Ron Paul Wants to Legalize It

good2bkind · #1 05-02-2008, 06:43 PM

Chris Otchy

The first marijuana decriminalization bill in 25 years has just been introduced to Congress courtesy of Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA). If passed, the “Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008” would make it legal to possess up to 3.5 ounces (100 grams) for personal use, and allow not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce between consenting adults. Supporting the bill by petitioning local representatives can quickly and easily be done through the Drug Policy Alliance Action Center.

The introduction of the bill comes at the same time as a New York Times article stating that the United States is currently leading the world in prison populations, with roughly 2.3 million behind bars (China, with four times the U.S. population, comes a distant second with 1.6 million prisoners). Though the extraordinarily large U.S. prison population is a complex issue and the product of various factors, the drug laws undoubtedly contribute to it.

While some feel it is unlikely the “Personal Use of Marijuana Act” will become law just yet, support of it will help lobbyists to identify the members of Congress who advocate marijuana decriminalization. Gathering like-minded support is the first step to make changes in the current laws.

LocoMonkey · #2 05-03-2008, 07:02 AM

Call your representative and tell them to support this bill.

Johnnyorganic · #3 05-03-2008, 07:23 AM

If you want a response, write a letter. Phone calls are acceptable, but should not be the primary means of contact. A letter will elicit a written response. It will be mostly bullshit, but it will be a response.

Honestly, when I worked in politics, we knew when we were about to be 'phone banked' by reading pertinent blogs. Depending on the issue, people could get pretty upset and would unload on the staff. Phone bank days were wasted because all we did was answer the telephones. Phone campaigns fatigue and antagonize staffers.

Letters are the traditional method of conversing with elected officials. The more personalized the letter, the better. Form letters are about the same as phone calls.

good2bkind · #4 05-03-2008, 08:42 AM

I never knew that. Great information. And since in a letter we can take our time to vociferate ourselves, we can convey meaning that much better.

I wonder if there is a database on the net or something telling us, for what state, or whatever, we can write to.

Johnnyorganic · #5 05-03-2008, 08:51 AM

This link will tell you who represents you.

NORML -- Tokin' Politics

Dankdude · #6 05-03-2008, 10:14 AM

Message sent

We TaRdED · #7 05-03-2008, 10:21 AM

vote RON PAUL, fuck the media... this guy will save our planet!!!!

Seamaiden · #8 05-03-2008, 11:09 AM

As posted previously, here is the response I got about a week later after contacting my representative. I'm sure he understands now that I've written him back informing him that I plan on doing everything in my power to ensure he's never elected to any office again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rep. Dan Lungren

Dear Mrs. Seamaiden,

Thank you for contacting me regarding your concern for marijuana laws. I appreciate hearing from you.

The authority derived from Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to regulate controlled substances and to determine the purposes for which they can lawfully be used. Congress declared that illegal possession of controlled substances impacts interstate commerce when it passed the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (section 801 of Title 21, United States Code.)

Furthermore, Article VI of the Constitution states that the Constitution, Federal laws and all Treaties are to be considered the supreme law of the land. State law exists alongside federal law, since both have jurisdiction in this area. But since Federal law is supreme, federal officials in any state, regardless of whether or how state law addresses a particular issue, can enforce Federal regulation of illegal drugs.

Marijuana is an addictive substance that is linked to cancer and respiratory ailments, and problems with the immune and reproductive systems. It is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse. For many drug users, marijuana is the beginning of a destructive cycle of drug addiction. For these reasons and more, I cannot support lifting criminal sanctions on a drug that has harmed so many. Although I have supported a study to ensure that marijuana is in the proper classification level in the Controlled Substances Act, I do not at this time favor any change in the law.

Although I regret our disagreement on this issue, I hope that you will continue to contact me about other issues in the future.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

If you would like to stay informed about federal legislation introduced in the 110th Congress, as well as local issues that may interest you, please take a moment to subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter at Congressman Dan Lungren: Listening to California's 3rd District - Home.

I look forward to discussing this or any other issue affecting our 3rd Congressional District with you in the future. For upcoming Town Hall meetings, or for information on issues or legislation pending before Congress, please visit my website at Congressman Dan Lungren: Listening to California's 3rd District - Home. If you need assistance with a federal agency, please call my Gold River office at (916) 859-9906. My staff and I are always available to address your concerns, answer your questions, and listen to your ideas.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Lungren
Member of Congress

Fuck-ass.