Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Barney Frank Pushes to Legalize Marijuana
wnd.com ^ | June 18, 2009 | staff

Posted on 06/18/2009 6:55:36 PM PDT by kellynla

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., wants to legalize marijuana and has introduced legislation that would accomplish his goals.

"Criminalizing choices that adults make because we think they are unwise ones, when the choices involved have no negative effect on the rights of others, is not appropriate in a free society," he said in his new announcement about his plans for two bills.

One proposal would remove federal penalties for using marijuana and the second would let people in states where "medical marijuana" is allowed use it freely.

The cosponsors on the bills include Reps. Ron Paul, R-Texas and Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y.

"To those who say that the government should not be encouraging the smoking of marijuana, my response is that I completely agree," Frank's statement said. "But it is a great mistake to divide all human activity into two categories: those that are criminally prohibited, and those that are encouraged."

(Excerpt) Read more at wnd.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Extended News; Government
KEYWORDS: 111th; barneyfrank; bhowod; dope; marijuana; potheads; wod
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-93 last
To: IrishPennant
One stupid hobby of George Soros has always been to legalize pot. I cannot figure that one out...to what end???

Rather than worry about every whim of George Soros, maybe we could look at it from the aspect of our own interests, and see what we think about things instead?

81 posted on 06/19/2009 6:23:15 AM PDT by Steel Wolf (Oh, well. Back to the drawing board....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: kellynla

Keep the general public mentally numb, lethargic and sedated first. Then take total control of every aspect of their lives.


82 posted on 06/19/2009 6:24:45 AM PDT by PSYCHO-FREEP (Give me LIBERTY or give me an M-24A2!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: PSYCHO-FREEP

Bread and circuses.....what new


83 posted on 06/19/2009 8:01:52 AM PDT by tophat9000 ( We are "O" so f---ed)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 82 | View Replies]

To: ChrisInAR
Even a stopped cwock is right twice a day!
84 posted on 06/19/2009 8:07:12 AM PDT by Ken H
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: ChrisInAR

Sorry, I am calling you on that BS.

I grew up with two parents addicted to the stuff, and they will be the FIRST to tell you that it IS Addictive. They smoked and would try to quit only to go right back to it for 50 thats right FIFTY years. So don’t tell me its not addictive. I went through the rough times in the 80’s eating baked beans and hot dogs, but mom and dad had their weed. They chose their drugs over food.

Don’t tell me some BS that its not addictive. Some people can give up coffee in nothing flat with no effort. Others cigarettes, or Alcohol. Perhaps you have a system where it is easy for you to lay it down and walk away. But I BET you always go back to it don’t you? That is the definition of addiction, you always go back to it.

On top of that, its a crutch. It allows you to utterly let go of anxiety and worry and makes you feel happy. Its a break from reality. Well perhaps that works for you, but for those of us who have stuff to do, getting hooked on weed ONLY reduces your motivation and encourages you to relax. Personally I have too much to do, and have concerns too big to relax about. I have people counting on me to be sharp and on my game, not off in a corner giggling waiting for the next slice of happy pizza to come my way.

That all being said, I am neutral on the legalization issue. Only because I KNOW its addictive, and I know what I suffered at the hands of my parents every time they tried to quit, miserable comes to mind. I know I suffered from their inattention when they were stoned, when I needed them they were gored, and I was on my own. They would be too far into their own high to recognize the needs of their kids. Nice hua. Want to be a parent like that, its your choice, but its one I won’t put my kids through. I lived it from their point of view, I don’t need to force them to go through what I did, that would be the height of stupidity.

I digress,

If it were not for those things, I would be for legalizing it. Because it has created a whole underworld of corruption, and a ton of crime, and police resources wasted along with jail space for a plant. We have been denied the great uses of hemp fiber, and could easily make a number of industries overnight if we could legally grow it and farm it and use it as a fast growing natural resource. I think it could have great benefits.
If it were not for what I suffered from two addicted to Pot Parents, I would agree with you, however, my life experience has taught me a totally different lesson. I know addiction from the point of view of a child living with addicted parents. That is not something I can ever forget. Its part of who I am.

It is Addictive, just as alcohol is. It is no where near as deadly, you can not OD on Pot. I think Alcohol is far more dangerous than Pot. If Pot were regulated, just as alcohol is, I would have to rethink my position. But just legalizing it unregulated is something that worries me a fair bit.


85 posted on 06/19/2009 8:57:03 AM PDT by Danae (Amerikan Unity My Ass)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 78 | View Replies]

To: Danae
I'm sorry to hear about your parents. That's a lil hard for me to believe, considering the fact that I have no prob whatsoever when I go w/o it & have never heard anyone else that I know having problems, either...but I'll take your word for it.

Your story kinda reminds me of my sister & her 2 kids: they told me horror stories about Sis' ex-husband, who was an alcoholic. The kids would have to step over him when they went to bed 'cuz he would be laying on the floor drunk.

I never said it should be legalized & unregulated. I think a minimum toking age of 21 or 25 makes sense. Please read the info on the link I provided @ the bottom of post #33 on this thread, will you?

86 posted on 06/19/2009 10:13:17 AM PDT by ChrisInAR (The Tenth Amendment is still the Supreme Law of the Land, folks -- start enforcing it for a CHANGE!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 85 | View Replies]

To: ChrisInAR

It’s real, I lived it. I was born in Honolulu Hawaii in 1969 and let me tell you, it was ALWAYS around. I know my parents were addicted to it, they were the first to admit it and tell us not to make the same “Idiotic stupid choice” they did. I listened. I think I am better off for it, and I know that two 60+ adults agree.


87 posted on 06/19/2009 10:26:07 AM PDT by Danae (Amerikan Unity My Ass)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 86 | View Replies]

To: Danae

Agree with you and from personal experience smoking the stuff for years.

If not for the Lord getting me off it, I’d still be “high” daily and not very much help to anyone, just stoned. Really a selfish life.


88 posted on 06/19/2009 12:50:34 PM PDT by Cedar
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 87 | View Replies]

To: I_Like_Spam

Perhaps transdermal, IV or suppository forms of the drug can be developed for patients with extreme nausea due to chemo or other reasons.
_______

LOL. How about something much simpler, I don’t know, like smoking it? No delivery system development necessary.


89 posted on 06/19/2009 1:18:47 PM PDT by dmz
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 76 | View Replies]

To: netmilsmom

Thank GOD we don’t have a legal drug out there that lulls the masses!

Sincerely,

Jack Daniels


90 posted on 06/21/2009 9:29:50 AM PDT by Nate505
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: kellynla
I have not smoked marijuana in over 20 years (and probably smoked less than 10 joints in my life). I totally support it's legalization as long as we can convince users that they smell really bad from the smoke.
91 posted on 06/21/2009 9:34:21 AM PDT by Artemis Webb
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: CitizenUSA
I mean, I’d engage in some introspection if I valued any recreational drug, including alcohol, that highly.

Really...

Make a thread here about possibly criminalizing alcohol. I'd bet the farm that the outcry here would be absolutely overwhelming.

Would all those people need some introspection since they would value alcohol that much?

92 posted on 06/21/2009 9:35:40 AM PDT by Nate505
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

To: Nate505

I don’t know about you but I’ve known my share of drunks and pot smokers.

Drunks drink until they puke or pass out
Pot smokers continue to function, and staring out into space.

Thanks Jack.


93 posted on 06/21/2009 9:41:29 AM PDT by netmilsmom (Psalm 109:8 - Let his days be few; and let another take his office)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 90 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-8081-93 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson