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war on drugs

Presidential Debate On Foreign Policy Omits International War on Drugs

3rd debate

Last night millions of Americans tuned in for the 3rd and final debate of the 2012 presidential election.  The event was less tense than the last week’s town hall debate which the saw the candidates create an uncomfortable atmosphere.  Perhaps surprisingly, the attack on the American Consulate in Libya was only briefly mentioned.  The candidates did engage on some important international issues regarding Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan.  However noticeably missing was much of any conversation on our South American neighbors.

The war on drugs is foreign policy area that has a much more direct impact on the lives of daily Americans.  Violence over drug trafficking is out of control and the Cartels have now infiltrated and have a presence in several states including Arizona and Utah.  Additionally, U.S. authorities have found underground tunnels complete with railcars that have been constructed by the Cartels that run between San Diego and Tijuana.  This foreign threat could not be hitting closer to home and there has been almost no mention of the war on drugs on the national stage last night.

Failure to alter the failed course of the war on drugs has now become a decades long blunder.  By electing to ignore the problem, tens of thousands have died in only a few year span.  Additionally, our borders have become less secure.  It is honorable that the United States is compelled to help the civilians in the Middle East, but we should not forget some of our closest allies both geographically and culturally who live in Mexico, Central America, and South America.  Failure to act and amend our laws has also cost the United States money through incarcerations and court expenses while also diverting police resources from other issues.

Instead of using the last best chance to talk directly to the American people about a range of crucial foreign policy issues, the two candidates seemed satisfied by sampling falling back on their domestic economic talking points during last night’s debate.  There was no mention of the European Debt Crisis, only a whisper regarding Greece’s financial meltdown, and of course the violence only miles from our border.  If violence, money, and the security of this nation are important to whoever lives in the White House in January, the War On Drugs cannot afford to be an ignored issue.

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Discussion on Racial Inequality and The War on Drugs

war on drugs

Many of the marijuana decriminalization and legalization efforts have found support due in large part to the demographics of those jailed for drug charges.  Even though more whites use marijuana, they are far less likely to be incarcerated for it.  Additionally, even as have been groomed to assume that crack is a “black” problem, a discussion on the popular Current TV show, The Young Turks, crack use by African Americans only accounts for 13% of overall use.  That stat is very similar to the overall African American population.  Below is a video from “The Young Turks” highlighting many compelling issues in the failed War on Drugs.

 

Click here for more info

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Surprising Casualties in War on Drugs

search and rescue

We often speak of the ongoing “War on Drugs” and all of the casualties associated with it.  Typically, most are referring to those who are murdered in Mexico as a result.  We at marijuana.net also speak of the victims in the United States which include non violent incarcerations, families ripped apart, violence associated with gangs, and the jobs and tax revenues lost from our failed policy.  Unfortunately, we recently learned of a new tragedy associated with marijuana laws.  In Pueblo County, Colorado, two men were searching for illegal marijuana grows by airplane.  Sheriff’s Captain Leide DeFusco and former Police Captain  John Barger crashed in a plane while searching for the illegal grows.  John Barger was reportedly a flying enthusiast and was piloting the aircraft.  Many locals volunteered in the search for the two men.  The incident is devastating.  The two men were doing what they have been trained to do and we hope in the future such risk will not be necessary.  Hopefully illegal grows will dissipate and regulation will take it’s place.  Marijuana.net extends our condolences to the family and friends of bothy Captain Leide DeFusco and Captain John Barger.

 

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Surprising Casualties in War on Drugs

search and rescue

We often speak of the ongoing “War on Drugs” and all of the casualties associated with it.  Typically, most are referring to those who are murdered in Mexico as a result.  We at marijuana.net also speak of the victims in the United States which include non violent incarcerations, families ripped apart, violence associated with gangs, and the jobs and tax revenues lost from our failed policy.  Unfortunately, we recently learned of a new tragedy associated with marijuana laws.  In Pueblo County, Colorado, two men were searching for illegal marijuana grows by airplane.  Sheriff’s Captain Leide DeFusco and former Police Captain  John Barger crashed in a plane while searching for the illegal grows.  John Barger was reportedly a flying enthusiast and was piloting the aircraft.  Many locals volunteered in the search for the two men.  The incident is devastating.  The two men were doing what they have been trained to do and we hope in the future such risk will not be necessary.  Hopefully illegal grows will dissipate and regulation will take it’s place.  Marijuana.net extends our condolences to the family and friends of bothy Captain Leide DeFusco and Captain John Barger.

 

For more on this story click here

 

For more on this story click here

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Where the Candidates Stand

president logo

The race for the American presidency has entered the period that can best be described as the calm before the storm.   The candidates may be sniping at each other through the media, but otherwise we are in a lull waiting for the Republican candidate Mitt Romney to announce his running mate and the upcoming national conventions.  However, before the race kicks into high gear we thought we would provide updates on the candidates and their plans marijuana reform.

Barack Obama:

The current president of the United States has upset many of his previous supporters by taking an unexpected harsh approach toward medical marijuana.  Many federal raids have been conducted with letters and threats for more to come being sent out.  The president has stayed mostly quiet about the war and drugs and it seems to be an inconvenient thorn in his side.  Many are wondering if a second Barack Obama term would see a different approach.  Many South and Central American nations have and are considering legalization/decriminalization measures as a way to try and reduce escalating violence by the cartels.  Recently the president has said they are not going to legalize anytime soon but that he would be open to a discussion on the issue.  Nancy Pelosi had recently signaled that there may be more movement on the issue after the election.

Mitt Romney:

Governor Romney  has never supported medical marijuana (unless he has changed this view somewhere along the line) and does not appear inclined to start anytime soon.  He famously walked away from a suffering man in a wheelchair who questioned the governor about medical cannabis.  In a campaign stop on Colorado several months ago Mr. Romney was questioned about medical marijuana and he responded by asking if anyone wanted to discuss any “real” issues.  Patients in Colorado were not pleased that Mr. Romney would not engage the issue and for those who are sick, the issue is all too real for them everyday.  The campaign has been rough for the former governor lately, as his recent trip oversees was marred with controversy over his comments regarding Israel and Palestine, and his statement that London was not ready to hold the Olympics.

Gary Johnson:

Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson now serves as the flag bearer for marijuana reform on the presidential stage.  While his chances of winning the White House may be slim, he is bringing a great deal of attention to the issue.  The popular libertarian has polled as high as 8% nationally, which is a very high number for a third party candidate.  His running mate is also a very well known advocate of marijuana reform and a former justice of the peace.  Gary Johnson is trying to be included in the presidential debates, which would likely bring the issue to the forefront and prevent Barack Obama and Mitt Romney from sidestepping the issue.

Roseanne Barr:

The comedian and former television star has thrown her hat into the race. Similar to Governor Johnson, she has made marijuana reform one of her primary core issues.  Recently she appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman and said they would have to pry a joint “out of her cold dead fingers”, an obvious parody to the late Charlton Heston and similar remarks he made regarding gun rights.  Many have questioned if Roseanne is serious about a White House run, but so far she appears to be staying in the race.

The 2012 election appears to be heading down a historic path.  It is unclear if marijuana reform will receive the attention it deserves but the time for dodging the questions seem to be running out.  The war on drugs has long failed, and taxpayers have grown tired of watching their hard earned dollars be wasted during a time where we could put the money to better use.  Check back with us as the race for the White House starts to heat up.

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Ohio Teen Highlights the Tragedy of Inaction

political inactionHistory credits alcohol prohibition with giving way for the rise of the American mob.  The aftermath of marijuana prohibition is eerily similar with cartels dictating Mexican politics. Unfortunately the situation for our southern neighbors is even more out of control as governments in Central and South America are unable to end the extreme violence.  The …continue reading

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Confusion in New Jersey Continues To Leave Residents Scratching Their Heads

scratching head picWe at marijuana.net have spoken at length about all of the exciting news regarding national marijuana reform.  We have also discussed the bureaucratic delays that have frustrated patients and activists, especially as no plausible explanation is provided for all the red tape.  Again we find ourselves talking about New Jersey. Yesterday we posted an article …continue reading

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Chris Christie’s Mixed Message on Compassion

christieDuring a recent speech at the Brookings Institution Chris Christie made statements that called for an end to the war on drugs.  In fact he called it a failure and even referenced his pro-life views.  At one point during the speech he said “If you’re pro-life, as I am, you can’t be pro-life just in …continue reading

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Medical Marijuana Industry News June 8, 2012

dean skelos

Dean Skelos and NY Republicans Oppose Governor’s Decriminalization Plan

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo made national headlines earlier this week when he announced that he was seeking to amend New York’s marijuana laws.  Though marijuana was decriminalized in the 1970s, possession of less than 25g is still a misdemeanor crime if it is in plain sight.  Police officers  often exploit a loophole by demanding that that people empty their pockets, then say the marijuana is in plain site, eliminating the possibility of the lighter civil citation ticket that would be issued.  Many New Yorkers have been outraged at the tactics that seem to target the Black and Hispanic communities.  Cuomo has expressed a desire to change the eliminate the plain sight provision and now only smoking marijuana in public would be considered a misdemeanor offense.  State Senate Majority leader Dean Skelos was joined by other New York Republicans in opposition to Cuomo’s proposal.  The Senator issued a well thought out statement and said “Being able to just walk around with 10 joints in each ear, and it only be a violation, I think that’s wrong.”  John Vlasto, Governor Cuomo’s spokesperson responded by saying “Carrying 10 joints in each ear would require some set of ears.”  Mr. Skelos did say that those keeping small amounts of marijuana should not be penalized just because they were following a policeman’s orders.

 

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Prescription Drug Abuse has become an Epidemic…

Though opiates are legal through pharmaceuticals pills, they pose a major addiction problem.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently stated that opiate addiction has become an epidemic in the United States.  Additionally, many feel that painkiller addiction is so high that a recent crackdown in opiate pills has pushed addicts to seek out illegal heroin because it contains the similar opiates found in products such as Vicodin and Oxycontin.  While this may be news to some, marijuana advocates and patients have long been aware of the dangers that many legal medications possess.

 

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New Hampshire Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Bill…

New Hampshire lawmakers are attempting to make their state become the 18th state to permit medical marijuana.  This week they passed a bill that would make that happen, but many feel Governor John Lynch will not sign the bill due to fears of how it will be distributed.  In 2009 a similar scenario occurred where lawmakers passed a bill only to be vetoed by the Governor.  An override of the veto fell two votes short and state legislators fear that could happen again.  Evalyn Merrick, a state representative who attributes marijuana with helping her personal fight with cancer said “Over the years, we have convinced many legislators to support this critical reform, With support either from Gov. Lynch or from two additional senators, this bill can finally pass and patients will finally have legal access to medical marijuana.”


For more on this story click on this link

 

Marijuana Advocate and Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson Appears on the Daily Show…

Getting your fair share of the political spotlight is not always easy if you are a third party candidate.  However, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has been doing well in getting his libertarian message out there.  Johnson is known for supporting progressive social issues such as same sex marriage and marijuana legalization.  This week he appeared on “The Daily Show” to talk about his approach to fixing America.  He has also been featured several times on “The Colbert Report”.  As always he was not shy about calling for an end to the failed war on drugs and continues to be an advocate of small government.

Click on the video below to see the interview

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c
Gary Johnson
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog The Daily Show on Facebook

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Poll: Marijuana Legalization is now Supported by Majority of Americans

american flag

While the past decade has seen a tremendous shift in the American attitude toward medical marijuana, overall legalization was something many analysts did not expect the country to embrace just yet.  In regards to marijuana, many have always felt change would come slowly.  For the activists in the 1940s through the mid 1990s, progress moved at a glacial pace.  Even after California changed the course of history in 1996, many analysts dismissed the newly legalized medical marijuana program as a fad that would quickly fade.  The previous decade proved just how far removed from the truth such sentiments were, but still, even some of the most passionate advocates held little faith in how quick Americans would change their view on legalizing recreational cannabis use.

Gallop has been asking participants since 1969 year on whether or not they feel that marijuana should be legal.  When the poll was first conducted only 12% of respondents agreed with legalizing cannabis.  In 1978 Gallop found that 21% of respondents said they welcomed the acceptance of marijuana.  This would drop again in the 1980s to 13% and as low as 11% in 1991.  History will show that the efforts of Dennis Peron only 5 years after such a low point for marijuana acceptance was nothing short of a modern political miracle.  The public did not have all of the facts and many snickered at the idea of  marijuana being used to improve quality of life for struggling patients.  Since 2002, support for marijuana legalization has steadily been climbing, and now for the first since polling began, a majority of Americans now support legalizing recreational marijuana use and wish to see it regulated in a similar way to alcohol and tobacco.  Click here for more information on the most recent poll on marijuana legalization, which now stands at a record high of 56%.

Much of the time marijuana activists focus has been on the 40 year old war on drugs launched by President Richard Nixon.  Interestingly enough marijuana acceptance’s lowest point was only about 20 years ago, not 40 or 50 years ago, making the change in sentiment that much more pronounced.  Shifts on many social issues show a new generation’s impact on the electorate and more awareness for previously eligible voters.  It seems government officials may have overreached as people seem to be embracing a more libertarian attitude and are seeking for the government to stay out of personal decisions.  They are no longer looking up to the men in suits for approval on how they conduct their daily lives.  Additionally we are in the age of communication where stories can be shared around the world instantaneously.

Between the 1960s and 1990s individuals who tried marijuana still responded negatively in polls and viewed it as a significant problem.  Perhaps they were made to feel guilty by society or assumed serious behavior/health problems would follow if they had continued to use cannabis.  Now with an abundance of scientific information, patients testimonials, and a reminder that over 40 years later, the Woodstock generation still cannot recall anyone who died from cannabis use, the facts are taking control of the argument.  With multigenerational support for marijuana reform the conversation has shifted from “if” to “when”.

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