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Legislator: Medical marijuana bill is “excuse” to make Illinois “more liberal”

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[Rep. John Cavaletto (R-Salem)] said the bill is nothing more than an excuse to make marijuana more acceptable in Illinois society.

“There’s no way to control it,” he said. “The oversight is not there. I think it’s just an excuse to open up the state and make it more liberal.”

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:06 am

Comments

The way Republicans talk, you’d think that even the word liberal is the root of all evil.

Comment by Aldyth Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:16 am
It would appear that the only thing the Republican Party can do these days is embarrass itself.

They’ve clearly given up on policy-making and seem to have embraced the idea that manufacturing conspiracy theories is their best way forward.

Comment by Deep South Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:18 am
That Bill Haine, he’s a big stoner. Like all former State’s Attorneys, he just wants everyone to smoke weed.

Thanks, Rep. Cavaletto, it’s all starting to make sense now.

Comment by mr. whipple Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:19 am
- That Bill Haine, he’s a big stoner. -

Yep, and when I think hardcore Illinois liberal, I think Bill Haine.

Comment by Small Town Liberal Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:22 am
Too many have grown up believing the war on drugs and that all drugs are bad, blah, blah, blah…

Generally while having a nice bourbon and deciding how to stop things like Medical MJ.

You see this on all sides with all types of issues, MJ is the current one. People need to stop thinking they know best for everyone on everything.

Comment by RonOglesby Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:23 am
That’s right. It’s a plot to make sure we don’t suffer the way God intended.

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:23 am
As usual with these tea party Repub party types, Cavaletto shows absolutely ZERO concern for those who could benefit from this (e.g. cancer patients, others with fatal illnesses).

They just see this, as with everything else, in a political context. The only problem being, is that his analysis is dead wrong. It was the increasing progressive nature of the state which allowed this to pass in the first place.

Back in the day (1990-1995ish) you know, I may have disagreed with the GOPpers but I at least understood their strategy and respected the ability of their operatives.

Today, I neither respect nor understand what the heck they are doing, other than doing everything possible to appeal to a dwindling demographic.

The object of this game is to gain supporters, and to appeal to where you might have things in common with undecided voters. Pate, Carter, and even some of LAD’s people understood this. The current crop does not.

Comment by low level Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:23 am
“Whaaaa….”

Seriously? This is a bit embarrassingly lazy and not really adding to the discussion of MEDICAL marijuana.

When “Chicago” gets the “Opium Dens” to be licensed, or I can go to a gas station and get, “A 12-Pack of beer, and do you have ‘Maui-Wow-ie?”, then talk to me about how …

MEDICAL marijuana is making “Illinois” more liberal.

The social “police” of My Party fail to see, misunderstand… that all of us MAY know of someone who has had, (is going the route of), taking marijuana, by the “suggestion of a doctor, because that may be the rememdy that is going to help, in whatever stage, or situation, the patient is in.

But, we have to make it about “Liberal” and try to “stain” it, to make it “less pure”, less … “honest” … to some.

Very disappointing and lazy. Maybe “medical” is the new “liberal”?

Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:23 am
That’s one theory.

Or, it could be a way for suffering chemo and MS patients to reduce dependence on dangerous, debilitating, addictive prescription hard drugs like morphine, Vicodin and Oxycontin with a mild, non-addictive alternative.

As a lifelong educator, Rep. Cavaletto, I’m sure, considered all the facts carefully before arriving at his conclusion.

He must be right. The chemo and MS patients just want to party, and those hippie liberals have us on the road to Reefer Madness.

You can almost hear Wilie Nelson’s diabolical laughter.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:24 am
What part of this merciful piece of legislation doesn’t this legislator understand? I hope Caveletto never has to see a loved one suffer because someone interested in scoring cheap political points would withhold treatment. Perhaps he should consult with his priest on what Christianity is really about.

Comment by phocion Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:24 am
In my lifetime I have read and heard some really ignorant comments. Rep. Calaletto’s remark on medical marijuana is pretty high of the “ignorant list.” I’m assuming he is physically healthy and lives a good life. Some people aren’t so fortunate. Medical marijuana can be a true blessing for those suffering from the affects of a debilitating, chronic or acute condition.

Comment by tofriendscreek Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:26 am
I always thought conservatives believed in freedom. They wanted government off our backs. They don’t like the nanny state.

It seems to me that the MM bill would make the state more conservative.

Comment by HenryVK Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:30 am
According to Rep. Cavaletto, libertarian=liberal.

Comment by Chi Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:32 am
@HenryVK

Politicians of any side dont really like freedoms for the people. Here it is “conservatives” but the types that drift to politics are not passing bills reducing the numbers of laws or regulations on anything, ever.

its both sides. Just this issue the “right” leadership is wrong on. Also remember that we have a federal executive branch still prosecuting people for medial mj across the country. Its not just the right.

Comment by RonOglesby Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:34 am
I always am amazed when some politicians rail against legalizing marijuana but see no inconsistency in ensuring my right to walk into some gun shows and buy an AR-15 with high capacity box magazines and any amount of high velocity-body armour penetrating ammo, no questions asked.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:35 am
“They don’t like the nanny state.

It seems to me that the MM bill would make the state more conservative.”

Perhaps more ‘conservative’, but certainly *NOT* a move away from nanny-state-ism. If MM is implemented as in the bill, will there be any consumer product will more direct state-of-Illinois involvement than MM?

From a ‘pure’ libertarian perspective, it’s a very, very mixed proposal. From a *realistic* libertarian perspective, seems like a solid move in the right direction.

For the anti-government crowd, it’s bad news–but not due to liberalism; rather because it enshrines the gubmint into one more aspect of life.

Comment by Chris Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:42 am
@Cook County Commoner -
There’s nothing in the constitution permitting weed. There is the 2nd Amendment regarding right to bear arms.
I’m not in disagreement with your opinion that politicians (and public opinion) play on both sides of the fence when it comes to personal rights.

Comment by Darienite Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:45 am
You get these guys like Cavaletto, who are in safe GOP districts for 10 years, and they do very little to help anyone but themselves. They vote against reforms, blame it on Chicago, all the while their downstate districts lose jobs. It’s all Chicago. Keep the druggies out. Blood tests for welfare recipients. Immigrants are the problem. It’s the sure fire way to keep your job downstate. And they are beloved.

Comment by Is it Safe? Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:49 am
If conservatives want to treat the word “liberal” as a synonym for compassionate or practical that’s fine with me.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:52 am
Typical of the “cafeteria conservatives”. I am “conservative” and hate taxes and government — unless there’s a state facility in my district or a bunch of government employees. I want government out of people’s lives — unless it restricts my ability to tell women what to do with their lives or how they should co-habitate. I’m for strengthening the family — but only if it’s my idea of what a family should look like. I want government out of people’s lives — but not if they’re sick and a medical professional has indicated they could use relief with medical marijuana dispensed only in very regulated environment.

I could go on and on, but I just exhausted myself.

Comment by LincolnLounger Friday, May 10, 13 @ 9:57 am
A massive Frito Lay conspiracy.

Comment by Sideliner Friday, May 10, 13 @ 10:02 am
would be hilarious if there weren’t so many suffering people who would benefit by medical marijuana and need the legislative change.

Comment by Amalia Friday, May 10, 13 @ 10:28 am
The oversight isn’t there?

Is he high?

Comment by OneMan Friday, May 10, 13 @ 10:29 am
“There’s nothing in the constitution permitting weed.”

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

“There is the 2nd Amendment regarding right to bear arms.”

But nothing about high capacity magazines.

Comment by Chris Friday, May 10, 13 @ 10:41 am
Yeah man, because only liberals smoke the ganja. Next thing you know, there’s going to be a jam band renaissance brewing right here in IL. Maybe they’ll infuse it with some reggae and absolutely dominate the college scene. And we can’t have that. Think of the children.

Honestly though, the only thing I have against full legalization is having to pay the medical bills when smokers eventually get cancer (Note: I have not researched this, I’m just assuming that putting foreign substances in your lungs will eventually lead to cancer.) Other than that, have at it. What I do find strange is the steady drumbeat of weed legalization juxtaposed with the gradual banning and demonization of tobacco via taxation and ordinances of where you can smoke. Not that we’re in for Prohibition 2.0, but I wouldn’t be surprised if something similar happened in my lifetime.

Back on topic, Dude, you’re a professional politician. Don’t whip out the slippery slope argument. This isn’t Political Science 101. If you can control tobacco products, you can control marijuana.

Comment by ChrisB Friday, May 10, 13 @ 10:47 am
I wonder if Cavaletto and the other naysayers could look the ill who would like to use or have used medical marijuana with great benefit in the face and say these things. I think not.

Comment by Anon Friday, May 10, 13 @ 11:01 am
***
“There’s nothing in the constitution permitting weed.”

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
***

Also not in the Constitution.

Comment by Happy Returns Friday, May 10, 13 @ 12:28 pm
Just read an NPR piece stating that Colorado has set the tax rates and rules for sale of recreational marijuana.
The same article speculated that California collects $100 million in taxes on medical marijuana.
With government pension reform heading to stalemate on competing bills in the state senate and house, maybe it’s time the state pols roll a fat one and condone sale of Illinois Gold before state finances are irreparable.
They sold as all out for votes from gov workers and others, so maybe they could at least legalize the weed to ease our pain and tax it so the retirement checks to Tempe and Tucson aren’t disrupted. And don’t touch the 3% COLA. The cost of drinks on the back nine have increased beyond belief.

Comment by Cook County Commoner Friday, May 10, 13 @ 1:03 pm
Colorado Lawmakers Set Taxes And Rules For Marijuana Sales

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/05/09/182604241/colorado-lawmakers-set-taxes-and-rules-for-marijuana-sales

Comment by Cincinnatus Friday, May 10, 13 @ 1:15 pm
And all this time I thought that marijuana led to heroin. If I had known it led to liberalism, I would have campaigned for tougher anti-drug laws. I’ll bet the mainstream media has been surpressing this.

Comment by Anon. Friday, May 10, 13 @ 2:48 pm
Nobody is more liberal than was pro-pot Republican William F. Buckley!

Comment by TrackerOne Friday, May 10, 13 @ 3:03 pm
===There’s nothing in the constitution permitting weed===

There’s nothing in the constitution permitting apples, either. Or oranges.

Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 10, 13 @ 3:31 pm
What a painfully, willfully ignorant statement. With our budget crisis, legislators have to vote for pain. Legislators should be eager to vote for some pain relief.

LincolnLounger 9:57am — exactly.

Comment by Dan Bureaucrat Friday, May 10, 13 @ 3:42 pm
–There’s nothing in the constitution permitting weed. There is the 2nd Amendment regarding right to bear arms.–

That has to be a gag, don’t you think?

There are 4,400 words in the Constitution. Many of them are incomprehensible in the way they are strung together.

Just what is a “natural-born citizen,” by the way?

Unlike the way Jor-El set it up at the Fortress of Solitude for Superman, the Constitution does not answer all questions. Interpretation is required.

Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 10, 13 @ 3:50 pm
===There’s nothing in the constitution permitting weed.===

I’m pretty sure the first drafts of the Constitution were written on paper made from hemp. What more of an endorsement were you looking for?

Comment by 47th Ward Friday, May 10, 13 @ 4:09 pm
Hey buddy. I cured my cancer twice, my fybro and degenerative spinal cord condition by eating cannabis oil. You sound like a tool. I hope you either go to YouTube and watch run from the cure or you get a form of cancer that only cannabis oil cures

Comment by anon Wednesday, May 15, 13 @ 7:07 pm