Transcript
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Larry Kudlow: This story coming out of Washington has lit up Twitter and Facebook. Congressman Ron Paul and Barney Frank will be introducing a bill to end marijuana prohibition. A short time ago, Texas Republican Ron Paul spoke with me about exactly what he’s advocating. Take a listen.
Ron Paul: Well, removing it from the jurisdiction of the federal government and allowing the states to regulate it, like they would alcohol. And this seems to be strange for a lot of people, but I’m only going back to 1937 when that’s the way it was handled. The states always did this, and I’m motivated strongly also because the states legalize it for the use of medicinal purposes and it is helpful to people who have cancer or are getting chemotherapy. So this is not a huge radical idea, it’s something that was legal for a long, long time. And the war against marijuana causes so much hardship and accomplishes nothing. So I would say that marijuana, as far as causing highway problems, is miniscule compared to alcohol, and yet we knew prohibition of alcohol was very bad. So this is just getting back to a sensible position on how we handle difficult problems. And, for me, it should be the states.
Larry Kudlow: Alright, let the states regulate, yes, I agree with that, that’s a free market position, it’s a 10th Amendment position. Mr. Paul, in one of the debates, though, you came out for the legalization of marijuana and heroin. Is that still your view?
Ron Paul: Well, you know, I’ve never used the word heroine in my life when I talked about legalizing freedom of choice. And that one, too, was once legal and I concluded that argument and they sort of got the point when I said when they were making a big deal, your freedom philosophy means somebody could use heroine. I said, “You know, if tomorrow we legalize, how many of you in this audience would you heroine? Of course, nobody would.” So it’s a moot point, it’s how you regulate things and whether or not this trillion dollars we spend on the war on drugs … really since the early 1970s, the modern day war on drugs started with Richard Nixon and it’s a catastrophe, just as the prohibition was a catastrophe. So yes, they’re regulations for children and the way the states want to handle it. But, you know, it’s sort of like saying, “I believe in the first amendment”, and they say, “Oh, that means you’re pro-pornography”, or something like that. It’s ridiculous. Permitting something to happen does not mean that you authorize it or endorse it, it’s not an endorsement of what people do.
Larry Kudlow: Do you worry, sir? I mean, look, I’m recovering alcoholic and drug abuser. I’m coming after 16 years, with God’s grace. Do you worry, sir, that this opens the door to more drug use, sets the wrong example, sends the wrong single? It’s an honest question on my part, do you ever worry about that? You yourself are a doctor..
Ron Paul: No, because I think it’s much worse because kids today have an easier time finding marijuana than they can alcohol. And how many cases of drug addiction were prevented by the laws? Do the laws really do it? Would putting you in prison for about 5 years, do you think that would have helped you? Would that have cured you? No, this is a medical problem, it’s not a legal problem. You shouldn’t be a criminal because you have a problem with drugs. So I just don’t think putting you in prison would have been helpful at all.
Larry Kudlow: Alright, well, I did it through a faith-based self help program, but I appreciate your point of view.
Ron Paul: The market, Larry, that’s the market way of taking care of a problem.
Larry Kudlow: I guess I do. I want to agree with you on why the states should have the jurisdiction on this and so many other things. I think that’s exactly the right position.
Ron Paul: We should be very consistent.
Larry Kudlow: I got to go. Congressman Paul, you’re terrific for helping us out tonight, I appreciate it.
Ron Paul: Alright.
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Actually the cannabis plant is one of the most useful plants in the entire world and hemp could easily replace wood and save everyone money if it were legal, so smd bitch
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everything was going weel until he said legaling herion
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I’ve been shot before. In a little place called Kandahar. I didn’t need any medicine but that’s just from all the training the navy put us through. Not only am I against weed but I’m against alcohol and tobacco use too. Caffeine isn’t anywhere near as bad as weed. Weed is harmful to your brain just like alcohol is to your liver and tobacco is to your lungs. All 3 are drugs and all 3 are worthless
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Weed is a drug. It’s a worthless plant. We can get along in our lives without it
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And weed is still worse. If it makes you high it’s worthless. We can live without weed. No one needs it
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Only because it’s true. Weed is a drug
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If I was retarded I would do drugs. But I dont and you do
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hell yea ron paul for president 2012 free the weed finally use stoners catch a break
»crosslinked«
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We already have 2 bad things legal we don’t need 3. Especially a drug that zombifies you
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That doesn’t mean it’s healthy. People with too much iron in their blood can use scotch and other kinds of alcohol to help with their condition. Weed is a drug and it won’t ever be legal
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Are you retarded? We don’t settle for anyone who’s a coward and who’s weak. Drugs make you weak. You can call me stupid but I’m right and I will always be better than you because I don’t do drugs. Do something healthy with your lives
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The presidents never said that and it is a worthless plant. It is better to keep it out of peoples lives. It’s a drug and it makes you weak. Here in America we won’t settle for anyone weak
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I do. That’s why I don’t drink or smoke. I hate all 3 of the drugs. It’s 28 people that like our country and use their brains. Drugs like weed make you cowardly and weak. We need to be strong and have no fear. But people are just lazy and choose drugs. Weed zombifies you. That helps no one. Do something productive with your sorry lives instead
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Ron paul is the best old man EVER!
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“Kids today have an easier time finding marijuana than alcohol.” He’s so fucking right. He totally is!
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Legalize weed
I don’t want to be the result of another’s opinion.
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I will make my own choices and not hinder others in theirs.
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Legalize weed
I don’t want to be the result of another’s opinion.
,
I will make my own choices and not hinder others in theirs.
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You think I didn’t know that? All 3 are drugs and all 3 are harmful
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How many people die every year because of alcohol , driving whilst Bering drinking I can’t even count how many then think how many people have died because of marijuana? Can’t people see that alcohol is worst than marjuana
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That’s 28 smart people
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3,236 likes vs 28 dislikes
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You are a worthless dumb ass
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The best part is that most people in america thinks that marijuana makes you an addict. there is no addictive substance in the drug itself. it just works for 1 to 2 hours and then you can decide to use it or dont. i live in the netherlands where it is legalized….. and no sir. i dont use it. even though it is being sold in regular shops but that is my choice. the stupidest thing is that people ar thrown into jail for possessing of drugs. The government can just make money by taxing it!
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There’s that idiot again with the same made up stories
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Hey don’t hate the truth… It should be eraticated
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I dont get why 14 year old kids go around yelling “LEGALIZE WEED”
Because if weed is legal, there will most likely be an 18 year old age limit.
Therefore, getting weed from a store would probably be harder than it would be if you got it from your drug dealer.
Dumbasses.
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It causes long term effects too. It’s a harmful drug
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Alcohol is a far more dangerous drug than marijuana, and it is legal to drink because it is a tradition and past time of our country. However, marijuana (a natural plant that has been proven to be much less dangerous than any other drug) remains illegal because it has been illogically frowned upon throughout the history of America. Marijuana exposure to a developing and maturing mind of a person under 21 can cause minor maturing problems, but that wont matter since it will be legal for those 21+
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you are an idiot
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how can you say weed is bad? Its never killed anyone, no deaths at all. its a plant. its good for you. DOESNT make you stupider, and has been proven to even stimulate brain cell growth…legalizing marijuana is probably the smartest moves the states can make, because they could make mad money in pharmaceuticals, and its good for everyone…not saying all drugs are good, but marijuana deffinitly is.
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elect this man.
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everyone vote for Ron Paul.
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Well murder is bad and drugs are bad. Keep drugs illegal!
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Im not american but….Fuck you.
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I think it is important people at least research the positive economic impact (on a macro and micro level) ending marijuana prohibition would have. Marijuana is NOT harmful in any capacity, but if it was, do not expect the government to protect you! Protect yourself if you are scared. Let people do what they want. it is a victim free lifestyle choice. I would hope our society is not so hopeless as to try and stop people from doing things that don’t even effect them. life is too short.
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