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Barack Obama Comes Out in Favor of Marijuana Decriminalization [Updated]

For the first time since his presidential bid began, the Obama Campaign has clarified the Senator's position on marijuana: stop arresting people for it.

The announcement comes as a bit of a surprise after Obama recently raised his hand in opposition to marijuana decrim at a recent democratic debate. Seeking to paint him as a flip-flopper, The Washington Times dug up footage of a 2004 appearance in which Obama said this:

"I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws," Mr. Obama told an audience during a debate at Northwestern University in 2004.

Obama's campaign is now standing by this earlier statement, claiming that the Senator has "always" supported marijuana decriminalization. This actually makes sense, because Obama's apparent opposition to decrim during the debate was triggered by a badly worded question from Tim Russert. As I said at the time, this all goes to show how a cheap soundbite approach to the marijuana discussion trivializes the issue and obscures any real difference of opinion.

Fortunately, now that Obama's position has been made perfectly clear, we face the possibility of a full-on marijuana debate between front-running presidential candidates. It could begin as soon as this evening during Obama's long-anticipated one-on-one face off with Hillary Clinton. Absent that, an Obama nomination would guarantee republican attacks on the marijuana issue, inevitably sucking this discussion into the political mainstream where it belongs.

Jacob Sullum argues correctly that decrim is a remarkably soft position by drug reform standards, but that fact will surely be lost on the blood-thirsty political attack machine that will be directed at Obama if he receives the democratic nomination. And I for one welcome every last nasty morsel of it, lest the debate over recreational marijuana use in America should be excluded entirely from presidential politics yet again.

Weak as it may be, Obama's is the best position on the marijuana issue taken by a viable presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter.

Update: Tragically, the Obama campaign has now reversed its position on decrim. Most of the above can be disregarded entirely.


Barack Obama and decriminalization

From a Canadian perspective I applaud President Obama's principled position regading the decriminalization of Marijuana. Perhaps he realizes American incarceration rates put the lie to the notion of America as a free country. More likely a wealth of votes has influenced or bottom lined his stance. Let mad dog repugnicans howl as is their wont, truth and justice will always find the light of day.

Decrim'ing

Canadian Perspective? Shut the fuck up you don't even live in our country your opinions about this election don't mean shit to any of us Americans. We don't care about the European's views either... But the fuck out and worry about your prime minister and stupid shit like that.

The shit you've just spit is

The shit you've just spit is what gives the American people a bad name.

Everyone is allowed an opinion, don't act like we Americans are right about everything.

fuck you

you have know idea how much what you just said is a fat pile of bulshit Amaricians are always right what the fuck are you smoking the reason the world is fucked right now is becaus the amarician democrats were stupid and rong dud I've herd a lot of stupid shit wile I've bin alive but that was the most ideotic thing I've ever herd you need to stop whatever the fuck your on and start puting some real facts together or stay the hell of the internet ya fucking jackass

fuck you again

sorry I misread the shit you just spit sorry for talking mad shit

OPPS

Dear Douche

Here's ten things in our history that was "wrong"

1. Slavery
2. Amistad
3. The Mexican American war
4. The trail of tears.
5. Japanese internment camps
6. The Jim Crowe Laws
7. Women not having the right to vote tell the 1920
8. Vietnam
9.Bin Laden runing free for 7 years
10. The Atomic Bomb

Now I would like you to justify all of these historical events which are a direct result of our American government being "wrong." You said, "dud I've herd a lot of stupid shit wile I've bin alive but that was the most ideotic thing I've ever herd you need to stop whatever the fuck your on and start puting some real facts together or stay the hell of the internet ya fucking jackass" and I thought I would pull out some facts because it is obvious that you put little thought in your arguments. Ignorance is a horrible burden in our society and people like you is exactly what is wrong with our country it is time we weed out people like you in oreder to form a better country but unfortunatly we can't. So all in all it is you who needs to stay off of the internet or keep you idiotic opinion to yourself unless you can back it up.

If your not a die hard

If your not a die hard American, then get the fuck out... AMERICA answers to no one

You are so ignorant.

America began because people did not agree with the government, and our country has made so many advancements over the years because of people who dared to speak out against what was wrong with our nation. Being patriotic is not about sticking to one rule and staying so close minded, but rather finding new ways that can make the country a better place, and support freedom.

I agreee

I agree 110%. This nation was created because we were sick and tired of unfair laws and other persecutions what you red neck republicans are doing is the exact same thing that england did to us in the 1700's when are you going to except that the answer to everything is not to bomg the living hell out of everything or threaten everyone into doing what we want basically if you think about it america is a bunch of pirates we wanted oil we went into iraq to get there shouldnt even be a debate about our cause to be over there it was because we needed oil the whole WMD's thing was complete BS in order for our country to be whole again we MUST improve our domestic policy end of discussion.

Wow

It's ppl like this guy who make the would tough for everyone. You know, the closed minded kunts who only think of themselves. But It's all good, because 98% of the world hates these ppl. See... he is obviously a fickle, narcissistic mother fucker who is only trying to start an argument to get others to pay attition to him because his parents couldn't do it. America is a good country I agree, and I'm proud to live here, but is in no way perfect. To bad this guy is too blind to see it.
Peace

To the neutral people.

Im speaking for all neutral people to the over patrotic attitude people, try pretending were not in America for a couple days and brainwashed robot symptoms will start to diminish a bit. I do understand some people are just like that, but dieing for no reason cuz your life patheticly sucks, or need financial and law troubles "which is understandable" is just what the Armys for. Just think..if the world were one big government or split into two, I wonder if ud have those people still there all like "The World" YEEAH!! IF U DONT LIKE IT LEAVE IT!!!

your the douche

only people who hate their country talk like you you sick fuck
1 Atomic bomb? not bad you douche it ended the war and has been used twice dumbass its a good thing.
bin laden? well that was bill clinton he's a retard
vietnam? that was helping it was the right thing to do we did a good thing even if bad things happened
women are too moody to need to vote (jk) lower the age and keep women out
camps are bad but thats were poor people should go...(jk)

Fuck you

There are 10 times more things wrong with other countries.

Everyone practiced slavery, even africans so fuck you.

Fuck Amistad, yea, fuck him, I never knew him and there are worse tradgedies, hmm, like not entering world war 2 until the last moment.

As for the rest, you see what happens when we let sensitive women vote, now marrage is not worth it for the man anymore, so we just fuck you guys, you get an abortion, the end.

Vietnam-- Go hump a tree you fucking hippie, people like you are what made us lose the war by two weeks, fucking moron.

Bin Laden-- Have you ever worked with or for the CIA? No, so go fuck off.

The A-Bomb, guess you dont remember pearl harbor you dumb bitch, oh I guess we should have killed maye a thousand soldiers instead of dropping a bomb. Fucking communist cunt, I hope you get your fucking ass shot. Bitch.

PS. Fuck all you racist motherfuckers. Go back to Africa and get aids.

another hundred IQ points and you'd be an official moron

lern to spel dood.
If illiteracy were an Olympic event, you'd be a gold medalist.
Go smoke some banana peels and shut your fucking pie hole.
Both pro and anti folks abhor moronic imbeciles like yourself which I'm sure every country has it's share of... I just wish being an asshole was a internationally punishable crime.

wow

you can't even spell american so you might as well get the fuck out

*sigh*

Either obvious troll is obvious, or my infinitesimal optimism for humanity has been finally and utterly demolished. Please, for the love of God, be a troll.

you

are right.

Shame

Shame it's so easy to remain uneducated

you..

are an idiot

Why

Would someone go out of their element to produce a false representation of an American using a method called, "drunken slur" We have our own opinions in the USA. ?

I cannot stop laughing about the fact that you made a complete fool out of yourself. It is very funny.

Mr. Canadian citizen, thank you for your very kind words and please excuse our American idiots. We are doing our best to keep them off the internet, but sometimes, after a few beers, they find their way to a computer. I was suprised that he or she could spell.

Peace

personal opinyion

your both full of shit

ass

For your information... I think Canada supports the American views on Medical Marijuana more then you think... Look at the Prince of Pot... he is trying very hard to put DEA in the ground so we can have our rights to have our medicine. I would suggest that you do your research on the Canadian supporters before you pass judgement on them.

Thank you Canada for supporting us in this war on drugs. You are the for runners for it to be legalized here. And we all know where our seeds come from. lol

that's YOUR problem dude

Hi! motherfucker
I'm French (and arrogant)and many people arould the world
are happy to see Obama in your country to drive some people less dumb
maybe to legalise marijuana
it would be a signal for other lands

anyway the net is not limited to one country and we have the right to
explain our views

thanks and good smoke

knock it off

that's EXACTLY the kind of attitude and behavior the marijuana movement DOESN'T need.

that Canadian was writing something supportive to our cause you don't make enemies where none exists.

hey how about fuck u u

hey how about fuck u u stupid cunt, go eat a fatty burger and fucking clog ur arteries u bitch

Spoke to soon -- Obama runs like Hell from decrim statement...

"Then after the Times posted copies of the video on its Web site today, his campaign reversed course and declared he does not support eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use."

http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080131/NATION/269196852/1001

Article published Jan 31, 2008
Obama flip-flops on pot

January 31, 2008

By Jen Haberkorn - Barack Obama, the senatorial candidate of 2004, might have a bone to pick with Barack Obama, the presidential candidate of 2008.

Videotapes of debates and speeches that were obtained by The Washington Times show Mr. Obama took positions during his Senate campaign on nearly a half dozen issues, ranging from the Cuba embargo to health care for illegal immigrants, that conflict with statements he has made during his run for the White House.

For instance, in MSNBC's Oct. 30 presidential debate, Mr. Obama hesitantly raised his hand and joined with most of his Democratic rivals to declare that he opposed decriminalizing marijuana. (See clip below.)

But as a U.S. Senate candidate, Mr. Obama told Illinois college students in January 2004 that he supported eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana use or possession, a debate video shows.

"I think we need to rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws," Mr. Obama said during a debate at Northwestern University. "But I'm not somebody who believes in legalization of marijuana." (See clip below.)

When confronted with the statements on the video, Obama's campaign offered two explanations to the Times in less than 24 hours. At first, Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said that the candidate had "always" supported decriminalizing marijuana, suggesting his 2004 statement was correct. Then after the Times posted copies of the video on its Web site today, his campaign reversed course and declared he does not support eliminating criminal penalties for marijuana possession and use.

We Need to Bring the Troops Home

That's most unfortunate, that Obama decided 2 reverse his position on Decrim. I have voted Republican primarily, but that would be the only factor that would make me decide to vote for him. I even looked up his stance thinking that since he is such a "Liberal" he would be open to this possibility.
It's time to bring the troops home, It's time to end the bloodshed, and by that, I mean letting violent sociopaths, and sexual offenders walk the streets because those who choose do self-medicate, with something that actually work for any given number of ailments, or just because they feel free to, are imprisoned due to "maditory minumumn sentences" imposed by are former "glorious" leader Bill Clinton. He can take "mms" & NAFTA & cram them both up his... It's time to stop spending Billions of our hard earned tax dollars, on funding these so called "task forces", which are more like small militias, operating under the guise of the law. I've lived in small town America, where 15-20 officaers, they gotta be makin @ $150-$200 a day each, to bust some small time Joe for a quarter-pound of marijuana. That's about $4000-$5000 to take about $500 worth of weed off the street. I must applaud the job of the DEA, to waste our tax dollars. And then "housing" the so-called criminals, to take this "scourge" off the street. While violent & sex offenders walk free after maybe a couple years, if that. Not to mention, in a number of states, this is still punishable by a Felony, creating "criminals", and possibly making an otherwised skilled worker unable to get a decent job, or the right to vote(which I believe is their real endeavour), beacuase of a felony on their record from a marijuan possession charge.,Does this picture seem distorted to you?
This is not like 100,000 people dying because their leader used chemical weapons against them. NO ONE is dying here, this so called "Drug War" has to end, we need to bring the troops home, give the DEA jobs as Drug Guidence Counselors, let's get these people help, actual rehabilatation, Prisons are only turning these people into criminals, not rehabilatating, or helping them. We have lost this War, let's bring home the troops, release the p.o.w.'s

decriminalizing marijuana

Marijuana is a plant that no one created much like tobacco. However, it has an effect on people that is not a violent manner but in fact an ease of mind. Other drugs such as meth, exctasy, cocaine(also a plant) are chemically altered, wich can be deadly and have different effects on people much opposite of marijuana. No one has overdosed or died from marjiuana, unlike other drugs, but it is used by millions of Americans. When has there been any report of murders or other violent crime from people being high on marijuana. I myself have only heard these crimes from (un-natural) drugs. If being aloud to use marijuana that would lower the crimes of manufacturing drugs and violence. People just want happiness or something different than reality and thats the reason for drug use. Im not suggesting fully legalizing marijuana, but making it to where you can only have a certain amount without being penalized in any way. Also only being aloud to use in the privacy of your own home. Marijuana should have the same rules as for drinking, such as no driving under the influence or public intoxication for that not be appropriate for younger children under the age of eighteen. Marijuana should not be considered a illegal drug due the fact that people, not just enjoy it, but use for other purposes such as sleeping, eating, depression and other disorders. So not only as our new President, but a citizen like everyone else think about from our point of veiw. My name is Anthony Morris and I fully stand by what I have written.

Cocaine is not 'chemically

Cocaine is not 'chemically altered', it is merely refined and concentrated.

flip flop?!

This sounds like all the other lawyers invoved in politics. Just tell the people what it will take to get elected! He needs to be more decisive. Like my favorite candidate! If there was no drug war, many, of us "good" doctors, would still be working!

Obama is a drug warrior

While I have no respect for the Washington Times they have accurately reported Obama cannabis flip flop. Typical of him.

I posted a piece today on the flip-flop with links for the other posts that I have written since last summer about Obama the drug war here at: Barack Obama....Getting Smaller

Obama promised New orleans that, if elected, he would send more DEA agents to the city to help reduce their post Katrina drug crime problem. His solution to poverty, incarcerate and disenfranchise more of the victims.

His support for the 2005 Combat Meth Act makes him look like a total idiot.

Barack Obama is a right-wing Jim Crow pandering drug warrior a-hole.

I hope the Greens, Libertarians or Independents give us an alternative to these single-minded authoritarian Democrats and Republicans.

I do not vote for drug warriors.

well is he pro decriminalization or not?

I'd really like to know my vote is very dependant on this issue.
Of course there are so many issues that are much more important but It could sway my vote. The act of decriminalizing the behavior of a very large portion if our populace is certainly a step in the right direction. I may be dreaming but could this be an indication that theres is a politician out there with some common sense that may be applied to other issues as well?
I am a firm believer if marijuana users would back off on the pothead behavior I'E. put down the Bong set aside their fear of retribution and write our representatives and simply state I use marijuana and I vote! in mass we could effect change. but then i've always been a dreamer!

Flip Flop

I am having a hard time with this years election. I used to consider myself a democrat. I thought maybe Obama was the way to go but I realized we don't need more taxation we need lower spending. When a company is having a hard time they cut fat where it counts, from the top. We should be thinking the same way. I switched to Ron Paul. I know he is a little extreme but I truly believe that is what America needs. He is not a flip flopper and he doesn't want more of my hard earned money. He wants less!!! Also he consistently polls as the most believable candidate. Maybe it's because he isn't a flaming idiot like the rest of the people running. I'm dissapointed in Obama. I had my hopes up.

I smoke pot and I will vote

I recently wrote Bart Stupak of Michigan to do exactly that.

How about a national post card campaign

A post card campaign to tell candidates that you vote against drug warrior politicians.

Politicians view each hard copy post they get from voters to represent some thousands of voters views. Hard copy mail gets the highest rating. Telephone calls second and email has the lowest value to them. I got this from a political hack who was working congress a few years back.

So if we can get a lot of people to send post cards that say "I vote against the drug war" the candidates will find themselves being confronted by the issue in their own offices.

So go get some post cards from the Post Office. Send one to each candidate in all races that you are interested in on the federal level.

We can change their minds.

Oh really...

No Pills.

No Powder.

But what grows in the ground is probably ok.

failed drug war and your vote

You still continue to think that the drug war is helping with "pills and powders" or you would know that there could be an alternative. Yes drugs are bad for people, and society. But, no more, so, than alcohol! If the drug war is not working, there needs to be another approach. Regulation would take the drugs out of the hands of the dealers, anyway! But, too many time we forget, dealers don't card!! Regulation cannot be legal if the drugs remain illegal. It is a big jump.

But, at least we do "think of the children" (since drug dealers do too)! If the dealers were out of business, our children would be safer! Minors should not consume and brain altering drugs, in my line of thought, anyway!

legalized

Marijuana is healthier for you than anything else its more natural. It should be legal I vote for Obama because he knows what he's doing! compared to ANY OF THE CLINTONS.

"Bad People."

Drugs are not just for BAD people. I know plenty of good people who do drugs. My brother who is a good person was a coke addict and an alchohalic. That is just an opinion people have about people that use drugs. Maybe if you got to know some of the people who do drugs you wouldnt think they are so bad. And im not saying EVERYONE who does drugs is good. Because there are BAD people that do drugs. And the kids that do drugs do it because it was their decision. If you want them to be "safer" then things like weed should be legalized. Because yes the drugs people by from other people have probably seen 50 other people before the person they got it from. But if it was legal and sold in stores, it would be straight from the stores and people would know EXACTLY what they are getting. But dont call every drug user a bad person just because you are single minded.

Your absolutely right!

Your absolutely right!

wtf

well yea that shit is bad 100 times as bad as weed and weed should be legal bc no one has died from it! power and pills kill ppl every day ass!!!!!!!!!

Re: Oh really...

no pills, no powder?!?
what about prescription pills? aren't those just the government's version of legal, socially acceptable, "good," "safe" drugs? there are tons of legal drugs available (via prescription) that don't grow in the ground. what about all the chemicals that are abundant in the food we eat on a daily basis?

if you ask me, the government should poke its nose elsewhere and not tell me what i can and can't put into my own body.

LETS BE HEARD

CAN,T WE ALL START TO SIGN AND SEND LIKE WE DO ON OTHER THINGS RIGHT HERE ON THE SITE?WON,T ALOT OF NAMES MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENTS? PLUS I THINK ALOT OF THE Politicians ARE GOING TO BE QUIT ON OUR ISSUES UNTIL THEY HAVE MORE POWER AND GET BUSH OUT OF OFFICE. BUT THEN CAN WE TRUST THEM TO DO ANYTHING.IF WE SIGN ONE AND SEND IT NOW AND LET THEM KNOW ONCE ELECTED IF THEY DON,T WORK ON OUR ISSUES THEN THEY WON,T GET A SECOND VOTE. WE NEED TO THINK LIKE THEM, AND PLAY DIRTY LIKE THEY DO TO GET WANT WE WANT JUST LIKE THEY DO. IF WE CAN GET SOME LISTS TO SIGN GOING I,LL BE GLAD TO SIGN AND GET PEOPLE TO SIGN. BEST WISHES TO ALL AND OUR ISSUES........... LAD

:)

up with dope down with hope bitch!!!

legalization versus decriminalizing

someone should define these terms.It would be nice if we could buy the great pot and hashish from Afghanistan and pay the farmers there so they might have food and schools,,this would reguire legalization.Decriminalizing is what??Just reducing the penalty for use???We should ask the Rx lobbies about this,,they are the ones that still spend tons badmouthing the natural remedy marijuana.It would be very interesting to research how much money is spent every year to fear and smear this silly little weed.
Of course booze sales would fall too,,so wonder how much interference is being run from those lobbyists??
Having attended the world's first cannabis law reform conference in Amsterdam in 1980,I am still quite amazed by the regular smokers who are too afraid to grow their own because that could mean real jail time,so they pay these crazy prices for their pot.$400 for an ounce????Unreal.Me,,
I stopped smoking pot after I saw three or four thirteen year old boys huddling and then sneaking off into the woods to smoke a joint,,then coming back all red-eyed and dreamy.It was never the same for me after that moment,,it just lost its' cool factor for me.
Of course to mention legalization is still seen as political suicide,but a little less every year.But for me decriminalizing is no real benefit.It should simply not be controlled at all.Any smoker should have their own little happy garden,and we should have access to the world's best hashish.Ron Paul is the only man calling for legalization,,I know,,he is a republican(scary,),but he does make sense.I do not see any real balls about drug reform from any of the others.

legalization

Make it legal, and tax it like liquor,or cigarettes. You could drop the national debt.

article

i read an article that said if we were to leagalize just marijuana and tax it its estimated that we would be out of debt within two and half years

pot is not a bad drug

it realiy isnt a bad drug.. beer is worst it kills you liver.. if you just smoke pot u will be able to funtion and everything... pot is just made for the seritit people...i want to be able to smoke pot than go where ever i need... i dont want everyone to smoek it just the people that want it can smoke it so the people that think it is bad for us they dont have to smoke it just the people that liek it and want to smoke it can..

pot is not a drug

what i consider to be a drug is a man made product such as alcohol, pills,powders, and anything that can be put into your viens with a needle. if marijuana is illegal because of the thc in it then all of mankind should be put away. Our own bodies make drugs similar to thc and other endorphins, why aren't we being punished.

legalizing weed

I think hat is a wonderful point about how our bodies produce endorphins like THC. Everthing is there to prove that weed is not a drug and the public has proved it. Marijuanna is growing in popularity because teens found that when you smoke it you dot turn into a rampaging idiot,and just everything is happy and ok. Another point I have is that pot is and has never been an addictive substance, unlike some legal substances such as cigeretts and alcholthank you for taking the time and reading my ideas. please rply with me at spillman_32@yahoo.com

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