Yesterday I wrote a diary urging that we support the Democratic nominee, whoever that may be (even Mrs. Clinton). And I truly believe that and will follow my own advice. If Mr. Edwards is the nominee, I will vote for him. And yet, at this point I would be holding my nose. All for his naive antiquated response to one question, that just happens to be on a subject I care a LOT about. So, on the jump, I'm going to explain why this is and ask you Edwards supporters to tell me why I should support him. To tell me why his actual response to this issue will be different than my perception. I'm 100% uncommitted and you could have another supporter today if I could just get past this one little thing. More on the flip
Not too long ago during one of the televised Democratic debates, Senator Dodd was asked about his support for full Marijuana decriminalization. They had one of those silly "ok, everyone raise your hands" moments. Almost everyone shot their hand up to say they disagreed but poor John was the one who actually got to respond. Perhaps I'm projecting all my anger at that near unanimous show of cowardice on John, but what he said shocked me. That he was against decriminalization because it would "send the wrong message to kids."
That right there was where he lost me. See, I happen to care a whole hell of a lot more deeply about this issue than must. For reasons of intelligence and privacy I'm not going into details, but it's very near and dear to me. I have known many a person reap the medicinal benefits of Marijuana. Known those whose migraine headaches, insomnia, pain, and a host of other issues were helped by Marijuana. I have read endless studies and articles on the subject, and when you look at the facts pot just isn't the great evil (held up against scourges like heroin and crack cocaine) that the government has wanted you to believe.
But the issue for me goes far beyond medical Marijuana. I'm not dumb, I know that a President Edwards would be a LOT better on this issue than any Republican and probably better than Clinton. Maybe even Obama. I highly doubt a President Edwards would allow the DEA raids in California to continue, for example. But for me, the issue goes beyond medicine. The issue goes straight to personal liberties and freedom.
See, if I want to go to the liquor store and buy a bottle of Jack Daniels that's alright. Even if I proudly exclaim "yeah, I'm drinking this whole thing tonight baby!", it's still alright. Even though any smart person knows I'm at least bringing on a massive hangover on myself, if not alcohol poisoning. Let alone throwing up. But it's alright because at some point we decided that citizens are responsible enough to make their own decisions on alcohol. Same with cigarettes. Or fast food. Or any of the countless other things we choose to do in our daily lives that may not be healthy but bring us joy.
See, sometimes you just have a crappy day. Sometimes you just need to unwind. Nobody thinks you're evil or weird if you like to drink a few beers while watching the football game. But it's weird and "sends the wrong message" that someone might want to light a joint instead?
I'm certainly not arguing that smoking marijuana is healthy (though most of those ills can be removed by vaporization but that's another diary!). I'm certainly not saying it can't have ill effects or that it's for everyone. Obviously I want the same "driving while intoxicated" laws and penalties that there are for booze. But when it comes to a substance that is essentially scientifically proven to be less harmful than alcohol, I don't see the big deal. I don't ask what you do in your living room, don't legislate against what I (might) do in mine if it isn't hurting you or anyone else.
It's damn near a fact that full Marijuana decriminalization would be one of the strongest tools against crime we have left. If grandpa can grow his pot plants right beside his tomato plants and not have to buy from the shady dealer who also sells to teenagers, you're fighting crime. Sure, some of the cartels and such will go into other drugs. The "War on Drugs" won't disappear. But if you focus it on the things that are really hurting our nation (heroin, crack, meth, etc.) then the work your doing might actually help.
Sorry to turn this into a long rant for decriminalization but I felt I had to explain myself.
So really, the question is this to Edwards (and even Obama folks which I'm adding to the title because I'm really uncommitted, and it isn't fair to exclude him just because I didn't hear him put his foot in his mouth) supporters. Why should I back him? Why should I have any faith that he'll surprise me and move us anywhere towards decriminalization or at least reducing the penalties to that of a traffic ticket? Why should I believe that his answer was just campaign talk and not how he really feels?
Because else his answer on that night just felt like a naive status quo answer. And it makes me question his reason. If he can't look at simple information on a subject like marijuana and make a better decision, why should I expect him to show more reason on the Middle East. Or any of the hundreds of other issues he'll have to tackle?
Thanks in advance