we're going to cut $5 trillion out of our revenues, but don't worry about the deficit.
we're going to add $2 trillion on top of that for the military, but don't worry about the deficit.
we're going to give you all the things you like about obamacare, but we're going to gut the provision that pays for it. don't worry about health care costs.
don't worry guys. eat cake, lose weight, look great.
also, let's fight medical cannabis tooth and nail. you guys are all cool with marinol, yes?
So true. But what really caught my attention what your last line about "fighting medical cannabis tooth and nail". While President Obama has been.. let's say frustrating when it comes to medical marijuana, Romney's stance is just plain scary and should concern all of us here at RIU. Now here's the thing- You can say our President's justice department has carried out raids, just as when President Bush's D.O.J. did- But Romney's stance on medical marijuana (MM) is frightening and archaic. Hearing him speak about marijuana is like it was in the 80's when Reagan's "Drug Czar" (SIDE NOTE: The term czars were popular when P. Obama took office. In fact, one of the first "czars" were under the beloved Reagan administration. "Czars" as some people put it, have no power on law- They are simply heads of departments that can only council the President)-- Long side note sorry- Romney sounds like its 30 years ago when marijuana was considered this evil, gateway drug with all these terrifying side effects that's soon going to have our youth hooked. It would be funny if he was running for President- But he is, which should concern us all here.
As far as policy though- I remember, I think it was at a campaign stop in Colorado, when he was asked by a local news reporter on what he would do about medical marijuana- which I believe is on the ballot there this November. Instead of his usual answer of how dangerous it is and how he wouldn't be in favor of legalizing it he said something similar to "who cares about M.M.- I'm concerned with the economy. Now this is startling on many fronts. First there are patients relying on it. Next, he pandered because he didn't want to state his real feelings because of the likelihood of young, voters going to the polls in Colorado just to vote for M.M.... and lastly, perhaps most importantly- Marijuana laws ARE important to the economy. Why?? Because this country locks up so many people for marijuana- This not only ruins peoples lives, stigmatizes them, locks them up, disqualifies them for student aid, and more... But it also blows budgets out the water locally, state wide, and nationally. Local municipalities have to hire more police, more paper work, ect. State and county governments have to pay for jails and prisons- And with an ever so growing prison industrial complex (Which would be a great topic for a thread) it has terrible effects on fiscal budgets. So for Romney to say he is concerned with the economy and doesn't want to talk about MM is not only scary- but also misleading and contradicting.
Now I know what many of you all will say- Why vote for Obama if his D.O.J. is conducting raids? Well its a simple answer. He is in favor of MM and doesn't have such an archaic view, like Romney. But most importantly, he's not saying ban it, ban it like Romney. This at least gives room to work with! With Romney- He flat out says no. If you say you can, you can. If you say you can't, you can't.
Politically speaking... I think P. Obama's D.O.J. has conducted these raids for politics. To grab up independent and on the fencers that don't favor MM. If he wins there will be no third term to run for- so no more politics. Furthermore, in an interview with Rolling Stones a few months ago- I remember him hinting on a bigger push for MM in a second term.
So what do you all think? Was it disingenuous for Romney to answer the question about MM in Colorado like he did? And doesnt't marijuana laws have an economical effect, especially with a growing prison industrial complex? ............ Substantial Responses only.. Please!