Kudos to Bill Richardson on Fighting For Legalization of Medicinal Marijuana

[Dr Ron]

From Liberal Values--see original post for links and more extensive quotes from news report:

http://liberalvaluesblog.com/?p=1237

While Clinton and Obama hardly showed courage on the culture wars front in their cautious handling of their responses to General Pace's comment that homosexuality is immoral, Bill Richardson is showing some real courage. Richardson is preparing to sign a bill which he pushed to legalize medicinal use of marijuana in New Mexico.

"So what if it's risky? It's the right thing to do," said Richardson, one of the candidates in the crowded 2008 field. "What we're talking about is 160 people in deep pain. It only affects them."

The legislation would create a program under which some patients — with a doctor's recommendation — could use marijuana provided by the state health department. Lawmakers approved the bill Wednesday. The governor is expected to sign it in the next few weeks.

Richardson has supported the proposal since he first ran in 2002. But he pushed especially hard for it this year, leaning on some Democrats to change their votes after the bill initially failed.

Richardson has already attracted some interest among libertarians, and this could enhance that view

Hopefully Richardson's strong advocacy of legalization of medicinal use of marijuana will force the other Democrats to take a stand, possibly making this a national issue and bringing about changes in the federal laws which restrict medical marijuana use. Richardson's stand might also provide a contrast should the other candidates try to avoid taking a clear stand on controversial issues. If Democrats really hope to win, as opposed to benefiting from people voting against Republicans as in 2006, they need to differentiate themselves from the authoritarian right by becoming a party which consistently defends individual liberty.

[skipos]

1. I disagree with Richardson on a few things, but he would be an excellent President

It will be interesting to see what voters think about this.

[Dr Ron]

2. I also disagree with him on some points

It is frustrating trying to choose a candidate as the all have their plusses and minuses.

Today Richardson gets the kudos from me as this is a major issue and he's the first to push it like this among major candidates.

On the other hand, Richardson also came out with that lame idea to have a national registry of convicted drug dealers.

[AmyDeLune]

3. Hurray for him!

I only wish Oregon's Medical Marijuana law had been in effect when my father was dying of cancer. It would have made such a difference in his quality of life those last few months.:(

[solara]

4. Richardson was not taken too seriously when he first declared his candidacy

People said that he just doesn't have the "right look" to be President.

But whenever there is a story about him, the reaction is extremely positive and shows that what he may lack in 'looks', he makes up for in character. Frankly, I find that refreshing. He has a lot of diplomatic and administrative experience and really doesn't seem to be afraid to take a stand on controversial issues, which tells me that he has major backbone and would be able to hold his own in any debate. I have a feeling he would fight back and still manage to take the "high road".

I haven't really thought about him as "my" candidate before, even though he is my Governor, but I am starting to think he may really have something that will set him apart from the pack.


:hi:

[Dr Ron]

5. Long shot but who knows what will happen

Obviously he is a long shot at this point, trailing the top three candidates by a wide margin in the polls. Still, you never can tell what will happen with all the time left. He has far more experience than the top three, and he has at least managed to break out a bit to be considered the second tier candidate with the best chance of challenging the others

If Ricardson continues to take stands like this, and can take advantage of his experience to look better than the others in debates, there is always a possibility. It is also possible that Obama and Clinton might both tear each other apart by next fall, leaving room for others to move up.

[solara]

6. Yeah, he is definitely a long shot...glad to hear he has moved to second tier, though

we may yet get to see him in a debate of substance. This could get really interesting.

[Dr Ron]

10. Conventional wisdom places him 4th

Most place Clinton, Obama, and Edwards in top tier, and then the rest in the second tier, with Richardson first among them. He's still way, way behind in the polls but there is a long time to go.

[nada republic-cons]

7. Oregon fades

Under bill, medical-marijuana users could be fired
Thu, Mar 15, 2007
Employers could fire medical-marijuana users who fail drug tests under a bill passed Wednesday by the Oregon Senate. If it becomes law, the measure could shield employers from potential lawsuits fi...


Oregon senators OK firing of medical pot users who fail tests
Wed, Mar 14, 2007
Employers could fire medical marijuana users who fail drug tests under a bill passed Wednesday by the Oregon Senate. The bill received strong bipartisan support. If it becomes law — it still has to...


Lawmakers back employers on medical marijuana use...


http://search.statesmanjournal.com/sp?aff=100&keywords=medical+marijuana&submit.x=13&submit.y=7&submit=Go

[bigtree]

8. nice to know he shares our priorities

[Dr Ron]

9. Hopefully this is a widespread priority

I'm not sure how many would consider this a top priority among Democrats, but hopefully it will become a higher priority