May 17, 2013
It is a common misunderstanding that those who support the legalization of cannabis, if only for medical reasons, are a gaggle of pot smokers in the pejorative sense who do little to contribute to society as hard working Americans. Across all political and economic lines, the use of cannabis has been consistent and the number of Americans who support its legalization (or decriminalization) is on the rise. The problem is whether the will of the people can be expressed in our laws against those who lobby and campaign against it.
“I’m not advocating everyone go out and run around with no clothes on and smoke pot,” [Rand] said. “I’m not a libertarian. I’m a libertarian Republican. I’m a constitutional conservative.”
He was right at one point – he is NOT a Libertarian. The legalization of cannabis is one of the most important pillars to the taxation and spending cuts that are central to the libertarian belief in smaller government as the key to American prosperity. He says he is a constitutional conservative, though it doesn’t seem clear where in the Constitution he picked up the position that legalization was unconstitutional. It seems that Rand is trying to be an apologist and bridge the gap between Libertarian and Republican.
Rand Paul says he does not want to end the Drug War. A Pew Research poll in April, 2013 shows that 52% of Americans support legalizing cannabis. Additionally, 72% of Americans believe government efforts to enforce these laws cost more than they are worth. People have shifted away from a belief that cannabis presents a moral issue. It’s an issue of personal freedom and government expense.
LEAP VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpUGV8QC1tQ&list=UULfPtqrJlWSOsh8byxYUO3g&index=1
It is the position of the Libertarian Party that, “Drug prohibition does more to make Americans unsafe than any other factor.” The LP concludes its position in stating, “By ending drug prohibition Libertarians would double the resources available for crime prevention, and significantly reduce the number of violent criminals at work in your neighborhood.”
What Rand Paul has done is associate cannabis use with people who run through life with abandon and disregard for the public peace and economic support of their families and nation. This is far from the truth as we concern ourselves with liberty and the financial well-being of our country. While appealing to those Republicans who think it good policy to refute the strong personal testimonies of real people who laud the use of cannabis in their various uses and medical treatments, he has abandoned Libertarian principles
MH @13 Bingo!
In order for liberty to ever have a chance, we need to make sure the words “libertarian republican” are not used.
http://www.lpf.org/news-archive/response-rands-statement-cannabis-libertarian-republican/
Can you post a link to the source that this is from the LP of Florida
Moderated comment. Can be read via http://rot13.com
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I see your point about the LP criticzing Rand, but why is the LPF criticizing him (I can understand the LP of KY criticizing, but the LPF)?
I like Cruz because, let me be frank, he’s the perfect payback for 8 years of Obama. Cruz is essentially the GOP equvilant to Obama. He’s a ideologue that appeals to the GOP base, he’s young not an old white man, he’s articulate and passionate, he could probably win a large portion of the hispanic vote (maybe 60%), and he brings excitement. He also claims to be a constitutionalist, and so far is acting the part (is it a ploy, idk). Until someone else better comes along, I can’t think of a better candidate to crush the pinko-commie liberals.
Johnson got significantly better on foreign policy during the campaign.
Now read this…
https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2012/08/john-jay-myers-lp-candidate-for-senate-issues-press-release/
…and tell me why you like Ted Cruz again?
As for Rand Paul, he is a mixed bag, and is often called a libertarian by others even though both he himself and the LP say he isn’t. It’s completely legitimate for the LP to draw a contrast.
Ted Cruz is a statist neocon shill. Rand is SO much better.
Nothing separates Ted Cruz from any other neocon.
I’m not saying I’m not a hypocrite, hell I openly admit I’m not ideologically pure, consistant, whatever. I think it’s just bs that a party is criticizing someone who’s not even a Big L libertarian (and who constantly empathizes the Republican part of his political point of view) when last year’s nominee wasn’t a pure libertarian when it came to foreign policy and Gitmo. Seriously, that is BS.
Disclaimer: I am not a Rand Paul support, I think he’s an idiot. I want Ted Cruz in 2016.
Besides, Rand doesn’t even have the same relationship or connection with the LP that Ron had, so the LP really shouldn’t be criticizing him in the first place for not being a real libertarian.
People keep saying he is a libertarian, so yes, that’s a perfectly legitimate thing for LP to comment about.
If they’re criticizing Rand Paul, where were those voices of outrage when Gary Johnson held unlibertarian beliefs when he was the LP nominee?
What views are you talking about, Mr. Herman Cain/Billy Roper/Ted Cruz supporter?
Seriously, who cares what Rand Paul believes. He’s clearly a Republican, and clearly laying the groundwork for a GOP Presidential run. Of course he’s not for drug legalization, because alot of GOP primary voters are against it, duh. I think his Dad proved that running as a Republican and being pro-legalization is political suicide in the GOP, considering he didn’t win a single state in the primaries. Besides, Rand doesn’t even have the same relationship or connection with the LP that Ron had, so the LP really shouldn’t be criticizing him in the first place for not being a real libertarian. What the hell are these people smoking? If they’re criticizing Rand Paul, where were those voices of outrage when Gary Johnson held unlibertarian beliefs when he was the LP nominee? Seriously, this is just hypocrisy.
I find it strange that people still try to project Ron Paul upon his children. Rand has never been anything like his father in my opinion, and I appreciate his support for Hemp in Kentucky.
Nationally, there is no Libertarian voice. This includes Rand, Justin Amash, and Massie.
I also would like to mention that I don’t know what a Libertarian Republican believes in, except irony.
I’d like to go on the IPR record and make it clear that I am advocating everyone go out and run around with no clothes on and smoke pot – but, only if they want to. I oppose any law that might require people to go out and run around with no clothes on and smoke pot.
I believe the Great and Wise Aqua Buddha agrees with this.
For those who want to stay inside and run around with no clothes on and smoke pot, watch out that you don’t stub your toes on the furniture. It really hurts and it will blow your high.