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This is one of the areas that the hint of a Libertarian in me really comes out. Since today is 4/20 and given the “420″ term for marijuana, and since I’ve decided to make myself more politically active, I wanted to take a few minutes to address the War on Drugs.
First, I’ll say that you probably shouldn’t smoke marijuana. It’s been proven to be a bad idea. It’s just not smart. Maybe it has medicinal uses; maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you should have the right to smoke it.
The prohibition of marijuana costs the federal government billions of dollars (dollars they don’t have) to enforce. What’s worse is that the War on Drugs is a blatant theft of personal liberty.
I’ve been doing a lot of research on this topic so that I can write an eloquent, rationally reasoned post on why we need to end the War on Drugs, but realistically, if you disagree with my premise, you would not be convinced. And if you agree with me, then I would just be preaching to the choir.
For those of you who disagree, I’d encourage you to consider the 10th Amendment, which reads:
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
The 10th Amendment is very clear that states have the right to restrict marijuana use, but the federal government does not. If you believe marijuana should be a controlled substance, then let’s get it done the right way – where your state’s law is the law that bans it and the federal government stays out of the way.
To those of you who agree with me, I’d encourage you to take a moment and make sure your representatives in Washington understand how you feel about the issue of the War on Drugs. Earlier this month, representative Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009. This legislation won’t end the War on Drugs, but it’s a good start. The Industrial Hemp Farming Act will remove industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana, returning the power of allowing (or banning) industrial hemp to the states, where it belongs.
The opposition to a bill like this could be very strong because opponents may argue that support of the legalization of what is currently a controlled substance is an endorsement of drug use. This issue is about limiting the size and scope of the federal government, not about promoting drug use.
Contact your representatives today! Ask them to join the other cosponsors H.R. 1866, and let them know you support ending the War on Drugs.
But don’t smoke marijuana, mkay?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Like it. Well said.
This goes for so many other issues too.