Obama: Pot is not good stimulus

A few things struck me as I viewed the footage yesterday. One, given the incredibly serious nature of the Mexican drug war at present, I thought it was completely inappropriate for Obama to make light of the topic. I seriously doubt the people of Mexico are sharing in the laughter.

Second, what this says about the “online audience” is that people who are in favor of repealing the ridiculous marijuana prohibition laws are some of the most politically-minded and active people there are. Why did other topics not garner the top votes? Everyone in America was able to cast their vote. Obama has championed the idea of getting the American public involved in politics, and when they do, he ridicules their efforts by not addressing the topic in a serious matter. Is that funny? Not at all. Serious economic analysis has been done on the notion of lifting marijuana prohibition by renowned economists, -some being Nobel laureates. They have shown the economic benefits of doing so.

Third: this is not just an economic issue. Kids can get marijuana more easily than alcohol and tobacco. What is wrong with this picture? Spending billions with no return on that investment is the very type of thing Obama had promised to go “line by line” through the budget to eliminate wasteful spending and programs that were not working. WHY, pray tell, is he doing an about face on this promise? We need to lessen the DEMAND for drugs. That is achieved through public education efforts and treatment programs for those who need it. Cigarette smoking is declining across the board due to educational campaigns and finally being HONEST with the American people. It is a LEGAL substance. (Tobacco/nicotine is also the most addictive substance on Earth.) When people know the science, and can make an informed decision for themselves, rates of usage adjust accordingly.

In keeping with his promises to allow science and fiscal responsibility dictate public policy, Obama MUST take a serious look at the War on Drugs. This is no laughing matter, and completely insulting to the people of Mexico, rational adults who favor fiscal conservatism, medical patients who see benefit from the use of cannabis, and anyone who values science and fact in determining public policy.