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Virginia Senator Jim Webb Speaks Out Against Marijuana Laws

Senator Webb is known for speaking his mind, which is a good thing since he's interested in reforming drug laws:

Freshman Virginia Sen. Jim Webb's name has come up as a possible Democratic VP candidate. Judging from his new book, A Time to Fight, the decorated Vietnam vet might be a good choice. "The time has come to stop locking up people for mere possession and use of marijuana," he writes. "It makes far more sense to take the money that would be saved by such a policy and use it for enforcement of gang-related activities."

Webb, who took office in 2007, criticizes the drug war and prison-industrial complex: "Either we are home to the most evil population on earth, or we are locking up a lot of people who really don't need to be in jail, for actions that other countries seem to handle in more constructive ways." [celebstoner]

This all sounds pretty good to me, although I would remind him that a lot of the worst "gang-related activities" are caused by drug prohibition. Just say "violent crimes," instead. Good start though, Senator. If Dick Morris gives you any lip over this, stomp him with your famous combat boots.
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A clarion call

vp

yep, we need good man in vp spot. i'm all for him. the days of prohibition politics are over. come on guys get with the program. or get a real job.

Jim Webb for V.P. or

Drug Czar.

whamola420@yahoo.com's picture

Did You Mean... 'Drug Bizarre'?

Because tolerating the litany of crimes by the dumb evil assholes is truly, if not uniquely, bizarre!

the best strategy for

the best strategy for dealing with gang related violence would be to incrementally legalize currently illegal recreational drugs, and for the next five years (or longer, or permanently) following legalization put 50% of tax profits from the sale of the newly legalized narcotic into job training and GED programs for inner city youth.

Also have programs where the government will purchase unmarked recreational drugs (drugs on the market pre-legalization) for half market value.

It would be irresponsible to take away the source of income of an already disenfranchised population and not give any support.

whamola420@yahoo.com's picture

Not a fan of the democratic tax & regulate strategy!

I am for the libertarian strategy of re-legalization w/o taxation.

However, I would support the incarceration of all prohibitionist criminals responsible for continued marijuana prohibition... including asset forfeiture to pay for their long prison sentences.

Not sure if our prison industrial complex would handle the surge though... there are alot of criminals in this wacky christian nation.

“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it” Adolf Hitler (infamous socialist)

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