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Lothar121

Marijuana Amendment Going Up in Smoke
David Montero | Rocky Mountain News | 11/07/2006

A look at early returns shows that a ballot measure seeking to legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for those 21 and older was losing by almost a 2-to-1 ratio.

Voters were deciding on Amendment 44 — an initiative that, if it passes, would make Colorado the first state to legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes. Previously, several states — including Colorado — passed medical marijuana initiatives that allowed for the distribution of the drug for those battling illness.

Colorado was one of two states considering a recreational use provision regarding pot this election. The other state was Nevada.

But even if it passes, Amendment 44 doesn’t technically make pot smoking legal in Colorado. It is still a violation of federal drug laws — though federal drug enforcement officials have said publicly they will not actively seek to arrest, try and convict users in possession of an ounce or less.

Mason Tvert, campaign manager for Amendment 44, said he believed the success of Denver’s passage of an initiative seeking to legalize pot possession last year signaled the mood of citizens of the state.

"Why shouldn’t adults over the age of 21 be able to make a safer choice by choosing to smoke marijuana instead of consuming alcohol?" he asked.

"That’s all we’re trying to accomplish — to give adults the right to make a safer choice."

The campaign has been opposed largely by Save Our Society from Drugs. Its Colorado-based spokesman, Robert McGuire, said the Amendment 44 campaign is simply trying to use Colorado as the first step toward legalizing all drugs nationally.

He said he thought voters would "see through" the pro-pot agenda and would defeat the statewide ballot measure.

"People are smart enough to understand what’s at stake here," he said.

"People don’t want their children growing up in a society that says drug use is OK."

If the measure passes, federal drug enforcement officials said they fear drug traffickers will begin shipping more pot to Colorado because it will be viewed as "a drug tourist spot." But Tvert argued that the current fines — a misdemeanor offense and a $100 ticket — show that the government doesn’t really consider possession of an ounce of marijuana a serious problem anyway.

"If they did, they wouldn’t have such light penalties," he said.
Tvert’s campaign strategy relied heavily on penetrating markets not normally targeted in politics. Advertising on alternative radio stations, using text messaging and pushing a massive voter registration drive on the three largest college campuses appeared to make a difference.

But he admitted registering the youth wasn’t enough. They actually would have to show up and vote — not something that can always be relied upon. And some of those they registered at Colorado State University said they wouldn’t support the measure.

Most students opposed to the ballot measure suggested that pot was so readily available anyway that they simply didn’t see a need to legalize it. But student supporters said they felt it was a waste of resources to continue to try to prosecute those in possession of less than an ounce.

Even some Republican activists joined the pro-44 campaign, saying it is a question of personal freedom and the government should stay out of it.

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Lothar121

CNN has called the Colorado election officially. The measure has lost:

Yes 375,645 39%

No 598,952 61%

47% of precincts reporting

28g

Not unexpected. But really, why NOT approve this bill? Oh well, we shall rise again...

^_^truth

The Colorado approach was slightly flawed...ok it was really flawed.

When you have are up against a Government that has preached for over 50 years the dangers of Marijuana you can't just juxtapose to Alcohol. Alcohol has been accepted into the culture for years, where as marijuana, although accepted, has taken root as an illegal substance. You can't fight that sterotype with facts because it attacks the creadiblity of public officals. Instead you have to fight the offical's reasons for keeping it illegal while at the same time discussing the health pro's and con's.

The anti-legalization brigade in CO had this one locked up when it directed the issue to be focused on kids.

NV may yet have a shot though (even if it loses, the margin is going to be slim and shows that the arguement is strong), so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

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Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
Nietzsche

xxdr_zombiexx

"even some Republicans" joined the effort.

And these Repub activists ARE correct - it IS an issue of personal freedom - try getting Federal/Ntional GOOPers to support that.....

This is NEWS because Reefer Madness, despite all the help given to them by Dems, is a GOP thang. It's a core plank of their belief system.

Sure, you find low-level GOOPers supporting this or that, but they don't generally go anywhere and no GOOPer is going national who doesn't suck up to and perpetuate reefer madness. It's part of thier religion.

And this is why Dems SHOULD be embracing reform language. If for no other reason than to actualy look like a seperate political party, or, God forbid, appear as a genuine opposition party.

If the measure doesn't pass, its not a terrible loss - the success came from even getting it on the ballot.

There was a large upset in the nations election last night and Dems have taken over control of the House, which is awesome. Perhaps we will soon stop the runaway train that Team Bush and the GOP have become.

2008 is the next big target.

Get some rest, enjoy your holidays: In Jan 2007 we are going to reorganize, refocus, and get back to work.

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Alien Space Signal

There's no money for your issue so long as we're squandering $50 billion a year on the DrugWar. Ben Masel

Fear became the ultimate tool of this government - V.

 

PotShot

Ugh.

Better luck next time, I guess. *shrug*

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Carl Sagan Goodness Richard Dawkins Goodness

FYM-Shazzam420

NPR has it called:

Yes Yes 767,858
No No 611,315

Amendment - 44 Legalize Marijuana - 2773 of 3161 Precincts Reporting
Possession under 1 oz

Buzzby

No one in their right mind would ever question the credibility of public officials! That's why there's no chance that the Democrats could ever take over both houses of Congress...

This whole election was about questioning the credibility of elected officials and America has decided that just because they were in office doesn't mean that they told the truth.

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