I understand that there are a lot of groups opposing Michele Leonhart to be appointed as head of the DEA. Apparently she is Obama's nomination, although she was originally appointed by George W Bush as deputy for DEA. Many people believe that she is behind the drive within the DEA to raid Marijuana dispensaries in states where medical marijuana is legal.
Yes, she does have a tough job. However she does have to make some serious priority decisions on how to use the Government resources at her disposal.
She can use resources to try to stop the manufacture, sale and use of the hard drugs that are tearing our country apart and spreading an almost civil war in Mexico. To do that requires skilled people, careful diplomacy with Mexican authorities, meticulous detective work, and detailed effort to build cases against these criminals. The results of these efforts take months or years to accomplish.
Or, she can a few thugs into a building that has a medical marijuana sign in front and lead some workers out of a building in handcuffs and act like she has done something. Of course, in the process, she will have denied many sick and often terminally sick people from a little bit of comfort before they die.
I question her decision. I've written to our California Senators and President Obama to not confirm her to this important DEA post. I'm sure we can find another hard-working dedicated executive who can do this job well, and make a lot better decisions.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
LA County Sheriff Baca Position
Thomas Watkins of Associated Press posted an article today that ran in multiple newspapers that described LA County Sheriff Baca's position on the medical marijuana clinics in California (See article)
Sheriff Baca claims (with no evidence or proof) that 97 percent of the pot shops operate as "criminal enterprises" and he connects them to the Mexican drug cartels. He plans to lead efforts against the pot legalization initiative on the California fall ballot.
It appears that many people think that efforts like his and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in San Diego are simply for "job protection." Arresting people for pot usage and sale is clearly a much easier task for them than going after more serious crimes. The more people they have working for them, the higher their pay etc. They clearly aren't "protecting the public" from any threat against our safety or well-being.
I think the State should grow pot using prison labor, on state land -- that would exempt the state from the federal laws. Then the state could sell it to the cooperatives and take out all of the middlemen.
Sheriff Baca claims (with no evidence or proof) that 97 percent of the pot shops operate as "criminal enterprises" and he connects them to the Mexican drug cartels. He plans to lead efforts against the pot legalization initiative on the California fall ballot.
It appears that many people think that efforts like his and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in San Diego are simply for "job protection." Arresting people for pot usage and sale is clearly a much easier task for them than going after more serious crimes. The more people they have working for them, the higher their pay etc. They clearly aren't "protecting the public" from any threat against our safety or well-being.
I think the State should grow pot using prison labor, on state land -- that would exempt the state from the federal laws. Then the state could sell it to the cooperatives and take out all of the middlemen.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Lying Voters are going to make Prop 19 campaign interesting
Thomas D Elias published an editorial in the North County Times on Wednesday September 1st 2010 that pointed out that the "pollsters" are having a very tough time determining public opinion on California Proposition 19, the Marijuana legalization initiative.
Apparently the Field Poll last month found that 48 percent of likely voters are opposed to legalization, while only 44 percent are in favor. But automated polls taken at the same time (robotically) shows that the measure is leading by as much as 15%. It is possible that people when asked on the phone don't want to admit that they are in favor of legalization. So it is going to be very difficult to predict what is going to happen in November on this issue.
Mr. Elias also mentioned several other interesting statistics:
1. In 1972 there was another proposition like this one, but it lost with a 2 to 1 margin.
2. Some believe that by legalizing the $12 Billion pot industry and taxing it, the state could raise $1.4 Billion. However nobody knows for sure.
3. The $12 Billion estimate is based upon the current street value of Pot (he says $300/oz), which will probably fall if the market is legal. So the tax collection, if a percentage of the revenue, will also be less. Unless the demand for the product increases due to the legalization. Both of these factors are very tough, even for a skilled economist to figure out.
4. He asks if Republicans would support a tax on Pot when they have pledged "no new taxes?"
5 Women oppose the proposition with a 9 percent margin, while men are even.
Apparently the Field Poll last month found that 48 percent of likely voters are opposed to legalization, while only 44 percent are in favor. But automated polls taken at the same time (robotically) shows that the measure is leading by as much as 15%. It is possible that people when asked on the phone don't want to admit that they are in favor of legalization. So it is going to be very difficult to predict what is going to happen in November on this issue.
Mr. Elias also mentioned several other interesting statistics:
1. In 1972 there was another proposition like this one, but it lost with a 2 to 1 margin.
2. Some believe that by legalizing the $12 Billion pot industry and taxing it, the state could raise $1.4 Billion. However nobody knows for sure.
3. The $12 Billion estimate is based upon the current street value of Pot (he says $300/oz), which will probably fall if the market is legal. So the tax collection, if a percentage of the revenue, will also be less. Unless the demand for the product increases due to the legalization. Both of these factors are very tough, even for a skilled economist to figure out.
4. He asks if Republicans would support a tax on Pot when they have pledged "no new taxes?"
5 Women oppose the proposition with a 9 percent margin, while men are even.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)