Pot and Social Security- How might two issues play for us in 2004?

[MiltonLeBerle]

I heard two ideas that might seem "radically progressive" to the far-right brought up in the Chicago candidate forum last night, and since they are both things that I have always strongly advocated as positive steps- I was wondering how people think that they could play for Democrats in the 2004 Prez elections...Here goes:

1.Pot- Dr. Dean stated something to the effect that in his first 12 months in office, he would push for testing at the federal level to determine the potential benefits of medical MJ...even going so far as to say that he personally believes that such benefits do exist, and that it should be made available to those whose conditions warrant it.

2.Social Security- I think it was Bob Graham who I heard bring up the issue of removing the wage cap on the FICA deduction to help gaurantee the solvency of Social Security.

Are these positions on these issues winners overall for our side?
I like to think so.
Does anyone else?

[papau]

1. I agree as to Social Security n/t

n/t

[Terwilliger]

2. isn't that conveeeeeeeeeenient

1.Pot- Dr. Dean stated something to the effect that in his first 12 months in office, he would push for testing at the federal level to determine the potential benefits of medical MJ...even going so far as to say that he personally believes that such benefits do exist, and that it should be made available to those whose conditions warrant it.

The "potential" benefits have been examined at Clinton's behest. These benefits have been spelled out. This is a ploy by Dean to regain the crowd that is very pissed at him for fighting against MMJ when it came up in Vermont.

Personally, I think the man could go very far on a policy of drug-law reform, but he'll never touch it. And any promises Dean might make today about medical marijuana mean NOTHING to me and a lot of others. His actions speak louder than his words on this issue.

[MiltonLeBerle]

4. I started out as a Dean supporter...But-

I've been doing a lot more wavering as far as thinking that he's the "one". Something just doesn't feel "right" to me, and every time I've seen him on TV(in interviews that is, not giving speeches) I've come away with stronger doubts. I'm sorry that I can't say exactly what it is, but it's more of a feeling than anything- and not so much out of a fear of him losing, but apprehension to him actually winning, and turning out to being something less than the voters bargain for.
But besides Dean, there's nobody that seems to generate even a little excitement for me in the already crowded field...I'd consider it a race between Kerry and Dean at this point, and if they weren't both from New England, I could see the possibility of a Kerry/Dean ticket.

Despite what some people seem to see in Wesley Clark- the vast majority of the country probably has NO idea who he is at this point, and wouldn't even take notice if he were to enter the race.

I'd really like to see some chain of events that would allow for Gore(hopefully a new and improved AL) to re-enter the ring, and in that case I would see Wesely Clark as a fantastic running mate.

[Pepperbelly]

3. Graham is spot on about SS and Braun was spot on re: med care but NONE

of them will do what they know is right regarding drug laws. And I do not understand it. At least the rhetoric needs to be shifting that way because that is always the requisite first step in changing an entrenched policy or notion.

[MiltonLeBerle]

5. The potential tax revenue from marijuana decriminalization/legalization-

Plus the cost savings on policing and prison space will be the way that the idea is finally sold to the public.

[bleedingheart]

6. How about we give all the seniors loads of pot so they

don't realize they are getting screwed... but then we have to provide a lot of gatorade and munchies.....so that might not be cost effective..

seriously I am all for removing the cap on fica..if the average joe actually was aware that there was a cap he wouldn't be happy.

[Yupster]

7. W's social security answer is partial privatization

Is the Democratic answer going to be to raise taxes?

Could that sound more stereotypical?

I know it will just be raise taxes on the rich.

My answer to social security is to put teachers and other priviledged workers back into the system with the rest of us. That would be an enormous boost to the program.

[durutti]

8. I'd like to see pot become an issue

There's absolutely no reason why pot should be illegal.

[newyawker99]

9. Hi durutti!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ma4t]

10. OK, I'm confused here.......

Was it Dean or Kuchinich who proposed raising the age at which one could get stoned from 67 yo 68?? :evilgrin:

[Terwilliger]

11. a "wingnut" avatar?

:eyes:

[ma4t]

12. I like to go against the grain.

[StopThief]

13. Both losers.

Dems would be reemed on either of these issues.