Marijuana Reform Breakdown
November 4th, 2006 by Alex
TalkLeft has put together a nice, quick breakdown of the upcoming marijuana reform initiatives that are taking place in Colorado, Nevada and South Dakota. This years’ mid-term elections are not only important because of the obvious Democrat vs. Republican struggle, but also because these measures might be the first steps toward legalization.
Public opinion is starting to swing in many states. Organizations like LEAP and SAFER Colorado are doing their part to improve awareness and promote the benefits of herb rather than the demonization and scare tactics employed by the US government.
Overall, even if these measures don’t succeed (and I sure as hell hope they do), I still believe we are on the path towards a more intellectual approach to smoking. When you compare the benefits and drawbacks against many other legal substances in the US, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
[via TalkLeft]
DEA Fights Colorado Pot Legalization
August 28th, 2006 by Alex
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) is now inserting its large nose into Denver’s legalization movement. One agent in particular, a Mr. Michael Moore (not to be confused with the documentary director), has sent numerous emails to political campaign heads asking for support in the fight against Safer Colorado’s initiative. This should raise the alarm on multiple levels, especially the right of state legislations to create their own laws without interference from the federal goverment.
The emails being sent by DEA Agent Michael Moore state that he has $10,000 ready to start the anti-legalization campaign and that all interested parties should contact him at this DEA office. Now, Colorado law prohibits state employees from using state resources to advocate any political point of view. Unfortunately, the DEA is regulated by federal law, not state law. The feds are regulated by something called The Hatch Act. Passed in 1939 and amended in 1993, it is aimed at stopping partisan politics. In other words, it prevents the majority party in the goverment from using tax payer money against the opposing political party and its political movements.
What this means to the average Joe, is that the DEA is side-stepping this act, slipping through the cracks if you will, to oppose a law that will basically render their jobs impotent. Of course a a government agency that makes its livelihood our of tracking, arresting, and prosecuting drug offenders is going to fight the Colorado ballot initiative.
The federal government needs to respect the constitution and the ideologies that it was built upon. Unfairly influencing state level ballots is highly unethical and, as far as I’m concerned, dirty tactics in their War on Drugs.
Leading up to this vote, tFS is going to keep a close eye on the happenings in Colorado. Also, expect to see some more amusing information on the DEA. I’m sure native Coloradans can’t wait to see some “fair and unbiased” facts in DEA sponsored commercials. Riiiiight.
[via Newsvine]
