We have precious little influence over our government. Our two-party system in the U.S. ensures that, at best, we have a “lesser of two evils” choice on voting day. It’s more choice than many humans have though. And people literally gave their lives so we would have that privilege. You’ve heard it all before. The bottom line is that it’s hard to care when you know from experience that those politicians are just going to disappoint.
So like a little kid who can’t have the candy he wants, will you pout and refuse anything at all? It’s still pretty cool to be able to pick even between two candidates. And there are definitely some choices to make this year. If you are in California, just the propositions alone are worth going to the polls. Prop 23 is sponsored by Texas oil companies and EVERYONE else is against it — a bald attempt to suspend clean air laws in California. You GOTTA vote NO on that.
And since this is The Plant Rant, I have to mention 19, right?!
Bottom line is that 19 is full of problems. And a lot of people I respect are voting against it. I just think they’re doing so for the wrong reasons. Marijuana is under a prohibition act, and that needs to be corrected on a global level. Passing prop 19 will carry this cause forward without a doubt. Never let it be said that our generation failed to move the cause forward because the necessary steps were less than ideal in the short term. Plus, if it doesn’t work out, we’ll get it on the ballot again and fix it. And in the meantime, other states will follow California’s lead.
So get out and vote. Please. Especially if you voted for President Obama and you’re feeling a bit jaded by politics and politicians. Me too. You can still make a difference.
NORML, as they have since the 70s, is leading the charge on political efforts in support of cannabis legalization. Here’s the latest that drew my attention. A good, no-nonsense endorsement from a career cop. Good stuff.
Yes On Prop. 19 Campaign Releases TV Advertisement
October 25th, 2010 By: Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director
The campaign to pass Proposition 19, the California ballot measure to legalize the private adult use and cultivation of cannabis, released a television ad today featuring former San Jose police chief Joseph McNamara, who makes a strong public safety case for ending the current prohibition laws.
Says McNamara in the ad (view below):”Let’s be honest: The war against marijuana has failed. I know from 35 years in law enforcement. Today, it’s easier for a teenager to buy pot than beer. Proposition 19 will tax and control marijuana just like alcohol. It will generate billions of dollars for local communities, allow police to focus on violent crimes, and put drug cartels out of business. Join me and many others in law enforcement. Vote YES on Proposition 19!”
McNamara served as San Jose’s chief of police for 15 years.
The ad begins airing on televisions stations throughout California, with a specific emphasis on southern California, tomorrow. (Interested parties who wish to donate to the ad campaign can do so by going here.)
McNamara also has a commentary on today’s Huffington Post, which you can read here:
[Excerpt] For 70 years, we have prohibited marijuana in this country, each day expecting different results. But as William F. Buckley once said: “Even if one takes every reefer madness allegation of the prohibitionists at face value, marijuana prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than marijuana ever could.”
We spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year arresting people for marijuana possession, sending them to trial, and incarcerating small-time offenders.
And yet, despite our war against it, marijuana is so freely available that anyone who wants it in California can get it.
… On my watch as police chief in San Jose, the city was named the safest large city in the country, despite having the fewest police per capita. That’s because we policed intelligently. And between smart policing and sound policy we can make our streets safe, instead of paying lip service to the failing war on marijuana.
California cannot afford to continue the same failed policies of the past. … That’s why I am asking you to join me and many others in law enforcement by voting YES on Proposition 19.
I enjoyed this great article from FDL. Apparently, the phone bank callers that are calling to get out the Prop 19 YES vote (voting for 21+ legalizing marijuana in California) are having an easy time of it. Not only are the people being called enthusiastic, they are CALLING BACK in appreciation and to show their support.
Prop 19 is FAR from perfect. I thought I would vote against it for months. But while it’s not ideal, it is a key step in the overall progress of this country (and most of the world) reversing prohibition. Let it never be said of our generation that we hindered this step because it might create some short term problems for us. The long-term effect will be that most of this country will legalize marijuana at least for medical use, hopefully within a generation. Prop 19 is a stepping stone on that path. It’s not as smooth as we’d like, but we need to take that step.
So I’m voting YES on 19 on November 2. I hope you will consider doing the same.
“Proposition 19 is a California ballot proposition which would legalize various marijuana-related activities. The latest polls show it at 51% approval, which would be just enough to get it passed, were it not for the following groups of people …
A large majority of California’s population cares for hippies about as much as Nixon (born there) Reagan (launched his political career there) and Harry Callahan (killed 30% of San Francisco’s population in the 70s).
Fortunately for people with Glaucoma, an overwhelming percentage of whom happen to be actor-waiters from the greater Los Angeles area, the state has managed its budget with the efficiency of a stoned teenager who wasn’t that bright to begin with. This is the major reason many non-pot smokers are backing the initiative. After all, marijuana is already Kentucky’s second largest cash crop, a fact the “Yes on 19″ crowd would probably bring up a lot more if sadness and NASCAR beer koozies weren’t third and forth.
So with the odds stacked against the pot heads, how do you turn the tide against the stick-in-the-muds who don’t want marijuana to be legal? Remind them of 3 simple things that will change if marijuana is decriminalized:
1) It will free up the cops, the courts, and the jails of having to deal with people who’s only real crime is having too many episodes of SpongeBob on the TiVo.
2) Once it’s legal, it can be taxed, and 57.7% of California’s budget is spent on education. So all those burn outs blazing one up on thier couch would now be helping the children.
3) The most compelling argument…if you legalize marijuana, Michael Phelps is a hero again!” TimBabbComedian is a Stand-up Comic, Podcaster, & Full-time Failure. Check him out at TANcast.com/tim
Found this good article summarizing one opinion on how legalizing pot in California might impact prices and the state’s bottom line. I’ve heard estimates that it would bring in over $2B in revenues to the state, which has about a $19B deficit currently. These findings say $1.4B.
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