Decriminalizing Marijuana in Texas

This is definitely a national issue that I'm passionate about.  And yes, before you ask, I am not currently a  pot smoker, but have been at times, and I can't say I never will again. This issue was addressed once more, in the Dallas News. Here's the link: Wendy Davis backs medical marijuana, would consider decriminalization. It's written by Rodger Jones, an editorial writer for Dallas News.  For those that don't know, Wendy Davis is a U.S. Senator from the 10th district in Texas.  She is also a democratic candidate for Governor. This article is referencing an interview that Wendy Davis did with Dallas News' editorial board.

 Before we get to the heart of the interview, let me give my position. It's proven that the U.S. has the highest jail population in the world, and yet our country, only represents a small portion of the worlds' entire population. This is due to the fact that most of the jail population is in for non-violent drug offenses. As I started writing this, a Bill Mayer commentary came on the news.  How ironic, I know.  But what he said is true.  Having minor criminal offenses on your record has so many ripple effects in your life.  People with such minor offenses can't get certain jobs, can't get apartments, can't get grants to go to college... the list goes on. And a very important question is this: How do these people move forward? And when they can't get jobs, or apartments, or a college education, isn't the only thing left to support themselves, more crime?

Another important aspect, is just how much does criminalizing marijuana benefit your average American?  Or does it benefit big business?  Marijuana has been proven to be a pain reliever, and actually, it has been shown to have numerous medical benefits. We all know that pharmaceuticals are BIG MONEY for big business and our government. Have you ever thought, that if marijuana was decriminalized and able to be prescribed for pain, that perhaps the pharmaceutical companies would make a lot less money? And where we do we think our politicians get their financial backing? OK enough said.

No on to the interview.  Mr. Jones asked,  "Had a bill gone to the Senate to decrease criminal provisions for possession of small amounts of marijuana, would you have voted for it?" And her response... a systematically, "Yes I would." She was also asked, if an constitutional amendment decriminalizing marijuana was put on the ballot, would she vote for it? On this, she hesitated a bit.  She expressed the problems that Denver is facing in regards to DUI, the fact that if you get pulled over, how can they access whether you smoked today, or five days ago? She basically said she wanted to wait and see how Colorado handles it.  With this response, I felt her hesitate a bit.  But the question does remained unanswered, and it most definitely needs addressing. 

In the end, I think that she's a little on the fence because of an impending election; which really doesn't tell us how she would really vote.  We all know Texas is a red state.  But being a red state doesn't move us forward.  Aren't we ready to move forward???