Latest Conversations: Stoners Will Sway The Election

Ahmed Shihab-Eldin discusses the voting group that cares about one issue this upcoming election, weed.

Comments

[kathismom]

11:52 AM on 07/31/2012

Sorry Mary, I'd vote for Dr. Jill Stein with the Green Party before I'd vote for a lib that wants to get rid of social security. Otherwise, right on!

[Holymolly]

11:48 PM on 07/24/2012

Stoners will not have an impact on an election because at this time, both sides of the isle will not touch the issue, it would actually lose votes for any proponent. How soon we forget the phraze, "I did not inhale," it was a smart political move then. Even though I believe in legalizing it, and this current president inhaling it, the status of pot being legal will take years of effort and an aclamating congress to change it's mind. Any visual demonstrations in legalising it, I believe will be futile because the country is almost ready to make it legal. Demonstrating about it is like asking your dad over and over for the keys of the car and when he's just about ready to hand them over, you kick him in the shin. I suggest to be patient, the country is dealing with heavier stuff right now, but it will get to it.

[mtk123164]

06:33 PM on 07/24/2012

Get a life; nothing good can come from legalizing pot; we already have enough free loaders and drugs will without a doubt create more;

[David Faisel]

08:54 PM on 07/24/2012

Pot is not a drug, ignoramus. Get a clue.

[tarheelpirate]

11:18 PM on 07/24/2012

There are a lot of people who have done drugs or are presently doing drugs, that do not want the laws changed to make them legal. Pot is grouped into the "drug" catchphrase either fairly or unfairly depending on who you talk to. I see one comment that "worries" if marijuana is legal, it will be one more welfare item for the government to issue for free. To be honest, knowing our government, this would probably be true. I will say that, to the "stoners", if this is so big of an issue that it is the defining reason why you vote for a candidate without taking other more serious issues into consideration, I for one, would be against their judgement "call" and you would be in the minority. I hope this finds all doing well.

[bygbubba]

05:40 PM on 07/24/2012

Smoking pot helps our enemies. Why would anyone do that?

[David Faisel]

08:55 PM on 07/24/2012

Shut up

[wesnwendy]

04:46 PM on 07/24/2012

I know of a middle aged woman who worked hard for 27 years for one company, worked circles around her co-workers, rarely called off, rarely was late, in fact was the first one there very early every morning, and rarely took vacation time. She never, ever, smoked before going to work, would have NEVER been that irresponsible. She just smoked at home to help her sleep and calm her nerves. So, unexpectantly, her unit was sold to an outside company, she had to take a urine test, failed of course, and not only was she declined enployment with the new company, but her current employer who she was loyal to for 27 years threw her out with no concern and no second chance. She is trying to work with a temp company for half of what she made before and is facing losing her home and her beloved cats, cannot afford health insurance, is risking getting her electric turned off in this heat, all because of a plant. Can anybody truly believe this is fair or right? Especially when so many'legal' drugs are far more dangerous and addicting?

[tarheelpirate]

11:05 PM on 07/24/2012

The story you shared of the middle aged woman is typical of a not so typical situation of marijuana use. Of all the "drugs, plants or chemicals", I would think that it has the least potential for harm among its users or users against the public vs say-- bath salts. I think a lot of the non users fear the mentality of "drug, plant or chemical" users. I have been exposed to many people on both sides of the fence, and of course, there is logical positives to both sides. Kind of like, lets say poor people, perception is many things - more apt to use drugs, more apt to commit crime etc. You know that - yes -- some fit the mold but some do not, in fact, some are just the opposite. It will be hard to dispel what many believe to be hindering our overall population and committing it to "drug use". It is a shame that this lady has many positives to her "personality" but all they see is the pot use. Sad indeed.

[Brian CK]

08:10 AM on 07/24/2012

"Will Sway The Election"? How can you say "will"? Do you know something millions of others don't? They'll have to get off the couch first. If they do get out to vote, they'll probably do something idiotic like vote for Obama anyway. Much to Obama's dismay, he hasn't made enough govt-dependant stoners yet to sway the election, but rest assured, he's doing his best LOL

[Ekeepsondancin]

09:38 AM on 07/24/2012

typical uneducated comment from someone who stereotypes all people who smoke pot as 'couchpotatoes'. Newsflash; MILLIONS of people smoke while holding jobs, spending time with family, and have a fulfilling life. Educate yourself before judging others for something you don't do.

[David Faisel]

08:56 PM on 07/24/2012

Look everyone, it's one of the CONS, who will vote for a guy he can't even trust: ROMNEY.