Majority of Americans want marijuana legalized

24

Comments

  • JeanwahJeanwah Posts: 6,363
    JimmyV wrote:
    JimmyV wrote:
    Legalize it and tax the hell out of it.

    hows about just legalise it. no tax. no fines... omg somebody ate all the pie... whats wrong with that? as far as im concerned taxing something doesnt automatically make it legitimate. the govt cant even be trusted with the taxes they recieve now.. giving them more isnt gonna help the economy if theyre already too inept to balance their cheque book.

    Don't want to pay the tobacco tax? Don't smoke cigarettes.

    Don't want to pay the alcohol tax? Don't drink booze.

    Don't want to pay the marijuana tax? Don't smoke pot.

    These are easy taxes to opt out of.

    Right. I will never understand the "don't tax anything" viewpoint. Taxes are in fact good – they are dues we pay to enjoy the numerous vital benefits that government provides for our society. Taxes are our dues — we pay our dues to be Americans and enjoy the benefits of American society. Taxes are what we pay to live in a civilized society that offers opportunity, and has a huge infrastructure available to all citizens. This infrastructure has been paid for by previous taxpayers. Roads and highways, the Internet, the broadcast airwaves, our public education system, our power grid — every day we all use this vast infrastructure. Our dues maintain it.

    It is about being a member, a part of the community. People pay a membership fee to join a gym, the local YMCA, or a club for which they get to use the basketball courts, the swimming pool, and the golf course. They did not pay for these facilities with their own memberships. They were built and paid for by other members, and all the current members maintain them with their dues. It is the same thing with our country — being a member in good standing of a remarkable nation. Americans pay their dues.
  • Only evil criminals do the whacky tobacky!

    I'm looking at you, atheists, gays, women, blacks, immigrants, and communists! You'll never get away with this! :nono:

    please tell me this is a joke.

    Woosh?
    I knew it all along, see?
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    JimmyV wrote:
    JimmyV wrote:
    Legalize it and tax the hell out of it.

    hows about just legalise it. no tax. no fines... omg somebody ate all the pie... whats wrong with that? as far as im concerned taxing something doesnt automatically make it legitimate. the govt cant even be trusted with the taxes they recieve now.. giving them more isnt gonna help the economy if theyre already too inept to balance their cheque book.

    Don't want to pay the tobacco tax? Don't smoke cigarettes.

    Don't want to pay the alcohol tax? Don't drink booze.

    Don't want to pay the marijuana tax? Don't smoke pot.

    These are easy taxes to opt out of.


    dont wanna pay the marijuana tax... grow your own. ;)8-)

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?
    hear my name
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  • justamjustam Posts: 21,410
    Only evil criminals do the whacky tobacky!

    I'm looking at you, atheists, gays, women, blacks, immigrants, and communists! You'll never get away with this! :nono:

    please tell me this is a joke.

    Woosh?


    Bazinga? :D
    &&&&&&&&&&&&&&
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    JimmyV wrote:
    JimmyV wrote:
    Legalize it and tax the hell out of it.

    hows about just legalise it. no tax. no fines... omg somebody ate all the pie... whats wrong with that? as far as im concerned taxing something doesnt automatically make it legitimate. the govt cant even be trusted with the taxes they recieve now.. giving them more isnt gonna help the economy if theyre already too inept to balance their cheque book.

    Don't want to pay the tobacco tax? Don't smoke cigarettes.

    Don't want to pay the alcohol tax? Don't drink booze.

    Don't want to pay the marijuana tax? Don't smoke pot.

    These are easy taxes to opt out of.

    Don't want the government to take all of our money? Stop letting them create new taxes.

    I don't really understand the government putting extra taxes on the things that are bad for us. If they're that bad keep them illegal. If they're not bad enough to ban, then leave them alone.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    This is exactly what I'm asking. It's like the argument is coming from robots without stopping to think what they're saying.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,172


    dont wanna pay the marijuana tax... grow your own. ;)8-)

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    I hear you. In almost every other case I would probably agree. But revenue is necessary and not all taxes are necessarily bad. I think in the case of marijuana it fits in so easily with booze and cigarettes, which are already so heavily taxed but still bought in bulk by some, that it is only logical to tax it. If it could replace an existing tax even better. A pipe dream (pun intended) I know. :D
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • JeanwahJeanwah Posts: 6,363
    know1 wrote:

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    This is exactly what I'm asking. It's like the argument is coming from robots without stopping to think what they're saying.

    Tell me, exactly how is America supposed to climb out of the shit hole it is in, without having citizens pay taxes, especially the rich ones. Do you drive on highways? Do you rely on firemen to come save you if your house catches on fire? Do you go to any national or state parks? How about your local Y? If you don't use anything that's PAID WITH TAXES, then you, sir, live in a hole.
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    Jeanwah wrote:

    Right. I will never understand the "don't tax anything" viewpoint. Taxes are in fact good – they are dues we pay to enjoy the numerous vital benefits that government provides for our society. Taxes are our dues — we pay our dues to be Americans and enjoy the benefits of American society. Taxes are what we pay to live in a civilized society that offers opportunity, and has a huge infrastructure available to all citizens. This infrastructure has been paid for by previous taxpayers. Roads and highways, the Internet, the broadcast airwaves, our public education system, our power grid — every day we all use this vast infrastructure. Our dues maintain it.

    It is about being a member, a part of the community. People pay a membership fee to join a gym, the local YMCA, or a club for which they get to use the basketball courts, the swimming pool, and the golf course. They did not pay for these facilities with their own memberships. They were built and paid for by other members, and all the current members maintain them with their dues. It is the same thing with our country — being a member in good standing of a remarkable nation. Americans pay their dues.

    But where does it end? There are always new things to tax, but what taxes are they cutting out?

    I'm not against the principle of taxes, but don't like it when I see the government take and take and take and show no fiscal responsibility. The government should set a reasonable budget and figure out how to bring in enough income to cover it. Instead, it just keeps taking more and doesn't seem to have much of a plan on what it is spending it on.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    Jeanwah wrote:
    know1 wrote:

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    This is exactly what I'm asking. It's like the argument is coming from robots without stopping to think what they're saying.

    Tell me, exactly how is America supposed to climb out of the shit hole it is in, without having citizens pay taxes, especially the rich ones. Do you drive on highways? Do you rely on firemen to come save you if your house catches on fire? Do you go to any national or state parks? How about your local Y? If you don't use anything that's PAID WITH TAXES, then you, sir, live in a hole.

    How about some significant CUTS in the budget? And by the way when is the last time someone saw a budget?

    I'm not against taxes, but I think our government has its hands in far too many things and keeps requiring more and more money from its citizens as well as going deeper and deeper into debt.

    I'm not against taxes and I'm not against the government running the things you mentioned. I am against a lot of the other ways it wastes money.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,172
    know1 wrote:
    JimmyV wrote:

    Don't want to pay the tobacco tax? Don't smoke cigarettes.

    Don't want to pay the alcohol tax? Don't drink booze.

    Don't want to pay the marijuana tax? Don't smoke pot.

    These are easy taxes to opt out of.

    Don't want the government to take all of our money? Stop letting them create new taxes.

    I don't really understand the government putting extra taxes on the things that are bad for us. If they're that bad keep them illegal. If they're not bad enough to ban, then leave them alone.

    These are vices and easily avoided. I would rather see a tax on weed than an increase in sales tax or highway tolls, which are not so easily avoided.
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • JeanwahJeanwah Posts: 6,363
    know1 wrote:
    Jeanwah wrote:
    know1 wrote:
    This is exactly what I'm asking. It's like the argument is coming from robots without stopping to think what they're saying.

    Tell me, exactly how is America supposed to climb out of the shit hole it is in, without having citizens pay taxes, especially the rich ones. Do you drive on highways? Do you rely on firemen to come save you if your house catches on fire? Do you go to any national or state parks? How about your local Y? If you don't use anything that's PAID WITH TAXES, then you, sir, live in a hole.

    How about some significant CUTS in the budget? And by the way when is the last time someone saw a budget?

    I'm not against taxes, but I think our government has its hands in far too many things and keeps requiring more and more money from its citizens as well as going deeper and deeper into debt.

    I'm not against taxes and I'm not against the government running the things you mentioned. I am against a lot of the other ways it wastes money.

    If I wanted to buy weed at the bake shop down the road, I and anyone else who wants it bad enough will pay a convenience tax to get it. That's why no one bitches about paying tax on their cigarettes and booze. It's worth the convenience if you can't grow your own.
  • know1know1 Posts: 6,794
    JimmyV wrote:

    These are vices and easily avoided. I would rather see a tax on weed than an increase in sales tax or highway tolls, which are not so easily avoided.

    I do agree with that. I'd like to see them tax marijuana and lower the income tax rate for example.
    The only people we should try to get even with...
    ...are those who've helped us.

    Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
  • there is nothing wrong with taxing products and services. the problem I see, as I think what most people are trying to get at, is that the possible revenue from decriminalizing something should NOT enter into the discussion as to whether it gets decriminalized or not.
    Gimli 1993
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    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • Godfather.Godfather. Posts: 12,504
    Jeanwah wrote:
    ...Says Zogby. Of course, it makes sense!!

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/0 ... 98196.html

    A majority of Americans, in a poll released Wednesday, say it "makes sense to tax and regulate" marijuana. The Zogby poll, commissioned by the conservative-leaning O'Leary Report, surveyed 3,937 voters and found 52 percent in favor of legalization. Only 37 percent opposed.

    A previous ABC News/Washington Post poll found 46 percent in support. In California, a Field Poll found 56 percent backing legalization.

    Responding to the poll at a press conference Tuesday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for an open debate on legalization.

    Voters were asked: "Scarce law enforcement and prison resources, a desire to neutralize drug cartels and the need for new sources of revenue have resurrected the topic of legalizing marijuana. Proponents say it makes sense to tax and regulate the drug while opponents say that legalization would lead marijuana users to use other illegal drugs. Would you favor or oppose the government's effort to legalize marijuana?"

    I have been watching "pot cops" and "weed country" lately on t.v and wonder if maybe it should be legalized ? that would put the mexican cartels out of the weed business here in the US for sure..but still I'm not sure.

    Godfather.
  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,172
    Godfather. wrote:
    Jeanwah wrote:
    ...Says Zogby. Of course, it makes sense!!

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/0 ... 98196.html

    A majority of Americans, in a poll released Wednesday, say it "makes sense to tax and regulate" marijuana. The Zogby poll, commissioned by the conservative-leaning O'Leary Report, surveyed 3,937 voters and found 52 percent in favor of legalization. Only 37 percent opposed.

    A previous ABC News/Washington Post poll found 46 percent in support. In California, a Field Poll found 56 percent backing legalization.

    Responding to the poll at a press conference Tuesday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for an open debate on legalization.

    Voters were asked: "Scarce law enforcement and prison resources, a desire to neutralize drug cartels and the need for new sources of revenue have resurrected the topic of legalizing marijuana. Proponents say it makes sense to tax and regulate the drug while opponents say that legalization would lead marijuana users to use other illegal drugs. Would you favor or oppose the government's effort to legalize marijuana?"

    I have been watching "pot cops" and "weed country" lately on t.v and wonder if maybe it should be legalized ? that would put the mexican cartels out of the weed business here in the US for sure..but still I'm not sure.

    Godfather.

    Weed has always seemed closer to alcohol than to other illegal drugs in my mind. I don't see much potential harm in legalizing it. And as you say it would be crippling to the Mexican cartels.
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • prismprism Posts: 2,440
    i noticed this poll is from june '09. so id be curious to know how many ppl are in favor of legalization now that it is legal in Colorado and Washington?

    wonder how many will bitch about the tax on it when the state weed stores open here in WA later this year?

    or will most being aware that taxes are simply part of the price, just be fucking glad we've the option to shop for, purchase and partake of marijuana legally? :mrgreen:
    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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  • BentleyspopBentleyspop Posts: 10,769
    prism wrote:
    i noticed this poll is from june '09. so id be curious to know how many ppl are in favor of legalization now that it is legal in Colorado and Washington?

    wonder how many will bitch about the tax on it when the state weed stores open here in WA later this year?

    or will most being aware that taxes are simply part of the price, just be fucking glad we've the option to shop for, purchase and partake of marijuana legally? :mrgreen:

    recent polls show 52% of Americans in favor of legalization
    up 11% in 4 years
    and climbing
  • Only evil criminals do the whacky tobacky!

    I'm looking at you, atheists, gays, women, blacks, immigrants, and communists! You'll never get away with this! :nono:

    please tell me this is a joke.

    Woosh?

    well, hard to tell sarcasm on the internets.
    Gimli 1993
    Fargo 2003
    Winnipeg 2005
    Winnipeg 2011
    St. Paul 2014
  • JeanwahJeanwah Posts: 6,363
    prism wrote:
    i noticed this poll is from june '09. so id be curious to know how many ppl are in favor of legalization now that it is legal in Colorado and Washington?

    wonder how many will bitch about the tax on it when the state weed stores open here in WA later this year?

    or will most being aware that taxes are simply part of the price, just be fucking glad we've the option to shop for, purchase and partake of marijuana legally? :mrgreen:

    recent polls show 52% of Americans in favor of legalization
    up 11% in 4 years
    and climbing

    Yeah, the reason I posted this thread was because it's current. I'm not sure about the link though, but the news of the 52% in favor is current.
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    know1 wrote:

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    This is exactly what I'm asking. It's like the argument is coming from robots without stopping to think what they're saying.
    so right we have gotten to just expect to be taxed on anything and everything...
    no tax on pot... let's put our foot down and just say no!
    Can we still do that with our government? :?

  • well, hard to tell sarcasm on the internets.

    It was pretty over-the-top. Then again, people actually do believe that shit.

    Eh, it's a wash.
    I knew it all along, see?
  • g under pg under p Posts: 18,196
    and how would they tax my plants growing behind the garage??? would they make growing marijuana illegal??? or would there need to be some sort of regulation squad going around checking on those registered growers to make sure they were paying their dues and not growing too many plants??? may as well try and regulate dandelions.
    this is assuming everyone was growing their own stuff. most stoners i know are all about convenience. if they can walk down to a 7-11 or a head shop and get it rather than grow their own, they would.

    i would think that they might limit the size of the field that you can use to grow it. if you grow it for personal use, you would only need a couple of plants. you would not need fields of it. i can see them restricting the size of the area that you use to grow it. that way people aren't tempted to grow acres of it to sell it.

    For me I'll just be like these guys in Black Uhuru grow it in my back yard if legalized.

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fn1gZBlMKEQ

    I think if legalized maybe in this country we wouldn't use guns as our primary method of solving our problems, issues and differences. Who really wants to go shoot up the town or its people after smoking a few joints. They would rather i think find something to eat or take a nap. :mrgreen:

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  • prismprism Posts: 2,440
    Jeanwah wrote:
    prism wrote:
    i noticed this poll is from june '09. so id be curious to know how many ppl are in favor of legalization now that it is legal in Colorado and Washington?

    wonder how many will bitch about the tax on it when the state weed stores open here in WA later this year?

    or will most being aware that taxes are simply part of the price, just be fucking glad we've the option to shop for, purchase and partake of marijuana legally? :mrgreen:

    recent polls show 52% of Americans in favor of legalization
    up 11% in 4 years
    and climbing

    Yeah, the reason I posted this thread was because it's current. I'm not sure about the link though, but the news of the 52% in favor is current.

    i looked around online and yeah that 52% is current...altho the date on the link kinda confused things

    I-502 that legalized pot in Washington passed by 56% last Nov

    makes sense that those in favor of legalization will keep on climbing
    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    angels share laughter
    *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    Jeanwah wrote:
    know1 wrote:

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    This is exactly what I'm asking. It's like the argument is coming from robots without stopping to think what they're saying.

    Tell me, exactly how is America supposed to climb out of the shit hole it is in, without having citizens pay taxes, especially the rich ones. Do you drive on highways? Do you rely on firemen to come save you if your house catches on fire? Do you go to any national or state parks? How about your local Y? If you don't use anything that's PAID WITH TAXES, then you, sir, live in a hole.


    are you kidding me jean? tax marijuana and the US govt will climb out of the shithole its in/.. come on youre smarter than that.
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  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    JimmyV wrote:


    dont wanna pay the marijuana tax... grow your own. ;)8-)

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    I hear you. In almost every other case I would probably agree. But revenue is necessary and not all taxes are necessarily bad. I think in the case of marijuana it fits in so easily with booze and cigarettes, which are already so heavily taxed but still bought in bulk by some, that it is only logical to tax it. If it could replace an existing tax even better. A pipe dream (pun intended) I know. :D


    yes revenue is necessary.. but that doesnt mean you should slap a tax on legalising something cause everything youve done in the past in that regard is not giving you the result you require. its a ridiculous argument.
    hear my name
    take a good look
    this could be the day
    hold my hand
    lie beside me
    i just need to say
  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,172
    JimmyV wrote:


    dont wanna pay the marijuana tax... grow your own. ;)8-)

    but seriously its not even about not wanting to pay a marijuana tax... my questions are about why does taxing something automatically become part of the equation when speaking of making something legal? and why would you trust the govt with more money than youre already giving them when theyre doing a shithouse job of balancing their budget?

    I hear you. In almost every other case I would probably agree. But revenue is necessary and not all taxes are necessarily bad. I think in the case of marijuana it fits in so easily with booze and cigarettes, which are already so heavily taxed but still bought in bulk by some, that it is only logical to tax it. If it could replace an existing tax even better. A pipe dream (pun intended) I know. :D

    yes revenue is necessary.. but that doesnt mean you should slap a tax on legalising something cause everything youve done in the past in that regard is not giving you the result you require. its a ridiculous argument.


    Ridiculous? We live in a country where almost everyone wants spending cuts but almost no one can agree what should be cut. Given that I think it is ridiculous to pass up the opportunity for a new revenue stream.
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • JeanwahJeanwah Posts: 6,363
    JimmyV wrote:
    JimmyV wrote:

    I hear you. In almost every other case I would probably agree. But revenue is necessary and not all taxes are necessarily bad. I think in the case of marijuana it fits in so easily with booze and cigarettes, which are already so heavily taxed but still bought in bulk by some, that it is only logical to tax it. If it could replace an existing tax even better. A pipe dream (pun intended) I know. :D

    yes revenue is necessary.. but that doesnt mean you should slap a tax on legalising something cause everything youve done in the past in that regard is not giving you the result you require. its a ridiculous argument.


    Ridiculous? We live in a country where almost everyone wants spending cuts but almost no one can agree what should be cut. Given that I think it is ridiculous to pass up the opportunity for a new revenue stream.

    I agree. We also live in a country where no one wants to pay their share of taxes. Taxes aren't bad, as I've previously described.
  • JimmyVJimmyV Posts: 19,172
    I think vices should always be taxed. Tax the smokers, tax the drinkers (is that me in the mirror?), tax the gamblers (shit, there I am again!), and tax the stoners.
    ___________________________________________

    "...I changed by not changing at all..."
  • hedonisthedonist Posts: 24,524
    JimmyV wrote:
    I think vices should always be taxed. Tax the smokers, tax the drinkers (is that me in the mirror?), tax the gamblers (shit, there I am again!), and tax the stoners.
    I agree with what was said earlier about the potential for tax revenue shouldn't be the determining factor in its legalization - for me, it's secondary. But, I do think it could be a great monetary contribution - provided it's not frittered away as with much of our other taxes.

    As to taxing vices, where does it end? Will we then deem things like coffee and sweets vices as well? Who even decides what a vice is?

    Flat-tax it all!
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