cannabisnews.com: Johnson Blasts Drug War, Compliments Libertarians





Johnson Blasts Drug War, Compliments Libertarians
Posted by CN Staff on August 07, 2002 at 10:58:06 PT
Gary Johnson: I applaud you all as Libertarians
Source: The Libertarian Party
New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson blasted the War on Drugs as a "miserable failure," complimented Libertarians for their defense of freedom, and reaffirmed his belief in "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" in a speech to the LP National Convention on Friday.The trim Republican -- a competitive "Ironman" triathlete who plans to climb Mt. Everest next year after his second term ends -- got a warm reception from more than 600 Libertarian delegates, who may have viewed his eight years in office as a template for a future mainstream Libertarian governor.
Johnson earned rapturous applause when he noted that he had stopped every new tax increase proposed by the New Mexico legislature -- and, as a result, has the "most contentious relationship with the legislature" of any governor in the United States."Never before in the history of New Mexico has eight years gone by when there was not a single tax increase," he said, to a roar of approval.Johnson also boasted that he has vetoed over 750 bills.To alternating waves of laughter and applause, he listed some of the legislation he rejected: Gun control bills, new cigarette taxes, helmets for pole vaulters, campaign finance reform bills, hate crime bills, cigarette regulations, property development restrictions, motorcycle helmet laws, and even a bill that would have mandated exercise for dogs and cats in pet stores."I vetoed all sorts of bills," Johnson summarized wryly.Johnson also laid out a libertarian manifesto that he said guided him while in office."I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," he said. "I believe in the American Dream. I believe in the Constitution of the United States. I believe in self-responsibility. I believe in limited government."However, the businessman-turned-governor saved his greatest passion for the War on Drugs, which has been his signature issue since he went public with his anti-Drug Prohibition views in 1999.For speaking out against the drug war, Johnson was sneeringly referred to as "Puff Daddy Johnson" by then-Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey, and faced demands from fellow Republicans that he resign from office.But Johnson didn't back down from his previous statements. With his voice rising in anger, he said, "The War on Drugs is an absolute miserable failure. I don't think there is a bigger issue facing us today."Americans should not take drugs, stressed Johnson -- and, in fact, he encouraged people to also reject alcohol and tobacco -- but it is Drug Prohibition that "is tearing this country apart, not drug use," he said.The Drug War causes myriad problems, he said:* At least 50% of all law enforcement, court, and prison spending goes to fight the War on Drugs.* As many as 1.6 million people are arrested each year for violating drug laws, which means that "we're releasing violent criminals to make room for drug users," he said.* Sentences for drug crimes are discriminatory, with blacks and Hispanics seven times as likely to go to jail as whites.* Because Drug Prohibition creates a black market, "marijuana sells for more than gold," he said. "Have you thought about that?"* Politicians exploit the drug issue to get elected, he said. For example, Congress passed a bill that denies student loans to young people convicted of a drug crime -- while still giving loans to murderers, armed robbers, and rapists.At the very least, the government should legalize marijuana, said Johnson, and concentrate on harm reduction policies."Let's just get tough on people who do drugs and then do harm to others," he said, while simultaneously working to reduce the "death, crime, and disease" that comes with illegal drug use.When his term as governor expires this year, Johnson said he will start a non-profit organization called Americans Against the War on Drugs, which will lobby politicians to change their hard line stances."I hope I can make a difference," he said.Johnson ended his speech with praise of the Libertarians."I applaud you all as Libertarians," he said. "I applaud you for what you've done for this country."Picture of Governor Gary Johnson: http://www.lp.org/lpnews/pict/0208/gary.jpgComplete Title: New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson Blasts Failed Drug War, Compliments LibertariansSource: The Libertarian PartyPublished: Wednesday, August 7, 2002Copyright: 1994-2002 - The Libertarian Party Website: http://www.lp.org/Contact: http://www.lp.org/contact.htmlDL: http://www.lp.org/lpnews/0208/johnson.htmlRelated Articles:Puff Daddy Takes on The General http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13623.shtmlMSNBC Transcripts: Phil Donahue - July 29, 2002 http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13581.shtml Johnson Talks Drugs on TV http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13480.shtml
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Comment #5 posted by freedom fighter on August 07, 2002 at 20:24:30 PT
AMEN!
"I believe in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," he said. "I believe in the American Dream. I believe in the Constitution of the United States. I believe in self-responsibility. I believe in limited government."Gary Johnsonff
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Comment #4 posted by Dimebag on August 07, 2002 at 14:50:15 PT
Gov. Garry Johnson For President.
It has a nice ring to it. Im sure the public opinion would be that he's too young. But i for one would be very happy if that man ran for president. Especially Against Bush. But then again, who's to say that Bush wouldnt rig the next election and then when his 8yr term is over hes going to want to pass a bill that keeps him in office for ever. Thats the day Dubbya needs to DIE!!!!!Dime
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Comment #3 posted by Nuevo Mexican on August 07, 2002 at 13:03:34 PT
I always knew he was a Libertarian at heart!
cause I can't stand Republicans, my family thinks they are Republicans, cause they are the party of money and everybody wants to associate with the 'Rich and Famous'.
Otherwise, they have no idea that they suffer from having elected these bastards! I know Ron Paul is a Repug, and has nothing in common with them either, but it does do alot to make the Dems look like the wannabees, as they are, and I'll be voting for the Green for Gov in New Mexico as Bill Richardson works for the Nuclear lobby and is an Uncle tom in the eyes of Native Americans here. They won't even let Russell Means on the ballot, for fear of the contrast he would make between a real Native-American, and one who drinks daily from the trough of special interests, corporate ones especially! Go Gary, I love this man, what a breath of fresh air! When he retires, he says he's moving here, can't wait to party with him, heck, I owe him a months worth of free readings! At the least! I'm sure he'll visit our metaphysical Hemp store/cafe any day now! 
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Comment #2 posted by The GCW on August 07, 2002 at 11:17:47 PT
The only discrepincy (sp).
At the very least, the government should legalize marijuana, said Johnson, and concentrate on harm reduction policies.Not just legalize, RE-legalize.
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Comment #1 posted by The GCW on August 07, 2002 at 11:15:07 PT
consistant mentality.
helmets for pole vaulters; mandated exercise for dogs and cats in pet stores.There ARE sick sick people out there. 
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