After the submission of 2505 ideas and 209,950 votes, we’re happy to announce the 10 winners of the Ideas for Change in America competition.The winning ideas illustrate that the issues important to people across the country are much broader than those few that consistently dominate debate in Washington. Because they challenge the status quo, these ideas will face resistance from many in power. This is why citizen-driven initiatives like Ideas for Change are so important; by connecting more than one hundred thousand people from all 50 states around ideas that do not always gain national attention, we’re taking an important step toward building a powerful movement for change on these issues. And we’ve only just begun.
Without further ado, here are the Top 10 Ideas for Change in America:
- Legalize the Medicinal and Recreational Use of Marijuana by Spencer Pearson and Larry Talley. Spencer is a sophomore at the University of Missouri where he’s focusing his studies on the impact of drugs and drug policies on society, having been inspired by the positive impact of medical marijuana on the health a family member. Larry, a retired member of the US Navy from Flower Mound, TX with over 20 years of service, spent much of his military career working to eradicate drugs both domestically and in South America. But, after observing the futility of his efforts and the violence endemic to the black market drug trade, he became an active member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.
- Move to Amend: Constitutional Rights for People, Not for Corporations – Abolish Corporate Personhood by Move to Amend, a grassroots coalition in Madison, WI
- Increase Federal Good Time Allowances by FedCURE of Plantation, FL
- Send the Tobacco Treaty to the Senate for Ratification by LIVESTRONG, in Austin, TX
- Create 1.5 Million American Jobs by Fixing Our Crumbling Schools by USAction of Washington, DC
- No Farm No Food: Save the Land that Sustains Us by American Farmland Trust from Washington, DC
- Good Food For All Kids: A Garden at Every School by Ethan Genauer
- End Chimpanzee Experiments, Pass the Great Ape Protection Act by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in Washington, DC
- Establish a U.S. Department of Peace-building by Ted Nunn
- 25 Million+, It is Time to Care About Rare Disease by Catherine Calhoun from Saint Francisville, Louisiana
Now that the voting has concluded, the hard work of real change begins. We will be presenting these ideas to relevant members of the Obama Administration and Congress, and subsequently helping to initiate national campaigns behind each winning idea.
I’m not surprised that our idea won yet again in nationwide voting on important issues. What I note is that six of the top ten ideas were presented by issue advocacy non-profits, three from Washington DC, while our issue was presented by a student and an a retired military man. (Also, Larry Talley has been a guest recently on NORML SHOW LIVE.)
Contact your elected representatives and urge them to 'Stop Arresting Marijuana Smokers'. 
[...] We asked him via Ideas for Change in March 2010, with legalization again the number one question; [...]
[...] Ideas for Change (Mar 2010) – “I’m not surprised that our idea won yet again in nationwide voting on important issues.” [...]
While I understand what you mean dude there are some also possible negative outcomes from going only for the medical route. Russ mentions them here… http://stash.norml.org/medical-marijuanas-not-getting-any-better-the-time-for-re-legalization-is-now
While I am for MMJ, there is a possiblity that they will restrict this medicine with tight controls , like if you get caught with pills without a prescription you will still be arrested. We can´t have 95% of the cannabis market still a black market or patients will always be abused by both police and criminals.
MMJ as already opened up the door for legalization and needs to be pursued before cannabis is treated more like vicodin and less like alcohol ie medical vs recreational.
Ahh, I am happy MJ reform made it to the top again, yet we should all be careful to pay special attention to number 2 on the list: Abolishing corporate personhood.
This is the single issue that will truely give people back the power in this land. The US Supreme Courts flawed interpretation of the 14th amendment in favor of corporate personhood is the single most destructive event in the history of democracy in this country. I strongly urge all of you to support the efforts to reverse that interpretation. Thank you.
So far I’ve found nothing in the MSM about this. Sucks. Maybe Huffington will pick up on it.
Some of those don’t seem to be ways to save the country money. MJ and reducing prison populations seem to be the best two to actually save the country billions.
While I’m a supporter of prohibition repeal, I have a bit of a complaint…no, more of a request.
Citizens of the US, NORML, MPP, ASA, and others have done an incredible job of doing their best to enlighten our nation’s leaders about the need for law reform.
Unfortunately, millions don’t yet have legal access to the medicine they need. Yes, 14 states and the District of Columbia do (or soon will), but many of those laws are weak and faulty, and that still leaves patients in 36 states with no legal access whatsoever.
I certainly know the argument that legalization of cannabis for all would include patients, but that ain’t the way it works in America, folks. It’s taken 14 years after MMJ access for California citizens to get a shot at legalization, and who knows how the feds will react if the voters are successful? Think it’ll be a cakewalk?
As long as legalization gets the lion’s share of the attention in these issue presentations, it will remain easy for Obama and the feds to continue to ignore them. Why should they “fix” something they think isn’t broken?
I believe if the submissions were about medical cannabis, we’d stand a much better chance of getting them recognized. And those of you who consider MMJ a “gateway” to legalization would finally get your foot in the fed’s door.
If you can’t see it that way, think about your friend, family member, or neighbor who suffers from some ailment needlessly because medical cannabis isn’t legal. Not everybody can find the courage or justification to take the risk of civil disobedience, especially when they have to consider their families.
To those living in MMJ states, I congratulate you, and am happy for you.
For the millions who don’t, I’m writing this comment for you.
Patients, write your lawmakers, and don’t forget the feds! Tell them about your medical condition. Make them “feel your pain”, then tell them to “say no to me!”
(that last phrase was inspired by something Russ once said to me…thanks, RR!)
Farmers and consumers control hemp fields and the economy thereof That is there greatest fear I mean safe beneficial shrinks cancer cells They know that but won’t even talk legallizing Guess it’s not in their best interests concerning their power and control Their dreams of a slave nation
With all of the things the Obama administration has been caving in to lately. you would think that he would give in easily to the most relentless question that we keep asking him.
but the government couldn’t give a damn about us. Time we show em who’s in charge..