Richardson Risks Presidency for Marijuana

Democratic governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, has decided to possibly damage his position in the presidential race by using his political powers to do the right thing.

"So what if it's risky? It's the right thing to do," says Richardson, when it comes to signing a bill that would legalize the medical marijuana.

Lawmakers have already approved the bill that would allow patients to use the drug with the consent of their physician. At this point, all Richardson must do is to sign the bill in approval.

In many instances, presidential hopefuls make calculated risks to garner more support, but in this case, with this particular issue, Richardson knows that this stance could only hurt him in the race for the White House.

I believe that this is an important step towards dissolving the federal government’s power structure. States have the ability to make important decisions for their citizens. Localized authority can and should continue to demand a voice on many of the social issues which exist in the present.

This battle which the federal government has created is silly at best. Angel Raich suffers from scoliosis, a brain tumor, chronic nausea and other ailments. Her only hope for survival is the continued use of marijuana to ease the pain and increase her non-existent appetite. The Supreme Court has ruled that Angela is not immune from federal prosecution because the continued use of marijuana is the only available method for allowing her to live.

The Supreme Court has ordered Angela’s death sentence and refuse to see any positive uses for marijuana. Angela has chosen the route of civil disobedience, for that is the only option available to her at the present. If she discontinues her marijuana therapy, she will certainly die.

Bill Richardson understands that there is a time and place for medical marijuana, and in the case of Angela Raich, it is necessary for her very existence. Richardson knows what is right and is willing to put his presidential campaign on the line to support his beliefs. This is very rare.