/president-Obama-No-To-Decriminalization-Yes-To-More-War-On-Some-Drugs

[+wolfgang]

http://blog.norml.org/2011/07/25/president-obama-no-to-decriminalization-yes-to-more-war-on-some-drugs/

President Obama: No To Decriminalization, Yes To More War On Some Drugs

July 25th, 2011 By: Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director

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Ironic kudos to Political Rhetoric graduate student ‘Steve’ from the University of Maryland for asking President Obama last Friday a spot on and searing rhetorical question from the Millennial generation about our country’s need to end the nation’s longest war…the failed war on some drugs.

 

Steve gets it. The audience gets it. According to all polling, in excess of 90% of U.S. citizens broadly believe the ‘war on drugs’ is a failure (75% support medical access to cannabis. 73% support decriminalizing adult possession for cannabis; and 46% support cannabis legalization outright).

 

When will the two major political parties and presidents—like Obama—get it?

 

According to polling last week, President Obama is quickly falling out of favor with the Millennial generation that helped sweep him to power in 2008. Lest President Obama forget who brought him to the dance, he might want to look at the clear discontent—across all party lines—with the way the federal government has been conducting drug warring, notably its full-throat perpetuation of antiquated and tax-draining Cannabis Prohibition policies.

 

Instead, he should deliver a clear message for supporting a system of legally controlling cannabis, rather than deny economic reality, waste taxpayers’ money and constantly face embarrassing questions about a failed public policy that has long festered in the public’s mind.

 

President Obama should endorse a ‘drug peace’ where cannabis is legally controlled like alcohol products; patients can access a safe and non-toxic naturally occurring medicine; and farmers, entrepreneurs and consumers in America can benefit from industrial hemp production.

 

President Obama, NORML and tens of millions of cannabis consumers and lovers of liberty ask you not to re-commit us to war against ‘weed’, but, instead, to re-think the leaf.

 

By David Edwards of Raw Story

 

President Barack Obama said Friday that the U.S. would not be ending its war on drugs under his watch.

 

“Much is being asked of our generation,” a doctoral student named Steve told the president at a town hall event in Maryland. “So, when are our economic perspectives going to be addressed? For example, when is the war on drugs in society going to be abandoned and be replaced by a more sophisticated and cost effective program of rehabilitation such as the one in Portugal?”

 

“I have stated repeatedly — and it’s actually reflected in our most recent statement by our office of drug policy — that we need to have an approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment, a public health model for reducing drug use in our country,” Obama said. “We’ve got to put more resources into that. We can’t simply focus on interdiction because, frankly, no matter how good of a job we’re doing when it comes to an interdiction approach, if there is high demand in this country for drugs, we are going to continue to see not only drug use but also the violence associated with the drug trade.”

 

After several minutes of explaining U.S. efforts to help Mexico fight transnational drug dealers, the president got to the point.

 

“Just to make sure that I’m actually answering your question, am I willing to pursue a decriminalization strategy as an approach? No.”

 

“But I am willing to make sure that we’re putting more resources on the treatment and prevention side,” Obama added.

 

Watch the video from MSNBC, broadcast July 22, 2011 here.

[+wolfgang]

doesnt surprise me one bit, didnt he say he was opposed to ending the war on drugs before you all elected him? if you really want this stupidity to end, back Ron Paul. he is the only candidate who has said they will end the war on drugs and has introduced legislation to repeal it. Stop listening to whatever candidates tell you, they do that so they can get your votes, if you want to know the truth about them look at their voting record!!

[MightyMightyMezz]

For a second I was geeked when he said we should decriminalize our marijuana laws but as soon as he said "Now I'm not someone who believes in legalizing marijuana!" I knew how it would go with Obama.

[Guest Happy Guy]

doesnt surprise me one bit, didnt he say he was opposed to ending the war on drugs before you all elected him? if you really want this stupidity to end, back Ron Paul. he is the only candidate who has said they will end the war on drugs and has introduced legislation to repeal it. Stop listening to whatever candidates tell you, they do that so they can get your votes, if you want to know the truth about them look at their voting record!!

he is the only candidate who has said they will end the war on drugs

 

Stop listening to whatever candidates tell you

 

You are talking in circles. So listen to them or not? ROFL People will write anything to push their candidate and bash the President. Good comedy though.

[greenbuddha]

Any 'changes' in the Federal marijuana laws would have to be done through Congress in Washington.

 

Obama could support the 'legislation' by 'speaking up' but he (Obama) can't change it on his own, except for some 'presidential special action' or some such thing. Which you can be certain will NEVER happen.

 

I personally think President Obama has forgotten who got him elected.

 

The elections in 2012 should be quite something to behold.

 

MTCW.

[cristinew]

we will not be better off with mitt in the office,, but obama has not the balls to stand up for what is right, i always say unamerican republicans and cowardly democrats, lol

[MightyMightyMezz]

he is the only candidate who has said they will end the war on drugs

 

Stop listening to whatever candidates tell you

 

You are talking in circles. So listen to them or not? ROFL People will write anything to push their candidate and bash the President. Good comedy though.

 

The important part that should make her meaning clear is "if you want to know the truth about them look at their voting record!!"

 

No need to bash the Pres. He's bashing himself by going back on his word. Before the election he said "we should decriminalize our marijuana laws." Now he's saying "Am I willing to pursue a decriminalization strategy as an approach? No.”

 

While you roll on the floor Ron Paul is working to change federal drug laws and re-introduce hemp farming.

[CedarSpringsCG]

we will not be better off with mitt in the office,, but obama has not the balls to stand up for what is right, i always say unamerican republicans and cowardly democrats, lol

That's exactly what I am saying! I claim to be a democrat on most issues, however, it digusts me that they won't push for things. I mean for 2 years demo's had control of everything, and they got nothing done because they were trying to "play nice" with Rep's. Now that they have no power, the Repub's are blocking everything, no matter how good it is for the country. I mean taking away the mortgage interest tax exemption for everyone hurts the middle class too, but no gotta leave the tax breaks for the rich in. Take away medicare and SSI from people who need it, but allow the mega rich to not pay tax on their private jets (even when they own 3 of them).

 

Obama's biggest flaw is he has no balls. What do you think would have happened when Bush was in power, if he was meeting with Pelosi and she got up, walked out and wouldn't take his phone calls? She'd probably have landed in jail or been escorted back by openly armed secret service.

 

What I wish for the Fed's would be to have the idealology of what Obama campaigned on with the balls of Bush... Bush would just get things done, he didn't care how illegal it was, he would make it so it was legal after. However he didn't care about 99% of us, he just cared about big business and his friends.

[Guest Happy Guy]

That's exactly what I am saying! I claim to be a democrat on most issues, however, it digusts me that they won't push for things. I mean for 2 years demo's had control of everything, and they got nothing done because they were trying to "play nice" with Rep's. Now that they have no power, the Repub's are blocking everything, no matter how good it is for the country. I mean taking away the mortgage interest tax exemption for everyone hurts the middle class too, but no gotta leave the tax breaks for the rich in. Take away medicare and SSI from people who need it, but allow the mega rich to not pay tax on their private jets (even when they own 3 of them).

 

Obama's biggest flaw is he has no balls. What do you think would have happened when Bush was in power, if he was meeting with Pelosi and she got up, walked out and wouldn't take his phone calls? She'd probably have landed in jail or been escorted back by openly armed secret service.

 

What I wish for the Fed's would be to have the idealology of what Obama campaigned on with the balls of Bush... Bush would just get things done, he didn't care how illegal it was, he would make it so it was legal after. However he didn't care about 99% of us, he just cared about big business and his friends.

Yeah sure. Things are easier to get done if you don't give a dam about the consequences. We are still paying the consequences of the bad, not thought out, decisions of the rogues. Life must be a lot easier for those who don't think things though... NOT! But they do have balls don't they? Balls and no brains. Thinking takes time, actions can be done easily. Kind of like the difference between checkers and chess. Bush played checkers and Obama is playing chess.

[Guest Happy Guy]

The important part that should make her meaning clear is "if you want to know the truth about them look at their voting record!!"

 

No need to bash the Pres. He's bashing himself by going back on his word. Before the election he said "we should decriminalize our marijuana laws." Now he's saying "Am I willing to pursue a decriminalization strategy as an approach? No.”

 

While you roll on the floor Ron Paul is working to change federal drug laws and re-introduce hemp farming.

I was laughing because the post was funny. Seriously then, show me what you are talking about with Paul's voting record since it doesn't matter what he says. I know he jumped on the band wagon with Franks. Show me what is so great about Ron Paul's voting record. I heard he misses a lot of votes.... Worse than Bachman with her chronic migraines. I think he's over his head and wanting a life perserver and that's why he sided with Franks. Show me how his votes helped me.

[MightyMightyMezz]

I was laughing because the post was funny. Seriously then, show me what you are talking about with Paul's voting record since it doesn't matter what he says. I know he jumped on the band wagon with Franks. Show me what is so great about Ron Paul's voting record. I heard he misses a lot of votes.... Worse than Bachman with her chronic migraines. I think he's over his head and wanting a life perserver and that's why he sided with Franks. Show me how his votes helped me.

 

Since no one else is making bills like this there is nothing to vote on. What does Ron Paul do? Takes it upon himself to introduce legislation.

 

 

Ron Paul and Barney Frank Introduce Hemp Farming Legislation – HR 1866

30 ResponsesBy RonPaul.com on April 3, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

A federal bill was introduced yesterday that, if passed into law, would remove restrictions on the cultivation of non-psychoactive industrial hemp. The chief sponsors of HR 1866, “The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009,” Representatives Barney Frank (D-MA) and Ron Paul (R-TX), were joined by nine other U.S. House members split between Republicans and Democrats. “It is unfortunate that the federal government has stood in the way of American farmers, including many who are struggling to make ends meet, from competing in the global industrial hemp market,” said Representative Ron Paul during his introduction of the bill yesterday before the U.S. House. “Indeed, the founders of our nation, some of whom grew hemp, would surely find that federal restrictions on farmers growing a safe and profitable crop on their own land are inconsistent with the constitutional guarantee of a limited, restrained federal government. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to stand up for American farmers and co-sponsor the Industrial Hemp Farming Act,” concluded Paul.

 

 

 

 

Oops...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Hemp Farming Act

Written by Jay on November 30th, 2007 — 8 Comments

 

Representative Ron Paul introduced and sponsors H.R.1009: Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 during the current 110th Congress. He sponsored a similar bill, Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2005, during the 109th Congress.

 

Thank you Representative Ron Paul.

The purpose of the bill is to amend the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of marihuana, and for other purposes.

 

The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 has acquired 11 cosponsors:

Rep Baldwin, Tammy

Rep Frank, Barney

Rep Grijalva, Raul M.

Rep Hinchey, Maurice D.

Rep Kucinich, Dennis J.

Rep McDermott, Jim

Rep Miller, George

Rep Rohrabacher, Dana

Rep Schakowsky, Janice D.

Rep Stark, Fortney Pete

Rep Woolsey, Lynn C.

 

 

 

 

Now on the marijuana legalization bill he co-sponsored with Frank Ron Paul is putting his money where his mouth has been for a long time. It sounds like you are lashing out desperately to make him look bad. You tell me why you think he is opportunistically looking for a "life preserver." I mean give me a good reason to buy into that idea, show me how Paul has been anything but consistent. It is absolutely in line with what he has been saying for a long time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is incredible. I've seen this before and thought Obama said "de-criminalize" but he actually said "re-criminalize."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MightyMightyMezz]

Repost

[Guest Happy Guy]

I just asked for info, his voting record. Why didn't you post it? It looks pretty good. Not bad.

 

Lashing out? ROFL again. Thanks for that.

[MightyMightyMezz]

I just asked for info, his voting record. Why didn't you post it? It looks pretty good. Not bad.

 

Lashing out? ROFL again. Thanks for that.

 

What bills would you like to see how he voted on? "First ever legislation" means nothing to you I suppose.

[Guest Happy Guy]

What bills would you like to see how he voted on? "First ever legislation" means nothing to you I suppose.

I already looked. So it wouldn't be for me personally. Maybe for the people you told to look at his voting record? I could have posted it but I thought one of you on the stump for Paul would. You can lead a horse to water....

I would be for Paul too but I don't think he can win. I would hate to see us split our support and see armageddon for poor people....

[MightyMightyMezz]

I already looked. So it wouldn't be for me personally. Maybe for the people you told to look at his voting record? I could have posted it but I thought one of you on the stump for Paul would. You can lead a horse to water....

I would be for Paul too but I don't think he can win. I would hate to see us split our support and see armageddon for poor people....

 

A Representative can't vote on legislation that doesn't exist. They can make their own legislation. Ron Paul has done that for the first time ever in regard to Federal marijuana laws. As far as I know the Hemp Bill was the first of it's kind as well. That's a strong record no matter how obtuse you are.

[Guest Happy Guy]

Obtuse now? Like The Horse? ROFL You are on a roll today. Ever think of a career in stand up comedy?

Like I said: You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.

So I'll do it for you;

 

Too bad he can't win in 2012. Might be a decent pres. But here's some of his voting record to be fair (and a little less personal, sheesh).

 

http://thesteadyconservative.com/wordpress/2010/02/09/the-ron-paul-voting-record/

[MightyMightyMezz]

Obtuse because you can't admit that introducing first-time legislation means he can't have voted on legalizing Cannabis before therefore his legislation becomes his de facto record.

[mayorshaggy37]

I already looked. So it wouldn't be for me personally. Maybe for the people you told to look at his voting record? I could have posted it but I thought one of you on the stump for Paul would. You can lead a horse to water....

I would be for Paul too but I don't think he can win. I would hate to see us split our support and see armageddon for poor people....

 

To not vote for Paul because you don't think he can win? If everybody that is saying that or has said that voted for him he probably would win. We vote now for who is the best of the worst. I am mad at Obama because he flopped on his stance of Medical Marijuana. He first supported it if you were within the laws of your state. Now that is no more. I am for ending prohibition but for the time being leave the sick alone. The government is making too much money off of forfeitures or they would make it legal. They don't want to lose the chance of taking someone's house, car and money. That is too much money lost.

[Guest Happy Guy]

Obtuse because you can't admit that introducing first-time legislation means he can't have voted on legalizing Cannabis before therefore his legislation becomes his de facto record.

The dictionary definition of obtuse would include those who cast their vote because of only one issue. Or cast their vote to someone who can't win. Or someone who keeps hammering on something that no one else is talking about. LOL Carry on with your one sided arguement where no one is disagreeing yet you keep hammering away.

[jimbojinx]

Obama will NOT come out in favor of MJ Legalization because it is the ONE thing which endears him to the Christian Right.

 

Given his Depression-Friendly programs, even they are going to be walking away in 2012.

 

Obama's goose is not cooked...it is being incinerated !!!

 

Dr. Jinx

[MightyMightyMezz]

The dictionary definition of obtuse would include those who cast their vote because of only one issue. Or cast their vote to someone who can't win. Or someone who keeps hammering on something that no one else is talking about. LOL Carry on with your one sided arguement where no one is disagreeing yet you keep hammering away.

 

Hey, you're the one who made it personal with Wolfgang when you wrote "People will write anything to push their candidate and bash the President." To me what that does is defocus the thread and smear (and by 'smear' I mean muddy) the information being discussed. The topic is Obama's unwillingness to decriminalize in his own words. No need to roll on the floor and all that.

 

My posts are all on topic (see Wolfgang's follow-up post which expresses support for Ron Paul) and I was responding to your request for information on Ron Paul's voting record when it comes to Cannabis. Now you try to ridicule me, saying I'm hammering away at a one-sided argument. You said show me and I showed you Ron Paul's groundbreaking legislation which like I said is his de facto record. So what is going on here?

[cristinew]

rebublican primary we must show support either for paul or johnson,, we do not want mitt to win michigan,,

[Guest Happy Guy]

Hey, you're the one who made it personal with Wolfgang when you wrote "People will write anything to push their candidate and bash the President." To me what that does is defocus the thread and smear (and by 'smear' I mean muddy) the information being discussed. The topic is Obama's unwillingness to decriminalize in his own words. No need to roll on the floor and all that.

 

My posts are all on topic (see Wolfgang's follow-up post which expresses support for Ron Paul) and I was responding to your request for information on Ron Paul's voting record when it comes to Cannabis. Now you try to ridicule me, saying I'm hammering away at a one-sided argument. You said show me and I showed you Ron Paul's groundbreaking legislation which like I said is his de facto record. So what is going on here?

Yet I was the only one who posted Paul's voting record. I have to laugh again.

What this comes down to is Ron looks like a flake. It's a shame that people vote on appearance and speech.

Republicans will have Mitt and we will have Obama. Take your pick. I choose Obama because there will be no medical marijuana with Mitt and he will pack the prisons camps (no room at the inn) with us. Plain and simple. Take your pick, Obama or underground growing. Obama or no social security. Obama or no health care at all for the poor. Obama or die quickly you useless sick people. Decriminalization is weak folly in this election cycle. There are much more important issues about life and death that completely overshadow legal weed.

[MightyMightyMezz]

Yet I was the only one who posted Paul's voting record. I have to laugh again.

What this comes down to is Ron looks like a flake. It's a shame that people vote on appearance and speech.

Republicans will have Mitt and we will have Obama. Take your pick. I choose Obama because there will be no medical marijuana with Mitt and he will pack the prisons camps (no room at the inn) with us. Plain and simple. Take your pick, Obama or underground growing. Obama or no social security. Obama or no health care at all for the poor. Obama or die quickly you useless sick people. Decriminalization is weak folly in this election cycle. There are much more important issues about life and death that completely overshadow legal weed.

 

If it's flaky to put an end to US military "entanglements" around the world then I'm a flake too.