(Washington City Paper) A measure to once again ban D.C. from implementing a 1998 medical marijuana initiative failed in a House appropriations committee vote this evening.
The D.C. budget made it out of its appropriations subcommittee without the so-called Barr amendment—a rider, first introduced by Georgia Republican Bob Barr, which has graced the District budget since 1998. But this evening Missouri Republican Jo Ann Emerson attempted to put it back on.
After a short debate, with Jim Moran (D-Va.) standing up to defend District home rule, the Emerson measure failed by a voice vote. The bill still has to survive the House floor, Senate consideration, and conference committee.
This really isn’t so much about medical marijuana as it is about letting the citizens of the district determine their own laws. For too long, the people in our nation’s capital have been taxed but not represented in the House, and too often Congress pulls funding stunts like the Barr Amendment to squelch their democratic urges. These so-called “riders” have also been used to prevent the District from using funds for abortion and to curb firearm rights as well.
Shouldn’t the people living in the capital of the world’s leading democracy have the right to vote for their own laws?
Why is it always the republicans that are behaving like retards?
I admit I am conservative but not religious. I’m not an Obama fan and I don’t think democrats understand macro economics. I like low taxes and capitalism.
Why the GOP has to combine tyranny and oppression into their doctrine is a mystery to me. I’m not impressed with todays GOP.
In the upcoming elections I have two major issues on my mind. Reform of the UIGA and reform of marijuana laws.
Unfortunately we won’t get any public debate on either of these topics. We will be attacked with incessant talk about abortion and health care. Nothing will be done about either and four years from now we’ll be having the same incessant talk about abortion and health care while every other important issue is ignored.
If we can’t drive some bills home in these last few years of democratic rule I fear it will be a long long time before we get another chance.