"The Global
Commission on Drug Policy reported that between 1998 and 2008, global
use of opiates increased 34.5 percent, cocaine 27 percent, and cannabis
8.5 percent."
Specific to American voters, one might consider a more focused question about America's drug policy; Will President Obama legalize or decriminalize it [medical marijuana]? The short answer is -- not likely. Although he's perceived to possess plenty of swag, at least compared to Mitt Romney, Pres. Obama's certainly not inclined to legalize it. But decriminalization of 'Mary Jane' for medical purposes may be something worth having a national conversation about, including the right of individual states' to opt-out, of course.
Let's be clear; this issue isn't partisan.
Voters (democrat, republican, and independent) have strong beliefs, pro and con, about the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes - regardless of political affiliation(s). While the political argument(s), however, continue between believers and non-believers, the so-called "War on Drugs" seems to be increasingly less popular with most Americans, who view the policy as a war on citizens (especially minorities).
Is "War on Drugs" a successful national policy, or tragic unequal enforcement of laws, and wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars?
For medical or social reasons, Americans both conservative and liberal, consume more pot than ever before. Truth be told, these "law breakers" include [the] rich, poor, conservatives, liberals, religious folk, atheists, neighbors, friends, relatives,...and yes, even politicians, enforcement officers, judges and grandmas.
In 2010, the United States spent over $15 billion dollars on War on Drugs[source: ONDCP]
In 2009, about 858,408 persons were arrested for cannabis violations. Approximately 89 percent were charged with possession only[source: FBI]
Like it or not, the use of cannabis has not declined in the U.S., but in fact has skyrocketed since the 'War on Drugs' policy was instituted.
This is perhaps good news for those who have a vested [financial] interest in the prison industrial complex, but it is by contrast sobering news for taxpayers whose hard earned dollars are being used to warehouse so-called "criminals" for possessing pot intended for personal consumption, rather than sales distribution.
So here's the real question: Is this issue a matter of morals, money or politics?
As far as morals are concerned, who can argue beliefs and faith? History has shown, regardless of facts, there will always be those who oppose -- based largely on spiritual/religious conviction(s).
For the need or love of money, and in the spirit of 'capitalism', especially during tough economic times, many states, counties and cities are benefiting from the large sums of tax revenue(s) generated by [a] regulated cannabis economy.
In Oakland, California, for example, 1.4 million dollars was collected from dispensaries in 2011.
Politically speaking, most politicians these days, tend to blow whichever way the wind (code word for dollar) blows.
But as one great generation of Americans is replaced by another -- 'Generation-X', the decriminalization of marijuana just may become more appealing to the electorate, in spite of good or poor economic conditions.
If congress fails to act, by July 1st, student interest rates could double to 6.8%! Unlike Mitt Romney, who agrees with the president on the issue, Obama connected with students' concerns about the financial aspects of educational funding by describing he and wife, First Lady - Michele Obama's huge educational debt incurred after completing law school. "Michele and I, we've been in your shoes. When we married we got poor together", said the president. He also revealed that it wasn't until eight years ago that their SL payments were finally paid off. The president also told students that he and Michele's mortgage payment for their condo was less than [the] payments for student loans.
Highlighting his success about leading the charge to remove the middle man (banks) from receiving billions of dollars in subsidies from student loans, students applauded when he reminded them that [now] "money goes directly to students", making it (college tuition) more affordable.
By the time Obama finished his speech and headed toward the exit, students began applauding and chanting, "four more years!"
According to [the] polls, Obama still holds a solid lead over Romney with young voters. Why? Because young Americans overall don't feel that Romney can relate to their issues, especially considering he clearly seems to represent the interest of the 1% -- a class that would rather see their pockets inflated more than a majority of minds cultivated. During Romney's time as governor, college fees rocketed to 63%!
With numbers like that, Pres. Obama can continue to push the line on behalf of students across America...and rather creatively.
In Oakland, California, for example, 1.4 million dollars was collected from dispensaries in 2011.
