Why is Ron Paul the only Republican sponsoring the marijuana bill?

[vab0914]

As for the timing argument, this is a civil liberty issue which, if placed on the back burner, only causes more pain.
The faster the federal government backs off, the sooner states will have the rights in their hands, the less money will be thrown away on DEA raids, and the more money will be directed towards those other issues of greater importance.

 

[Southron]

Probably most Republicans don't believe in legalizing marijuana, and the others want to get reelected.

 

[Rfalcon51]

How much of the federal drug war dollars go to combating marijuana usage? It is a fiscal issue too.

 

[malkusm]

I think it's best to choose your battles. I think there are a few more pressing issues to deal with right now than decriminalizing pot.

I agree with the bill's intent, but I sure do question its timing.

Right. I think Amash and a few others would support the bill, but there's no reason to be outspoken about it when it's something that the constituents in his district are mostly against -- especially considering the fact that he's being targeted in the Michigan redistricting plan. The bill is likely not going to come to a vote on the House floor, so he won't have to be on record with it. It's smart politics, which is the same reason people here expressed concern that Ron sponsored the bill in the middle of the Republican primary.

 

[pcosmar]

Right. I think Amash and a few others would support the bill, but there's no reason to be outspoken about it when it's something that the constituents in his district are mostly against -- especially considering the fact that he's being targeted in the Michigan redistricting plan. The bill is likely not going to come to a vote on the House floor, so he won't have to be on record with it. It's smart politics, which is the same reason people here expressed concern that Ron sponsored the bill in the middle of the Republican primary.

Michigan just legalized medical Marijuana. It passed in traditionally Conservative areas.
Where do you get the idea that his constituents would be against it?
I am not in his area, I'm much farther north. Legalized Hemp farming would be a HUGE boost for the UP that has NO industry at all.
Both in a valuable crop that would grow in this area, and in industries that would grow around it.

Not supporting it makes NO sense.

 

[tpreitzel]

Simple. Ron has to overcome the timidity of fear over controversial issues by appealing to the hope of a better life. Ron must, MUST become a better salesman of his ideas and TIMING is important in sales. Not all salesmen are purveyors of crap.

 

[malkusm]

Michigan just legalized medical Marijuana. It passed in traditionally Conservative areas.
Where do you get the idea that his constituents would be against it?
I am not in his area, I'm much farther north. Legalized Hemp farming would be a HUGE boost for the UP that has NO industry at all.
Both in a valuable crop that would grow in this area, and in industries that would grow around it.

Not supporting it makes NO sense.

Medicinal marijuana is a very different issue from completely legalizing at the Federal level. I'd be interested to see what the support was like in his area, but the Grand Rapids area is a pretty traditional GOP stronghold. Anyway, I agree with what's been said in here -- you have to pick your battles as a member of Congress. Ron knows that he's safe in re-election and can take stands like this on principle whenever he wants. Most Congressmen (especially freshmen who are being redistricted into a much less favorable voting block) do not have that luxury.

As I said, I can almost guarantee you that Amash would vote for the bill if it came to the House floor, on Constitutional grounds. His voting record sufficiently shows that....

 

[VBRonPaulFan]

Where do you get the idea that his constituents would be against it?

You must not talk to many republicans, because 99% of the time i'm debating for decriminilization/legalization at the federal level, and they're saying how ridiculous that is and how drugs should be illegal.

And you're right, not supporting decriminilization makes no sense. But the republican argument isn't based on logic. It's based on emotion and thinking about how terrible drugs could destroy your children's lives if they got hooked on it, without realizing that the parent themselves have the power to keep that from happening. The war on drugs propaganda has been in full swing for quite some time, and has definitely worked in brainwashing most republicans.

 

[pcosmar]

You must not talk to many republicans, because 99% of the time i'm debating for decriminilization/legalization at the federal level, and they're saying how ridiculous that is and how drugs should be illegal.

And you're right, not supporting decriminilization makes no sense. But the republican argument isn't based on logic. It's based on emotion and thinking about how terrible drugs could destroy your children's lives if they got hooked on it, without realizing that the parent themselves have the power to keep that from happening. The war on drugs propaganda has been in full swing for quite some time, and has definitely worked in brainwashing most republicans.

Actually I do. And Christian Conservatives at that. Discussions at my dinner table with the Pastor of my local Church.
Yes, there are some that are still stuck in old propaganda, and a few that are just Authoritarians.
The Authoritarians will never believe in or support Liberty. It is contrary to everything they are.
But they really are few. We need to just drown out their voices.

 

[amy31416]

Actually I do. And Christian Conservatives at that. Discussions at my dinner table with the Pastor of my local Church.
Yes, there are some that are still stuck in old propaganda, and a few that are just Authoritarians.
The Authoritarians will never believe in or support Liberty. It is contrary to everything they are.
But they really are few. We need to just drown out their voices.

My mother was a stereotypical Republican, and she was open to Medical (and recreational) marijuana. She never smoked the stuff, but I don't know that it's that big of a deal anymore.

 

[johnrocks]

It normally comes down to two things; balls and backbone; he may not "look" the part but Paul has both and he's proven that a multitude of times over his political and public career.

 

[LibertyEagle]

This bill doesn't give up control, it increases control at the state level. You know all limited government, states rights and all that jazz that the tea party is supposed to support.

Excellent point.

 

[angelatc]

I appreciate the spirit of the bill, but could the timing possibly be any worse? He's trying to win the GOP nomination, and we all know this bill isn't going anywhere. This is the type of thing that will keep him out of the White House.

 

[acptulsa]

I appreciate the spirit of the bill, but could the timing possibly be any worse? He's trying to win the GOP nomination, and we all know this bill isn't going anywhere. This is the type of thing that will keep him out of the White House.

You could easily be right. But then again, this is the kind of thing that could also energize normally apathetic young people who are sick of Prohibition. Which is probably why it's flying below the MSM's radar.

I guess whether it does more good or harm depends upon us.

 

[angelatc]

You could easily be right. But then again, this is the kind of thing that could also energize normally apathetic young people who are sick of Prohibition. Which is probably why it's flying below the MSM's radar.

I guess whether it does more good or harm depends upon us.

If those young people were registered Republicans who voted in the primary, it might work. But they aren't, and they won't. In the general, I would agree that this could be worth a gamble. But not in the primary.

 

[A Son of Liberty]

I guess whether it does more good or harm depends upon us.

qft

Edit to add: My guess as to why Dr. Paul is the only Republican sponsor: to make LE's head esplode. :lol:

 

[newyearsrevolution08]

I think it just shows how stupid our old people are in this country.

Alcohol and tobacco kill people

maybe if marijuana actually killed people it would be worthwhile to become legal because then the government can tell us how bad they are mmmkay.

 

[KCIndy]

You could easily be right. But then again, this is the kind of thing that could also energize normally apathetic young people who are sick of Prohibition. Which is probably why it's flying below the MSM's radar.

I hope you're right. But if they're truly energized by the issue, they had damn well better get off their asses and go register and vote. The 18 - 25 year old demographic consistently ranks at the bottom of the list in terms of voter turnout. Those with the highest turnouts? Retirees and seniors, most of whom have ingested a lifetime of anti-drug propaganda and whose number one driving issue is whether they'll be seeing cuts in their Social Security and Medicare entitlements.

 

[angelatc]

I hope you're right. But if they're truly energized by the issue, they had damn well better get off their asses and go register and vote. The 18 - 25 year old demographic consistently ranks at the bottom of the list in terms of voter turnout. Those with the highest turnouts? Retirees and seniors, most of whom have ingested a lifetime of anti-drug propaganda and whose number one driving issue is whether they'll be seeing cuts in their Social Security and Medicare entitlements.

Hmmm - Maybe Ron should be trying to get medical mj paid for by the Medicare prescription drug plan. (Relax people - it's a joke! We all realize that the constitution doesn't say that other people should pay for your pot.)

 

[KCIndy]

Hmmm - Maybe Ron should be trying to get medical mj paid for by the Medicare prescription drug plan. (Relax people - it's a joke! We all realize that the constitution doesn't say that other people should pay for your pot.)

Actually.... ?

Yeah, I know it would be unconstitutional, but it would be interesting to see how a bill would be received that suggested legalizing marijuana and using the taxes from its sale to pay for the Medicare shortfall.

I hate taxes in any form, but I would rather see the stuff legalized and taxed like alcohol than keep putting up with the current mess.