Esquire: Will Obama legalize it?
posted at 9:00 pm on December 23, 2008 by Allahpundit
I’m guessing no. But as with gay marriage, he’s sent enough mixed signals on the subject that his disciples can plausibly tell themselves that he secretly agrees with them and is prepared to act on it when the time is right, but has to lie low for just a bit longer until he’s in a better position politically.
Some of Obama’s biggest financial donors are friends of the legalization movement, St. Pierre notes. “Frankly, George Soros, Peter Lewis, and John Sperling — this triumvirate of billionaires — if those three men, who put up $50 to $60 million to get Democrats and Obama elected, can’t pick up the phone and actually get a one-to-one meeting on where this drug policy is going, then maybe it’s true that when you give money, you don’t expect favors.”…
“I’m hoping that what the administration will do,” [Obama bundler Marsha Rosenbaum] says, “is something this country hasn’t done since 1971, which is to undertake a presidential commission to look at drug policy, convene a group of blue-ribbon experts to look at the issue, and make recommendations.”
But ultimately, Rosenbaum remains confident that those recommendations would call for an end to the drug war. “Once everything settles down in the second term, we have a shot at seeing some real reform.”
I hope it happens, mainly because if Obama’s feeling confident enough to risk this sort of culture war in his second term, it would mean he’d have been so fantastically successful in fixing the economy and detoxifying Pakistan and Iran, among other things, that he had political capital to burn. He had no appetite for the issue during the campaign: When the Washington Times uncovered video in January of him telling an audience in 2004 that he wanted to decriminalize pot, his spokesman turned on a dime and said he wouldn’t support eliminating penalties (but might reconsider jail for first-time offenders). In fact, NORML looked at the odds of an administration rethink on weed just a few weeks ago and found it unlikely given that The One’s surrounded by drug warriors, Biden and Rahm Emanuel most prominently among them. The only way I can imagine them doing it is if Obama moved so far to the center or center-right — perhaps due to foreign-policy exigencies — that he simply had to give the left something to get them off his back. Although that raises the question of under what circumstances he’d ever have to worry about placating the left. They’re not going to hand the White House back to the GOP in 2012, and with all the spending he’ll be doing, they’ll have plenty to keep them happy. Then again, never underestimate the pecular priorities of Obama cultists.
Blowback
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I said he couldn’t remember my name and called him a bum. He my brother, I’m allowed to. I never called him a fiend.
I think I’d also like to put about 400 rotating beacons on my home, because hey, I’m a Conservative and no one can tell me what to do because hey, I’m a Conservative and if the law restricts me in any way, damn!
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:20 AM
If alcohol drinkers are taking their pants off, smokers are only removing their hat.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:21 AM
32 year under Uncle Sugar has made me a damn good shot. I’m no more dangerous than that doobie.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:23 AM
Apparently some of the kids are into choking these days. They wrap a cord or a belt around their neck until they pass out, or come close to it. How are you going to outlaw that? Education is the only possibility of success.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:25 AM
Okay, you know what? You’re being utterly and completely intellectually dishonest about this whole argument. You keep setting up extreme examples that in some way effect others, when none of them compare even slightly to the concept of some person, in the privacy of their own home, or at a place designated specifically for the purpose, decides to smoke a joint.
The line of logic you’re pursuing, and the concerns you are spouting, would address issues such as alcohol consumption, but you claim not to care about those. The reason for that is because you drink, and drinking has not caused problems for your family. Were your brother having a problem with alcohol, it’s clear you would be in favor of prohibition. Were your brother diagnosed with lung cancer after heavy smoking, you’d be for outlawing it.
That’s fine. It’s your prerogative and right to hold a position on any issue for any reason you want. However, that does not mean you have an argument. It means you are emotionally charged about the issue, and your emotion leads you to employ fallacious tactics rather than logically argue the issue.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:28 AM
You know what else has always bothered me? Why the hell can’t I base jump off of city buildings? Or land on them in my helicopter? Why the heck do I even need a drivers license. Or crap, why did I need a pilots license?
Crap, you guys are right. It is all so clear now.
Madison, weed, meth, huffing, let’s start working to legalize it all. Think of Knucklehead! Think of our children and all the opportunities they’ll be missing if we fail in this.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Is this your brain on beer?
I rest my case.
Good night Gracie
Knucklehead on December 24, 2008 at 1:29 AM
I haven’t suggested anything but the legalization of weed.
Be honest or stop addressing me with your hysterical anger over your brother’s choice to abuse something.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:30 AM
F
Outlaw nothing! Power to the people. Oh my God, how could I have been so wrong. I get it! You guys are right.
No Madison, you and Stone were right. I admit I was wrong. There was a serious chance that my misguided attitude on this stupid war on drugs might have made hiking and skateboarding illegal. Lets not start belittling your points just to humor me.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:33 AM
A lot of anti-Marijuana people would call him precisely that with the intent of demonizing him so they can throw him in jail without too many people complaining about how wrong it is.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:33 AM
Wait, who are you to say whats safe. I say in my new enlightenment, meth is as safe as weed.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:33 AM
…and confiscating his private property.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Obama can’t legalize shit, it isn’t up to him. The issue is a non-starter.
echosyst on December 24, 2008 at 1:35 AM
Well, then they’re not the narrow-mined people I’d hand with then. So he doesn’t know me or my little brothers name. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be able to buy a telescope and shoot for the stars does it?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:35 AM
And if Meth is safe, huffing and cocaine are safe. There’s no time, legalize everything.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Then you verify that you know next to nothing about narcotics. and your opinions regarding their danger are therefore worth as much as your knowledge.
Again, be honest or stop addressing me. You’re arguing that people should not be able to do things that may hurt them, because that burdens you. The number of things that do that, and do that far worse than pot, and are legal, are numerous.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:38 AM
oops, “hang” with. You can see I started with a can of paint. Too late to go out and buy some good weed.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:38 AM
Ha ha.
Burn your straw men down and return to reality.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:39 AM
One minute, you’re saying you’ll leave the country if they legalize marijuana. Now you’re demanding the legalization of hard drugs. I’m glad you’re arguing rationally.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:40 AM
Didn’t you guys say I was going to make alcohol illegal? Absurd remark to emphasize your own point. Didn’t Rock say I’d make hiking, skate boarding illegal? Absurd remark to emphasize his own point. I thought that’s what we did here!
But I’m on board now. I’m down with it.
Meth, Crack, MJ, Paint, Heroine, Weed.
It’s all good my man.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:41 AM
I was just so totally p’wned and enlightened!
You are one effective debater. Legalize every drug known to man for the good of our future as Conservatives.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:43 AM
Rock, Straw men comments was so last week.
Dudes, I am on board. Isn’t that what you want to do here. Post and change minds. You did it. Pull back the curtains cuz I’ve seen the light.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:45 AM
Your whole argument against marijuana applies identically to alcohol. The only differences are that alcohol is legal(marijuana is not), you use it(you don’t use marijuana, I assume), and your brother is not abusing alcohol(though 20 million alcoholics are diagnosed every year).
Therefore, if you have integrity, and are not using that argument only against one controlled substance, then logically you oppose the legality of alcohol.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:45 AM
I gather from your last sentence that you’re being sarcastic… so why don’t you turn your brother into the cops, then? That’s what you want done to other people in your brothers situation, right? Why be a hypocrite about the matter? They can lock him up so that he’ll stop shooting AR15′s down your street or base jumping off buildings or stripping in public.
I would recommend trying to get him some professional help rather than ruining his life even more, but that’s just me.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:46 AM
32 years in the military taking those stupid drug tests just cuz I fly. Who the hell are they to tell me what I can and can’t do with my body. Madison thinks people can drive after smoking. Maybe some weed will calm my nerves when I hit that release point before the objective area.
“Hold on boys, I’m feelin fine and we’re going in!”
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:47 AM
Well, you’ve devolved to troll status. I’ll give you no more time, then. You’re operating on pure anger at your brother and blaming the drug he uses rather than his own choice to use that drug. You can’t argue the issue rationally without sinking into continued mockery.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:48 AM
If you had been smoking weed your arguments would be much more thoughtful. :)
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Someone had to say it. ;)
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 1:49 AM
My whole argument does “not” apply to alcohol. You brought up alcohol. Before I was enlightened by you and Stone, I was against legalizing drugs. Geez, did I really think DUI drivers should lose the licenses? I’m a selfish ass.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:51 AM
Yup, so now that we’re all giggy together on the subject, what’s our next move?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:52 AM
That’s the obvious and natural outcome of the argument you made. Anything that could cause somebody to become a burden to society should be illegal. People can fall and injure themselves when hiking, causing them to be rescued, (carried out or airlifted), and they may need assistance for a time after that, perhaps for the rest of their lives depending on the nature of their injuries.
Freedom can’t survive the restrictions you yourself claimed were appropriate.
And this is besides the fact that somebody smoking MJ in home isn’t any more likely to hurt themselves than if they weren’t smoking MJ in their home.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:54 AM
I say go for Meth first because the illegal labs are so dangerous. We get it produced by a reputable firm in a controlled environment, a lot of neighborhoods are going to be a lot safer and we’re going to put a lot of bad guys out of business.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:54 AM
Thank God………….but will he get it?
Knucklehead on December 24, 2008 at 1:56 AM
And before you argue that you were simply making the equal and opposite argument, (which isn’t the case), keep in mind that I’m the one advocating freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:56 AM
So..you used a straw man to make your point with me…..
IT WORKED, IM IN.
Should I try Meth before I actually become an advocate? Madison, you say you don’t smoke weed but you my man are the advocate that turned my life around. I’ll go on your recommendation. Whataya say? Meth no Meth?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 1:57 AM
We can’t make paint legal. That’s crazy talk. :)
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 1:58 AM
YES, YES I’m in Knucklehead, and I am so sorry I didn’t know you were going to post a comment to me that I should have known about before hand that made it seem like I was ignoring you before you started flaming me because you girl were right!!! How many times in your life on HA do yo see a bona-fide and complete reverse of someone’s opinion? IM IN GIRL.
We’re going to legalize everything. weed, Meth, Blow, Crack. Who is anyone to tell me what I can do to my body?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:02 AM
Why?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:02 AM
Why?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:04 AM
Why can’t I do paint?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:05 AM
Madison?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:05 AM
Stone?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:05 AM
Knucklehead?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:06 AM
In fact it does. Alcohol is FAR more destructive that MJ, both to the alcoholic and society in general. It’s responsible for more sick days at work, more fatalities, more divorce, more physical and mental abuse of family. Compared to Alcohol Marijuana doesn’t even register. No drug kills more than Tobacco though, especially cigarettes, which are about 10 times more dangerous than chewing tobacco.
When you see those labels on cigars and chewing tobacco that state they’re not safe alternatives to cigarettes, that’s true, but it’s around ten times safer, at least. Too bad the government doesn’t advertise that fact though, or else more people would probably switch and there would be fewer deaths from lung cancer.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:09 AM
I’m all for making paint illegal. I like natural wood grain so prefer stain.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:10 AM
You are the one arguing about alcohol. The only thing I even said was I don’t drive even after one beer. Why do you keep saying I’m arguing about alcohol? I don’t care what it does to us any more. Why can’t I do paint?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:12 AM
Uhm, why can’t you? Or put another way, what’s stopping you? Point being, you’re not going to huff paint regardless of the law and neither am I, because we both know that it’s poison. It’s far more harmful than even alcohol. But if we wanted to, we could.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:12 AM
Why make paint illegal?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:13 AM
I want to, but you want to make it illegal.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:13 AM
Why paint?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:14 AM
It’s my body, who is anyone to tell me I can’t?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:15 AM
Stone? Sorry, I’m holding over a stupid pun from earlier and it’s rude.
FloatingRock?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:16 AM
Madison, why can’t I do paint?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:17 AM
Knucklehead, did you guys all win me over then dump me. I feel like whore!
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:17 AM
FloatingRock, Knucklehead, Merry Christmas to you both. Let’s leave the spammer to his own devices.
MadisonConservative on December 24, 2008 at 2:22 AM
No, I carried your own logic through to it’s obvious result. That’s different, it’s a debating tactic. In order for it to succeed it has to be grounding in your opponents own logic. The comments you’ve been making isn’t grounded in any logic but your own.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:23 AM
You can do paint hawk. Merry Christmas, it’ll be paint under hawk’s tree. A Christmas Miracle.
I actually did know a guy who nearly killed himself inhaling stuff like that. It was/is legal. We are a free society.
ThackerAgency on December 24, 2008 at 2:24 AM
I wouldn’t recommend it, but then I’ve never tried any illegal drugs other than MJ so I can’t speak from personal experience.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:25 AM
Assuming it’s restricted to your own body and you’re not in a position where you’re likely to harm somebody else, that’s a good question. What do you propose is the answer?
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:27 AM
Crap, I can do this without you guys. Evidently your hearts weren’t in it.
Okay, any new posters to HA, here’s the deal. To be a true Conservative, you have got to give up that idiotic notion that you have any right to tell a person what they can or can’t do or put into their bodies. We are calling on all true Conservatives to join us in the complete and total repeal of any and all drug laws. We assert that any substance a person has a mind to use to provide whatever condition to themselves that they desire, is right and legal under our law. We also assert that any and all drug dealers currently in prison for previous statutes which unfairly prosecuted, incarcerated and deprived them of personal property shall have immediate amends made to them. If any felony statute produced a third conviction under the three strikes law, that they too shall be immediately be given a fresh hearing with the purpose of determining if they can be returned to society.
Please join us in this effort!
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:27 AM
No you did it before me, I was arguing straight up.
Doesn’t matter. Why are you freaking still arguing with someone who is now freaking firmly on your side? God, are you guys just teasing me?
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:29 AM
Finally thank you!
I also think we need to get off this age thing too with alcohol and drugs once they’re legalized.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:30 AM
Hawk, TRUE CONSERVATIVE means LIMITED GOVERNMENT
We don’t want the government to have the power to confiscate someone’s home when they aren’t hurting anyone else. Imagine someone setting you up by planting some weed in your house. They could put a bale of it in your attic and you wouldn’t know about it. Then they put a call into the police and presto, you are in jail with a huge tax bill, and your house is confiscated.
Conservatism doesn’t want ANYONE in the government to have that power for ANY reason. You just got set up. But according to the law, the police and government were ‘protecting and serving’.
ThackerAgency on December 24, 2008 at 2:31 AM
Yes, exactly!
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:32 AM
Why in Gods good name would you uppercase a comment to someone who completely agrees with you? Yell at FloatingRock. He’s the one who said I couldn’t huff paint.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:33 AM
(OK, I’ll play this game.) Because it’s not good for you, and although you are an American, a country based upon freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we simply can’t allow you to actually exorcise these rights or else you might become a burden on society. While freedom and liberty may sound good on paper, it’s just not practical in the real world. It’s too inconvenient for people who disagree with your personal choices.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:34 AM
I don’t view upper case as yelling. I see it as emphasizing as you might when speaking to someone. I’d type accents, but it’s more difficult.
ThackerAgency on December 24, 2008 at 2:34 AM
Im in, if even a couple of those drug dealer were set up, we’ll let them all back out. I agree.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:35 AM
Merry Christmas! Have a safe holiday.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:36 AM
hawk, if they are dangerous to society, we shouldn’t let them out. But if they aren’t a threat to you or me. . . if they just want to smoke a joint from a plant that they grew, why shouldn’t they be able to? They could in 1929 and before then. . . George Washington even grew weed. What is so awful about weed?
ThackerAgency on December 24, 2008 at 2:37 AM
It’s not a game. We all have limitations. We just have a different opinion where we think the law should kick in. My friend, you and I are no different.
You do type faster. And better.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:37 AM
Madison, Im no spammer, you just couldn’t or wouldn’t answer the question.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:38 AM
I don’t know much about Meth, but I believe huffing paint is by far the worse. It’s practically suicide.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:38 AM
You have limitations too. You admitted a point where you both would restrict another Americans liberties because you thought you knew what was best for them. Yes?
And a no kidding and sincere Merry Christmas to you too Madison if you’re really going.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:40 AM
Of course there are different factions of conservatism, but it seems to me that the founding principles of our country rise somewhat above trivial in status.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:42 AM
actually, about the only place where people might be able to say that about me and my positions is on abortion. Some people say that the government doesn’t have a right to force the woman to have the baby.
The problem is I view it as the government protecting a person from being killed. . . not telling the woman what to do.
Other than that, I’m pretty much a less government is better kind of guy.
ThackerAgency on December 24, 2008 at 2:43 AM
Wow. Major tit for tat here.
Um, on this, I will admit my experiences with the drug are going to slant my opinion, naturally. I’ve not understood why alcohol is legal (although regulated) while mj is not. Seems strange to me.
I have known a LOT of stupid stoners. They all (could be a product of their peer group, but…)had the same mannerisms, the same glazed expressions and stereotypical laziness. I hated it when my boyfriends (yes, plural) would smoke because, in every one of these relationships, inevitably, I knew we would end up just sitting around doing nothing and, again eventually, we wouldn’t even be talking. I once smoked quite a bit and it only wigged me out time and time again. The problem with regulation is personal interaction. We can say that alcohol does this or pot does this, but, it is difficult to map out how these chemicals will affect each individual. I think a lot of psychosis, delusions, and panic can be avoided by not using MJ…I remember thinking, “what if this stuff is reworking the circuitry of brain tissue?” It wasn’t long before I read some study where it was found that some individuals couldn’t tolerate it and it produced these psychological disturbances long after usage ends. I thought that was remarkable.
I do know some of the fiercest advocates of the drug and they are just like their alcoholic apologetic counterparts…it is clear that their stridency comes from daily dependency more than a true, unbiased liberatarian ideology.
I am on the fence here. I think that government necessarily restricts some behavior. This is a societal good. I guess it gets tricky when more laws are on the books and being added with every incoming administration. Then we become the swinging pendulum from one ruling party to the next, hoping the party most closely resembling the country you want it to be is in office.
Anyway, I’m tired…
Mommypundit on December 24, 2008 at 2:44 AM
Well, of course you’re not. But I’m still able to address some of the points you’ve raised through sarcasm, so why not?
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 2:44 AM
Really to you all, Merry Christmas. I’ll just close by saying maybe what happened to Danny won’t happen to any of you. I don’t now because I’ve never done it. I’ve been really in a lifestyle since I was 17 were it’s not tolerated or you’re gone. Maybe I’d have been different if I were a civilian all those years. All I know is the rest of that stuff is murder, Maybe pot isn’t but you guys even admit the rest of it is. Mostly. You guys advocate pot. Others here tonight advocated anything. It’s not cliche to consider the possibility of it being a slippery slope.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:44 AM
Well, then I’m really happy we’re on that same sheet of music.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:47 AM
it’s all good hawk. We’re all in here for fun. It’s just words on a screen and nothing to get worked up about. But have a Merry Christmas!
ThackerAgency on December 24, 2008 at 2:48 AM
And anyone who reads what I said above…I’m an idiot to say something so diametrically different than what I believe even in jest, so sorry and please don’t take it at all serious.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:49 AM
Yep.
hawkdriver on December 24, 2008 at 2:50 AM
You have to read the studies and not just the headlines, though. The one I think you’re talking about found that the risk is virtually next to zero relative to the general population, and it didn’t address whether or not MJ use was the cause or just a symptom. In other words, people prone to these disorders might be slightly more inclined to use MJ.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 3:00 AM
Merry Christmas.
FloatingRock on December 24, 2008 at 3:03 AM
I really don’t care either way, but here is my opinion. The war on drugs can’t be won. The drug trade is basically the black market, and no government in history has ever been able to stop it, not even draconian regimes. They have curtailed it but haven’t stopped it. Answer this question, even the ones of you who are straight as an arrow, do any of you not know where to go to find drugs? I think work place testing has done more to stop drug use among adults than every penny spent by the DEA. I say make pot legal, and tie all entitlement checks, and jobs to a clean drug test.
That would take the profit out of the crime, reduce entitlements, and put pressure on people to not use pot. I don’t think that will ever happen thought so it’s just a hypothetical argument.
DFCtomm on December 24, 2008 at 3:24 AM
soundingboard on December 24, 2008 at 4:59 AM
I played around with some drugs in my younger days (pot, speed, LSD) but I haven’t touched any of it in several years. Why? Funny thing; I grew up. I look back on that time and realize it was pointless, stupid, costly and didn’t improve my life or my outlook on life. The dopers (is that term still used?) I know today will continue to use pot, etc. laws or no laws. But to me they are like the gay marriage crowd in that they don’t want to be seen as outside the mainstream, so lets legalize (or decriminalize…same thing in effect) pot use. They may not use it any more than they do now, but at least they can salve their conscience with it’s legality.
Personally, I’m for keeping it illegal because, as Rush has said, the law is a great teacher. What are we teaching by legalizing it?
SKYFOX on December 24, 2008 at 5:12 AM
No need to legalize the stuff. But it would make sense to stop spending billions on the comic war on drugs. It has been a gigantic waste of money. There has not been a panic in needle park in spite of the incredible sums of money spent. In fact, the quality and safety of the heroin supply has only increased while billions were misspent in what was claimed to be an attempt to end the supply.
There is even an argument to be made for decriminalizing most drugs. It makes some sense since the junk is going to come in no matter what especially since the federal government is somehow incapable of securing the border. And it is the criminal penalties that contribute to so much related murder and violence.
snaggletoothie on December 24, 2008 at 5:29 AM
The pot that is around today is way more potent than what was around in the 60′s or 70′s. I have to wonder if it is laced with another chemical. Kids today tho do not want to do pot…they choose the cheaper heroin. Which kills them
I worked with juvenile drug offenders and while it is true that pot isnt as potent as heroin, meth or cocaine..it still causes kids to be lazy, have no ambition and to fail at school. As for the drug legalization in the Netherlands…if you do some research, you will find that it is causing a ton of problems and they are reconsidering the legalization. I think O’Reilly did a segment on this a few weeks back.
I do not want someone behind the wheel that is high on pot just as I dont want someone who is drunk behind the wheel.
Oh and I was a stoner back in the day,so I know how pot affected me. I got high, lazy and ruined many chances to better myself. I now choose NOT to be a stoner.
becki51758 on December 24, 2008 at 6:11 AM
It’s funny how “conservatives” – who are supposed to be for individual liberty and the constitution are up in arms about this. ****ing neocons have destroyed this party.
lodge on December 24, 2008 at 6:48 AM
I think you are right about this. Why not apply the same rigorous critical thinking I do to other “scientific testing” to this particular case. I see the point. I was a psych major, so, this issue was both an academic one and, as you can see from my first comment, a personal one.
I think that we are hitting the libertarian/conservative republican crossroads on this issue. It comes down to the “golden rule” of libertarianism, which, I believe, is something like this: do all that you have agreed to do, and do not encroach upon another man’s property. This sums up the golden rule of the bible nicely: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. So, basically, while we agree with this as both conservative republicans and libertarians, one has a bit higher view of the role of government than the other.
It calls into question what the real role of government is at all. In 1828, Webster’s dictionary included in the definition of state (or government, one) the improvement or stability of proper morals. This is where behavioral issues come to play. And, questions (undoubtedly) about who determines proper morals of any given culture but the ruling party?
That is, unless there is a cross-party, universal consensus…as there once was…which prompted our framers to say that our form of government was only for a moral people…with a higher force to answer to in the end.
A bit nebulous, yes, but it does clarify how the role of the state was envisioned and why it worked when it was inhabited by, largely, Christian people.
Mommypundit on December 24, 2008 at 7:33 AM
Maybe someone already said this but I am not reading 300 comments to find out.
Allahpundit should have used that picture of Obama in the straw hat for this post.
peterargus on December 24, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Legalize all drugs and all the porblems that it brings will go away.The war on drugs is maken the drug Cartels rich.Legalize drugs and help the people that are doing them
.LOOK if you dont do drugs and they get legalized are you going to go and get you some dope.No your not the same people that do tham are.I have had to deal with a wife that was hooket on herion for years,She dident stop until herion all most killed her.The Cops put her in jail wear the inmates could rape her. Thats the help you will get from the fat over paid lazy cops.Look at CARE and just say no.
Denniscat on December 24, 2008 at 7:43 AM
During his address in Grant Park Tuesday night.
Wed, Nov 5, 2008
“I love you both more than you can imagine,” Obama told his daughters, Sasha and Malia. You have earned the puppy that is coming with us to the White House.”
Guys Obama doesn’t even keep the promises he makes to his own children … disappointment … better get used to it for the next four years.
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philly_PA on December 24, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Why not? He’s going to drive us straight to hell so we might as well enjoy the trip.
rplat on December 24, 2008 at 8:25 AM
Read this post and you can understand why I think legalizing weed is bad.
thomasaur on December 24, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Glad I was far too busy to comment in this thread. This buttdriver guy is a real piece of work. As always, arguments gain traction first if the words are mostly spelled right and used in proper order.
But then, some logic would have been nice, too.
On Topic, we all had this conversation a few weeks ago. I asked for any commenter to explain the logic behind alcohol and cigarettes being legal, but controlled substances, and marijuana illegal.
Never got an answer that I saw.
Jaibones on December 24, 2008 at 9:20 AM
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