Originally Posted by JakeMartinez
Here's what I wrote to Mr. Obama through that form:
Dear President-Elect Obama
I have an idea that crosses across Civil Rights, Healthcare, and Taxes in one fell swoop.
Since 1937, America has been under the rule of an oppressive war on drugs. I do believe that so-called "hard drugs", as well as many prescription painkillers, need to be monitored and fought much more closely than they have been in recent memory. I say that because, by comparison, the DEA and Federal Government spend far too much money already on fighting one drug that, at the very least, should not be illegal.
That drug is marijuana.
Marijuana has been proven by many medical agencies to be very effective at treating a myriad of diseases ranging from psychological disorders to the side effects of chemotherapy and conditions with severe chronic pain.
The FDA, and other opponents, say it is not legitimate as a form of medicine because it is smoked. There are other ways of ingesting marijuana besides smoking that are just as effective at delivering THC and other cannabinoids to the body. Eating or drinking in a tea has proven very effective for patients, and so has vaporization (A device is used that heats the cannabis to just above the boiling point of THC delivers the active ingredients for inhalation without burning any material). Also, the side effects even from smoking cannabis pale in comparison to the long list of those from modern pain medications.
My second point on this issue is that taxes could be spent more wisely than arresting medical and recreational users of cannabis. Silly and untrue ad campaigns sponsored created by the Office for National Drug Control Policy have resorted to such silly arguments as marijuana users will be reduced to a career as a "burrito taster". This is absurd, as millions of marijuana users lead very successful lives, from plumbers and construction workers to teachers, lawyers, doctors, and businessmen. Secondly on this point, the State could tax the sale of cannabis as it does alcohol and cigarettes, and still keep it less expensive than it is on the black market. Which, by the way, makes billions of dollars on the sale of cannabis. If it were legal for recreational use, not only would you be able to cut the supply of money that lines the pockets of terrorists and criminals, but it would effectively keep it from reaching the hands of minors. Right now, it is much easier for a teenager to find an amount of cannabis than it is to buy beer. In a well-regulated, legal industry, we could control who gets it and how much they're allowed to get. The tax revenues from this multi-billion dollar business would be jaw-dropping.
Lastly, this is a question of civil rights. My body is not the government's. It is mine. I can do whatever I like with my body as long as I don't hurt anyone else, can I not? True, those under the influence may pose a threat when operating machinery or, although I've never heard of it, intentionally harm others while "high". However, there are better solutions to these problems than across-the-board criminalization. Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana can become a new law that is enforced just as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol is. Much like hate crimes, we could amplify the punishments of those who commit a crime while under the influence to strongly discourage would-be criminals. The point is, there is no plausible reason to keep Marijuana, a drug that has never directly caused a death in medical history, illegal and claim it is too dangerous to allow people to use it when alcohol, a destructive drug that eats people away emotionally and physically, and tobacco, an equally destructive drug that kills hundreds of thousands a year, are allowed under the idea that a person can do what they want with their own bodies.
I emplore you, President Elect Obama, to consider these ideas as honest issues, for they are very important to the citizens. Nine out of ten pro-marijuana ballot measures passed on the same day you won the presidency. The people who elected you have weighed in on this issue in favor for change, which was the central focus on your campaign. You owe it to the American People to get your hands dirty with this issue, by at least making a public statement containing your opinions on the matter.
Thank you for your time, Mr. President Elect. I know you are very busy with your transition team, and I hope for you to be happy and healthy while in office, while "redistributing" that happiness to the people you govern.
If possible, please respond. I would love to hear what you have to say.
Sincerely,
Jake Martinez
Think I'll hear from him?
