This month has seen lively discussion in newspapers and television across America, on a topic previously given scant copy by mainstream media – the possible legalization or decriminalization of marijuana and/or other drugs as a solution to the violence near the Mexican border and as possible remedy for the nation’s economic woes. A sampling of these perspectives follows, along with related You Tube videos:
Oregon: April 1, 2009 – Column – It’s Time, At Least, To Have The Conversation
North Dakota: April 2, 2009 – Column- Obama Has A Hazy Pot Policy
Video: MSNBC kicks off our mainstream TV news sampling of the debate, first replaying President Obama’s light-hearted dismissal of the Cannabis legalization question, then hosting a discussion:MSNBC Holds a “Legalize Marijuana” Debate
Connecticut: April 3, 2009 – Editorial – Marijuana Bill Deserves Passage
Colorado: April 3, 2009 – OPED – This Is the Truth on Drugs … Any Questions?
Video: CNN’s American Morning ran a week-long series on the drug war, with logical perspectives by U.S. Representative and presidential candidate Ron Paul, a champion of the Constitution.Ron Paul on CNN – says Legalizing Marijuana could Reduce Crime
Massachucettes: April 5, 2009 – Column – A New Conversation On Drug Prohibition
Washington: April 6, 2009 – Column – Finally, a Little Honesty About America’s Inept War on Drugs
Video: The former Police Chief of Seattle, Norm Stamper, a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) and on the advisory board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) , appears on Democracy Now! Former Seattle Police chief calls for Legalization of all Drugs!
California: April 6, 2009 – Column – Let’s At Least Begin Talking About Legalizing Drugs
Video: California got the “Tax & Regulate” bandwagon rolling last Feburary when San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano introduced a bill to legalize Cannabis: Legalize Marijuana as Solution to Economic Crisis
Pennsylvania: April 8, 2009 – Editorial – Recession Hits Drug Policy
Michigan: April 9, 2009 – Column – Wave White Flag In The Drug War
Video: Conservative commentator Glen Beck of the Fox News Channel believes legalization is preferable to the gray area of unenforced marijuana laws: Glen Beck – Legalize Marijuana & Stop the Violence
DC – April 12, 2009 – OPED – We Tried a War Like This Once Before
Colorado: April 12, 2009 – OPED – The War on a Plant
Video: Penn Jillette, of “Penn & Teller” fame, believes that everyone in the world has smokes marijuana (except for himeself and his kids) and that it should be legalized:Penn Says: Legalize Marijuana
Time Magazine: April 13, 2009 – OPED – It’s High Time
Texas: April 15, 2009 – Column – Time for Serious Debate on Legalization of Drugs
Video: Seriously, though, this guy talks fast and makes a lot of sense:Legalize Marijuana…
‘Nuff Said!