Maine First Kickoff: Rep. Diane Russell makes history on 4/20/11

Pledging to "end the era of failed prohibition where it began over 100 years ago, right here in Portland, Maine," Maine State Rep. Diane Russell begins the public campaign for Maine First, to support LD 1453, a bill to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• leadership
• recession
• solutions
• news
• politics
• marijuana
• legalization
• children
• crime

[WitchgrassDream]

@mrbobsevil ~

Of course you are right. There is Barney Frank's video right on this channel to prove me wrong in my statement. What I wanted to say was that LD 1543 is the first bill originated by a legislator. Prop. 19 was an initiative, as have been other efforts. Can you name another actual bill proposed by an elected rep for full legalization? Frank's bill just gets the feds out if the act. Russell LEGALIZES.

[WitchgrassDream]

Hearing on LD 1453 on May 10 ~

Hope lots of you will come and support this bill.

@fairytalegod - Alcohol can't lead to harder drugs because, according to Andrew Weil and other experts, alcohol is the hardest drug of all, as addictive as heroin but much more harmful in terms of mortality, disease, and deadly violence.

The only other contender might be nicotine, the most addictive drug, but few would consider even that death toll less socially damaging than the violence of alcohol.

[WitchgrassDream]

It took a few tries to get the first civil rights, environmental, and gay rights bills passed. Major social change takes time.

What this video shows is the moment when an elected official, for the first time in history, crosses the line and starts the debate.

[VermontVocals]

best.idea.ever.

[pissedoffpothead]

Bravo! Thank-you Dianne

[xThePilfer]

When I was 15 or so it was easier to get some weed than a bottle of alcohol. Just sayin'.

[parkerjh]

Good job.

[jackchagu]

I love when people get up in arms about legalization/taxation of marijuana.  there are definitely going to be extreme pot heads. have we not had drunks and winos since spirits were procured? most people will use it within their tolerances and won't ruin their lives with it. at least this way if they are blowing their money on weed the government gets a cut and we might be able to keep public programs running.

[paulduddy91]

Diane Russell, you fucking hero.

[Stonehawk]

@awake4life And furthermore, it can be produced by *anyone*. Oh my god. The number of cottage industries this could create just boggles the mind!

[Stonehawk]

*Fist Pump!* GO MAINE! This is going to help you guys so much ^_^ your tourism industry is going to BOOM like there's no tomorrow!

[brentbjokne]

i dont even know how you can argue agaist that.