We've got unemployment in the upper teens. People's benefits are running out. (And the Rethugs want to play games with that.) Scores of applicants for the few available jobs. Public services are having to reduce their offerings, which leads to more strains on those in desperate need of them. Libraries cutting back when they aren't closing. Small towns cutting back on even their police forces. On and on, a litany of no money for the important stuff.

And we have money to blow on more failed anti-drug efforts? What is it with these people? Do they need to be surrounded by angry, desperate people before they get it that it might not be a such a great idea to be so wasteful of the taxpayer's remaining hard-earned money?

But what might be even worse, with this 'new' plan (looks like more of the 'same old, same old' to me)Obama is for increasing the chances that a minority kid will never rise to his level of achievement if said kid gets caught doing what Obama freely admitted to in his memoirs? Because that's just what this latest budget for 'anti-drug' operations means.

But why does it always have to be accompanied by ratcheting up the war on drugs with more of the same ill-advised enforcement policies?

where the real budget money is. by comparison, treatment is far less expensive, more cost-effective and, most importantly, requires the employment of far fewer people.

treatment doesn't need expensive prison beds, troops of guards, or a massive enforcement/judiciary segment. hence, it isn't the best way of building/maintaining your fiefdom.

Interesting, then, isn't it? That few states have laws on the books against texting while driving, and not all have strict rules against using a cell phone while driving. Indeed, those that do generally impose a fine rather than jail time.

Also interesting: Our friends at MADD oppose laws restricting cell-phone use while driving. Hmmmmm...Why would that be? Maybe because MADD has become a prohibitionist outfit, plain and simple, and is obsessed with alcohol consumption and NOT with driving safety -- otherwise, how to explain this discrepancy?

I've noticed that around here is that everyone seems to have medical MJ these days.  Will the new policy go after the state sanctioned grow operations or will the legislature take care of that for them with the proposal to publically disclose the location of the grow operations?  

Shut up, Mr. President, you are an idiot beyond measure when it comes to this subject, and we would all be better off if you simply stayed in your secret corner, puffed on your nicotine, and left everyone else alone.