immigration
The Spot newsletter: Will Denver land the NFL draft?, Colorado legislature in its final sprint, a resolution in the Doug Lamborn ballot battle and more
Welcome back to The Spot, where The Denver Post’s politics team captures what’s happening this week — from the Colorado legislature to Denver city hall, with a stop through the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Non-U.S. citizens advised to stay away from jobs in Colorado marijuana industry
The situation isn’t just a dilemma for immigrants, but also for the cannabis companies that would like to hire them.
Gary Johnson Links Border Security to Marijuana Prohibition
Border security has and will likely continue to be a point of debate in this election cycle. While we hear candidates talk about unrealistic and unaffordable “Great Walls” to separate Mexico and the United States, we hear very little in addressing the root causes of violence along our borders.
Giant security walls have not enjoyed their place in history. The GOP has taken a very rigid stance on immigration and border control (click here for a breakdown of recent statements made by GOP candidates regarding border security). However, the Republican modern hero, President Ronald Reagan famously said “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” and then we all know what happened in Berlin shortly after.
Former republican Gary Johnson has actually decided to engage in a conversation on border security that avoids the typical clichés and talking points. Mr. Johnson, former republican and now libertarian candidate for president, recently told Fox News “It should not be under-emphasized how much the violence on the border has to do with the prohibition of drugs, I think if we legalize marijuana, we will take a huge step toward a rational drug policy.” When asked about building a giant border fence, Gary Johnson responded by saying “It’s a no brainer, don’t build a fence; it’s an incredible waste of money.” The party of supposed fiscal conservatism may have a hard time selling Newt Gingrich’s moon base and extremely costly (approximately 3 million dollars per mile) border projects.
Many Americans truly want to see a new approach to marijuana reform, immigration, and border security. Supporting marijuana reform would go a long way to appease patients and advocates. Taking money and power out of cartel hands with new marijuana laws could also enhance the party’s credentials on border security. Political strategists have identified cannabis supporters and immigrants as vulnerable groups for President Obama as many of them feel he did not live up to expectations on these issues. However, if the policies of the GOP remain on the current path, those groups will likely (even if reluctantly) throw their support behind Barack Obama.
We have to ask ourselves how effective a giant barrier is going to be dividing the Mexican and US border. For one, marijuana.net recently ran a story that described the massively complex tunnel system cartel members are using to smuggle in marijuana. A giant wall will likely result in more cartel resources being directed at the often undetectable tunnels. In a sense, the fence may drive the problems underground, literally, with security becoming even more of a concern. Does ignoring a problem and erecting a barrier ever truly deal with any of our problems on either an emotional or physical level? If we had a problem with our next door neighbor we would not request tax dollars during a troubled economy to separate two homes from view of each other. Additionally, if we erected such massive wall, what would we do about Canada? Would criminals and terrorists direct their efforts to the even larger border we share with Canada? Sooner than later America will set aside all the emotionally charged rhetoric against marijuana and decide to simultaneously improve our security, economic, and healthcare concerns.
Arizona Governor Jan Maker Drops Suit against Medicinal Marijuana Program in their Condition
We’ve observed the makings of the very unhappy family in Arizona because the passing of their lengthy postponed medicinal marijuana program. Mother (Governor Jan Maker) hasn’t reliable individuals in her own household (the voting public of Arizona) to create their very own choices. Although passed several months . 5 ago, this program hasn’t offered just one patient up to now.
Regrettably, like every other family in which the patriarch doesn’t respect others, legal cases can fly. Governor Maker challenged proposition 203, a ballot initiative which was went by the citizens of Arizona. As formerly included in marijuana.internet, the suit demonstrated to become embarrassing for Jan Maker as her administration was chided by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton because of not understanding proper court proceedings. Governor Brewer’s administration didn’t wish to have a side around the problem and stated they just wanted to ask about the chance of condition employees working within program which was not legal under federal law. The suit has introduced negative focus on the condition and didn’t appear to experience view the Governor had wished. A week ago, Governor Maker dropped her suit against her very own citizens.
Within this election year we will have many political battles between candidates, but many experts surely couldn’t have likely to visit a governor challenge her very own people. While individuals in energy typically contain the cards, within this situation, Ms. Maker might have bit the hands that feeds her. Although she isn’t facing election for quite some time, her administration and condition republicans may go through a backlash. She won with a relatively large margin within the 2010 Arizona election (55% for Ms. Maker in comparison to 42% by her Democratic challenger Terry Goddard). Furthermore, this functions as an alert for other governors to challenge ballot initiatives by their very own citizens. Nj has additionally postponed their medical cannabis program. Will the across the country popular Chris Christie be aware and step-up so voters/patients will find relief?
Ms. Maker isn’t a new comer to political debate. While she demonstrated the most respect for federal law within the situation of medicinal marijuana, she utilized the alternative approach as her condition has challenged and operated against federal law within the situation of immigration. That story has additionally attracted national attention with lots of upset over her handling from the problem. It now seems Arizona’s medicinal marijuana program will ultimately move ahead. After she dropped the suit Governor Maker was cited as saying “I’ve directed the Arizona Department of Health Services to start accepting and processing dispensary programs.” Some advocates continue to be skeptical however the governor might be prepared to avoid any more political deficits and proceed with repairing her status prior to her re-election campaign in 2014. Can we visit a happy family continuing to move forward, or will the citizens apply for divorce in November of 2014?