr created the â??Barr Amendmentâ?� that prevented DC from spending any money to implement the medical marijuana program they had voted in.

Well, todayâ??s 2010 Appropriations bill changes all that. In addition to removing bans on abortion, domestic partnerships, and needle exchange, Congress has given the go-ahead to begin implementing DC medical marijuana!

(US Senate) Removing Special Restrictions on the District of Columbia: Eliminates a prohibition on the use of local tax funds for abortion, thereby putting the District in the same position as the 50 states. Also allows the District to implement a referendum on use of marijuana for medical purposes as has been done in other states, allows use of Federal funds for needle exchange programs except in locations considered inappropriate by District authorities, and discontinues a ban on the use of funds in the bill for domestic partnership registration and benefits.

DCâ??s medical marijuana bill was written with the same sort of open language as was passed in Californiaâ?¦ will we be seeing marijuana dispensaries on K Street anytime soon?




This surprised the shit out of me

[PufferLungs]

The Obama administration has already told the DEA to lay off patients and care givers. They are only going after traffickers.

It's amazing how uninformed some of you republicans are.

U.S. attorneys told to go after pot traffickers, not patients - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/19/medical.marijuana/index.html)

My Way News - Feds to issue new medical marijuana policy (http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091019/D9BE5D2G0.html)

Justice Department: Will Not Pursue Medical Marijuana Where Legal | Cogent Nirvana (http://thekatycapsule.com/wordpress/justice-department-will-not-pursue-medical-marijuana-where-legal/)

Federal government won't target medical marijuana patients or suppliers in states where it's legal | News from The Post-Standard - (http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/federal_government_wont_target.html)

I could post a hundred links.

All you republican A-holes out there slamming the Obama administration - I want you to THINK about this for a second. Use your own brain (if you have one) and don't let Rush Limpdick do your thinking FOR you........

It was already legal in MANY states while Bush was in office. But nobody wanted to take the risk.

It took a DEMOCRAT in the White House to make ALL of you comfortable enough to actually even DISCUSS this subject in open forums. It took a DEMOCRAT to LESSen the pressure from the Feds and allow you to HAVE the personal FREEDOMS that all you stupid republicans are always bitching about.

You bunch of dumb fukkers!!

The republicans wouldn't allow you those personal freedoms -- would they?!?!? :mad:

The republicans went full speed ahead and prosecuted every patient, caregiver and grower they could catch. They would not allow the citizens of this country the personal freedoms we VOTED on.

Now a Democrat takes office and shows promise. He tells the Feds to relax a bit about MMJ.

And you stupid fukkers have the nerve to come here and bash him for it?

:S4: Stupid fucking republicans. Grow a brain!!

[boaz]

...DCâ??s medical marijuana bill was written with the same sort of open language as was passed in Californiaâ?¦ will we be seeing marijuana dispensaries on K Street anytime soon?

This surprised the shit out of me

holy shite! that surprises me too! that is too cool, tip for the President and all other DC residence . . plant outdoor herbs right before the last frost to help germinate. :greenthumb:

its funny I was just looking at this map below and the other day and thinking we need a green dot for Washington DC. :) now if we could just get Oklahoma to even a light green that would be great, fully mature bud green would be even better :jointsmile:. . .

[the image reaper]

^ didn't mean to sound so rude IR. i should never post until after a bowl or two. :jointsmile: :stoned:

:D no offense taken, my friend :thumbsup: ... you're correct, anyway, it IS only my opinion ... I tend to be the Devil's Advocate on legalization, etc., because I've been watching our battles for so many decades ... I'm pretty jaded, and adhere to the 'follow the money' principle: " too many people making tons of money BECAUSE pot is illegal " ... I gotta stick with what I've seen, and I still say legalization ain't gonna happen, on the Federal level ... Obama/Holder's weakass speeches, did NOT change ONE single law ... (I'm surprised the democrats didn't notice that :D) ... have a wonderful Christmas :thumbsup:

[the image reaper]

'Puffer Lungs', you are just plain RUDE :wtf: ... grow up a bit :smokin:

[Markass]

The Obama administration has already told the DEA to lay off patients and care givers. They are only going after traffickers.

It's amazing how uninformed some of you republicans are.

U.S. attorneys told to go after pot traffickers, not patients - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/19/medical.marijuana/index.html)

My Way News - Feds to issue new medical marijuana policy (http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091019/D9BE5D2G0.html)

Justice Department: Will Not Pursue Medical Marijuana Where Legal|Cogent Nirvana (http://thekatycapsule.com/wordpress/justice-department-will-not-pursue-medical-marijuana-where-legal/)

Federal government won't target medical marijuana patients or suppliers in states where it's legal | News from The Post-Standard - (http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/federal_government_wont_target.html)

I could post a hundred links.

All you republican A-holes out there slamming the Obama administration - I want you to THINK about this for a second. Use your own brain (if you have one) and don't let Rush Limpdick do your thinking FOR you........

It was already legal in MANY states while Bush was in office. But nobody wanted to take the risk.

It took a DEMOCRAT in the White House to make ALL of you comfortable enough to actually even DISCUSS this subject in open forums. It took a DEMOCRAT to LESSen the pressure from the Feds and allow you to HAVE the personal FREEDOMS that all you stupid republicans are always bitching about.

You bunch of dumb fukkers!!

The republicans wouldn't allow you those personal freedoms -- would they?!?!? :mad:

The republicans went full speed ahead and prosecuted every patient, caregiver and grower they could catch. They would not allow the citizens of this country the personal freedoms we VOTED on.

Now a Democrat takes office and shows promise. He tells the Feds to relax a bit about MMJ.

And you stupid fukkers have the nerve to come here and bash him for it?

:S4: Stupid fucking republicans. Grow a brain!!

I consider myself neither, but I can tell you one thing, there's a democrat in the white house spending my social security into oblivion right now, and then TONS...if you think any of what obama's doing is going to help this country, you're the dumb one...

[boaz]

:D no offense taken, my friend :thumbsup: ...... have a wonderful Christmas :thumbsup:

cool. you have a very Merry Christmas, too, my friend. ho ho ho :jointsmile:

totally off topic, but I's just gots to know :rastasmoke: I seem to remember someone saying something about some strain that you had developed, grampas purps or something like that, did I just imagine that? :stoned: if not, whats the story. :pimp:

[the image reaper]

cool. you have a very Merry Christmas, too, my friend. ho ho ho :jointsmile:

totally off topic, but I's just gots to know :rastasmoke: I seem to remember someone saying something about some strain that you had developed, grampas purps or something like that, did I just imagine that? :stoned: if not, whats the story. :pimp:

likely it was my 'NorCal Daddy's Girl' strain, mentioned around here ... she was the result of a LOT of luck, I was in the 'right place at the right time' :D

[PufferLungs]

I consider myself neither, but I can tell you one thing, there's a democrat in the white house spending my social security into oblivion right now, and then TONS...if you think any of what obama's doing is going to help this country, you're the dumb one...

And just WHY is Obama spending all that money?

You got fucking amnesia or something? :wtf:

[boaz]

^ just because a lot of us on here cannot stomach Dems doesn't mean we are Repubs. In Oklahoma, we have a Democratic Governor and State Legislature, but tend to send Republicans to the US Congress, because, to be honest, the Dems at the national level are just bat shit crazy. :jointsmile: as are the Repubs, mostly . . . . mostly. :D We would likely send third party canidates like Libertarians if that were an option here but I don't think it is. yet. :jointsmile:

[the image reaper]

you worded that beautifully, Boaz :D

[boaz]

^ why thank you, sir. i credit the weed. :D and Alien reruns :stoned: Nor Cal Daddy's girls, eh, yes, I remember the name now. I really need to come visit my friends out there sometime, its been waaayyyy too long. Its probably not 23 degrees out there either. :D

[psychodelic]

After banning flavored rolling papers and tobacco; passing laws restricting the sale of clove cigarettes, etc......I am supremely confident that Obama has no ambition to legalize.

What I am hoping for is that in the next 10 years or so, younger generations will be old enough to run for political positions. I think that in the next decade, marijuana will become decriminalized and/or legalized because of the increasing number of 420 friendly politicians. Just my .02

[PufferLungs]

'Puffer Lungs', you are just plain RUDE :wtf: ... grow up a bit :smokin:

Fuck you man!

You're a hard core republican. It's obvious from the rest of your posts. Anytime a Democrat doesn't agree with the warped views of a republican - the republican always goes on the attack.

:S4:

You don't fool me with your veiled sincerity. None of you do. Been around too many republicans in my life to be fooled by the likes of you. Douche Bag republican. :S4:

[hachiman6677]

Legalization ain't gonna happen, on the Federal level ... y'all gotta get out more, you can't get a feel for the popular opinions from a marijuana website :wtf: ... hell, yeah, everybody here, wants to see pot legalized :D ... that's a no-brainer ... try listening to the 'other sides' ... P.S. - the argument over "States' Rights", is not a legal precedent, it is a political debate ... and, since the Federal Government's Laws, override the States', it means nothing ... :wtf: ... here, this popped up in the news, just minutes ago:

**********

NorCalâ??s â??Pot Paradiseâ?�
December 8, 2009 - 12:00 PM | by: Claudia Cowan

Tucked amid the vast forestland of Northern California's Trinity County, the small town of Hayfork is - literally- going to pot...with marijuana being smoked, grown and sold more than ever before.

Legal cannabis cultivation has become Hayfork's #1 industry. Sophisticated growing operations --both indoors and outside--are flourishing, thanks to the regions climate, cheap real estate, and local laws allowing medical marijuana farming and possession.

Lawful or not, the cannabis culture is dividing the town.

Retirees, including many grandparents, say they've had it with the bad element that follows and exposes kids to the drug trade, from the buyers who come in with their foul language and poor hygiene, to the farmers who guard their crop with guns and attack dogs.

But with the timber industry gone, and gold mining a thing of the past, others maintain Hayfork's fledgling pot farms need all the support they can get.

Marijuana advocates argue the town is in dire need of an industry that can provide tax dollars and jobs.

But many question the wisdom of an economy based on pot profits... And worry about the impact on the town's youth.

Schools superintendent Tom Barnett says he already sees one disturbing trend: graduating seniors-- skipping college, career training programs, and even travel, to stay put-- and grow pot.

-Claudia Cowan, Hayfork, California

**********

see what I'm talkin' about ? :smokin:

"Schools superintendent Tom Barnett says he already sees one disturbing trend: graduating seniors-- skipping college, career training programs, and even travel, to stay put-- and grow pot."

I wish people like that would put a joint in their mouth and shut up. Its like sayin everyone who drinks alcohol is gonna drink and drive, have cirhosis of the liver, and play their rock n roll too loud :wtf:

[headshake]

sure he will...............

as soon as he fixes the govt, healthcare and the economy!!!

-shake

[KingOfTheRodeo]

The way i see it is, within the next 4-12 years cannabis will become legalized. Because the generation that truly hates the idea of pot smoking, to be frank is almost dead. It sounds bad i know, but it is true. In the past 3 years i have been smoking pot (only 18) i've notice that it's been a hell of a lot easier to get cannabis and cops don't care as much lately. But honestly who knows?

I know one thing is for sure whether it's legal or not i'm still gonna smoke it. Nothing is going to stop me from smoking my weed damnit.:jointsmile:

[boaz]

...You don't fool me with your veiled sincerity. None of you do. ...:

:joint1:

[hachiman6677]

yeah its a slap on the wrist these days instead of back in the 70s n such man I think back then I woulda NOT smoked it...hard jail time for just smoking up which was retarded:mad:

[boaz]

"Schools superintendent Tom Barnett says he already sees one disturbing trend: graduating seniors-- skipping college, career training programs, and even travel, to stay put-- and grow pot."

I wish people like that would put a joint in their mouth and shut up. Its like sayin everyone who drinks alcohol is gonna drink and drive, have cirhosis of the liver, and play their rock n roll too loud :wtf:

and have foul language and poor hygiene :jointsmile: I wasn't going to say anything, since I don't live in Cali anymore but reading that article my thought was what is wrong young people wanting to stay in their home town and partake in the local industry that just happens to be doing well at the moment. sounds like the American dream to me. every town should be so lucky. :twocents: but I could understand not wanting a bunch of outsiders coming in.

[Markass]

And just WHY is Obama spending all that money?

You got fucking amnesia or something? :wtf:

Because he apparently has no financial understanding and has always paid off one credit card with another??

Maybe you should smoke one...You're a rude little bastard, btw..just in case noone else has ever told you that, but I'm sure they have.

[the image reaper]

for the record, not that it matters, I am currently registered as a Republican, but don't necessarily vote that way, seldom, in fact ... matter of fact, in 2008, I voted for the black candidate, Alan Keyes, NOT McCain (never, McCain) ... and, I was a lifelong Democrat for many years (actually voted twice for that idiot, Jimmy Carter - talk about wishing you could do things over :D) ... but, I left the Democrat Party, when I realized it had left me, and become an Ultra-Liberal Socialist organization ... and, a rude punk, is always just a rude punk ... :smokin:

[smello]

for the record, not that it matters, I am currently registered as a Republican, but don't necessarily vote that way, seldom, in fact ... matter of fact, in 2008, I voted for the black candidate, Alan Keyes, NOT McCain (never, McCain) ... and, I was a lifelong Democrat for many years (actually voted twice for that idiot, Jimmy Carter - talk about wishing you could do things over :D) ... but, I left the Democrat Party, when I realized it had left me, and become an Ultra-Liberal Socialist organization ... and, a rude punk, is always just a rude punk ... :smokin:

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[tinytoon]

no wonder why I stay in the Hydro section, ......... there are some outright rude arses around here. I go back and play in the water.


Oh and my 2 cents worth is as soon as they can fool the american public into thinking that the government can make money by taxing the sale of cannabis to save the country from being completely broke is when they will legalize it :jointsmile:

[zenneson]

One party always tries to sabotage the efforts of the other party and that sabotages any advancement in this country. It's like organized bloodless civil war. When Obama try bipartisanship he gets called a pussy. For the record I belong to no party. Neither serve drinks how I like it, and there never any skunk:jointsmile:

[KingOfTheRodeo]

yea it would be nice to see America not be torn between blue states and red states. I actually grew up with a republican dad and a democrat mother. I honestly despise politics because talking about them just causes fights. It's just wayyy toooo much drama, smoke one and just relax.

[Phunnyman]

Fuck you man!

You're a hard core republican. It's obvious from the rest of your posts. Anytime a Democrat doesn't agree with the warped views of a republican - the republican always goes on the attack.

:S4:

You don't fool me with your veiled sincerity. None of you do. Been around too many republicans in my life to be fooled by the likes of you. Douche Bag republican. :S4:

Exactly what strain are you smoking there? Mao Kush or Cuban Haze?

You need to chill out and stop name calling people you don't even know, this is a forum for adults who know how to communicate and have an open conversation and a debate, not act like spoiled little rotten vaginas.

And no, I'm not a republican but I did read the forum rules before I started posting.:smokin:

[mainegrown]

i am not a rep either.. and i hated bush along with the rest of the country.. and oboma is no different bud..
he is just here to make his buck, write home from the white house and get the fuck outta dodge..
oboma does not give a shit about you me or your neighbor.. he only care about what he can make off us before we catch on and boot his black ass outta office.. and no im not racist (at least i dont think so) but he does have a black ass.. or is it all face paint so he could just get elected??:wtf: :wtf:
-MG

[redtails]

sure he will...............

as soon as he fixes the govt, healthcare and the economy!!!

-shake

I'm sure it's even farther down on his "to do list" than that, but yeah it's not a real priority right now. Maybe in a few presidents it MIGHT become decriminalized for medical patients on the fed level, but government runs slowly because of:


One party always tries to sabotage the efforts of the other party and that sabotages any advancement in this country. It's like organized bloodless civil war. When Obama try bipartisanship he gets called a pussy. For the record I belong to no party. Neither serve drinks how I like it, and there never any skunk:jointsmile:

This is exactly my view also, only my dem mother is actually a state lawmaker for transportation, children & family services, and higher education:


yea it would be nice to see America not be torn between blue states and red states. I actually grew up with a republican dad and a democrat mother. I honestly despise politics because talking about them just causes fights. It's just wayyy toooo much drama, smoke one and just relax.

[Phunnyman]

Obama isn't going to do a thing that doesn't help him and his party expand government, increase society's dependency upon big government, and the control needed to exert that dependency. You will see personal rights continue to be stripped slowly away until no one has the means to object, through free speech, guns, religion, freedom of press, etc...

Congress truly runs this country, not the President. He only runs the executive branch. There are specific powers upon that office, and he is seen as the leader but its congress that holds more power at any given time. Nothing goes into law that both houses have not ratified and approved upon. (the three branches of gov are supposed to be seperate but equal but we know this is no longer true)

Those rights were put there to keep government from becoming what it did and too many people are too ready to give them up without thinking. That's why these rights are so important, they set precedent. If we allow one to be taken, it makes it that much easier for the next one to be taken.

Who will legalize or decriminalize it? The states will one by one. And then they have enough willing to standup to the fed, they will tell the Federal Govt to back off or secession is always possible. (its in the Texas State Constitution to secede at any time with a 3/4 popular vote, as well as Vermont and Montana I believe)

Look at how MJ became illegal to begin with and the answer is there. The states in the southwest wanted a federal marijuana law so it would be paid for by the federal government. If it is a states law, the costs were incurred by the state gov. The states didn't realize that giving power to the fed was the wrong move.

The next thing we saw was the congress voting to make it illegal based upon racism in Texas and the southwest, and Henry J Anslinger using propoganda to illustrate how despicable and dangerous it was through media and film. Reefer madness is one of the best known propoganda films. We have started to reverse the process and fight back however we need to organize and show proof of how it is a beneficial, environmentally friendly product that offers so many uses.

And until the states exert the fundementals of the United States Constitution (read amendments 9 and 10) including states rights, the limits of federalism, and we as a country and society remember that this is a "UNITED" individual states, not one big state, that the goverment works for us, only has the power we ALLOW it to have, and that the state has the final say in all matters that occur within its boundries.

Until then, we will be at the will of an oppressive large government that feeds like pig at the trough of control, taxation without representation (the current health bill is a great example), and command economics (Obama is a fan of this and Keynsian theory, it also only works in communistic and socialistic countries but not for long), and federal offices like the DEA, DOJ and so many other that are out of control in abusing our personal freedoms or rights.

I'm a libertarian, I used to be a republican until they started acting like democrats, who are now acting like socialists and communists. I truly believe that we need to get back to the fundamentals that our country was founded upon. The Constitution and Bill of Rights were written the way they were for a reason and we have stopped following the road map our fathers founded for us.

Just my opinion but the writing is on the wall as I see it.

PS: So when I see posts like the ones by PufferLungs, it only shows me that we are divided as a country by the garbage that the differential political parties feed us and want us to believe because that feeds into their control abilities. Good job Puffer, you are acting and writing exactly like they want you to. An open mind is a threat to a political party of any ideology.

[Phunnyman]

Oh and my 2 cents worth is as soon as they can fool the american public into thinking that the government can make money by taxing the sale of cannabis to save the country from being completely broke is when they will legalize it :jointsmile:

BINGO!!!!!!!

Control through taxation. That is why tobacco and alcohol , both of which can KILL you through it use and is proven, are legal. They are controllable enough to be taxed because they are much harder to produce than pot.

MJ grows wild EVERYWHERE and is very, very difficult to control, that's one reason why it is still illegal today.

No control = no tax money. Control = tax money

That's why prohibition didn't work, tax money was being given up without a fight and feeding organized crime that gained excessive power from it.

That's just one of the reasons it is legal in California, if I'm not mistaken, all the dispenceries that sell to patients and legal grows that supply them have to pay state sales and income taxes.

Trust me, all the other states are looking at California and thinking "We can let em get high, they're gonna do it any way, stoners don't start fights and drive like the drunks do, this would help with keeping control over a constituency for future voting (PufferLungs are you reading?), we might as well make money off of it.... and children aren't smoking cigarettes like they used to...Hhhmmmmm"

[ezrydn]

There are more seats up for reelection in 2010 than has been in a long, long time. Now is the time to change many of those seats. Now's the time to start listening to others who might want to take a crack at it and get them to voice their prohib/reform position on video. You've got less than 11 months so how about stopping the bellyaching and get with the program? Clean House/Senate in 2010.

[mainegrown]

im down just give me the broom and i will start a nice clean sweep.. including all of the corners that seem to be missed every time people elect our reps...
pers.. he he he thanks vance.. :jointsmile: kinda baked sorry to bring a bit of fun to SUCH a SERIOUS subject..
-MG

[boaz]

There are more seats up for reelection in 2010 than has been in a long, long time. Now is the time to change many of those seats. Now's the time to start listening to others who might want to take a crack at it and get them to voice their prohib/reform position on video. You've got less than 11 months so how about stopping the bellyaching and get with the program? Clean House/Senate in 2010.

:smokin:

anyone been following the congress lately? i wonder what would be a good bill that we can use as a litmus test this year? they usually try some sort of med cannabis bill in the summer, usually attached to some forgotted appropriations bill or something. that would be a good sample if they do that again this year. :greenthumb:

what we REALLY need is "third parties" like LP's :greenthumb: they deliver a bountiful harvest every single time, unlike those crappy dem and repub strains. they are both worthless. (although in fairness dems in the house have historicaly voted about 70% aye, vs. the repubs who voted about 7% aye, on these types of bills.) these bills lost, of course, but i haven't looked at any numbers in this congress. (anyone??) a lot of the old prohibs have already been weeded out of the congress. (one would hope)

Independents vote 100% aye every single time. :detective1:
(Bernie's the man :jointsmile:)

[boaz]

...
Congress truly runs this country, not the President. He only runs the executive branch. There are specific powers upon that office, and he is seen as the leader but its congress that holds more power at any given time. Nothing goes into law that both houses have not ratified and approved upon. (the three branches of gov are supposed to be seperate but equal but we know this is no longer true) ...

I think you have hit on exactly why federal cannabis laws are so f'd, most likely f'd by design. :wtf: Like you said above, this is what we all learned in grade school about how the federal gov't should be run, according to the US Constitution. but with the CSA it is all bassackwards. The executive branch now has the right and responibility of writing drug laws. This just really seems unconstitional to me (if not bizzaro world :D) but, we'll probably have to wait another 60 years until they finally acknowledge that.

And yes, it is interesting to watch the history of how cannabis prohibition started. It really does parallel in reverse what we are seeing right now with the Budding of America. (thanx NORML for the graphic) :greenthumb:

[Phunnyman]

Hey Boaz!!

I'll look into some of my reading and research and see if there's anything that could be watched. I haven't seen anything lately because of extreme partianship this year but you never know.

Regardless of party affiliation, we need to get poeple out of congress who toe the party line, who are in it for the greed and personal get, and work to support people who truly represent into office, people who are understanding of not just our interest but respect the Constitution and Bill of Rights as it was intended and written.

Just my opinion.

[Phunnyman]

Also. We HAVE to work together regardless of party line or affiliation if we want to achieve this common interest. Postings like the one "pufferlungs" writes is exactly what they want; discontent among those with the common interest. If we want change, we all need to educate and inform from the same perspective.

If you don't like a law, share with your friends and neighbors why, why is it wrong and why they should vote in favor of changing it. MJ was made illegal because of racism, economics, and misrepresentation through the media and our elected representatives. How do WE as a common interest overcome that?

I know its not by calling each other names and acting like assholes to each other, but through examining why we have that common interest and how we can best achieve overturning this ridiculous law so that most of us do not have to suffer, remain dependent upon big medicine's products, and are able to make decisions for ourselves instead of government deciding FOR us what we can smoke, take, use, or otherwise.

I don't like having to take pills prescribed by the VA that MIGHT work when I KNOW that smoking a bowl of something natural DOES work. Something that I can grow myself and not worry about the script making in the mail. Something I can grow and know that it isn't full of chemicals that cause some wierd kind of cancer or otherwise.

I'm sick of people bitching about repubs and demo's when both are equally guilty in making us dependent upon one or the other based upon economic dependency and need.

Thanks for letting me rant....

[the image reaper]

I don't know why you call yourself 'pufferlungs', I can only guess ... not guessing anything good, either ...

this is a reputation message I just received from this chickenshit, that hides on his computer ... :

" Jan-04-2010 10:35 PufferLungs stupid fucking republican " ... :wtf:

now, where the hell are the Mods, regarding this jerk ? :admin1:

[headshake]

isn't that all democrats do is point their fingers at republicans? they've got the majority in congress and still can't get shit done.

phunnyman, i couldn't agree more about the party fighting bullshit. i refuse to affiliate with any party. just because i share most of the views of one doesn't mean that i share them all. putting labels on people cause rifts for them to bicker over.


-shake

[Phunnyman]

isn't that all democrats do is point their fingers at republicans? they've got the majority in congress and still can't get shit done.

phunnyman, i couldn't agree more about the party fighting bullshit. i refuse to affiliate with any party. just because i share most of the views of one doesn't mean that i share them all. putting labels on people cause rifts for them to bicker over.


-shake

It really is all they do. Great current example: 9/11= When President Bush was in that classroom with all those kids the day the towers were hit, the democrats/leftists/socialist/communists all slammed him for waiting approx 7 minutes before he got up and left.

12/25 = a terrorist attempts to blow up a plane on Christmas, a Christian holiday celebrated throughout the world, over the skies of Detroit, the President doesn't appear on tv, he doesn't leave vacation, we don't hear from him for nearly a week, and the head of the homeland security remains on the ski slopes throughout the day. Not one demo says a word.

This works both ways of course, but this illustrates how the party's call each other out for the same stuff. WE the citizens are supposed to have government working for us, not the other way around. WE as citizens need to let all of these elitists, regardless of party affiliation know that they are accountable to US.

Another good example: Both houses just voted to give themselves pay raises over the next two years. Bet that didn't make the national news from either party, did it?

On top of that, they receive pensions that are tax free for life and the surviving spouses continue to recieve these when they die, health care for not just them but every member of their immediate family for life plus all the perks of being a member of either house. Trust me, its not medicare but top notch care just like the President recieves for life.

I love my country, think we have the best form of government in the world, we just need to return it back to what it was intended to be according to our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

All three branches need to remember what was written in the Declaration of Independence, a list of grievances outlining the exact same shit these two main political parties are doing to us RIGHT now.

They also need to remember that the second amendment provides the individual right for a citizen to bear arms not just against foreign enemies, but also a domestic enemy such as a government that has become out of control and no longer represents the people. At that point, it is not only our right, but our duty to remove it from power with any and all force necessary and restore it.

When rights are taken away, the ability to fight back is also removed. Those who would give up these rights never deserved them and do deserve the enslavement through comfort and convenience. Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin outlined how to to this quite well in their writings. See how well Russia turned out during the 50s-80s? Stalin killed how many of his OWN people?

Read the Federalist papers and the writings of our founding fathers including Jefferson, Madison, and Franklin to name but just a few who spoke of these ideas and beliefs.

[headshake]

I love my country, think we have the best form of government in the world, we just need to return it back to what it was intended to be according to our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

i love my country too, i just hate my govt.


All three branches need to remember what was written in the Declaration of Independence, a list of grievances outlining the exact same shit these two main political parties are doing to us RIGHT now.

i guarantee you they know nothing of the declaration of independence.


They also need to remember that the second amendment provides the individual right for a citizen to bear arms not just against foreign enemies, but also a domestic enemy such as a government that has become out of control and no longer represents the people. At that point, it is not only our right, but our duty to remove it from power with any and all force necessary and restore it.

the second amendment has already been to the supreme court and upheld. they tried to outlaw handguns in washington dc. they tried to argue that the second amendment was for militias as pertaining to fighting off the britts. a militia is merely a group of ordinary citizens banded together fighting a common enemy, right?

part of the problem is ELECTED judges!

check out my quote in the sig from the dec. of ind. i feel ya 1000% percent here!


When rights are taken away, the ability to fight back is also removed. Those who would give up these rights never deserved them and do deserve the enslavement through comfort and convenience. Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin outlined how to to this quite well in their writings. See how well Russia turned out during the 50s-80s? Stalin killed how many of his OWN people?

a lot of our power being removed stems from the federal reserve act of 1933. when citizens had to turnover their gold to the govt. to establish the fed reserve (which is the biggest scam in the history of mankind). they aren't a govt. entity and they charge the U.S. $.10 on the dollar to print up out currecny.....the only currency accepted in the U.S. mind you.....and all in the name of our protection from americans trading gold with the germans/italians/japanese.

"By a continuing process of inflation, governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens. There is no subtler, more sure way of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency. The process engages all the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction, and does it in a manner in which not one man in a million is able to diagnose." --- John Maynard Keynes

unfortunately keynes is the creator of the most common school of thought when it comes to economics in this country. it's a scary thought to be sure. and then you have ben bernanke who is a joke. everything he says now is the direct opposite of his position from before his time with the fed.

and stalin killed more russians then hitler did jews. funny no one remembers that.

we already meet 5 of the 10 things outlined in the communist manifesto, and have partial matches to several others.


Read the Federalist papers and the writings of our founding fathers including Jefferson, Madison, and Franklin to name but just a few who spoke of these ideas and beliefs.

they are all on my "to read" list. it's funny the light they try to cast our forefathers in. most of the shit you hear about them now is so far from the truth that it's not even funny.

keep on bringing it my friend!


-shake

[middieman440]

fully legalized i dont think it will happen not in my lifetime anyways and im only 25

[Phunnyman]

For what its worth and I'm not even trying to pump myself up on a forum. I teach and research political science and economics. I hold a PhD in both subjects with a marketing and organizational management bachelors degree.

After a long career in the entertainment industry, I was involved in a car accident that made it nearly impossible to travel and tour like I used to. Thats when I went back to college and began my grad work.

Keynesian theory came out in the thirties and shortly afterwards, it was debunked by many if not most researchers and social scientists. It was most effective in supporting monetary theory which is what the Fed operates off of. Keynsiean theory is widely accepted by socialists and communists in that one of its basic theories is that only the government is able to repair or change an economy. This is also referred to within command theory economics, commonly known as communism, or top down flow, where the producer or central authority makes the economic choice for the consumer.

Classical theory economics as outlined by Adam Smith, the Scottish economist and considered the father of modern economics supports the idea that the economy is a naturally occurring force, (ie the invisible hand, and so many other ideas...) and that it operates based on a bottom up flow (consumer makes the choice).

The evidence that most fully supports classical theory over command theory, keynsian theory, and monetary theory, is that it has been in effect for naturally for 5000 years originating in the near east or present day Iraq/Iran/Isreal.

So look at the information and one can easily see (with an open mind of course) that since the late 20's and early 30's, the U.S. has not had a true capitalistic system in place and the fed, along with a socialist congress (look up who has controlled the congress for the past 80 years for the most part) and that will outline why we have been weakening since our government decided it knew what was better for us than the people do for themselves. That was mistake number one.

I believe also in the switching masters theory or switching plantations theory, which many people are knee jerked into calling racist, however it outlines, explains and proves how and why black americans are more prone to support the democratic party. And it is a powerful weapon in todays modern political arena.

Currently, I am researching and writing a textbook for the college level classroom that explains, outlines, and proves how politics and economics are misused together in concert, misrepresented, and manipulated to force (the force theory of modern economics) people to choose the least bad choice with historical events and facts that reference thousands of years and culminates with the most recent Presidential election when a non citizen was elected by the media and emotion rather than issue and common sense, and how it will take a revolution to overcome this.

Last but not least; for the record: I'm not a democrat, not a republican, not an anarchist, not a hater of anyone, but a true patriot and libertarian who has served his country, loves his country, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and wants the best for everyone with regard to the afore mentioned.

Oh, and besides being a fan of smoking herb which I almost always refer to as Gods gift to us all, I LOVE firearms, knives, archery, the great outdoors, the female form, and musclecars.

My biggest mistake of all time as far as I'm concerned; In the late eighties I actually dated Janeane Garafalo for about three months before I decided she was a fucking retard and not worth the time. This was before she became outspoken and even more so an idiot. :)

[Phunnyman]

So given all the information, perspectives, history, theories, ideas, ideology's, etc... Does anyone think Obama will legalize or decriminilize marijuana?

I don't think he or the congress will make a move to do so until more states vote to extert their rights and make a vote to do so. Only then will the federal government change the law to avoid confrontation when one case by a federal agency goes to the supreme court of either that state or the U.S. Supreme court and is struck down. That will set a precedent and eliminate the federal law altogether. A smart fed govt would see the cost of enforcement to be a waste and cancel any funding and put it in a more intelligent place like perhaps maybe education, extra pay for our troops and quality services to them and our vets, and focusing on other cost cutting ways to let the people be represented honestly, like maybe term limits, limitations on candidate budgets so everyone can have a say or chance instead of just the elite (the wealthy) in an election, protecting our borders, illegal immigration, etc....

[senorx12562]

i love my country too, i just hate my govt.



i guarantee you they know nothing of the declaration of independence.



the second amendment has already been to the supreme court and upheld. they tried to outlaw handguns in washington dc. they tried to argue that the second amendment was for militias as pertaining to fighting off the britts. a militia is merely a group of ordinary citizens banded together fighting a common enemy, right?

part of the problem is ELECTED judges!

check out my quote in the sig from the dec. of ind. i feel ya 1000% percent here!



a lot of our power being removed stems from the federal reserve act of 1933. when citizens had to turnover their gold to the govt. to establish the fed reserve (which is the biggest scam in the history of mankind). they aren't a govt. entity and they charge the U.S. $.10 on the dollar to print up out currecny.....the only currency accepted in the U.S. mind you.....and all in the name of our protection from americans trading gold with the germans/italians/japanese.

"By a continuing process of inflation, governments can confiscate, secretly and unobserved, an important part of the wealth of their citizens. There is no subtler, more sure way of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency. The process engages all the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction, and does it in a manner in which not one man in a million is able to diagnose." --- John Maynard Keynes

unfortunately keynes is the creator of the most common school of thought when it comes to economics in this country. it's a scary thought to be sure. and then you have ben bernanke who is a joke. everything he says now is the direct opposite of his position from before his time with the fed.

and stalin killed more russians then hitler did jews. funny no one remembers that.

we already meet 5 of the 10 things outlined in the communist manifesto, and have partial matches to several others.



they are all on my "to read" list. it's funny the light they try to cast our forefathers in. most of the shit you hear about them now is so far from the truth that it's not even funny.

keep on bringing it my friend!


-shake
If you want a more modern perspective than Adam Smith and the founding fathers of our country, check out anything by F.A. Hayek or Ludwig von Mises. I'm sure our resident comedian/economist, phunnyman, would concur. These men are the fathers of the branch of economics known as the "Austrian" school, and do probably the best job of explaining why "top-down" control economies don't work. Human Action by Mises is the seminal work on the subject.

Prohibition is just one very small part of a much larger problem. FDR's appointees to the Supreme Court, and numerous ones thereafter, have construed the 9th and 10th amendments to our constitution so as to render them dead letters, when in fact they are probably the most important ones, and would have prevented the continual and progressively worse usurpation of power by the federal government vis-a-vis the states and you and I that has been going on since the depression (not this one but the last). And no, Obama will NEVER EVEN ADDRESS the legalization of marijuana. To do so would far too great an admission of government fallibility for him to ever countenance.

[headshake]

If you want a more modern perspective than Adam Smith and the founding fathers of our country, check out anything by F.A. Hayek or Ludwig von Mises. I'm sure our resident comedian/economist, phunnyman, would concur. These men are the fathers of the branch of economics known as the "Austrian" school, and do probably the best job of explaining why "top-down" control economies don't work. Human Action by Mises is the seminal work on the subject.

Prohibition is just one very small part of a much larger problem. FDR's appointees to the Supreme Court, and numerous ones thereafter, have construed the 9th and 10th amendments to our constitution so as to render them dead letters, when in fact they are probably the most important ones, and would have prevented the continual and progressively worse usurpation of power by the federal government vis-a-vis the states and you and I that has been going on since the depression (not this one but the last). And no, Obama will NEVER EVEN ADDRESS the legalization of marijuana. To do so would far too great an admission of government fallibility for him to ever countenance.

my uncle actually turned me on to Mises and the austiran school of economic thought.


phunnyman, i won't sit here and pretend to be something that i'm not. i'm someone who is just now starting to poke his nose into this arena after "finding myself" after growing up. i have a lot of learning to do, but have the desire to learn it all and to make great change.

i too served my country, love my country and look forward to creating a revolution in my country. i love the constitution and the bill of rights and if i had to put a label on myself would consider myself a libertarian as well.

i think we should go back to the constitution and bill of rights and keep a very small, minimally imposing federal govt and let the states run themselves like you suggest.

i think it might take a state (texas or the original 13) to succeed from the union before the federal govt will take notice. just my opinion here. i know there are groups who are trying for this.

thanks to both of you for all the brain food! keep on posting and i'll keep reading.

i think it's hilarious that america was basically founded on the quote in my sig from the declaration of independence. that same quote will be the rallying cry for revolution yet the ones that revolt will be labeled treasonous traitors. our country has come to a sad en passe.


**on a side note**

does anyone else find it hilarious that the dems are now hoping to have a health care bill done by feb, after obama wanted it done by last march.....and then december........ROTFLMAO!!!


-shake

[Phunnyman]

Both Headshake and Senor are quite dead on in their assessments on the current administration position on this subject which will set that precedent for many other rights that have been trampled and upon the Austrian school of thought regarding economics.

I'm far from an expert on the subject with only the past decade of my life being focused upon the subject of economics and working towards the ability to serve as a social scientist in something I truly enjoy and think that most are ignorant of and an up to date understanding needs to be shared, there is a wide, wide array of information, fact, and theory to be applied and studied thoroughly.

Let's pose this question in regard to the original post for some thought; With our current government and Presidential administration, why would it be advantageous or not to address the prospect of legalization/decriminalization at this time and what do you think the outcome would most likely be? How could it be a positive or a negative for this administration? If you were Obama today, how would you address or not the legalization/decriminalization?

[senorx12562]

Both Headshake and Senor are quite dead on in their assessments on the current administration position on this subject which will set that precedent for many other rights that have been trampled and upon the Austrian school of thought regarding economics.

I'm far from an expert on the subject with only the past decade of my life being focused upon the subject of economics and working towards the ability to serve as a social scientist in something I truly enjoy and think that most are ignorant of and an up to date understanding needs to be shared, there is a wide, wide array of information, fact, and theory to be applied and studied thoroughly.

Let's pose this question in regard to the original post for some thought; With our current government and Presidential administration, why would it be advantageous or not to address the prospect of legalization/decriminalization at this time and what do you think the outcome would most likely be? How could it be a positive or a negative for this administration? If you were Obama today, how would you address or not the legalization/decriminalization?
If I wanted to be re-elected I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole on any side of the question. The core groups on either side are too small (for now) to justify potentially pissing off the middle. From a political perspective (clearly the only one Obama, or, to be fair, most of the rest of them from either side of the aisle care about) the danger far outweighs anything to potentially be gained.

[headshake]

If I wanted to be re-elected I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole on any side of the question. The core groups on either side are too small (for now) to justify potentially pissing off the middle. From a political perspective (clearly the only one Obama, or, to be fair, most of the rest of them from either side of the aisle care about) the danger far outweighs anything to potentially be gained.

i don't think obama has any worries about re-election as it won't happen (IMO). his approval rates keep sleeping, his deadlines keep not being met and he's not proactive on anything and wavers on issues. i just don't see there being a question about it. sad thing is that he has messed up other minorities chances for getting elected to pres (agian, IMO).



Let's pose this question in regard to the original post for some thought; With our current government and Presidential administration, why would it be advantageous or not to address the prospect of legalization/decriminalization at this time and what do you think the outcome would most likely be? How could it be a positive or a negative for this administration? If you were Obama today, how would you address or not the legalization/decriminalization?

it would be advantageous to legalize MJ for numerous reasons. first things first, in 2008 847,864 persons were arrested for mj (or 49.8% of ALL drug related arrests!). of those 847,864, 89% (or 754,224 Americans) were charged with possession only. the remaining 93,640 individuals were charged with â??sale/manufacture,â?� a category that includes all cultivation offenses, even those where the marijuana was being grown for personal or medical use.

not to mention that the numbers are skewed because of those 11% some are MMJ patients! (it would be interesting to know the true numbers here!)


secondly, legalizing MJ would obviously help alleviate the strain on a prison system that is ridiculous to begin with. as of december 31, 2008 the US imprisons 754 inmates per 100,000 citizens. the US has the highest documented prison and jail population IN THE WORLD!

according to the US bureau of justice statistics (BJS): "In 2008, over 7.3 million people were on probation, in jail or prison, or on parole at yearend â?? 3.2% of all U.S. adult residents or 1 in every 31 adults."

betwen 2.3 and 2.4 MILLION people were in prison or jail in 2008.

"The People's Republic of China ranks second with 1.5 million inmates, while having four times the population, thus having only about 18% of the US incarceration rate"

those are some scary statistics there.

thirdly, the legalization of would take away some of the power (profits) of pharmaceutical companies. people would actually be able to afford their medication. and seeing as MJ has many medicinal properties, this would help immensely.

fourthly, the taxation of MJ, whether medicinally or otherwise) would generate revenue for a burdened economy. this has the potential to help lower, insurance rates, increase employment (the US is sitting at about 10% unemployment, with 7% of the population saying that they can't work enough or have given up looking) as well as possibly help fund numerous other programs whether it be social security, insurance or alternative fuels (the list is endless here).

one more interesting note, if they do legalize MJ they could/would/should legalize hemp. this would also create jobs and revenue seeing as all of the hemp used in this country is imported (mostly from spain).

**NOT TO MENTION THIS IS A TRUE GREEN PRODUCT**

so politicians need to quit worrying about being re-elected and put AMERICAS BEST INTERESTS AT HEART! perhaps changing the system from the inside is just what they need to get re-elected. take the power from the religious (which is funny seeing as most of our forefathers were pagans) and other groups and put the choice of americans back into the hands of said americans.

and finally, even though "the war on drugs is over" it would free up funds that are being wasted trying to cure this "medical addiction" with prison time and the like. we could put all the billions they waste here to good use as well.

check out the shafer commission. this was the commission that was used in the early '70s when the govt was trying to draft the Controlled Substance Act (since timothy leary took the marijuana tax act of 1937 to the supreme court and had it overturned for being unconstitutional). it was commissioned by richard nixon. in the report there are a couple of great quotes that i will leave you with.....

"[T]he criminal law is too harsh a tool to apply to personal possession even in the effort to discourage use. It implies an overwhelming indictment of the behavior which we believe is not appropriate. The actual and potential harm of use of the drug is not great enough to justify intrusion by the criminal law into private behavior, a step which our society takes only 'with the greatest reluctance."

"While the judiciary is the governmental institution most directly concerned with the protection of individual liberties, all policy-makers have a responsibility to consider our constitutional heritage when framing public policy. Regardless of whether or not the courts would overturn a prohibition of possession of marihuana for personal use in the home, we are necessarily influenced by the high place traditionally occupied by the value of privacy in our constitutional scheme."



as far as the cons, i can think of none!


-shake

[CannaChrist]

No. I doubt Obama will legalize it. He said he won't waste his political capital on it.
Pharmaceutical companys have to much power right now and stand to lose billions of dollars due to people self medicating for various reasons. In my opinion.

:yippee:I hope I'm wrong.

[Phunnyman]

High Canna,

You're right about the power of the med company's, the threat from Gods gift to us is that it is a naturally occurring organic plant that has been used for thousands of years to alleviate so many things that the med company's make their living off of.

I don't think he will either, I think its gonna take state level action to actively prevent the fed agencies from violating citizens rights, the redirection of tax monies, and the increase in the coffers for any state to see what not only the best choice is but what the right choice is. Then we will see it make its way through the house and senate....