Quote Originally Posted by Unknownfigure
I'm not surprised at all, money is what makes the world go round, and Obama did not pull any punches as far as advertising and campaign funding go, and our economy is in a shithole. Our economical state was crucial to the victory of Obama, and Barack capitalized on this political opportunity.

Marijuana decriminalization, however, is not any closer than it once was. "Our" victory will lie in the hands of the new elected officials in congress. Marijuana advocates must realize that meer INFORMATION is our foundation for future success. If we inform our public, that also counts as informing and/or persuading those who are in office to pass our bills in the first place.
I would disagree that marijuana decriminalization is not closer than it once was. I think it DEFINITELY is closer after this election:

At least 254 Democrats (8 races still up in the air) will take office in the House of Reps.; 218 seats are needed for a majority. The current decriminalization bill in the House (HR 5843 Congressman Barney Frank - Representing the 4th District of Massachusetts), backed by Mass. congressman Barney Frank, is far more likely to be recognized and gain momentum in a Democratic House. Not only that, liberal-leaning Democrats are far more likely to vote in favor of the bill than conservative Republicans.

The Senate is projected to have anywhere from 56 to 60 Democrats at this point. 4 races are still being tallied.

Additionally, the President ultimately passes or vetoes the bill. Obama is way more likely to sign and pass such a decriminalization bill than Senator McCain would have been.

So, politically, the framework is set. If the people and organizations in favor of decrim. can step up, which I believe they are beginning to do (represented most recently by Mass. victory and Mich. MMJ victory), Representatives and Senators will begin notice the public's call for less stringent, more effective, and more progressive marijuana legislation. :rastasmoke: