Another Prohibitionist Comes Around on Marijuana
Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato (R-N.Y.) said there is merit to the idea of legalizing marijuana on Monday, a surprising statement from a law-and-order Republican who once tried to ban any dietary supplement that makes you happy.
In 1995, then-Senator D’Amato introduced legislation to classify any “dietary supplement that claims to produce euphoria, heightened awareness or similar mental or psychological effects” as a drug. The legislation’s intent was to combat the popularity of ephedrine-based herbal supplements by banning them, the same logic he applied to marijuana prohibition as an ardent supporter of our current laws.
D’Amato now appears to have changed his position, telling Howard Stern on Monday “there’s some merit to” the idea of legalizing marijuana. If only he had come to that conclusion while he had the power to do something about it.
Tagged with: Congress and D'Amato and Prohibition by the author
20 comments
wow thats nice =)
I’m just giddy with delight with all this great news!
Now if only the DEA would shock us all and say the same thing…
Yes, the DEA and the Justice department need to win back the support of the American People. If they reschedule Marijuana then they can go after the real criminals. Good for you Mr. D’Amato , better late then never.
It’s stories like these which provide me with euphoria, heightened sense of awareness and other mental and psychological effects.
hey man, think you can swing this by the “legalize marijuana” section on change.org? it hasn’t been updated in ages.
These politicians are only coming around because they seek re-election and they are trying to earn the sympathy from the cannabis community by trying to look rational and open-minded. Just like what Obama did, and then Obama laughed at us when we supported him. The more they try to fight us , the more ignorant and uncompassionate they are looking in the public’s perception.
Nice words from a “FORMER” Senator. I’m sure he wouldn’t be saying the same thing if he was still Senator. The things these people will say to get re-elected……..His political history speaks for itself, you can’t teach an old politician new tricks.
This country needs a “REAL CHANGE” instead of a new face in a new suit bringing this country to it’s knee’s and oppressing it’s own people.
Next time I’m voting for some real Freedom Fighters like Ron Paul or Jesse Ventura!!! This 2 party Dictatorship is a JOKE!!!
Interesting……but the former legislation he tried to pass leaves me skeptical to his agenda……Actions speak louder than words former Senator.
You will see statements like this from former DEA agents Former congressmen,former Drug Czars.And former senators,It just goes to show what complete yellow cowards they are while they are in power and stand to suffer a bit of flack over their viewpoints.Once they are out of harms way they begin to speak their minds and lo and behold can you say hypocrite.We absolutely need to recognise the few politicians we have that are couragous enough to speak their minds while they are actually in office.
A victory is coming!
I dont trust most all politicians. They flip flop like a fish outta water. They lie to get what THEY want. Just turn the news on and see for your self. I still say Obama lied just to get support from cannabis users. Yes actions speak louder than words. I want to see more action from those that said they are for decrim (HelloMr.President, Your popularity seems to be dropping. What you gonna do?)
With or with out these politicians, we will WIN!
I welcome his change of mind and forgive his past as long as he is sincere in his change.
That great but this fool is not in office anymore!
If all those politicions are gonna be a 2 face about this issue, I wonder how long they will stay in office becuase I know we getting bigger and we not stopping here because by next 2 years there is gonna be more than half of the country that wants to legalize Marijuana ( i bet is more than half of the country already). Do you think the DEA or BIG BROTHER are gonna be able to ignore us?
I remember Folger’s coffee commercials in the 90’s with euphoric coffee drinkers dancing in the streets and singing, “the best thing about waking up is Folger’s in your cup! ”
I wonder how that product escaped Mr. D’Amato’s wrath at the time. Glad to hear he’s come to his senses.
It was all about Big Pharma. They didn’t like the fact that a cheap OTC supplement worked better than their ultra-pricey script weight-loss drugs. Same goes for GHB/GBL vs their ultra-pricey script sleep aids and sexual aids. Same goes for marijuana vs their……..
The list could go on for quite some time, but I’m sure eveyone already gets the big picture.
http://www.break.com/usercontent/2009/7/white-people-gonna-riot-825433.html
They get out of politics, and the lobbyist money, than grow a brain!
Hmm, seeing my kids happy gives me euphoria… it must be a drug! I’m hooked on it anyway
Yes, D’Amato’s turn-a-bout smells of belated, time-released hypocrisy.
But, it is better than continuing to spout the prohibitionist ‘company line’ that other, well compensated, prohibitionists spew.
Even good ole’ Barry Mac says he doesn’t care if some 40 year old grows 12 plants on his property.
The ONLY prohibitionist line i can get my head around is keeping ALL substances away from kids.
Most say 21 is the age to responsibly participate in one’s choice(s) of recreational substances.
I say 18, because if you are old enough to lose your leg or life in Iraq, i say you are old enough to responsibly consume what you wish.
no sh*t. an old howard stern f-hole buddy. stern sucks. religion sucks. government sucks. the economy is but a subjective machination. ftw!
I think most elected officals know what is right and what is paid for to be considered right. – off subject. the article about drug arrest and student aid. since most of the pot arrest are under the age of 30. it makes political sense to change this law. the problem is, how to pay back those loans when the drug conviction(s) shows up on your back ground check or do you lie? Without an above average paying job, student loans blow.
No one should be angered about the timing of Senator D’amato’s comment, in fact, everyone should be elated! These small steps are in fact the way that the 13 States that have more open policies toward marijuana started! I am pleased that comments about marijuana are gaining public stage, both in New York, and across the Country. Perhaps by taking these steps, acceptance of marijuana use will begin to gain even more momentum and soon we will see a revised federal drug policy more in line with our Societies use and yes, dependence on marijuana! I am a medicinal user of marijuana, and have written my State Assemblyman and State Senators to support the legislation currently in the State Houses. Do not think for a moment that Senator D’Amato does not have friends within the halls of Government, and that no-one listens or holds his opinion as valid! He still is a public figure, and I am sure Howard Stern wouldn’t have invited him as a guest if he was not going to help with ratings.
Leave a Comment