NORML needs some enlightening...

[runderwo]

Hi,

I've actually met Allen, and he is quite a decent and pleasant fellow. And let me assure you that a NORML conference is quite open and proud about being part and parcel of the whole freedom movement. Allen used this phrase several times in his keynote speech last year.

Please understand that NORML has the name recognition that would work against us. NORML is not exactly a group with mainstream appeal here, even though a good chunk of the population is familiar with it. Of course, the reasons for NORML not being appealing are totally wrong, but I think an endorsement would harm more than help at this time.

The marijuana conneisseurs that I know spread the word to their friends through word of mouth. They don't tell this to the usual Republican types that make up the vast majority of likely primary voters -- unless that individual has already given up on the drug war strategy as the correct approach to controlling the harms of drug abuse. They have to be divested of the drug war mentality before a NORML endorsement would help more than harm Dr. Paul's image to them.

 

[Goldwater Conservative]

Well the quote says "major" candidates, and RP has been showing pretty dismally in the elections so far. If he runs independent and starts pulling Perot-like numbers, people will take him more seriously.

He isn't a John Cox or a Mike Gravel, and definitely not one of the dozens of other "also rans." He's pulled a pair of second place finishes and continuously outperformed two major candidates, before they dropped out. It's not like there are so many candidates left that it would deprive any of much-needed coverage.

Anyway, if Paul is going to get flack from prohibitionist, nanny state Republicans for his position on the drug war, he might as well also get the few benefits he can for it.

 

[s35wf]

He isn't a John Cox or a Mike Gravel, and definitely not one of the dozens of other "also rans." He's pulled a pair of second place finishes and continuously outperformed two major candidates, before they dropped out. It's not like there are so many candidates left that it would deprive any of much-needed coverage.

Anyway, if Paul is going to get flack from prohibitionist, nanny state Republicans for his position on the drug war, he might as well also get the few benefits he can for it.

I would think that NORML's endorsement would/could help us tremendously especially in large states like CA & NY. The fact that obama is now reconsidering his"decrim" stance; certainly would NOT help him with the younger minority voters imho

 

[Gadsdenfly]

I've been bugging NORML for years to pay attention to libertarian candidates. They always seem to talk about the latest Democrat. They were pro-Clinton. Clinton increased marijuana interdiction dramatically. Still does not hurt to inform them.

 

[tamor]

Thanks, Hillertexas for the post

 

[CurtisLow]

email sent out to Norml / done

 

[UKLooney]

Doctor Paul For Medical Marijuana

http://youtube.com/watch?v=I03RYoa5qKk

 

[Neomatrix]

Maybe if Ron Paul decriminalized marijuana, then NORML would have nothing left to do. Kind of like moonshiners giving money to churches to continue prohibition so the money would still come their way. Or like Auto Repair Shops lobby for Insurance Industry to pass laws to keep you out of the mechanics bay while your car is being repaired, but can blame insurance co.

 

[NeoRayden]

I worked with NORML for a few years and am still a member but I would not support obama to save my life. I am also a member of the MPP but that does not mean that I like the way either group is taking this issue to the states. They need to make alot of changes if they are going to succeed on a wide scale.

I do not think it was ment as an endorsement. Ron Paul has always stated that he is for the deregulation of marijuana. He stated this in a You Tube video that I saw and him and I also discussed this privatly a few years ago in TX.

 

[Goldwater Conservative]

Maybe if Ron Paul decriminalized marijuana, then NORML would have nothing left to do. Kind of like moonshiners giving money to churches to continue prohibition so the money would still come their way. Or like Auto Repair Shops lobby for Insurance Industry to pass laws to keep you out of the mechanics bay while your car is being repaired, but can blame insurance co.

Same reason drug lords want the war on drugs to continue. Their obscene profits would disappear.