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arely staircase

(12,482 posts)
Thu Jan 23, 2014, 11:44 PM Jan 2014

Rick Perry for "decriminilization" of pot but not legalization

SAN ANTONIO — Gov. Rick Perry signaled Thursday that he's for the decriminalization of marijuana use — not legalization, but the softening of punishment for pot users in the border state.

His spokeswoman confirmed that Perry is staunchly opposed to legalization of marijuana because of the dangers that have been associated with the drug but is committed to policies that would lower the punishment for its use to keep smokers out of jail.“Legalization is no penalty at all, whereas decriminalization doesn't necessarily mean jail time (for minor possession offenses). It means more of a fine or counseling or some sort of program where you don't end up in jail but in a rehabilitative program,” said Lucy Nashed, a spokeswoman for Perry.“The goal is to keep people out of jails and reduce recidivism, that kind of thing,” she said, adding that decriminalization would exclude violent offenders and dealers.In Texas, an offender with less than 2 ounces of marijuana can be sentenced to up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. An offender with more than 5 pounds faces up to two years in jail.


http://m.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Gov-Rick-Perry-for-decriminalization-of-pot-5168667.php?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite

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musical_soul

(775 posts)
3. I am personally for legalization.
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 12:31 AM
Jan 2014

Make it legal, and we can tax it. Make it legal, and we don't have to use our tax money on paying a DA or feeding people in jail. Perry's idea would take care of the jail idea, but not the rest. I have to say it does seem to be a step up compared to other Republican politicians.

arely staircase

(12,482 posts)
8. "I am for decriminalization but not leglization" is going to be the "I support civil unions but not
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 12:26 PM
Jan 2014

gay marriage" of the pot prohibition end times.

 

riderinthestorm

(23,272 posts)
12. Agreed. But baby steps are better than no steps. Portugal has accomplished a tremendous amount
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 01:36 PM
Jan 2014

by starting with decriminalization.

We have to get started asap on ending this horrific war on drugs. I'll take any Rethug baby steps in that direction that we can...

Captain Stern

(2,197 posts)
5. Here's what Rick Perry actually said regarding marijuana use.
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 01:12 AM
Jan 2014

Ok, no, he didn't actually say this at all, but it's what he might as well have said.

Rick Perry: "I'm against people using marijuana because it's always been bad. But it's not as bad now as it used to be, so that's good. I don't think anyone should go to jail for using marijuana, unless they should. But even if they should, It shouldn't necessarily mean they should. Because fines and counseling or some other stuff. Recidivism..reduce it..it's bad. Violence is bad too."

arely staircase

(12,482 posts)
6. yeah that is pretty much what he said
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 04:56 AM
Jan 2014

Last edited Fri Jan 24, 2014, 12:27 PM - Edit history (1)

Though even put that way it is still more than one would expect from Perry and I see it as a big shift in landscape. No bragging on Perry just saying it is a sign of changing times.

ananda

(28,783 posts)
7. By dangers of marijuana Gov. Perry means...
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 06:01 AM
Jan 2014

... that pot would raise people's consciousness and
they would never vote Republican again.

FrodosPet

(5,169 posts)
14. I know more RW stoners than progressives. YMMV.
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 03:18 PM
Jan 2014

I know, I need to get out more.

But the reality is that most of the progressives I know are non-smokers, while most of the Paulites are stoners.

For the most part, however, very few of my friends are politically interested, and the ones who are, many of them are "Support The Troops AND Marriage Equality" types who do not fit in a traditional ideological definition.

 

Rex

(65,616 posts)
11. Don't worry about it governor Shitstain, you won't be in office for much longer.
Fri Jan 24, 2014, 12:35 PM
Jan 2014

Wendy Davis will legalize it for us after she becomes our next governor.

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