Obama administration hazy on marijuana policy
The president has displayed remarkable political acuity in his dismissal of the legalization of marijuana as ridiculous, while leaving the issue open for later debate.
Taimur Gibson
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Opinion
So when Obama was confronted with a question as controversial as one regarding drug laws, what other acceptable response could he have given? The Republicans are recalcitrant enough as it is. If Obama had seemed at all sympathetic to the drug-law reform, the Republicans would probably be even less cooperative toward any of his future plans.
Furthermore, the subject is controversial enough with the American people that seeming sympathetic to legalization would seriously jeopardize Obama's chances of reelection. Finally, the president has much more important issues to worry about at the present moment.
Notice his wording: Obama speaks only of the economy. He says nothing of medical or social benefits. Were he unilaterally opposed to legalization, he definitely would have addressed those areas. By answering the question the way he did, Obama left himself open to future reform without having to go back on his word.
So what was the only possible response? Reduce the question to ridiculousness. Make it a joke. Laugh at it. Which is exactly what he did.
Taimur Gibson is a freshman IR major who sees through the purple haze of politicking.
Furthermore, the subject is controversial enough with the American people that seeming sympathetic to legalization would seriously jeopardize Obama's chances of reelection. Finally, the president has much more important issues to worry about at the present moment.
Notice his wording: Obama speaks only of the economy. He says nothing of medical or social benefits. Were he unilaterally opposed to legalization, he definitely would have addressed those areas. By answering the question the way he did, Obama left himself open to future reform without having to go back on his word.
So what was the only possible response? Reduce the question to ridiculousness. Make it a joke. Laugh at it. Which is exactly what he did.
Taimur Gibson is a freshman IR major who sees through the purple haze of politicking.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 9
mason2012
mason2012
posted 4/23/09 @ 4:57 PM EST
The effect legalized marijuana would have on the cultivation of industrial hemp which is now prohibited must be considered . If marijuana were legal hemp would also be legal. (Continued…)
Stoney
posted 4/24/09 @ 6:51 PM EST
I think that they estimated that California alone would make 1 billion dollars a year just by taxing it.
Rusty
posted 4/25/09 @ 12:03 PM EST
I am rare in that I am a conservative who is not opposed to this. I believe that if people choose to use this plant for its various industrial uses, it would be beneficial. (Continued…)
Champion of the Free Market
posted 4/27/09 @ 1:05 AM EST
"Why should their [sic] be consequences for it though?"
Mr. Gibson, I don't believe you read Rusty's post correctly. He was referring to the inherent consequences that result from the use of marijuana, such as the increased risk of schizophrenia due to marijuana's effect on dopamine receptors in the brain. (Continued…)
Chandelier made of raspberries
posted 4/27/09 @ 10:47 AM EST
Look to the Bible, look to Genesis, man. God made ALL the greens...
Taimur Gibson
posted 4/27/09 @ 7:00 PM EST
Wow I am making typos everywhere. "Why should there* be consequences" is what I meant.
Rusty: yes I did misinterpret your post. I thought you were referring to legal consequences. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 4/30/09 @ 12:01 PM EST
Please people, step away from the bong and let that smoke in your head clear out.
D^mn hippies.
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