First time diary...
Over the last week Drug Policy has surged in the the mainstream. This all came to a head during the Presidents online news chat (which I'm sure all of you have see/heard by now). I am encouraged to see this shift in the public sphere however i think our efforts could be better guided. More after the jump...
It's been more than 10 years since California has passed Prop. 215, and many other states and municipalities have followed in suit. However, drug policy reform advocates have been salivating at the prospect of federal reform now that we have democrats control of both houses and the white house, hence the bombardment of questions on the issue every chance the public has a chance to ask Pres. Obama without the filter of the MSM. I see so many reponse to the is like this
I tend to agree with Obama but I also do not think it is worth burning political capitol on this issue. Democrats have very limited bargaining room and wasting time on legalizing pot just doesn't make sense in my eyes.
and I think most people are right. Obama has so many issues on his plate it is unrealistic for him to get out in front on this issue. This does not mean we can't apply all this pressure else where to achieve reform!
I mean sure in the last 10 years espescially we have this expanding executive branch, and we all think that action has to be taken by the man in the oval office. But lets not forget that congress can act on this without Obama having to stick his neck out in public. Our efforts need to concentrate in the congress for now because it is clear that Obama will not be able to touch this policy, at the very least, until the economic crisis is cleaned up.
The most promising prospect on the federal level is not Rep. Frank's legalization bill, but Sen. Jim Webb's proposal for a commission to study the criminal justice system. and I think Webb's proposal is a much better way to get Drug Policy reform through. I mean come on look at who has already signed on to this legislation Specter, Reid, Leahy, Durbin, Graham, Schumer, Murry, Wyden, Kennedy, Brown, Warner, Gillibrand, McCaskil, Cardin, and Burris. These are all Moderates with the exception of a couple. Where are the names like Sanders Feingold, Boxer, Feinstein, Kerry, Merkley.
We need to start contacting our Senators and Representatives and get them on board. The proposal calls for a committee to study and give recommendation after 18 months. That seems like a reasonable time like to let Obama get his ducks in order on the economy to perhaps reconsider.