You know why so many Americans who should be voting Democratic for their own interests don’t? It’s because the Party as a whole, and so many of its politicians, are too chicken-shit to take a bold stand for things that are right but may be slightly controversial. Why is that?
Proposition 19 to Decriminalize, Regulate, and Tax Marijuana is an excellent example. There was a long debate at the state convention last month, over whether to endorse it or stay neutral (nobody really wanted to oppose it.) The pro folks had scads of substantive arguments on their side, which you can really read anywhere, while the “neutral” side mainly belly-ached about how the controversy may hurt “the candidates” – that is, the major, statewide candidates who have come out against it for whatever reason.
Jerry Brown, Kamala Harris, and Dianne Feinstein may really disagree with marijuana legalization, or they might just think it’s politically dangerous as they try to look tough on law and order, but it doesn’t matter – this is in the hands of California voters. PLUS, if they really think it’s smart politics to oppose this progressive measure, it shouldn’t hurt them to show independents that they’re bucking their Party’s position.
In any case the cautious “neutral” side prevailed at the state convention, which at least allows each County Party to take a stand one way or the other. So, many of us progressive grassroots types here in the OC have been pushing the DPOC to endorse it. Us pros had our say last month, and the showdown will come at this Monday night’s DPOC when a vote will take place after the cautious conservative old guys have their say. I’ll be there and hope to have breaking good news for OJ readers.
I want my Party to endorse Prop 19 because it’s a step forward for freedom, justice and sanity; also because it will bring desperately needed revenue to local governments; and ALSO because I want everybody to know that the Democratic Party is the COOL Party – especially young people!
Here’s the Young Dems’ press release, kudos to them:
Orange County Young Democrats Unanimously Endorse Proposition 19
Santa Ana, CA:
Last week at their monthly membership meeting the Orange County Young Democrats (OCYD) unanimously endorsed Proposition 19, the initiative to control and tax cannabis in California.
“We knew this issue would be a no-brainer for our membership,” said Nick Anas, Chair of OCYD. “According to most polls, a clear majority of 18-34 year old Democrats support this initiative. There will be a lot of first time voters who are going turn out for this issue, and it is our job as Young Democrats to connect Prop 19 to the Democratic Party. If we don’t do that we stand to lose an entire generation of voters.”
He added: “There is a reason why the largest growing party today is no party, it’s because many in our generation feel that neither of the major political parties have the courage to take stands on politically sensitive issues. More importantly, with Proposition 19 we have the chance to bring in more than $1 billion dollars in new revenue, create thousands of jobs that can’t be shipped overseas and take a huge burden off law enforcement to focus on serious crimes”
Below are the official 2010 November 2nd Proposition Endorsement List for Orange County Young Democrats.
Support: Proposition 19
Oppose: Proposition 20
Support: Proposition 21
No Endorsement: Proposition 22
Oppose: Proposition 23
Support: Proposition 24
Support: Proposition 25
Oppose: Proposition 26
Support: Proposition 27
The Orange County Young Democrats (OCYD) is the official voice for young people in the Democratic Party in Orange County. OCYD is comprised of young workers, young families, college and high school students, ages 14 – 35, who are dedicated to the Democratic values that make America strong and provide opportunity for all. OCYD is committed to establishing a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation.
This is a long time coming, that’s for sure. Just think of the money that will be saved by not putting so many innocent people behind bars anymore. Now the DEA will HAVE to go after the crack and the meth and the coke and do their jobs w/o the huge payoffs and easy low hangin’ fruit. Progress is slow, but it’s sure. 🙂
One thing I’m confused about. Months ago it was 40 billion in revenue, now it’s down to 1billion? That reminds me of when there was 200 billion still left in the TARP and they were gonna spend it on jobs, and every day it whittled down till they just stopped talking about it.
You know how the schools never get the money? What if they’ve already hijacked 39 billion?
I had the opportunity to speak with Nick Anas, the chair of the OCYD at OC Pride about their endorsement. I am very pleased that the OCYD came out and endorsed Prop 19 unanimously. Though the Democratic Party has not been great on issues of drug policy reform in the past, as evident by the pro-Drug War stances of party members like Barry McCaffrey, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, Joe Biden, Joe Lieberman and Jerry Brown, the OCYD’s endorsement gives me hope for the future despite my philosophical disagreements with the Democratic Party on other issues. I have to give Mr. Anas big props for having the courage to admit that his party didn’t have the greatest track record on this issue and maybe their example will help change minds among the greater party membership. It might be asking much but I hope that Brown and Boxer would listen to Mr. Anas and the OCYD.
Have any of you actually read this initiative? It is poorly drafted and makes absolutely no sense. The drafter should put the crayola back in the box and stick to his day job. If this measure is adopted it will actually lead to MORE uncertainty.
You always get this from “smart” people who don’t like a measure: “It’s poorly drafted!” The rest of us are just supposed to scratch our heads and stop supporting it. Well, we need more specifics than that, before we give up on our biggest chance at progress on this issue in decades. Smart guy. “Poorly drafted.”
I hate taxes as much as the next libertarian/anarcho-mutualist, but this measure, despite some flaws, is a good start to help to tear down that wall of almost 100 years of failed prohibitionist policies in the state of California. Right now, we spend about $40-$50 billion (not a misprint) nationwide to enforce the current prohibition laws (including housing, employing and feeding non-violent drug offenders who are residing in our state prisons) when the largest agricultural product that we have generates $14 billion in untaxed revenue. So if the state collects 10% of that revenue generated, we are looking at $1.4 billion that could be used towards other programs and free up law enforcement to catch real criminals (i.e. rapists, murderers, arsonists, et al.).
And yes, I have read and am very familiar with the proposed text of the law. Bottom line is this. If you think the current prohibitionist policies are a smashing success and that we should funnel another $50 billion to finance this War on Drugs while the cartels in the US and Mexico gain a stronger foothold in our country, go ahead and vote no in November. If you think that a different direction is needed and that the War on Drugs is a waste of tax dollars, law enforcement resources and has done nothing but put our society and our children in more danger, then vote Yes on 19.
I, along with many commenters and bloggers from this site (for the record, the ONLY blog giving us any ink and taking us seriously…hear that Dead County and TheFibOC?) will be at the Yes on 19 rally in Irvine on Sunday and I or any one of us will be more than happy to discuss this issues surrounding Prop 19 with you face to face instead of playing keyboard pundit while playing Mafia Wars or whatever the chic video games among the tween/teen set are these days.
Vern,
What are the chances that the vote from the DPOC membership will be unanimous on Monday? I saw a few DPOC members (like 2 or 3, probably in the minority opinion of most Dems I’ve met in the OC on this issue) who gave our booth the proverbial stink eye at OC Pride last Saturday. Maybe they were disappointed that we weren’t giving out free samples like some of the other booths. Who knows?
Oh, far from it. It’ll be a nail-biter. But it’ll still mean a lot if it passes. For one thing it’ll mean a new generation is taking over the Democrats.
There’s a part of me that really wants to be a spectator at this debate. Although some of the members there may sense that I am not on board with the Democratic Party and request to have me run out of town.
Should I bring some “samples” to persuade them to vote yes? (j/k)
I’ll protect you if you come to DPOC GF! Can’t have them beating up a big football player.
Perfect picture for smoking weed… nothing matters but the weed! clothe’s and dignity are optional!
Although I support an endorsement of Proposition 19 because the law is used to disproportionally arrest and convict minorities, there are some cogent arguments against a piecemeal bill that leaves the law up to local communities. Vern I think the pictures that you used are sexist and are not helpful to the pro side of the debate.
I agree with Florice. I understand the guys like the cleavage, but it truly does detract from the message. Would you “gentlemen” find it as cute were it a hot guy wearing a speedo with a strategically placed leaf? The difference between the sexes: not many females would contemplate posting such a sight … Maybe it’s a men are from mars moment, but it seems tasteless to me.
PS: learning this new format and apologizing for not initially putting my comment in the proper place! Vern, feel free to delete!
Anyone else think that picture is “sexist?” All in the eye of the beholder I’d think.
I looked thru google images under “marijuana legalization” and that dancing girl came up, and she seemed to also communicate the spirit of youth and fun which I thought fit my text.
And then, Vern’s use of this picture hurts the “pro” side of the debate? That would sure be unfortunate and unfair.
Vern,
I thought it was a cute picture. The real DPOC members aren’t quite the free spirits that picture connotes, but I applaud them for doing the right thing. I hope the DPOC follows suit.
I think it is a sexy, fun, vivacious picture, without being sexist.
The comments make me wonder what is worse, being sexist (if that is what pictures of hot chicks are) or being sexless, Victorian, body-shame, mind-body dichotomy, self-loathers. Actually, I don’t wonder.
Hot chicks are becoming a persecuted minority.
I happen to think the picture is very sexy….
The fun-loving young woman in the happy snap?
I would rather look at her than Judge Gray in a suit…or a speedo.
Keep up the good work, Vern.
Well there you go, three guys and a liberal dyke have no problem with the picture, so it stays.
I actually support the concept, but the measure is convoluted beyond belief. And I am not the “smart guy.” I just actually read the proposal; and it is basically nonsensical. It is not clear whether, for example, a city MUST allow dispensaries or whether they MAYallow them. It is not clear whether, for example, the voters of a city must approve of a tax on dispensaries under Prop 218 or whether Prop 23 satisfies this requirement on a statewide basis. Those are just two MAJOR issues. Should I go on? This is just a really poorly written initiative.
Glad you support the concept.
On your first quibble: It seems to make good sense that would be left optional, I don’t think any city wants to be FORCED to have dispensaries That would kill the bill, wouldn’t it?
I can’t answer your second. GF? It seems the kind of stuff that can be ironed out legislatively after the initiative passes, it it’s a problem.
Legalization will save us money by eliminating how many jobs? Lets put out some information.
Also, tax revenues will be zippo as paying taxes on growing marijuana would be self-incrimination with penalties ranging up to death.
Where do you get this stuff, Morrissey?
Death penalty for growing weed?
No new jobs created by this bill to replace whatever (law enforcement?) jobs you say are being lost?
I’ve heard you claim there’ll be no revenue from this, although most experts seem to disagree with you, but now you’re really jumping the shark. Why are you really so against this?
Oh, I see (I think.) You’re suggesting that it really WOULDN’T eliminate any jobs. Maybe not, maybe a little less law enforcement. There’s a lot of other ways you save money with less prosecutions and incarceration without necessarily firing folks.
That’s not your libertarian ideal of saving money – firing cops & such – is it?
Vern – whoops, I did misread the federal law (perhaps an old version, but you should know it exists) – anyway you’ll be pleased with the following Federal penalties for trafficking:
“Marijuana 1,000 kg or more mixture; or 1,000 or more plants – Ist Offense – Not less than 10 years, not more than life – and If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life – and Fine not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual.”
Keep your patch to 999 plants and you be out in 40 years or in 5 years for one plant.
Vern, if all the growers do an honest tax return we certainly won’t need cops to chase them down.
Live-blogging from the DPOC meeting; due to some technicality the voting is put off another month, but we heard the “stay neutral” speech and the opposition speech.
“Stay neutral” was given somewhat apologetically by someone who was evidently a Prop 19 supporter but had been drafted to summarize the “stay neutral” arguments that had been given at the state convention. He repeatedly emphasized that even THOSE “stay neutral” people personally supported the measure, but that they worried a Democratic endorsement would somehow hurt Dem candidates who wanted to oppose the measure, “especially in this year’s anti-incumbent climate.” I still don’t quite get it.
The anti-19 speaker, recruited from some anti-drug group, provided comic relief, with her Reefer Madness tales. We did learn that the first time you smoke pot, you will get raped.
I don’t know what’ll happen next month, half of these people here are mad at me for even writing about this.
Great report Vern! Watch out for that darn Reefer Madness!
Did she bring up the aspergillus argument, aka the spread of “black mold” as a result of homegrowing? That “theory” is always good for non-stop laughter. Maybe it was a good thing I didn’t attend. I might have been escorted out with my incessant laughter.
I absolutely agree with legalizing pot! It can only be a win-win situation. We allow the liberals to smoke all the pot they want and even though they may become more and more paranoid, they will also become more and more complacent!
Happy liberals, mean’s quiet libs. We will not see them or hear them because they will be busy smoking their bongs!
Hello Pot clubs… Bye bye libs!
🙂
Vote YES for legalizing pot!
Aha! Except you forget about liberals like me who think it should be legal, but don’t actually use it! And meanwhile your fellow Republicans will start smoking more, and forget to start wars, and will start noticing that Mexicans are actually kind of cool, and will start voting Democrat because we’re the ones who made pot legal (along with the Greens and libs.) And poor Quinn will be more isolated than ever, but she’ll be easier to tolerate when everyone’s stoned, and I might even have to have a bong hit now and then so I can read her without being irritated, and then she’ll get a contact high and giggle uncontrollably, and forget to be hateful for a whole week.
“Aha! Except you forget about liberals like me who think it should be legal, but don’t actually use it!”
MQ says:
Well, there is another reason to legalize it! Maybe if it is legal to do it, then you might use it and ALL is good in the world!
“And meanwhile your fellow Republicans will start smoking more, and forget to start wars, and will start noticing that Mexicans are actually kind of cool,”
MQ Says:
Maybe you are on to something! If we make pot brownies give it out as a present to all the muslim men in the world… maybe they would become addicted to pot – love life and forget about those virgins in the sky! Happy Muslims, means no flying into buildings killing thousands or burying women in the ground and stoning them!
MOTTO: GIVE UP STONING WOMEN BEING STONED – SOOOO MUCH MORE FUN!
As far as the Mexicans are concerned; They are very cool, it’s their country Government that sucks and a few really, really bad Mexicans who cut off peoples heads and hang the bodies off bridges – NOT COOL!
A lot of Mexican citizens are also a little too co-dependent on American Citizen’s and their country!
“Quinn will be more isolated than ever, but she’ll be easier to tolerate when everyone’s”
stoned,
MQ says:
Of course I am isolated living in California! Its full of dumb and dumber liberals. You have noticed that this state is run by liberals and therefore it is a complete mess…. So my idea is to let the libs smoke all the pot they want, and maybe if we are lucky they will stay in their bong dens and not show up for work in Sacramento!
No libs in the state building, NO STUPID Law’s or Props to cause us grief!
GIVE A LIB A JOINT TODAY!
🙂
NITE NITE!
Hey I like this side of Michelle Q:
Vern, MQ outdid herself…you said, maybe “will start noticing that Mexicans are actually KIND OF cool,”…and
MQ says:
“As far as the Mexicans are concerned; They are VERY cool”…
can we frame this or make it into a T-shirt????
Maybe MQ saw the Miss Universe pageant, and saw Miss Mexico (22 yr Jimena Navarrete) win Miss Universe last night.
Vern, these women are right, if you are going to show lady-parts then you need to show man-parts to avoid the appearance of sexism. I suggest a small penis and gonad symbol in the lower right hand corner showing a seven, nine and eleven o’clock positioning to balance the suggestiveness of the female picture. For example when you show Florice’s picture you would show the symbol at the seven o’clock position and when you would show Michele’s picture ….. oh, I guess you wouldn’t need one then.
I Did not see Mrs Mexico win! I am sure she is glad the Americans where a little more classy at the fact the refrained from booing her…. Unlike poor Miss America in Mexico… Tacky, tacky!
Feed, house and educate them and they have the cheek to boo you!
Mexicans are cool people, I find them to be warm and have a great love for kids! I also know that they don’t like Americans much, that include Chicanos! They find Americans to be lazy and pretentious!
Anonyms’
Thanks, I am all estrogen with a sprinkle of testosterone!
@ Michelle Q:
I just saw the video of Miss USA in Mexico in 2007. It does sounds like they booed her at the beginning, and if so, that was disrespectful to her, and uncalled for.
She answered her question well, and I think she then won the crowd over at the end with her answer and her use of Spanish!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAOgMxflkNE
P.S. Separately, irrespective of the citizenship category, I think one thing the American and the Mexican culture have in common is that both cultural groups are a very giving group!