cannabisnews.com: Gov. Johnson's Rhetoric Keeps Going and Going ... Gov. Johnson's Rhetoric Keeps Going and Going ... Posted by FoM on August 26, 2000 at 08:00:08 PT Editorial Source: Amarillo Globe-News New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson continues to push for drug legalization, a personal agenda that has resulted in a national issue that he refuses to let subside. Johnson, a lame-duck Republican, seems to relish his new role as a voice for drug legalization, which in the past has included harder drugs such as heroin.While Johnson basks in the national spotlight, legislators in the Land of Enchantment are evidently growing tired of Johnson's act. Who can blame them?New Mexico Democratic Party Chairwoman Diane Denish recently called for Johnson's resignation following the publication of statements attributed to Johnson in a New York Times magazine article.According to the article, Johnson, who said he used cocaine "a couple of times in his 20s," also said, "Whoa! I understand why people do it. This is unbelievable."GOP state chairman John Dendahl tried his best damage control, saying Johnson was only "telling the truth" regarding the addictive nature of drugs.Johnson's stunning realization that drugs are addictive, which he obviously felt compelled to convey in a national publication, surely was the scoop the magazine's editors were only too happy to publish.Denish's request for Johnson's resignation may be extreme, but Johnson should realize the reasoning behind such a call.The majority of New Mexicans are weary of Johnson's national grandstanding regarding what is a personal issue. Johnson is free to support issues he chooses, but his monotonous support for drug legalization has brought only embarrassment and criticism to residents of a state he has led for two terms as governor.Denish is correct in one aspect, Johnson is using the authority of his office to needlessly promote and publicize an issue out of his political jurisdiction.Does this use of an elected office deem removal? Not necessarily.However, it is high time, pardon the pun, for Johnson to concentrate solely on issues pertaining to New Mexico. Those paying attention are well aware of Johnson's support for drug legalization. It is time for Johnson to move on to more pertinent issues, such as a reduction in the state income tax and an increase in the state minimum wage, for starters.Enough is enough.Published: Saturday, August 26, 2000Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX)Copyright: 2000 Amarillo Globe-NewsContact: letters amarillonet.comAddress: P.O. Box 2091, Amarillo, TX 79166Fax: (806) 373-0810Website: http://amarillonet.com/Related Articles:Denish Misses Target In Johnson Drug Shot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread6808.shtmlDem Party Leader Wants Gov. To Resign http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread6789.shtmlHe Just Said No To The Drug War http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread6767.shtmlCannabisNews Articles On Governor Gary Johnsonhttp://cannabisnews.com/thcgi/search.pl?K=Gary+Johnson Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by Harvey Pendrake on August 26, 2000 at 21:42:31 PT I'm growing tired too. "However, it is high time, pardon the pun, for Johnson to concentrate solely on issues pertaining to New Mexico."Oh yeah? I think it's high time this sorry excuse for a TEXAS newspaper concentrated on issues pertaining to their own Governor."...legislators in the Land of Enchantment are evidently growing tired of Johnson's act. Who can blame them?"I can! And who the hell cares if 'legislators' are growing tired of Gov. Johnson? They're the one's who got us into this prohibitionist mess in the first place. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by steve1 on August 26, 2000 at 14:16:39 PT they are tired? "While Johnson basks in the national spotlight, legislators in the Land of Enchantment are evidently growing tired of Johnson's act."I am growing tired of the legislators in the land of "enchantment" wasting my tax dollars providing for the locking up, harassing, and even ticketing marijuana smokers, growers and sellers. But I have learned patience in all of my 22 years. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by John Markes on August 26, 2000 at 08:49:39 PT Wow By reading this editorial, one get's the ideathat there are no problems with illegal drugs in New Mexico. Either that, or the writer is a supporter of vested interests that make money off of keeping certain drugs illegal... Alliance for Reform of Drug Policy in Arkansas [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: