Newt Gingrich
Mitt Romney Secures Enough Votes with Win in Texas to become GOP Nominee
Although thought to be a foregone conclusion, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has secured the GOP nomination for the 2012 presidential election. The race has been all but official for some time now as other GOP candidates such as Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Jon Huntsman, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry had already exited the primaries. Long time marijuana supporter, Ron Paul has remained in the race. Romney will accept the party’s nomination at the Republican National Convention, which is to be held in Tampa Florida during late August.
Mitt Romney now will turn his focus squarely on his run against President Barack Obama. The road has been long for Romney who attempted a failed candidacy in 2008 only to lose to the popular senator from Arizona, John McCain. In a statement Romney said “Our party has come together with the goal of putting the failures of the last three and a half years behind us, I have no illusions about the difficulties of the task before us. But whatever challenges lie ahead, we will settle for nothing less than getting America back on the path to full employment and prosperity.” Mitt Romney has and will likely to continue his attacks on the president regarding the economy.
Should he secure the presidency, Americans will hope to see Romney keep his word to fix the the economy. Although job reports and GDP numbers seem to be improving, the economy is fluctuating and with the impending doom of the Greek economy, and continued reports on the European Debt Crisis, Romney may still have his political opening.
Supporters of marijuana legal reform have their own ideas as to how Mitt Romney can accomplish this. Marijuana and even economic advocates would hope that he would pursues decriminalization and taxation measures that could tremendously boost the economy. This year’s presidential election is already proving to be monumental and cannabis reform does not appear to be going away. Judging by the Oregon race for Attorney General, candidates may no longer be able to turn their backs on the issue. Although the candidates will talk about the important standard issues such as tax rates, immigration reform, maintaining or overturning Roe V. Wade, one issue is emerging as the American consensus issue. At about 75% approval, medical marijuana is more popular than any living or recently deceased president. At this point both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama would be happy enough to enjoy the same popularity as legalization of recreational cannabis, which hovers above either candidates approval rating at 56%.
Mitch McConnell links Marijuana with Death as Santorum has big day in Primaries
The information age is making it more difficult for politicians to make fraudulent statements and avoid any repercussions. Years ago, a politician may have said something at a rally or to a local reporter that would not make it to the national discussion. This has obviously changed drastically as those who try to regulate our social behavior do not even seem to understand quite how it works.
Mitch McConnell is the latest example of an out of touch representative who may be haunted by his impulse statements. The Senate Minority Leader seemed to learn little from Lamar S. Smith’s failed crusade to crush the internet with the SOPA legislation which encountered an embarrassing political death. The SOPA bill clearly appeared to suffer from a lack of research and analysis as to just how far reaching it would be. Mr. McConnell recently told a constituent in a letter that he cannot support marijuana legalization because “it leads to death”. He then also said that THC was available in pill form indicating that legalization is not necessary. The Minority Leader was likely referring to Marinol, which has proven to ultimately not be nearly as effective medically as unprocessed natural marijuana. McConnell took his statements even further and said he had concerns that marijuana legalization would not be following “the scientific process” of the FDA.
Advocates of marijuana will most certainly take offense to McConnell’s statement about the scientific process. This has become the new criticism as decades of fear mongering talking points against marijuana have been proven hollow. However, many are left to scratch their heads as to how exactly marijuana is supposed to closely follow “the scientific process” of the FDA if our government officials use every resource at their disposal to deny any such research.
Marijuana reform has the support of the majority of Americans and Mr. McConnell and those like him may regret their stubbornness on this issue. This is not the only area where the GOP seems to be out of step with Americans. The race for the Republican nomination for president has turned largely into a battle of antiquated ideologies. The race is now about eliminating abortion rights, contraception, and women’s health. Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973 and women (who vote in higher numbers than men) may not want our culture to backtrack 40 years and give up their privacy. Many political analysts expected the Republicans to campaign on the economy, energy policy, and jobs.
The information age is here to stay and expand, our elected officials need to realize that there now can be a quick backlash for empty politically charged statements. We will see if President Obama and those vying for his job will take note.
Speaking of those running against the president, Rick Santorum had a big day on Tuesday. He was the winner in the coveted southern states of Mississippi and Alabama keeping himself in the race. Mitt Romney won in Hawaii as Newt Gingrich was not victorious in any state yesterday. Many are urging Gingrich to drop out of the race as his chances of rebounding seem slim. Analysts predicted that Gingrich’s best chances resided in the south. Although the day was a disappointment for Romney, who is still struggling to gain the support of conservative voters, he did get 1/3 of the delegates yesterday maintaining a healthy lead in the race.
Super Tuesday filled with Highlights
While the NCAA tournament will begin later this month, another “March Madness” occurred yesterday. Super Tuesday was the largest vote to take place this year besides the actual presidential election. Ten states participated in the vote Tuesday which treated political junkies to a dramatic day and a guarantee that the race for the Republican nomination will continue.
Mitt Romney had a chance to place an almost insurmountable distance between him and Rick Santorum. Mr. Romney may not have ended the race but his 5 wins including the highly coveted Ohio, places him in great position to secure the nomination. Romney also won in Vermont, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Idaho while Santorum was victorious in North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Newt Gingrich won in Georgia, the state where he served in Congress and launched his political career, and the Alaska caucus takes two weeks to finish completely.
As the battle within the GOP waged on yesterday, there was another important news story that may have gotten lost during the frantic elections but was a big part of this Super Tuesday. Joe Biden was in Honduras to meet with many Central American leaders, including Felipe Calderon, the president of Mexico who has a firsthand look at the violence and Cartel power due in large to America’s drug policy. Calderon has already implied that the U.S. should consider a new approach as the violence in Mexico has escalated. Mr. Biden may get an earful from the struggling countries in the Central America region as they are looking for desperate help from the U.S, help that does not even need to cost money except for the paper and ink the reformed laws would be written on. Biden said on Monday that “there is no possibility” of the U.S. enacting legalization efforts. He then followed up by saying it would be worth discussing, which of course only adds to the confusion as to what the U.S. is willing to do to solve the problem.
Although the political process in the United States can often leave a bitter taste in our mouths, keeping up with current discussions and issues is still necessary in order to have any chance at reform. Besides Ron Paul (who appears to have little chance of securing the GOP nomination) every candidate including the president seems ready to battle with marijuana advocates and ignore the desperate need for economic and medical reform, all of which marijuana can provide. We hope the community makes it a goal to focus on the next Super Tuesday in 2016, where marijuana reform should be front and center or hopefully it will be an issue we have already moved past.
http://youtu.be/EQwrB1vu74c
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.
Is Roseanne the brand new Marijuana Candidate for Leader?
At marijuana.internet we attempt good to help keep visitors informed on political developments that may have an affect on patients/advocates. Periodically we’ve provided updates on Leader Obama and also the GOP candidates competing for that nomination. Names like Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Wealthy Santorum, and Ron Paul have been in existence the block several occasions. Another title can also be within the race for leader which candidate certainly an experienced of media coverage, but a rookie regarding the political spectrum.
Last August, Roseanne Barr introduced on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that they was planning to operate for leader from the U . s . States. The storyline has acquired momentum in recent days as she announced she’d legalize marijuana. To date it appears to become the focal problem of her campaign but she’s also layed out four other primary goals her presidency would aim to accomplish. Ms. Barr is running underneath the Eco-friendly Party. She’d also aim to eliminate corporate personhood, to “obliterate” the 2 party system, to institute “Economic Justice”, and also to buy foreign troops and employ the saved funds to assist fund a real single payer health care system for People in america. Click this link for additional particulars on her behalf political platform.
Lots of people who visit the polls within the U . s . States are single problem voters. Abortion, foreign wars, and health care have typically been single problems that have motivated voters to create their method to the polls. With your a sizable consensus of People in america seeking marijuana reform and government investing cutbacks, can marijuana be a new and enormous single voter problem? Conservatives and liberals are generally motivated by abortion laws and regulations. Exactly the same could be stated about immigration reform too. Even while Leader Obama and many running within the Republican primary have sprinted from talking about marijuana , the relaxation of the nation is participating in the conversation.
While marijuana reform might not have the ability to ring within the Roseanne Barr presidency, cannabis clearly has effectively fought its taboo status. Much talked about people appear to possess increasingly more security in with extreme changes to marijuana laws and regulations. Many experts feel Roseanne Barr is just attempting to use her public image to bring focus on the eco-friendly party. Ms. Barr is anticipated to operate against Jill Stein but has formerly been an advocate of Stein. Because of this many expect Roseanne Barr, ultimately get noticed to Jill Stein and also the Eco-friendly party, especially since obliterating the 2 party product is this type of high priority on her. What’s obvious, however, is when Roseanne Barr truly wishes to create a serious run for leader, she will have to perform some repairing of her loyal image. Take a look at Roseanne Barr Singing the nation’s anthem in 1990.
Victory for Romney in Florida, But could it be a Victory for Patients?
The GOP primaries have experienced intense debate and battles from the candidates. Prior to the process even started, Mitt Romney was considered both your hands lower front runner. When the process was going ahead the press was treated with a unforeseen surprises. First, Bachmann Wanted won the very first official event from the election campaign, the Ames Iowa Hay Poll. After that we had the fall and rise of Ron Perry and Herman Cain (due largely for their promoted mistakes).
Even while lately like a couple of days ago, Newt Gingrich might have been considered the leader for that GOP nomination, but his comments on The spanish language being “the word what from the ghetto” considered him lower in a condition having a large Hispanic population. Furthermore, Gingrich was without his best debate performances prior to the Florida election. He was removed message and elevated eye brows together with his comments regarding his desire to have a moon base. Although Gingrich still obtained well with individuals who connect themselves as “very conservative”, many voters were worried about the perception that he’s not really a viable candidate for any national election.
With Tuesday’s victory, Mitt Romney has clearly established themself because the leader. Mitt Romney cruised to victory by winning 46% from the election instead of Gingrich’s 32% (Ron Santorum finished 3rd with 13% and Ron Paul trailed within the 4th position with 7%) . Following a reduction in Sc lately, team Romney was charged with being too soft and experts predicted the former Governor will have to intensify his attacks on Newt Gingrich. This is just what happened as Romney considerably outspent the previous Speaker of the home through campaign contributions as well as with the aid of Super Pacs.
With patients already being disenfranchised with how Leader Obama has handled medicinal marijuana, many were wishing for any GOP candidate who’d enact true reform. While Ron Paul might be that candidate, his performances within the primaries appear to become losing momentum with every passing condition primary (a number of this really is because of his supposed racist news letters). Although an advocate of medicinal marijuana throughout the eighties, Newt Gingrich lately made very aggressive comments against medicinal marijuana as well as went so far as adoring Singapore’s criminal justice system (Singapore is renowned for its very violent and harsh legislation).
Mitt Romney has lengthy mentioned his opposition to medicinal marijuana. Reviews have resurfaced about him leaving without responding to questions from the motorized wheel chair bound patient struggling with muscular dystrophy who found relief with cannabis. Furthermore, battling patients won’t find encouragement using the statement Mitt Romney made yesterday. Within an interview with CNN’s Soledad O’brien, Mitt Romney mentioned he “was not worried about the poor.” He stated his focus was around the middle-class since the weakest within our nation “have a security net”. Many experts and patients question precisely what back-up he’s mentioning too. He clearly doesn’t have aim of marketing cheaper alternative treatment which may give a true back-up for America’s poor.
Santorum Surges at Iowa Caucus then Stalls with Marijuana Claims
Apparently from nowhere, presidential hopeful Ron Santorum has increased and set a scare a week ago into Mitt Romney together with his close second place finish in the Iowa Caucus. Mr. Santorum lost to Romney with a razor thin 8 votes as marijuana privileges supporter Ron Paul finished 3rd. Although Santorum will come up with his surprise surge sustainable with just as much media presence because he can, he found his distance to this news to have an altogether different reason.
Despite the fact that Santorum has formerly accepted to smoking marijuana attending college, he is a longtime opponent associated with a legalisation. He’s even known as for any pause and tuition aid for individuals who’ve smoked marijuana. However, Ron Santorum finds comments he earned a few days ago all around the news in a campaign visit the College Convention 2012 forum, organized by Colonial College. Inside a question and answer session having a Nh college crowd Santorum was booed heavily for many questionable solutions. One answer that didn’t sit well using the youthful crowd was Santorum’s reason why same sex marriage shouldn’t be permitted because he stated “If reason states that if you feel it’s Suitable for two, then you’ve to distinguish beside me why it isn’t Suitable for three.” Everyone else was equally displeased as you individual requested Santorum why the GOP supports condition privileges with the exception of the situation of medicinal marijuana. Santorum responded by saying “I have no idea my medicinal marijuana laws and regulations perfectly.” Everyone else wasn’t pleased with his answer and known as for any more in depth articulation of his point of view. Regrettably Mr. Santorum accompanied his statement with “I form that opinion from my very own existence encounters and getting encounters. I visited college, too,” apparently reluctant to elaborate further.
The campaign stop will certainly ‘t be a highlight for that Santorum campaign. However, his campaign shouldn’t to become taken gently. Some experts believe that Mitt Romney may ultimately secure the nomination, Santorum’s surge comes at any given time where conservatives happen to be very vocal regarding their displeasure with Mitt Romney like a conservative. Santorum has effectively colored themself like a obvious alternative for conservatives. Newt Gingrich attempted to make use of this method in the small rally too, but Santorum comes with an infinitely more powerful status if this involves conservative bread and butter issues for example family values.
By tonight the outcomes from the Nh primary will begin to trickle in. Although Santorum can always be considered a lengthy shot to win the 2012 Republican nomination, he will certainly make the floor slippery for Mitt Romney’s unsure footing towards the top of the hill. In 2008 Mitt Romney seemed to be the first favorite until John McCain increased and switched round his entire campaign. While Ron Santorum might not have the nation’s support that John McCain loved, he is able to certainly be considered a thorn within the side of Romney through the relaxation from the primaries. We ought to hear a great deal on condition privileges because this process plays out, just like the situation was using the Nh university students, we’re awaiting our political figures to develop a reason concerning the current condition of marijuana enforcement. That’s obviously unless of course you’re pleased with Mr. Santorum’s “I have no idea my medicinal marijuana laws and regulations perfectly,” statement.
 
Please Be Aware: Lately the votes were recalculated and Ron Santorum has become considered the Champion from the Iowa Caucus.
The Entire Year in Review
As you may know, 2011 would be a wild ride year for marijuana reform. While there have been much talked about occasions like the Federal raids in California and Montana, there have been also many positive developments. Allows recap the lengthy year:
 
We found that indoor marijuana growing accounts for approximately 1% from the U . s . States overall electric consumption. This interesting fact will hopefully cause us to become eco-friendly, about being eco-friendly. Get more information at more.
 
Medicinal Marijuana formally surpassed the A Million offered mark. What is the news was a watch opener for a lot of and shows that it’s no more a fringe group. Take a look at our previous coverage.
 
While claims were already available regarding marijuana’s benefits toward helping with Post traumatic stress disorder, official studies launched confirmed this. Because of so many soldiers yet others going through distressing occasions, what is the news was heralded. Take a look at our article about this problem.
 
Israel introduced that they are likely to significantly improve their medicinal marijuana program. The best minister’s office designed a statement we frantically are awaiting within the U . s . States, “The Cabinet today approved plans and supervision concerning the way to obtain cannabis for medical and research uses. This really is in recognition the medical utilization of cannabis is essential in some cases. The Ministry will – in coordination using the Israel Police and also the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee this and you’ll be accountable for supplies from imports and native cultivation.” Additional coverage.
 
This season provided us positive news regarding medicinal marijuana states visiting a significant decrease in DWI’s and overall traffic deaths. The entire year also demonstrated more teens are trying to find marijuana, but it’s a general trend and no greater in states with legalized medical cannabis. More the following.
 
Holland made the decision to outlaw marijuana sales to vacationers. They raided the still legal High Occasions Cannabis Cup. They postponed the brand new limited laws and regulations. Now they don’t appear sure. Was a fascinating year for Amsterdam as you would expect, we’re certainly confused.
In a lot of ways, Colorado demonstrated us that medicinal marijuana could be controlled, which condition government will really attempt to safeguard patients. Colorado released the very first ever condition license for medicinal marijuana.
 
New Approach Washington come up with the very best and many much talked about legal cast with former and current U.S. lawyers and idol judges, within their efforts to possess marijuana controlled like alcohol. Take a look at more
 
Delaware approved their medicinal marijuana program. Take a look at more about that.
 
Many states including New You are able to and Ohio have medicinal marijuana bills pending. Here’s more about pending states.
 
We discovered that marijuana use might help to combat weight problems and it is generally utilized by individuals with greater intelligence.
 
We’d quite an eventful political year for marijuana. Candidates expressed their sights on marijuana and Newt Gingrich stole the head lines together with his comments. Ron Paul supported his previous claims and Gary Manley, the so known as “marijuana candidate” was excluded from debates. Ron Paul also became a member of Barney Frank yet others by presenting legislation that will legitimize the with tax breaks for care providers and solid legal status.
 
2011 saw marijuana’s acceptance achieve its modern high water mark. Polls show roughly 50% of the nation is perfect for legalisation and as much as 85% support medicinal marijuana. Very couple of if any political issues come with an 85% consensus. Read this article.
Sadly, the unsuccessful fight against drugs switched 40 this year. A lot on the planet has transformed since that time, but Richard Nixon’s Fight Against Drugs remains a continuing.
 
Sythetic Marijuana put their hands up on everyone’s radar. 2011 saw many cities attempt to regulate the underground community, possibly not enough past too far.
Copenhagen made the decision they no more wanted a underground community for marijuana and required major steps toward legally controlling it. Take a look at our coverage.
 
Calls were noisy and obvious for any deleting of marijuana. Two prominent governors lead the charge.
 
Michigan citizens demonstrated they’d not buckle when confronted with the infamous anti-marijuana condition Attorney General, Bill Schuette. Not just did Kalamazoo voters make marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, they’re also on the road to voting on repealing marijuana prohibition.
 
Regrettably, California’s earliest dispensary, Marin Alliance For Medicinal Marijuana Closed it’s doorways.
 
We can’t wait to know what you think regarding your ideas regarding 2011. Leave us comments on these tales or make reference to highlights that didn’t appear here. Marijuana.internet is searching toward talking with you. Be safe while you celebrate 2012.
Ron Paul looking for U.S. Presidency and Reform
Using the Iowa Caucuses looking for in a few days, many begin to see the race for that Republican nomination like a two equine race. However, as Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich fight for that 2012 nomination, Ron Paul has silently been climbing within the polls. This frequently occur in primaries and without party support it appears likely Ron Paul will find it difficult to from the gap that separates him and also the two heavy players within the party.
Ron Paul likes his great amount of grassroots support, due actually largely to his fearlessness when confronted with tough issues. Mr. Paul has damaged away frequently using the rank and file of his party and the recent comments around the Fight against Medicine is exactly the same. Around the Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Mr. Paul referred to his sights on U.S. drug policy. Particularly he stated “The role of the us government would be to safeguard our protections. Which means they ought to safeguard our religious protections to complete what we should want our intellectual liberty, it should safeguard our to do in order to the body what we should want, you realize, what we should take into our physiques.” Leno responded by asking “even if it is dangerous?” Paul was by his comments and mentioned that government cannot safeguard us from ourselves. Many may go through the claims are extremely strong, it isn’t frequently we learn about a prominent lawmaker talking about how you can return privileges to folks.
The longtime supporter of medicinal marijuana and patient privileges might have newly found allies because the guy Ron Paul needs to operate against the coming year has had heavy critique from marijuana advocates. Ron Paul has loved a stable increase in the polls recently and lots of are predicting him either to have a very good showing or outright win tomorrow’s Iowa caucus. Regrettably for Mr. Paul the storyline of his old news letters has resurfaced. For political lovers, fundamental essentials same claims that dogged him in the past elections, including his not successful 2008 presidential campaign. One famous statement composed under his title was at reaction to the la rioting throughout the Rodney King incident. Paul or whomever made the claims under referred to the riots by saying “Order was just restored in L.A. if this came here we are at the shades of black to get their welfare inspections.” That’s a powerful statement and would prevent any candidate from winning a national election. Ron Paul cannot run out of this problem if he really wants to convince voters he didn’t result in the comments.
The storyline concerning the e-newsletter comes at any given time where Ron Paul was searching to get major momentum. However, his insufficient support in the GOP hierarchy could eventually end up being a level bigger hurdle. Additionally, there’ve previous those who win from the Iowa Caucuses who have been not able to take advantage of the momentum and win their party’s nomination. Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucus in 2008, but never was truly seen as an serious contender for that U.S. presidency. Other famous those who win from the caucus who ultimately didn’t receive party nomination include dems Dick Gephardt (1988) and Tom Harkin (who in 1992 would eventually miss out to Bill Clinton). Regardless of what happens Ron Paul will probably maintain his recognition inside the medicinal marijuana community.
Get more information at conservative systems copy from the Ron Paul News letters
Get more information at National Alemo’s copy from the Ron Paul News letters
Newt Gingrich Clear on Opposition to Medical Marijuana
Cult excitement often accompanies those who rail against the status quo. Maintaining one’s principles in the face of a disagreeing majority can be quite difficult. In politics, it seems that candidates often champion this idea. Then they can acquire nicknames like “maverick” and “cowboy” if voters are convinced they are not scared to take a hard stand. However, ignoring the wishes of the majority may not be a prudent choice when seeking public office.
Newt Gingrich has seen a rise in the polls lately as he attempts the long journey toward the United States presidency. Mr. Gingrich has used the reliable justification for his current stance on medical marijuana, the children. He was recently quoted as saying “What has changed was the number of parents I met with who said they did not want their children to get the signal from the government that it was acceptable behavior.” He also went on to call medical marijuana in California “a joke” and went even further to call medical marijuana a convenience. Thousands of patients would likely respond by saying there is nothing “convenient” about debilitating conditions that are relieved by marijuana. Gingrich also went on to say he was seeking stricter penalties for marijuana users and that he would like the government to take a more aggressive stance in marijuana enforcement. This obviously is in contrast with the rest of Americans and recent polls show approximately 80% of the country supports medical marijuana. Additionally, most of the GOP is seeking to reduce our nation’s debt and save money where possible. Directing additional tax dollars toward the war on drugs may be hard to sell to the American people.
Mr. Gingrich also went on to applaud Singapore’s harsh legal system. Such praise could result in a political backfire. Much of the world has pleaded for Singapore to alter their harsh stance on law enforcement. Under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act, marijuana possession of 500 grams requires use of the death penalty. In 1994 former President Bill Clinton tried to negotiate a lighter sentence for 18 year old American Michael Fay when he was convicted of vandalism while in Singapore. Fay received six bamboo cane strikes and served four months in jail. Gingrich has also recently said, in regards to Singapore that, “They’ve been very draconian. And they have communicated with great intention that they intend to stop drugs from coming into their country.” He also stated that he would execute members of the Mexican drug cartel. Members of the Mexican drug cartel certainly do not deserve any sympathy , but perhaps that violent line of thinking has not served our country well in the 40 year war on drugs. Instead of more gunfire many Americans now want to phase the cartel out by regulation and decriminalization, in turn making their function obsolete. Cartel members can still be tried in court and face whatever penalties are appropriate. Newt Gingrich’s recent comments on medical marijuana come as a surprise to many political analysts. During the 1980’s, he wrote a letter that supported the use of medical marijuana in the March 19, 1982 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The following paragraph is an exact quote from his letter and is in stark contrast with his recent statements:
“We believe licensed physicians are competent to employ marijuana, and patients have a right to obtain marijuana legally, under medical supervision, from a regulated source. The medical prohibition does not prevent seriously ill patients from employing marijuana; it simply deprives them of medical supervision and denies them access to a regulated medical substance. Physicians are often forced to choose between their ethical responsibilities to the patient and their legal liabilities to federal bureaucrats.” There does not seem to be any praise for draconian laws here and he certainly no mention of him viewing medical marijuana as a joke. Click here for the full letter
Newt Gingrich’s timing for his policy shifts is baffling. When the momentum for medical marijuana was very low he was supportive and now that the country overwhelmingly supports it he has changed his stance. The only comparable situation is the behavior of a child who is just trying to be difficult. Is Newt Gingrich just trying to gauge the American public and take the opposite stand? As a veteran of the American political landscape there must be some other reason. His behavior seems politically motivated and perhaps even strategic against Mitt Romney. Many believe that Mitt Romney will ultimately win the Republican nomination for 2012. However, former Governor Romney’s perceived weakness pertains to his popularity with ultra conservatives. Whatever the rationale is for his position change on medical marijuana, it is clear that part of his strategy is definitely aimed at painting Mitt Romney as too moderate. At a recent town hall meeting Mr. Gingrich went out of his way to mention that he was more conservative than Mitt Romney. The primaries usually see candidates reach to the far left or right wing in order to shore up support, then gradually inch their way back toward the middle of the political spectrum. Newt Gingrich may have to stand behind these harsh and possibly very unpopular views of medical marijuana. If that is the case many libertarians, economists, and independent voters may be turned off to his candidacy. Backing off these statements may not sit well with his conservative base, a group he may ultimately need on his journey toward the presidency.