Tenth Amendment: Key to Drug Policy Reform

[Joanne98]

Presidents can pardon all federal prisoners.
Governors can pardon all state prisoners.
They have not used this power as they should…

This so-called “Land of the Free” has a larger portion of it’s citizens in prison, than any other country on Earth. With a half million people being in jail for violating drug laws.
Nonetheless I applaud those who have worked to reform the major parties. Regardless of partisan affiliation, we must make the right to control ones own bodies a hot-button issue. We must make it clear to the politicians that we will not vote for any candidate who supports the continuation of prohibition.

Politicians who have been enacting federal drug laws (that do not address border crossings, or trade across state lines) are themselves criminals.

The Constitution only permits the federal government to regulate trade between states, not trade within states. The Federal Government has no authority to trump state medical marijuana laws.

As long as you don’t take drugs across state lines, sell drugs on Federal property, or use federal services to deliver drugs, they have no authority over this trade.

http://boman08.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/tenth-amendment-key-to-drug-policy-reform/

Since the right is going to make a movement out this we might as well use it to OUR advantage. Start making a list of things WE don't like that are violating the 10th amendment.

[Joanne98]

1. California should lead the nation in decriminalization of marijuana

With California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger now open to the idea of legalizing marijuana and assemblyman Tom Ammiano (Democrat-San Francisco) sponsoring a bill for its legalization, California may be close to setting a nationwide trend for full legalization. The Assembly Bill 390 would legalize marijuana for adults over 21, despite the fact that it is still outlawed by federal law. It will not just make it legal to consume and possess but also to sell and grow. However there would be a $5,000 fee followed by a $2,500 annual renewal fee to grow marijuana. The 10th Amendment grants the power to the state and it can be taken to the federal courts if the DEA decides to interfere.

It is projected to generate $1.3 billion annually in tax revenue to relieve the state's massive budget deficit. This is not including the revenue it would save in tax dollars used for incarceration, court and law enforcement. The war on drugs costs the state $9.6 billion annually. If this bill passes, California will be the first in the nation to legalize marijuana.

Prohibition of marijuana much like prohibition against liquor in the 1920's, which is a far greater threat to health than marijuana, has proven to be an utter failure. It has wasted billions in tax dollars and law enforcement resources, led to the federal government's violation of our state's rights, and led to the militarization of our law enforcement, especially in inner cities. 800,000 people are arrested annually nationwide only for possession. Gang members currently have a monopoly on the sale of marijuana and by outlawing it we are only making them rich.

Many politicians still view the issue of legalization to be politically risky. Proposition 215, which legalized medical marijuana passed by 56% of the vote. Medical marijuana is still under assault from federal drug enforcement who will likely challenge full out legalization if it passes. Due to the budget deficit, much like the governor, the voters of the state are becoming increasingly open minded to the idea of legalization. Governor Schwarzenegger must show leadership on the issue. He is desperate to redeem his legacy as governor with his sinking approval due to the state's fiscal mess. This is the perfect opportunity to go down in history as the man who ended prohibition of pot.

http://www.greenpassion.org/f36/california-should-lead-nation-decriminalization-marijuana-11815/

[pleah]

2. K&R

[Joanne98]

3. Unfair trade agreements. Maybe we can get rid of them.

Or DECENTRALIZE THE ECONOMY! Globalization bye bye!

[bemildred]

4. Indeed, let's gut the prison industry now.

Prison is for violent criminals, nothing less.
:thumbsup: