http://www.ostp.gov/galleries/opengov_inbox/NAPA_analysis.pdf
That is the report to Obama showing potential discussion topics. Drug policy was dismissed again.
If we are to have an open and transparent Government, or integrity of discussion of government, this is a necessary component. It reflects the relationship between the citizen and the government.
If the population is to feel any obligation to this government from paying taxes to obeying laws, this government has an obligation to respond to the public.
This is a dominant issue and is not properly dismissed.
It isn't enough for the citizen who is vulnerable to arrest to provide an outlet for complaint. We want this stopped.
We want genuine discussion, continuing and ongoing discussions until resolved, and we want good faith responses.
"Not now." is....
"Not good enough."
Comments (5)
Legalization is not likely as long as those making the laws have a vested interest in not legalizing certain drugs. There is allot of money at stake - DEA, Justice, the criminal organizations themselves. Legalization would essentially greatly reduce their income / political clout, if not wipe them out financially.
It's hard to make someone understand a problem when their livelihood depends on their not understanding a problem.
It is ironic that the drug cartels themselves are probably the governments strongest supporter in keeping drugs illegal.
I understand that they will battle to maintain the war on drugs.
What they should not be permitted to do is to do so with impunity. The pressure must be maintained, incrementally, until effective.
As to:
Executive branch commanding the legislative branch...
That is the argument used to disregard the popular demand for ending the war on drugs.
It is diversionary. Health care is also in the hands of the legislature, the administration has no problem involving itself there.
So was the bailout. Administration made demand after demand on legislature.
When it is a policy the administration wants, it is called leadership.
When it is a policy the administration does not want to touch it is called legislative territory.
We do not have to accept and be bound by the parameters of that game.
In 1971, I was in my 3rd year of high school was arrested at a party where one person had 3 marijuana joints. Several of us were charged with possesion and subsequently convicted as adults and sentenced to 1 year in the house of corrections. Thank God the sentence was suspended. As a 17 year old I was very traumatized by that event. Mr President, had that happened to you when you were a pot smoker, you would have not become our president. We need to have a serious discussion on the effects of this insane war on drugs and it's consequences on our country. I realize you have other serious issues, but at least find some time to address this issue without mocking it.
What is more important to YOU?
A. That you take drugs to dull senses and reality so that you might forget deeds and misdeeds?
B. That ben Laden uses your dollars to buy bullets to shoot American soldiers, some of which you met in school or your children met in their classes or in the football or soccer fields. In many cases, the coffins you can now see arriving in Dover AFB, are the parents or children of other Americans. Think about it, should our government help ben Laden earn more money to buy bullets and shoot your and my children?
In the world I grew up, where the danger was beer and cigarettes, my views were different but, I grew older and the world changed in 9/11 and soldiers die daily, 4,998 by now. Each a relative of many Americans.