It deserves its own thread, and Carney deserves all the vitriol we can throw at him.
This veto defines his administration and who he is.
Legalization is inevitable. We’ll likely just have to wait for a new governor–one who comes out, says they support legalization and will work for its passage.
Here’s the article. Let’s quote some idiocy from his veto message:
“That said, I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people. Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.
There’s already quite a bit of empirical information about the ‘long-term health and economic impacts’ from states that have legalized weed for years now.
As to ‘serious law enforcement concerns’, those come from, wait for it, law enforcement. “How can we stop people under false pretenses and steal their stuff if weed is legal?” Carney, along with the Kop Kabal, has always given cops undue deference. Plus power in decision-making. He, and they, must have their influence diminished.
I’m glad that Rep. Osienski and Senators Sokola and Paradee minced no words about Carney’s willful know-nothingism:
“More than 60% of Delawareans support the legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use. Earlier this month, more than 60% of the General Assembly voted in favor of ending the prohibition against possession of a personal use quantity of marijuana,” said Osienski.
“Unfortunately, the governor has chosen to ignore the will of residents and a bipartisan super-majority of the General Assembly by vetoing HB 371. I’m deeply disappointed in his decision, especially since he could have allowed the bill to become law without his signature, which would have preserved both his personal opposition and the will of the residents and legislators. I will review what options are available and decide on any next steps at a later time.”
Senator Trey Paradee, the prime sponsor of HB 371 in the Senate released a joint statement with Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola in which they said they were also disappointed in the Governor’s decision.
“While his veto of House Bill 371 will not stop adults from consuming marijuana, it will help to preserve the illegal drug market created by 50 years of prohibition and criminalization that historically has been unjustly and inequitably applied to communities of color.
“The members of the Delaware General Assembly have been fighting for years to end the failed war on marijuana and we will not be stopped by this latest setback.”
Someone want my vote for Governor? Supporting legalized pot (and I don’t smoke any more, haven’t for about 30 years) is a must. Who will be the first?