I think busting users is ridiculous. Our society seems to be becoming progressively more punitive… I’ve always thought that what someone does to their body is their own business. I am all for letting the government grow pot and regulate its sale.

Re. the abortion thing… I don’t really care for the idea of abortion unless it is to save a life or in cases of rape or incest. I heavily agree with Ken that the pro-lifers are mostly concerned with the welfare of fetii rather than with the welfare of children born into poverty or into tenuous situations. I have doubts that Jesus would have turned his back on such children, or that he would have favored anything but helping society find a way to help such kids. The pro-lifers seem to want to give a fetus all kinds of rights, but that fervor tends to decrease when the fetus becomes a child. What gives?

Allan- Actually, it is not my claim that increased enforcement of marijuana laws are under a directive from the white house. That can be attributed to officials in law enforcement, according to the front page report I read in the San Diego Union Tribune on Nov. 15th.

See, I understand that the drug war on Americans has been going on for a long time, but this administration has taken deliberate steps to increase arrests, including taking the states to court over their voter approved medical marijuana laws.

If you went to through the link to my previous article on the drug war, you may learn that I have a larger perspective on the issue.

Thanks for dropping by.

Blaming Bush seems a bit of empty rhetoric though. We understand you don’t like him, but it hurts your point to say every bad thing is his fault.

The war on drugs has been around a long time on the federal level. Most of the arrests are from state laws, and enforced or ignored locally.

Blame Bush for things he starts as often as you wish, not lousy policies he inherited.

If you fake a bit more balance it would be easier to believe you.

Anon- thanks for stopping by. By the way- there is no “you guys” on Common Sense, just me.

Glyn- Again, when looked at in the larger context, the anti-marijuana argument doesn’t hold water. And it is sad that other nations are bullied by US policy. But it seems that Canada is taking steps to get out from under the shadow of their neighbor to the south. And that is a good thing.

Thanks for the comment.

Surfer- Glad we agree on these topics. In fact, I think these views are more mainstream than politicians and others would have you think. Glad you dropped in.

Me4- Yes- why aren’t the junk food makers chiming in on this? They could stand to reap huge profits from the “munchie” crowd…

I am not as worried about overpopulation as I am the fact that many people just don’t want to help those in less fortunate situations. I would probably agree that the wealthy paying taxes is unfair, but it is the right thing to do. America is not just about individual success, even though that is what society honors. It is about us all havign a chance and helping each other out. I understand people being against abortion, but before you get all high and mighty on me, tell me how you are going to take care of those unwanted children

On abortion – Again I agree. I believe one of the major global problems today is overpopulation. And the more people there are just puts more of a drain on society, which as you say, hinders the quality of life for the living.

How many fights do you think would break out in a pot bar? How many in your average tavern? I think there is no comparison at all.

If pot was decriminalized (like we want to do up here in Canada), you are correct. Crimes would drop off some, and the government could regulate, tax and control the substance, just like booze. I suspect the only reason I can’t light up a joint right now is because of US policy.

Personally, I can drink a few beers, and then that pretty much takes up the night. No driving, no painting, not much of anything. In fact, a goo dnight drinking is just that. Drinking. The “use” goes on and becomes the event.

I can smoke a joint, drive to my buddies (most of the time; judgement is essential), paint, play music, do whatever, and really, the actual “use” is done with and the event is what I choose to do 😀

visit my site and help me get some more topics started.

http://www.getmad.ca

thanks

Free- Glad I had something more to offer that an oxymoron. Though I can’t say you have an admiral past, at least we can agree on the issues at hand.

The War on Drugs is de facto prohibition, and plenty of “new money” is being made bootlegging. We could and should end that now.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hater- You wouldn’t really want your neighbors door kicked in now would you?

John- I’ve been trying to figure it for some time and can only conclude that there are corporate bastards behind at least part of it all. The rest is just gutless politicians perpetuating bad policy.
Good to hear from you.

Doc- Thanks! I don’t hear from often, so thanks for leaving a comment. I think it’s clear that this will always be a losing battle because it is not one that should even be fought.

Windspike- Hope you are feeling better! Oh yes- pro-birth people who advocate killing abortion doctors really do show their insanity and hypocrisy don’t they?
Such loving religious folks now aren’t they…

Chandira- I thank you for the comment. And good to hear from you again.

Misanthrope- Yes, that was one of the primary reasons for making marijuana illegal, and not just racism against Mexicans, but against blacks too.

YOur post does raise another interesting point about the commercial aspects of this plant and the continued desire of pharmaceuticals to block its legalization. But lets not forget the synthetic cloth and lubricant manufacturers who would stand to lose some business as well. Why it doesn’t occur to these people that they could continue to do business, just with another base product, is beyond me.

Thanks for leaving a note here.

Lesbiencestmoi- Long time since I’ve heard from you. Sorry to hear about your troubles with Wilma. Hope things are coming back together for you.
I suppose that if we were to advertise pot in commercials, we’d have to list sex and munchies as a side effect. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! How scary that is!

I loved your latest post too! Funny how people seem to need to find things to be offended about. Check out her post folks. It’s good for a laugh and then some actual thought.

Brad- Great album. (Or Cd, if you will.) Enjoy yourself.

Shiela- Then I might love you a little bit right back. It’s a lot easier than being spiteful anyhow. Thaks for dropping by.