Anyone know any news on Texas's mmj legalization?
- Thread starter kushdc
- Start date
TheGoodGrower
Active Member
Unfortunately the political climate is so polarized (IMO this was intentionally done by the powers that be) that every single issue is now a democrat vs republican political ploy. Since its the dems who tend to support legalization or MMJ, well then naturally the republicans must be against it. And unless the republicans are on board its not gonna happen. The only way that I see TX getting its shit together is when the libertarian republicans become the majority. It is happening, but its slow... but happening. I think once the old republicans realize how much money is wasted by locking people up for pot they'll come around... but it wont be the dems who convince them.
trainwreck321
New Member
I saw this the other day: he will get my vote!!!
by KHOU.com staff
khou.com
Posted on October 14, 2013 at 9:18 PM
KERRVILLE, Texas — Kinky Friedman announced that he is running for Texas Agriculture commissioner as a Democrat in 2014 with the promise to legalize the medical and personal use of marijuana and marijuana in Texas.
According to a press release announcing his candidacy, Friedman said he also intends to restore hemp as a top cash crop in Texas.
Friedman said he promises to show that the ending of a prohibition that should never have been is a personal choice and states’ rights issue, as well as an education funding issue, a water conservation issue, a prison population reduction issue and a border protection issue.
Friedman said that he will prove that legalization and the resultant taxation will benefit Texas and reduce the overall tax burden of all Texans, while funding the state’s growth far into the future.
by KHOU.com staff
khou.com
Posted on October 14, 2013 at 9:18 PM
KERRVILLE, Texas — Kinky Friedman announced that he is running for Texas Agriculture commissioner as a Democrat in 2014 with the promise to legalize the medical and personal use of marijuana and marijuana in Texas.
According to a press release announcing his candidacy, Friedman said he also intends to restore hemp as a top cash crop in Texas.
Friedman said he promises to show that the ending of a prohibition that should never have been is a personal choice and states’ rights issue, as well as an education funding issue, a water conservation issue, a prison population reduction issue and a border protection issue.
Friedman said that he will prove that legalization and the resultant taxation will benefit Texas and reduce the overall tax burden of all Texans, while funding the state’s growth far into the future.
freddfish
Well-Known Member
Kinky Friedman is one hell of a singer/songwriter, and it is kinda funny the way he has branched over into fiction-writing and politics. He is a genuine free thinker, which is pretty rare in politics. His platform on this issue (and the others, from the sound of it) are right in line with the way Texans should be going.
Hell, they are already having a job boom due to lower taxes while the rest of the country languishes in economic stagnation. Using weed money for taxation, as Friedman proposes, would take it down even further. California businesses are already flocking there, as well as a few from my own state, where they tax businesses AND people to death.
Kinda sounds to me like he is on the left-leaning side of libertarianism. I hail from the more conservative side, but I'd still stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
Plus: "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore" and "Roll 'Em, Jewboy" are two great and hilarious songs...
StonedAgeTimeTraveler
Member
If you're a Texan, listen up: NOW is the time to fight for your state to change.
The MPP has set up a form site to help you contact your representatives and let them know your stance on the bills before congress this session.
http://control.mpp.org/site/R?i=eAwP6o4kJ6OzijzvuUclaQ
Courtesy of the MPP, this link will take you to a form that, after filling out your personal information, will send an email automatically to your state senator and congressperson. The boilerplate text is for support of HB 3785 (the newly introduced whole-plant MMJ legislation now before Texas congress), but you can add a few paragraphs before it to also mention your support of HB 2165. Basically, fill out your details, then in the text of the letter add a paragraph or two along these lines:
"I strongly urge you to support HB 2165...." then spend a few sentences describing why you think legalization is a good idea for Texas, and why you support full legalization specifically (try to avoid much medical talk, their stock letter covers that well). Then sum up with
"...As recent polls show a large majority of Texans support marijuana reform and legalization, I implore you to listen to your constituents and fight for change. I also would urge you to support HB 3785, for medical marijuana." Then let their stock letter take it from there.
Simply, easy, ten minute way YOU personally can fight for change in Texas. Make yourselves heard, Texans, or you won't get another chance for years.
The MPP has set up a form site to help you contact your representatives and let them know your stance on the bills before congress this session.
http://control.mpp.org/site/R?i=eAwP6o4kJ6OzijzvuUclaQ
Courtesy of the MPP, this link will take you to a form that, after filling out your personal information, will send an email automatically to your state senator and congressperson. The boilerplate text is for support of HB 3785 (the newly introduced whole-plant MMJ legislation now before Texas congress), but you can add a few paragraphs before it to also mention your support of HB 2165. Basically, fill out your details, then in the text of the letter add a paragraph or two along these lines:
"I strongly urge you to support HB 2165...." then spend a few sentences describing why you think legalization is a good idea for Texas, and why you support full legalization specifically (try to avoid much medical talk, their stock letter covers that well). Then sum up with
"...As recent polls show a large majority of Texans support marijuana reform and legalization, I implore you to listen to your constituents and fight for change. I also would urge you to support HB 3785, for medical marijuana." Then let their stock letter take it from there.
Simply, easy, ten minute way YOU personally can fight for change in Texas. Make yourselves heard, Texans, or you won't get another chance for years.
I'm assuming this is also a veto threat
http://www.theweedblog.com/texas-governor-marijuana-legalization-decriminalization/
http://www.theweedblog.com/texas-governor-marijuana-legalization-decriminalization/
StonedAgeTimeTraveler
Member
It is, which just reinforces the need for the 76% of Texans who support legalization to make their voices heard! Congress could override a veto with a 2/3 majority; it's a tall order, but the voters have a 3/4 majority. If the people make it clear that no change means no re-election, it won't matter what the Governor says or does.
They won't do it without a fire lit under them, though. They need to believe it's a bigger mistake to cross their constituents than the party or governor.
They won't do it without a fire lit under them, though. They need to believe it's a bigger mistake to cross their constituents than the party or governor.
freddfish
Well-Known Member
There's that old saying..."if you can't make 'em see the light, make 'em feel the heat".
At the end of the day, and regardless of party, they are all looking out to get elected. The prospect of getting bounced scares the piss out of them.
ttystikk
Well-Known Member
This is the way it's supposed to work, but the reason politics in America- and especially Texas- are so screwed up is because big donors generally trump the will of the People. Since those big donors in Texas tend to be hard core conservatives, it will take a real sea change in voting to make any difference.
PLEASE, Texans, prove me wrong on this!
StonedAgeTimeTraveler
Member
Local chapters of NORML have been shouting from the rooftops since this all started; DFW's branch made it's second appearance in the St Patrick's Day parade, hundreds of volunteers spent a whole day lobbying at the capital, and a number of national activists have set their sights on Texas as the next big hurdle, because it would pave the way for a sweeping change in the traditionally hard-nosed, conservative south.
The Governor already vowed to veto any legalization legislation that comes his way in the wake of Perry's leaving office (as a direct contrast to Perry's statements that he would consider legal MMJ if it was introduced before him). Between this and the established power base in Texas, there's some major hurdles that activists and nonprofits can't fight alone. The fight needs the added fire from the local voters to trump those obstacles.
Make no mistake, this is still an uphill battle and a long shot. It's only impossible if nobody bothers.
The Governor already vowed to veto any legalization legislation that comes his way in the wake of Perry's leaving office (as a direct contrast to Perry's statements that he would consider legal MMJ if it was introduced before him). Between this and the established power base in Texas, there's some major hurdles that activists and nonprofits can't fight alone. The fight needs the added fire from the local voters to trump those obstacles.
Make no mistake, this is still an uphill battle and a long shot. It's only impossible if nobody bothers.