One in a Row

[Tim Nerenz]

http://timnerenz.com/content/one-row

President Obama’s new policy on medical marijuana brings to mind the old saying: even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in while. That was back when you could say “blind” and “acorn” was only a single nut, not an organized mob of them.

Let’s give credit where credit is due – the President’s decision to discontinue federal prosecutions of medical use of marijuana is practical, principled, and compassionate.

Libertarians should credit the President for recognizing the right of individuals to make their own choices in medical treatments and drug use. That’s one in a row.

Republicans can stand behind the President for recognizing states’ rights and following the Constitutional limitations on federal government powers. That’s one in a row.

Democrats should be thrilled that the President has finally done something that is supported by a majority of citizens. That’s one in a row.

You see? Limiting government is not only easy, it brings us together. The Libertarian Party has been way ahead of the curve; fighting for the rights of individuals to make our own choices over what we put into our bodies and for what purposes. Our stand was taken long before public opinion swung to our views.

But the President’s new policy is a victory for a principle, not for a Party; credit goes to the millions of people who have worked tirelessly for years to bring sanity to this issue – people from across the political spectrum as well as people who could care less about politics and have acted only out of compassion.

The President’s decision will bring peace of mind to millions of American families and it costs less than nothing – it reduces federal spending on prosecution and incarceration of people who pose no threat to civil order.

But one in a row is not enough. A Presidential directive can be reversed by the next President; or this one if the polls shift against him. It can be ignored by federal prosecutors. And it does nothing to confront the real imperative – comprehensive reform of our destructive drug laws. The President took one step, now it is time for Congress to get to work and finish the job.

The consequences of drug prohibition in this nation are far worse than the consequences of drug use. Studies continue to show that our drug laws do not reduce rates of use, abuse, or addiction. They have created new problems of crime, gangs, corruption violence, international terrorism, and the destruction of our inner cities. They have made a difficult problem impossible, and we have squandered hundreds of billions of dollars on a fool’s errand that has now lasted decades.

Those who oppose this decision will worry that the President’s ban on medical marijuana prosecutions will lead to increased recreational drug use. I ask them only to consider this: will you now start using drugs now as a result? Neither will I; and neither will anyone else who has chosen not to use drugs. And those who have chosen to abuse drugs are not deterred by laws – we all know that.

So congratulations, President Obama, I’m behind you 100% on this one. That’s one in row.


Tim Nerenz is the Libertarian Party Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 2nd District. To support Dr. Tim's campaign, please visit the campaign website at www.timnerenz.com.

[David Shipp]

Please excuse the spelling errors, I lost the ability to edit before I was through.

[David Shipp]

Tim, I appreciate your enthusiasm and I agree with most of what you have said when it pertains to people being able to decide for them selves. I especially agree with it being time for congress to go ahead and finish the job and legalize marijuana but frankly this non reform is only a move to bend the law. It does nothing to actually change the law and can be ignored at the whim of the enforcement agent, since their is still a federal law which states that Marijuana use is a federal offense. When it comes to the current administration, I'll accept what little they can muster to preserve and protect the constitution of the United States, but Personalty I would have preferred if Obama had just recognized that the ninth and tenth amendments don't allow for federal prosecution or persecution of medical marijuana use. So as you can see, I am not behind him even on this one 100%. Like every thing else he has done using "feel good " politics, he muddled this one too. As a fellow Libertarian, I will be looking for any one in 2010 who acknowledges that they are taking the oath of office seriously and it means a great deal to them. Of course in my book if they also support H.R.25 they will have my vote. My bumper sticker says" re-elect Congress? FUHGEDABOUTIT" At least you have recognized that government needs to be downsized and it's peoples rights that are important. that is a lot more than I can say about the democrats and republicans that have been blogging about the upcoming 2009 Nov 3 elections. Most of them still don't seem to get it. Again thanks for your enthusiasm and I wish you all the success in your district 2010. I think you have a very good chance.