Legal Commentary

Signs Obama Will Disappoint Marijuana Reformers

By Jeralyn

Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director of NORML, takes a hard look at President-Elect Barack Obama's appointment announcements to date and finds them not a good sign for those seeking marijuana law reform.

While we've documented likely Attorney General nominee Eric Holder and VP-Elect Joe Biden previously (Also see NNDB and Radley Balko here), Allen points out three other stumbling blocks: Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, ONDCP Transition Team Director Dr. Don Vereen and likely Drug Czar Former Congressman James Ramstad.

In an e-mail, Allen tries to put some optimism in the picture: [More...]

As Obama takes the reins of power in hands, we have to constantly remind him (and his staff) of his humanity, sense of decency, proportionality, a prohibition-stressed economy and the shared heritage he has with all past and present cannabis consumers.

Towards that end, NORML is holding a contest, "What do you want to say to President-elect Obama about cannabis?"

Produce 30 or 60 second videos or a flash animation, submit your video or animation to the NORML Foundation and you could win the newly increased grand prize of $3,500! (NORML Foundation donors have put up $10,000 in total cash prizes).

Full post as published by TalkLeft on November 24, 2008 (boomark / email).