Question from Anita Harris You supported the passage of Amendment 64 which legalized the recreational use of marijuana. Can you explain your reasoning for the support? The reason I am asking is because I have my own reason for not legalizing marijuana. And it has a lot to do with government control. I have had this conviction for over 20 years. I dont have a problem with anyone using marijuana for recreation. However I do have a problem with government controlling that use. That is why I would not want it legalized. My Response Anita Harris, I see the legalization of victimless, consensual crimes like recreational marijuana use, as an obvious way forward for Colorado. Criminalizing certain natural rights over ones own body is an overt violation of human rights, and it results in tangible losses to the state and the citizenry. These losses come in the form of wasted tax dollars, which could go towards production in other areas like education, public works, the environment, etc. The current waste is in the billions nationally, where COs liberty is yet to spread. Is it a perfect initiative? Not presently. Do I smoke pot? No. So personally, Im with you. Like you, Ive had convictions that make me averse to the drug, but the core issue is bigger than our personal tastes and/or convictions. This is about liberty, and upholding it. Politicians arent here to transfer their biases onto a legislature, nor succumb to a majoritys whim. They are here to think critically and keep the state focused on protecting individual liberty. Whats baffling is that I was the ONLY Mayor to know this, and the only one to vote to pass Amendment 64 on these grounds. Personal convictions aside, when we apply critical thinking and a liberty philosophy, the legalization of recreational marijuana use is a logical conclusion, and the way forward in restoring our liberty. Thank you for reaching out with your question! All the best, Mike
Posted on: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 18:36:04 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015