More Signs Of Change From Capitol Hill
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April 23, 2009
It’s not just members of the public and political pundits who are daring to speak the words ‘marijuana’ and ‘legalization’ in the same breath. Even in Washington, DC, calls to regulate cannabis are growing progressively louder — as today’s headline in The Hill indicates.Webb: Pot legalization ‘on the table’ in prison reform effort
via The HillThe leader of a congressional effort to reform the criminal justice system said Thursday that all issues — including drug legalization — need to be on the table.
Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), who has made criminal justice and prison reform a signature issue of his this year in Congress, is the most high-profile lawmaker to indicate openness to drug decriminalization or outright legalization.
“Well, I think what we need to do is to put all of the issues on the table,” Webb said this morning on CNN if asked if marijuana legalization would be part of his criminal justice reform efforts.
“If you go back to 1980 as a starting point, I think we had 40,000 people in prison on drug charges, and today, we have about 500,000 of them,” the first-term Virginia lawmaker said. “And the great majority of those are nonviolent crimes — possession crimes or minor sales.”
NORML praised Senator Webb for his candor and political courage earlier this month when we endorsed Senate Bill 714, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009. If you have not yet written or called your U.S. Senator in support of SB 714, what are you waiting for?
Fortunately, Senator Webb is not the only member of Congress speaking out in favor of pot law reform. Other recent examples include:
California Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez suggests on CNN that the federal government should allow California to establish a “pilot program” taxing and regulating the use of marijuana by adults. (Watch the video of her remarks here.)
U.S. House Representative Ron Paul (Texas) tells CNN that the use and distribution of pot should be regulated by the states, and that ending prohibition would dramatically decrease prohibition-related violence at the U.S./Mexican border. (Watch the video of his remarks here.)
Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher (California) and Jim McDermott (Washington), speaking in The Hill (“Pot legalization favored by some to stem violence,” April 19) declare, “[F]rom a social policy, I don’t see any reason not to legalize it, control it, sell it, [and] tax it (marijuana).”
And in the ‘sign of how far we’ve come, but how far we still have to go’ department, there’s this admission from Rep. Rohrabacher:
“There are a lot of people who understand that [the current war on drugs has been a failure]. … If it was a vote – a blind vote where nobody knew who was voting – you would have overwhelming support for legalizing marijuana out there, but they will never vote for it because they are afraid of taking on a controversial issue.”
Hmmm, sounds to me like a whole lot more people need to write and call their members of Congress and tell them: Marijuana law reform is not a politically controversial issue, but opposing it is.
And while you’re at it, why not write President Barack “legalizing marijuana is off the table” Obama and give him the same message.
86 Responses to “More Signs Of Change From Capitol Hill”
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Start writing and ask any and everyone you know to write also. They will write and legalization will come. I asked 12 people to join Norml on 4/20 and all but one did it. None of them smoke cannabis, but they support the “Change” we are seeking. Just ask!!! I would suggest putting a copy of your voters registration card at the top of the page, so they know you are a registered voter and if you are not registered, then get registered! By the way when can we find out how much money we raised on 4/20 with the membership drive?
looks like our message is finally reaching the higher people in the political ring.
I still strongly believe that we need to get more people politically out onto the new’s network’s.
I’m all for instituting collecting donations to pay for buses in large area’s of the country to gather together enough people around the country for a 2009 “Million Man March” on Washington’s doorsteps.
ad’s are nice but an extremely large gathering of people would be better for getting our message thru.
All the more reason to vote for Ron Paul for pres in 2012!!
It is look up, but we do have so far to go. Its obvious that most politicians are simply scared to even touch the issue. I hope some of this wakes people up.
Senator Webb, obviously one of our bravest Senators, deserves all of our support. He also has the ‘quiet’ support of President Obama. We are about to win this fight, but we need to all help Senator Webb in this endeavor.
As a Virginian and University student, I am trying to get in contact with Jim Webb to see what I can do to help. You all should too. Republicans will gang up on him when his re-election comes up. He needs us.
The only thing most congressman or woman understand is money, give them a huge contribution and tell them your only issue is marijuana.
I REALLY wish people would stop calling it ‘marijuana,’ as I’ve explained before; ‘marihuana’ was a foreign word, Mexican Spanish, but we already have an english word for it: cannabis.
It’s like everyone constantly using the same foreign word instead of it’s english equal. Imagine if everyone you worked with said ‘see you tomorrow, I’m going casa.’ Harry Anslinger used a foreign word to dupe a gullible Congress into outlawing the nation’s #1 renewable resource for hundreds of years: cannabis/hemp.
Mr. Snell: What is the bill?
Mr. Rayburn: It has something to do with something that is called marihuana. I believe it is a narcotic of some kind.
-Colloquy on the House floor prior to passage of the Marihuana Tax Act. (1937)
If they legalized cannabis they’d never be able to replace slave labor with prison labor, slave labor being outlawed after the north won the Civil War in 1865. Read tinyurl.com/1mn for details.
To the fine folks at NORML: I think a ‘preview’ button would help for people (everyone) who sometimes forget to close tags resulting in entire paragraphs being bolded/italicized/hotlinked.etc.
Go Jim Webb change the laws in VIRGINIA….
Let my people out of jail….
They did nothing wrong to you….They just wanted to relax and have some PEACE!
This is great news!
Obama says Marijuana legalization is off the table but i like the sounds of that bill 714 We r sooo close to gett n this done
I almost hesitate to point this out, because I don’t want other constituents asking to him to withdraw, but Orrin Hatch cosponsored this legislation on 4/20/09. My mind is now boggled.
Open Letter to Senator Webb
Dear Senator Webb,
I applaud your courage to address this issue and for once let reason and facts dictate policy. Ever since our nation embarked on the war on drugs, special interests from Law Enforcement to the pulpit, from the pharmaceutical industry to mass media interests have dictated the course we take and hardly ever have science and facts been allowed to set the policy.
After 37 years of failed policy in the war on all drugs and even longer when it comes to cannabis the time has come to take a new look and approach this with open mind and eyes. All the war on drugs has done is create criminals out of people who use and many who abuse drugs. This insanity has cost the tax payers over one trillion dollars and we have nothing to show for, except for an over loaded prison system. At the same time our government has stood by and watched billions of dollars annually go to drug cartels. These cartels now pose a significant threat to our border security and to the security of the countries from which the drugs originate. Had we implemented a sensible policy this could have been avoided and with the right legislation many of those who are hooked on the dangerous drugs, such as heroin, meth and even prescription drugs could have been helped.
I am glad to see, Senator Webb, that finally someone seems to be enlightened enough to see past the smoke screen and work on reforming the failed policies. Legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use with the right controls as well as a fair tax will go far and over time help reduce drug use overall. I hope you will continue to seek a better path than the one we are currently on. Allow me to close with a passage from the Report of the Shafer Commission, instituted by Richard Nixon and ignored by the same after it was completed. These words are every bit as true today as they were in 1972:
“Promises which cannot be kept must not be made. The public must be apprised that disapproved drug use is part of a larger social pattern, and that all the money and effort that the American society can muster will never be able to deal effectively with this behavior if the problem continues to be defined as it is now. Drug policy making must take into account a wide range of social phenomena of which drug use is a small part, and institutional responses must be framed in the context of broader social roles. Unless present policy is redirected, we will perpetuate the same problems, tolerate the same social costs, and find ourselves as we do now, no further along the road to a more rational legal and social approach than we were in 1914.”
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Williams
Just like Allen has said many times in the past. “Change” will come from the ground, up. Not from the top, down.
The Whitehouse says that pot is not on the table, but Mr. Webb says that it is. Let’s bring it to Mr. Obama’s “table” and demand that our voices be heard.
STOP THE MADNESS and “Legalize It”
U.S. House Representative Ron Paul (Texas) tells CNN that the use and distribution of pot should be regulated by the states, and that ending prohibition would dramatically decrease prohibition-related violence at the U.S./Mexican border.
I’m pretty sure I know how MY state at least is going to regulate the use and distribution. You think Tennessee and Georgia are behind the times. When I go to Tennessee I’m going to TOWN. If anything the Federal laws are a moderating influence around here.
I do not agree with this writer. “If it was a vote – a blind vote where nobody knew who was voting – you would have overwhelming support for legalizing marijuana out there, but they will never vote for it because they are afraid of taking on a controversial issue.” We the people who, elect the congress do have “a vote – a blind vote where nobody knew who was voting”. It’s called the secret ballot, and we can’t even get our own supporters to vote for reform. If we could, 95% of congress would be someone else. This fantasy that your going to “talk” congress into Full Legalization without playing the political game, either I’m not smoking enough or you guys are getting much much much much much much better stuff than I am.
The Obama admin is seriously trying to take away our rights to a lawyer. Look at this, scary stuff!
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D97OD6882&show_article=1&catnum=0
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE “DRAFT WILLIE” VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE “INCUMBENT KILLER STRATEGY” (don’t feel like posting the link again, Google it.) VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE.
There’s only one problem i see with allowing Cali to do a pilot program, and that’s a black market that’s going to flourish in other states. i want this just like everyone else, but what happens when the other states see a problem with drug seizures, they’ll blame Cali. That’s why we need a national pilot program. let the states do what they want and put a clause in the law saying it expires in 2yrs, then if states see it working do a permanent vote on it in congress after the two years or 5 yrs. it makes more sense. why let one state when that will cause other states problems. A national pilot program is better and will allow each state to do what they want. we already put stipulations in other bills like this so it wouldn’t be different
<<<<<<<becoming more and more of a NORML fan.
Thanks so much for your efforts folks. I’d be glad to help ya’ll more to fight this war that America has on its own people!
There’s no way a lie like this can go on forever. Legalization will happen!!!
sent an email to one of my senators expressing my support of sb 714. he wrote back he fully supports it. he’s a democrat. have written to all my reps both state and federal concerning the legalization of mj and have only recieved positive replys from democrats. i have recieved zero replys from any of my republican reps and from what i’m seeing in the news (with only a few exceptions) it appears to me that the republicans are definitely the party of prohobition and i believe they must be voted out of power at every opportunity.
You have to admit, Senator Webb’s approach to legalization of MJ has purpose and he’s not just standing there giving a speech. He’s doing research and everyone knows what the answers are already. What he is setting up is a bigger show down where if his findings are not taken seriously, he will loose and so will the rest of our sub-culture. Virginians better make him look good, Congress is watching to see where his political career takes him with marijuana legislation. He must have a high IQ or some very good stoner friends in my opinion.
Charlie Lynch is going to jail and Obama wants him there for at least 5 years. There’s no way in hell that Cannabis will be legal for recreational and medicinal purposes anytime soon.
The politicians and police would lose too much money that they get from the drug cartels and dealers for looking the other way, if legalization or decriminalization happened.
At least politicians are coming out of the Pot Closet now. Maybe a person can smoke one soon without looking over their shoulder Sent letters to Congress and the President. LEGALIZE
Now that Norml has aired a Commercial let’s do another few. This time hire a professional production co and also get some star power. I mentioned having Willie Nelson as Celebrity Spokesman for Norml doing some spots. I found this list of famous pot smokers who supprt reform on another sight, it’s an old list and sadly quite a few are no longer with us. Imagine an ad like the one Norml just aired only the same points were made by Willie Nelson, Sir Paul McCartney, Merle Haggard,
Morgan Freeman maybe even get Yoko to authorize the voice and image of John Lennon. quotes by Bing Crosby, (no joke Bing smoked with Louis Armstrong and advocated legalization in the 70′s. Here’s the list and link.
http://www.cleartest.com/psotm/mark-stepnoski/
1. Sharon Stone
2. Richard Branson
3. Ricky Williams
4. Morgan Freeman
5. Bill Maher
6. Jello Biafra
7. Oliver Stone
8. Hunter S. Thompson
9. Peter Tosh
10. Jack Herer
11. Melissa Etheridge
12. Angel Raich
13. Ray Charles
14. Mikki Norris
15. Montel Williams
16. Cheryl Miller
17. David Ford
18. Pancho Villa
19. Ed Rosenthal
20. Mark Stepnoski
21. Rodney Dangerfield
22. Irvin Rosenfeld
23. Bing Crosby
24. Valerie Corral
25. Merle Haggard
26. Margaret Mead
27. Larry Hagman
28. Michael R. Bloomberg
29. Bob Marley
30. George Harrison
31. Ken Kesey
32. Elvy Musikka
33. Gary Johnson
34. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
35. Anita Hoffman
36. Wavy Gravy
37. Andrew Weil
38. Brownie Mary
39. Willie Nelson
40. Louis Armstrong
41. Peter McWilliams
42. Paul McCartney
43. Linda McCartney
44. Woody Harrelson
45. Carl Sagan
Maybe even get Hef to help out again.
The 2010 congressional elections could very well be the turning point. Get organized NOW !!!!!!
Remember when you were in school and they told you that ” If you put half that energy into your studies you could make straight A’s.” And you didn’t listen, and turns out they were right and your life would be so much better now if you had.
Here’s your do over, Put Half this talk about marches, the same old talking points, civil disobedience yada yada yada, into something (THE ONLY THING) that can work. DO IT NOW !!!!!!!
Also DRAFT WILLIE !!!!!! INCUMBENT KILLER STATEGY!!!!
yada yada yada
Ron PauL 2012
ReaL Eyes
Realize
ReaL Lies
its time ta Legalize
…………………………………………….
#11 Luke – My mind is boggled to. I’d love to see your source for Orin Hatch co-sponsoring this bill. If true that would be great news. This link has a list of Co-sponsors but I don’t know if it is official by any means. Hat’s off to Republicans Arlen Spector and Lindsay Graham for breaking with their party on this.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/03/
webb_specter_introduce_bill_to_overhaul_americas
@27
click the “Senate Bill 714, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009″ link in the Norml story above (It’s the Library of Congress webserver). Then click “Bill Summary & Status file” then click “cosponsors”.
I wrote this to my senator in Louisiana. (the state with seemingly no hope)
“Hello again Senator.
I’ve done some research on you. To the best of my judgment, you seem like a good man. An honest man. And a good percentage of our views fall together. (By the way, I’m proud of you for standing against the bailout, and Hillary) I’m writing you because you’re one of the few politicians to actually respond to the people. I have questions regarding the legality of marijuana. Hopefully that word doesn’t put you in a defensive mindset, but bear with me.. Sir, I don’t advocate chaos and anarchy. But I do advocate personal freedoms and responsible recreations. I’m a working man. I purchased 10 acres that I enjoy and I have dreams of building a new house there one day. I’m a stand up citizen. But sir, what I don’t seem to understand why I can’t consume a natural plant in the privacy of my land legally. Does it have to do with science or the horrific chemicals in the plant? Is the problem that Louisiana doesn’t have enough faith in “responsible” consumption? Sir, I don’t really know. I can’t seem to find a straight forward answer. Retracing back to why prohibition of this plant started is useless. We cannot change that. But today is “our” world. Who are either of us to tell anyone not to pursue happiness? It’s not the government/law enforcement’s job to tell the people what they’re responsible enough to do. It’s the government/law enforcement’s job to reprimand ignorant actions or irresponsible judgment. Sir I’m not asking you to consume marijuana, I’m asking that you make that a choice for the people. As I’m sure you’ve heard countless times, cigarettes and alcohol cause a lot of deaths; usually by too much of them, or irresponsible actions while under the influence of them. But they still remain legal. Most people don’t have a problem with them. Marijuana has become so taboo that it’s not about marijuana anymore, it’s about non-conformity to what we always have done. Just because we’ve always done something a certain way doesn’t make it right; or smart for that matter. I urge you to personally research (www.norml.org for example), reflect, and reconsider your stance. I’ll also throw a few quotes your way.
“(11)And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.(12)And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:11-12
Sir, there’s no way to misconstrue that.
Also I wanted to let you in on this excerpt of a letter to a harmonica company.
“Two of my favorite things are sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe of sweet hemp, and playing my Hohner harmonica.” – Abraham Lincoln
Our past leaders enjoyed cannabis as well as our present ones. Sir, can’t we stop this merry go round? Every day non-violent PEOPLE, not criminals, are put in jail for recreation. Though I’m guilty of it, I don’t condone people who drive under any influence. It’s flat out wrong. And I’ve seen good people get busted for that. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I am talking about responsible use of marijuana by adults. When you step back, it’s really simple. People are going to do it either way. I’m not suggesting you admit defeat, I’m suggesting that you capitalize. Look at our roads. Look at our education system. Could we not use money to fix our legitimate problems? Legalization and taxation of cannabis could go so much further than some preconception of hippies doing nothing. It could provide a non-aggressive recreation for good people. Taxation and regulation could keep good people from having to go to drug dealers that deal indiscriminately regardless of age, race, sex, etc. If my words aren’t falling on deaf ears, and you actually look into cannabis and its many uses, you’ll see for yourself how much potential this natural plant has.
Sir, I hope I haven’t wasted both of our time. But again, I urge you to take a common sense look at this issue. Let’s stop wasting money enforcing a law that has no grounds. Lets take the smart approach and make a positive step as the government, as the state, as citizens, as individuals.
Have a good day sir,
Tyler D.”
Thats honestly the way I feel. And if plain people with a plain and simple point wont be heard by the elected officials that are SUPPOSED to represent OUR views (not their own) then this country is hopeless and no longer free.
Here a letter from my senator Tom Harkin.
Some of these guys still dont get it.
MR. Harkin, You can get any drug you want,prohibition dosent stop that. Yes Mr.Harkin that does mean to surrender. A you All afraid to admit you are wrong and are going to lose this fight?
I urge everyone to contact Mr. Harkin, Let him know what we already know.
Thank you for contacting me. I am always glad to hear from you.
I do not believe the answer in solving this country’s problem of drug
abuse and the violence associated with drug trafficking is to make drugs
legal. I have seen too much of the ill effects of these illegal drugs on
our nation’s young people, as well as this country’s law enforcement
officers, to believe the solution is to make these drugs more readily
available by legalizing them.
As the father of two daughters, it greatly disturbs me that children are
exposed to drugs at such a young age. I am concerned that legalization of
this drug will only increase the number of children who gain access to its
harmful effects.
Legalizing drugs is equivalent to declaring surrender in the war on
drugs. However we may differ in tactics, I am hopeful that we can work
together to fight drugs in our communities and to make Iowa drug free.
Again, thanks for sharing your views with me. Please don’t hesitate to
let me know how you feel on any issue that concerns you.
Sincerely,
Tom Harkin
United States Senator
TH/amb
Please do not reply to this email. To contact me, please log on to my
website at http://harkin.senate.gov/.
I hope we can have something happening by next year everywhere in the USA, because remember this drug cartels are making money right now and still will tomorow and until we keep this ILEGAL they will have a BILLIONS of DOLLARS flowing to their pockets and organizing crime!
To learn how to gve a call to your Congress or President Obama about the issue of HEMP go to this website….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLJhGyQs2R4 ASAP
Well I’ll be damned. Thanks Luke
Hat’s off to Orrin Hatch
Now that is change.
It is completely beyond me NORML why you would even publish this story in the news section: Daily News
A JOINT ROLLED IS A BODY BURIED
by David Sforza, (Source:Daily Nexus)
Regional News – 22 Apr 2009 – California
——-
There is a new blood diamond in international politics.
……………….
Scroll down the page people and open the story.
As if Congress, other than a few, the Senate and all the way up to the Prez are listening.
NORML, would you be so kind as to reply to my question as to why you’d waste my time posting this ?
[Editor's note: NORML's news ticker does not only publish 'positive' stories or reports about cannabis and/or cannabis law reform. Some reformers want to be informed about media stories, columns and reports that are critical or scientifically incorrect so as to understand the views of others; and to, as NORML encourages, publicly reply to such. In fact, Mr. Sforza, a college student, has penned a column that is prime for public reply as the logic he employs in support of prohibition is poorly constructed. Reformers should consider writing a letter-to-the-editor complaining about the prohibitionist writer's logic and taking advantage of the opportunity the writer has unintentionally provided the reform community to educate the readers of the Daily Nexus about the need for cannabis law reform.]
Absolutely correct Phil E. Drifter, commenter #7.
I don’t understand “up here”, how our bills didn’t get passed here. I live in the Capital and “Everyone” Smokes. I am tired of Progressive Thinking coming form either Bozeman or Miss. Why Not Here in Lewis and Clark County. Are We really that scared? These politicians have no clue what is really going on here in Helena. Helena is a police state with no jobs.I thank Montana Norml and think that need to do more in places like Helena, Greatfalls, Butte, even places like glendive, Columbus, plentywood, townsend, cutbank, ect. These are the places that are liberal to just don’t have the exposure or the guts because of the gestpo. Help the small towns and you will win next time.
I too am slightly boggled by Hatch being listed there, but then I’m also skeptical. I still have a real odd feeling about this idea of theirs to “put study into the issue.” The inclusion of such persons is odd.
But like many here I am hopeful for the same results already on file about how its a bad strategy atm and all that rot.
Pilot programs James? Really? To quote Obama: Uhm, no. Just the simple medical access already spawns that insanity about “black market pot” in the news since we headed down this path. Bordering states badger about it until they get it voted for themselves, then they get ominously quiet. They’ve also not shown an increase in those cases so far with border leaking of grow op cannabis.
Pilot programs are typically harder to change into common programs once put in place. And easily/quickly canceled. They tend to have multiple sources of oversight and huge costs associated with them in that respect. You would definitely see all sorts of insanity come out of a pilot program with some epic failure of a business to pay enough taxes or an axe murderer shown to have pot in his system to end it overnight.
California goes legal, the rest will follow. Only bordering state with California that would have a “problem” with the idea is Arizona. That’s one state that has some serious political hang-ups and hold backs when it comes to this issue. But it keeps showing up on the ballot. Weird huh?
I’m not against a pilot program if it happened, but pushing for it shows a lack of conviction that most politicians find wonderful for maintaining the status quo with.
what happened with cali I have not heard a thing since they postponed
what happened with cali I have not heard a thing since they postponed
the only way were going to get pot legalized is if we can all group together to make a point. Congress listens to numbers not individuals we need to show full support for our leaders like Ron Paul and Jim Webb.
ALSO SHOW SUPPORT BY GOING TO THE ATLANTA MARIJUANA MARCH ON MAY 2nd THE MORE PEOPLE THE BETTER
Medical Cannabis…a growing 80% of We the People are starting to wonder “who didn’t vote for the repeal of the prohibition of medicinal cannabis?” Probobly the 20% of those who just don’t vote,period. We must remember who’s looking down their nose(s) at us…and…who cares anyway. We have absolutely nothing to feel shameful about. They are the 20% or less. How would you like 80% of we the people sitting on you. Crushing isn’t it.
I read the CNN article regarding the drug violence in Mexico and the White House’s plan to prevent it: rehabilitation. Not only that but the White House wants to make rehab (for marijuana) essentially free to anyone who wants it. Now, this is all in good intent to curb America’s addictiont to drugs, but now my tax dollars are going towards: keeping non-violent drug offenders in jail, DEA raids on medical marijuana facilities, the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppresion Program, AND NOW rehab for marijuana (ever seen Half Baked?). This is getting insane. Legalization will fund rehab programs for people that want it . . . just like alcohol and tobacco. I am sick of my tax dollars being spent criminalizing one of the least harmless drugs on this planet and living in fear everytime I go to enjoy a simple joint.
If you do a little research, you will see Senator Webb was a VERY strong Obama supporter during the campaign (even rumored to be a potential running mate at one time). It is possible our message reached Obama loud and clear, but the first African American president can NOT legalize Marijuana 3 months after inauguration. Somebody *ELSE* needs to step up and needs to do it from a different perspective than the economy (which we have already questioned Obama on), therefore: Webb is the perfect choice.
Tristen Reynolds,
Is there any way to find out more about the Atlanta march? I will be there. Hope to see you there too. I will be bringing quite a few people with me. Thanks for the post to remind all of our fellow citizens about it. I will be shutting down my business for May 2nd and believe me that all of my clients will know why. I feel certain their support will be with us young and old, black and white and Democrat and Republicans.
i’m all for decriminalization, but to let them regulate, tax and to control this GOD given plant would be a mistake, every time we allow the powers that be rule over anything you know what happens. i say let my people go, or suffer the wrath of GOD. as you know america has forsaken him and forgot how we began. make a real change lets fight for our freedom once again, the governed are not being governed as we wrote they will govern. money has corruped this government. peace AL
Drug warriors are a dying breed and we can aid in their extinction. If anyone still thinks there is reason to keep drugs illegal they would jusy come across as idiots or just outright liars. Keeping drugs illegal just does not make sense anymore. Even from a religious perspective it does not make sense either. God gave us a free will but Government takes that away. Jesus would ask that they bring to him the troubled addict so he could forgive his sins and heal him and not say something like, “throw them in jail so that they mayeth learn”!!! Christians who support prohibition are no better than the Taliban! Virtue by force is not TRUE virtue. This applies to restrictions placed on women and drug users by both religions. Show compassion and respect the responsible individual’s choices. J. Velasco
We really are winning the war and I think the reason no one should continue to take a stand in favor of keeping drugs illegal is because they would come across as idiots or just outright liars. Keeping drugs illegal just does not make sense anymore. Even from a religious perspective it does not make sense either. God gave us a free will but Government takes that away. Jesus would ask that they bring to him the troubled addict so he could forgive his sins and heal him and not say something like, “throw them in jail so that they mayeth learn”!!! Christians who support prohibition are no better than the Taliban! Virtue by force is not TRUE virtue. This applies to restrictions placed on women and drug users by both religions. Show compassion and respect the responsible individual’s choices. J. Velasco
may 2nd global marijuana march find a city near you and attend show your support i will be attending DC there are over 250 cities having a march on the same day at the same time google global marijuana march to find all the details
I hope NORML plans to list all the politicians up for election in 2010 in terms of their stance on cannabis-related issues. If we vote all the prohibitionists out of office, we should be able to legalize marijuana very quickly.
The leader of a congressional effort to reform the criminal justice system said Thursday that all issues — including drug legalization — need to be on the table.
Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), who has made criminal justice and prison reform a signature issue of his this year in Congress, is the most high-profile lawmaker to indicate openness to drug decriminalization or outright legalization.
“Well, I think what we need to do is to put all of the issues on the table,” Webb said this morning on CNN if asked if marijuana legalization would be part of his criminal justice reform efforts.
“If you go back to 1980 as a starting point, I think we had 40,000 people in prison on drug charges, and today, we have about 500,000 of them,” the first-term Virginia lawmaker said. “And the great majority of those are nonviolent crimes — possession crimes or minor sales.”
NORML praised Senator Webb for his candor and courage earlier this month when we endorsed Senate Bill 714, the National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009. If you have not yet written or called your U.S. Senator in support of SB 714, what are you waiting for?
Fortunately, Senator Webb is not the only member of Congress speaking out in favor of pot law reform. Other recent examples include:
California Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez suggests on CNN that the federal government should allow California to establish a “pilot program” taxing and regulating the use of marijuana by adults. (Watch the video of her remarks here.)
U.S. House Representative Ron Paul (Texas) tells CNN that the use and distribution of pot should be regulated by the states, and that ending prohibition would dramatically decrease prohibition-related violence at the U.S./Mexican border. (Watch the video of his remarks here.
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nick
You are all dumb if you actually think obama will take the time to read your emails about legalizing marijuana. he probaly dont even know what the fuck to do to a computer. The only thing that will get this shit legalized is if we had celebrities or actors Stand up a little bit more. They are the only ones who are really succesful in there life, if the president dont listen to them then what the fuck. apparently everyone on the computer is just potheads (according to his remark he made)