2008 Woodie Awards
Presidents and marijuana
Nick O'Malley, Collegian Columnist
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Editorial / Opinion
In this year's election, the national media is ablaze with the prospects of a black president or female vice president. This election will make history. On college campuses, however, a majority of interest is vested in the infamous question two.
When it comes down to it, the history-making aspects of the 2008 election include only two things - the end of George W. Bush's time in office and the prospect of decriminalizing marijuana.
At the University of Massachusetts, it's quite easy to see students raising awareness for the latter. With tables stationed at dining commons across campus, there has already been far more awareness raised for one question than the entire SGA election.
It's great to see students promoting the right to vote. We all know there isn't enough of it. However, the promotion of question two is all we've seen. Where's the promotion to elect the president?
The Cannabis Reform Coalition and other eager students have been tenacious in asking students, "Are you guys registered to vote?" and suggesting, "Vote yes on question two."
Student organizations are all well and good, however, where are the students asking "are you guys registered to vote?" and suggesting, "vote for the man who's going to lead our country."
According to the Web site of William Francis Galvin, secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "A yes vote would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties. A no vote would make no change in state criminal laws concerning possession of marijuana."
In addition, the possession of marijuana would be reclassified as a civil offense. The new legislation would deem possession as carrying an ounce or less of marijuana.
For offenders over the age of 18, the penalty will be the confiscation of your stash and a $100 fine. For offenders under 18, it's the same penalty, but with the addition of a drug awareness program.
When it comes down to it, the history-making aspects of the 2008 election include only two things - the end of George W. Bush's time in office and the prospect of decriminalizing marijuana.
At the University of Massachusetts, it's quite easy to see students raising awareness for the latter. With tables stationed at dining commons across campus, there has already been far more awareness raised for one question than the entire SGA election.
It's great to see students promoting the right to vote. We all know there isn't enough of it. However, the promotion of question two is all we've seen. Where's the promotion to elect the president?
The Cannabis Reform Coalition and other eager students have been tenacious in asking students, "Are you guys registered to vote?" and suggesting, "Vote yes on question two."
Student organizations are all well and good, however, where are the students asking "are you guys registered to vote?" and suggesting, "vote for the man who's going to lead our country."
According to the Web site of William Francis Galvin, secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "A yes vote would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties. A no vote would make no change in state criminal laws concerning possession of marijuana."
In addition, the possession of marijuana would be reclassified as a civil offense. The new legislation would deem possession as carrying an ounce or less of marijuana.
For offenders over the age of 18, the penalty will be the confiscation of your stash and a $100 fine. For offenders under 18, it's the same penalty, but with the addition of a drug awareness program.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 9
Lauren
posted 10/03/08 @ 11:44 AM EST
You've got to be kidding me. "Things students don't care about include: calling mom, paying for things, writing that paper due tomorrow, the economy, presiential elections, police and not rioting. (Continued…)
Conor
posted 10/03/08 @ 4:45 PM EST
David,
I'd say you need to look a little deeper into the issues and the interest level on campus in general before you start trashing your own voting bloc. (Continued…)
Heather
posted 10/05/08 @ 6:07 PM EST
Hey Conor--Great points, as always. Another point that I feel needs to be made, however, is how ludicrous it is for the author of this article to make such a sweeping generalization about UMASS students and the Cannabis Reform Coalition specifically, insinuating that "all we care about is smoking pot". (Continued…)
Vincnet
posted 10/06/08 @ 10:12 PM EST
I thought this was a great article, especially if you take it from a comedic standpoint.
I am appalled by the rallying behind question 2 at UMass. I was attacked walking in to the DC all of last week and while I was waiting for someone on of their cronies actually came up to try and persuade me why I should vote yes, as if speaking to me for two minutes would sway my mind. (Continued…)
HLM class of '10
posted 10/07/08 @ 12:45 AM EST
i only read the first two sentences of lauren's post, but i assume she pointed out the same thing ...
stop over-generalizing.
you look like an ass. (Continued…)
L33to
posted 10/07/08 @ 1:48 AM EST
"In fact, the only aspect of the election that affects college students is the war in Iraq."
Very very unlikely given how astonishingly ignorant almost all college students are about the war, Iraq, the military, and virtually every other even peripherally connected subject. (Continued…)
Brian
posted 10/07/08 @ 8:36 PM EST
I assure you there are other interest groups at UMass. It is nice to see people taking an interest in local politics.
The reason we don't hear much on campus about presidential candidates is because the overwhelming majority will be voting for Obama. (Continued…)
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