ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> Dungeon of Political and Religious Discussion >> ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot - 11/28/2012 7:11:15 AM

hot4bondage

Posts: 403
Joined: 7/29/2009
Status: offline

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/indiana/isp-top-cop-id-legalize-pot

The head of the Indiana State Police tells the state budget committee that "I would legalize and tax it," and makes national headlines. Naturally, his office issued a statement a few hours later declaring that he is against legalization. Not to be outdone, governor-elect Mike Pence issued his own statement, announcing that he is against decriminalization.

This is Indiana. We still don't sell booze on Sunday. We haven't warmed up to medical marijuana yet, much less decriminalization, or (shudder) legalization and regulation.

My question is, do these cracks in the facade suggest that socially conservative states are finally catching up with reality, or will we be dragged kicking and screaming, like our next governor?

Profile

Post #: 1

RE: ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot - 11/28/2012 6:32:05 PM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: hot4bondage

My question is, do these cracks in the facade suggest that socially conservative states are finally catching up with reality, or will we be dragged kicking and screaming, like our next governor?

I'm wholeheartedly in favor of legalizing marijuana (not decriminalizing, which gives us all of the downsides, with few of the benefits). I believe legalization is inevitable, because prohibition is such a horrible, idiotic failure. How far it is, from here to inevitable, is another matter. There needs to a national conversation, and maybe some form of a national referendum.

As a active holder of a California medical marijuana card, I'm aware that I'm part of large civil disobedience movement against the current policies of the federal government. As a member of a collective, I could theoretically be charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a Schedule 1 controlled substance, and shipped off to federal prison with a no-parole, mandatory minumum sentence. My signature is in a file. That's all they need.

If you look at the history of the polling data, support for legalization of marijuana has been growing steadily for decades. I think we had one a few months back that put it over 50%. The next one I saw had at 48%.

Against it are extremely powerful forces with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, to protect the huge profits of the illegal supply chain, and the vast jobs and power program of enforcement. The ranks of the opposition are filled with ordinary people who are genuinely frightened of drugs, and what they do in society.

Conversation, and education are currently the best tools in moving forward to what needs to happen.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

(in reply to hot4bondage)

Profile

Post #: 2

RE: ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot - 11/29/2012 6:12:30 AM

Moonhead

Posts: 16520
Joined: 9/21/2009
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: hot4bondage
My question is, do these cracks in the facade suggest that socially conservative states are finally catching up with reality, or will we be dragged kicking and screaming, like our next governor?

It suggests more that (like a lot of Police professionals) the head of the State Police finds the time and effort that's spent on enforcing the dope ban a pointless waste, I'd suspect.

_____________________________

I like to think he was eaten by rats, in the dark, during a fog. It's what he would have wanted...
(Simon R Green on the late James Herbert)

(in reply to hot4bondage)

Profile

Post #: 3

RE: ISP Top Cop: I'd Legalize Pot - 11/29/2012 6:53:54 AM

Hillwilliam

Posts: 19394
Joined: 8/27/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

Against it are extremely powerful forces with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, to protect the huge profits of the illegal supply chain, and the vast jobs and power program of enforcement. The ranks of the opposition are filled with ordinary people who are genuinely frightened of drugs, and what they do in society.

Hit the nail on the head.

Way back in the early 70's when people were starting to talk about legalization, I told someone that it wouldn't happen and when they asked why I said "The Mafia doesn't want it to be legal. They make too much money off of it" (S American cartels weren't in the news yet).

_____________________________

Kinkier than a cheap garden hose.

Whoever said "Religion is the opiate of the masses" never heard Right Wing talk radio.

Don't blame me, I voted for Gary Johnson.

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 4