boardwalk empire
Colorado Governor Accused of Gang Mentality
The gang mentality of protecting your turf and merchandise is not a new concept, it may even be one of our oldest social norms. The idea has been well represented in movies and shows such as The Godfather, Goodfellas, New Jack City, The Wire, and Boardwalk Empire. Corporations in the real world, use lobbyists and economic leverage to accomplish similar goals. However, even if this sounds naïve, we are supposed to expect that our elected officials would refrain from these types of turf wars.
Governor John Hickenlooper of Colorado has actually been accused of operating like a “Drug Dealer Protecting his Turf” in an article appearing on heraldnet.com. The Governor recently made statements against Colorado voters possibly legalizing marijuana in November. Despite a solid majority support for legalization in the polls, he recently said “detracting from efforts to make Colorado the healthiest state” and for “sending the wrong message to kids.” The statement is odd for several reasons. For one, while politicians are not accustomed too (by the looks of how many ballot initiatives are out there they would be well served to get used to it quickly) the people’s voices being accounted for, it may be unwise to lecture and condescend to the electorate. Children are always put in the middle by those defending failed marijuana policy, but does the Governor truly think the majority of his state are terrible and selfish parents who never took their children into consideration? Second, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has addressed this for months by making concerned parents a significant part of their message. However, these parents actually WANT a regulated system so they can ensure it stays out of their children’s hands. The current and illegal/unregulated street vendor system can offer such protection.
Another reason why Governor Hickenlooper’s statements are out of place have to do simply with his choice of drugs. The Heraldnet article makes the “Drug Dealer” comparison because Mr. Hickenlooper is an avid brewer of beer. In fact he proudly has said “I’m the first brewer who’s ever been a governor.” When talking about tasty hops and barley the Governor seemed to have no issue with children’s health even as alcohol results in far more fatal car crashes, weight gain, and addiction. Additionally, we have to ask ourselves exactly how try to keep alcohol out of children’s hands. Instead of ignoring it, we as a nation have decided it would be a better idea to regulate, check identification to purchase, and even tax alcohol sales. However, if the Governor does not agree, is he merely protecting himself, and his turf as the facts betray his statements?
Politicians should have seen the writing on the wall and come up with new talking points years ago. The will of the people trumps any political rhetoric the Governor may recite. Challenging the people on a consensus issue seems to be a very nearsighted action. We truly live in a republic, so when the people get to participate in legislation directly, it is the most pure form of democracy offered in The United States, easily nullifying the contradictory statements of one lone Governor.
New Jersey Lawmakers Consider Decriminalization Efforts
Yesterday, marijuana.net reported the developing story in New York pertaining to medical marijuana. It appeared that New York may in fact be following the lead of its neighboring states New Jersey and Connecticut. Now it appears, that New Jersey may be playing copycat with New York when it comes to marijuana decriminalization efforts.
We have frequently mentioned all of the momentum in the northeast for marijuana reform. Fortunately, there have been constant and positive updates for advocates of reform. Yesterday several news outlets reported that some New Jersey lawmakers are proposing legislation that would decriminalize low level marijuana possession. Currently, 50 grams or less can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The proposed measure would penalize marijuana possession similar to how New York does, with a civil citation ticket. This helps to ensure that a small level marijuana possession charge would not have an impact on the rest of a person’s life.
The newly proposed law comes at a time where New Jersey, like every state, could benefit substantially from the savings decriminalization efforts provide. Jails are filled with those incarcerated for possessing a harmless plant as tax revenues can certainly be better used elsewhere. As the popular HBO show depicts, New Jersey knows firsthand the long term damage that prohibition can have. Alcohol prohibition launched a crime syndicate on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Now the potential for crime and large scale distribution of another banned substance is hurting New Jersey again. However, it is the youth, specifically in the minority community where the ultimate price will be paid. So many futures are ripped away by a frivolous charge for possessing a small amount of marijuana.
Although the entire west coast has legalized medical marijuana, new developments in the northeast seem to be making the region emerge as a safe haven for patients. Northeast states also seem to be considering a change of heart when it comes to jailing its youth. Even New York City’s controversial “stop and frisk” program has come under fire. With medical marijuana on the horizon and the possibility for decriminalization efforts, New Jersey is poised to become one of the most progressives areas for marijuana reform. However, no one is certain as to how Governor Christie will react to a decriminalization bill as he has demonstrated his opposition to the states medical marijuana program previously. However, as residents of the garden state grow weary from watching their loved ones suffer, their children going to prison, and their hard earned tax dollars being wasted, the Governor’s hand may be forced. It may be time for New Jersey to utilize a new approach as they can ill afford another Boardwalk Empire.