Somerville rocks, so why does our Mayor oppose Question 2?

[ron_newman]

Somerville has a well-deserved image of being a haven for offbeat and creative types, so I'm confused and disappointed to see Mayor Joe take part in a press conference opposing Question 2.

As the city's press release itself points out, "Question 2 would decriminalize marijuana use and make possession of small amounts of marijuana punishable only with a fine similar to a traffic violation." (Actually, the police can also seize the marijuana.) That seems to me like just plain common sense. It saves the city money by not wasting police and court time on prosecuting a victimless "crime".

The campaigners against Question 2 call themselves the "Coalition for Safe Streets", but this question has nothing to do with either safety or streets.

Why did you do this, Mayor Joe?

Comments

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

In the past decade we have worked diligently on the local, regional and state levels to curb marijuana use, especially among our youth. The approval of Question 2 in November would undermine all of those efforts,” said Mayor Curtatone. “Question 2 poses a very real threat to our youth and our communities. Drug use is a public health, safety and quality of life issue and Question 2 would increase marijuana use while putting more of our youth behind the wheel while high on drugs.

Maybe I'm just confused about Prop 2, but I thought the penalties for minors stayed the same, as did the penalties for driving while high?

[anomie666.livejournal.com]

Its probably one of those issues where it is more politically expediant to oppose this than support it.

[ron_newman]

You're not confused at all. You're correct. If you have any doubts, read the Secretary of State's page on Question 2, and the full text of the question.

[ron_newman]

But the most politically expedient thing to do would be to ignore it and take no public position at all.

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

DRUGS = BAD.

Well, other than caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol of course. Those are fine. Allowing drugs in the neighborhood -> more gangsters in the neighborhood -> more crime in the neighborhood -> drugs in the neighborhood. Repeat.

At least I think that's the rationale... I think it's bogus, but I think it's the argument...

alternatively: more pot -> more skaters. Skaters are annoying. Therefore against pot?

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

Okay then, I change my response to: WTF!?

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

I always wonder if these rabid anti-marijuana people have ever been around someone who is REALLY STONED. Compare that with someone who is REALLY DRUNK.

I'd say the latter is much more frightening.

[anomie666.livejournal.com]

I don't think it is an issue that he could ignore. He would be asked about it.

[ron_newman]

He would lose no points in anyone's book if he dodged the issue with "This is an issue where the opinions of our citizens may differ widely. Let them decide at the voting booth in November."

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

Precisely!

There was that anti-drug ad about 2 years ago, "The Couch is Safe" that had 3 teens sitting on a couch stoned and playing video games and talking about how the couch is safe, while other kids are out on weekends doing things and engaging in life. All I could think was that how many of those kids that were out "living" would end up in fights or maimed/killed by drunk drivers?

Yup, the couch is safe.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

Maybe he just doesn't want the kids smoking weed? Or maybe he's concerned that his force will have to waste time dealing with the federales if Q2 passes (a very real concern).

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

A, Somerville needs federal money. B, the Feds are still rabidly anti-pot.

A + B = press conferences like this one.

[exsplusohs.livejournal.com]

The mayor's speech should have included that. "If Prop 2 gets passed, HUNDREDS of citizens will be staying home on weekends! The QMart will run out of Cool Ranch Doritos! MAYHEM WILL RULE THE STREETS."

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

well, consider the track record of keeping drunk drivers off the road... and people are now afraid if you LEGALIZE something, that people will go forth and do that ... and well. stoners legally driving! oh noes!

also yes, the feds. if the police carpe diem the pot, they will now have to DO something with it. legally, and that'll get logged, tracked, reported, and well, all kinds of bad stuff. then the feds get sad and push back.

#

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

Yes, and the Police Union would be up in arms because there would be no more drunken fights outside the Sligo at 2am to break up. Instead, there would be bunches of people sitting in doorways and staring at their hands and giggling quietly to themselves.

[arrowintwolakes.livejournal.com]

This sounds like the most likely explanation.

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

My understanding of the law is that you can still be arrested for driving while impaired if you are driving erratically. But hell, how many stoners do you know that even own cars? And it's not like they're going to go drive someplace to get pizza or Chinese- that's why there's delivery.

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

LOL, I love QF MART.

[ron_newman]

Yep, this question has No Effect Whatsoever on any law related to driving cars.

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

But Ron.... {{ sniff sniff }} what about THE CHILDREN???? :: wail ::

[mrboboto.livejournal.com]

Decriminalizing possession without also decriminalizing distribution would just increase the (criminal) distribution activity, wouldn't it? Seems like you have to go all or nothing, and this is just a little bit of something.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

I've told you and told you, it doesn't matter how much you complain, we are not raising the point total for children in Death Race!

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

That's a strong likelihood. I also think the SPD just doesn't want to deal with the federales leaning on them to fork over the names of every pot smoker they deal with (if you're convicted of felony marijuana possession, i.e. having marijuana, it has federal consequences, such as loss of federal financial aid).

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

I suppose the thing with the bbq sauce is out too, then?

[duffless2323.livejournal.com]

You should have posted this 11 minutes later! :-)