Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas charged with possession of marijuana

At least occasionally? Don’t mess with Ed, he’s dangerous….

comic books

given circumstances with “traffic infractions or violation” the extent of the infraction ie the punishment, ticket or jail will depend on the actual “elements of the crime”. Although no two states are exactly the same a common scenario would go like this.

We know that he was driving down a one way street the wrong way, this action led to the police pulling him over (probable cause to stop). Seeing an action like this would led the officer or a reasonable person to believe that said driver was possibly imparied, given the time of day/night that this occured it would reinforce that thought process. Officer approaches gets all necessary info from the driver and checks for any signs of impairment of the driver (bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, any strange odor mary jane smoke alcohol etc.) also will visually look over the car inside in the event the subject left something in plain view wether it be pariphenallia or the actual drugs themselves. If drugs are detected the subject would be detained for further questioning at that time, given the amount and type of substance would then led to a drug charge and possibly issuing a ticket for the violation or adding it as an additional charge ie DUI/DWI.

but the fact remains that it isn’t legal. He broke the law not to mention violated the Leagues substance abuse policy. This was just plain stupid. Get high every single day of your life the day after you retire from the NFL.

But even if it is legal to have an ounce, it is still illegal to buy or sell it.

And that is one of the greater issues. At this point in time, the “devil-may-care” attitude in terms of drug possession/use is focused on the drug user. That is too short sighted. Those drugs are being purchased through networks (even if you are unaware of the network, it probably exists) that connect street gangs to drug cartels. Those street gangs are terrorizing urban neighborhoods, while the cartels are doing their best to completely destroy South America. Mexico is a mess with action-movie like shootouts to the point that the US State Department is warning citizens NOT to travel anywhere in the country.

Also, the real argument most “pro” marijuana users are trying to make is “it should be legal for ME to smoke pot” not “it should be legal to smoke pot.” Why do I say that? Well, pot may or may not be bad for the individual, but it IS harmful to society (which is why the courts allow the government to outlaw it). For example police data show that driving under the influence of pot hampers driving ability similar to drinking, but ask your local smoker and they will proudly proclaim the improvement of their driving skills while high. In other words, no one really believes that marijuana makes the world a better place, they just enjoy it and want to be allowed to do it.

I could care less if it was legalized and taxed to “high” hell. In fact, I wonder how much of a dent we could make in the US deficit with that revenue. But Americans should be a bit more aware of what they are doing and how it effects America and the world around us.

hardly majority rule. People need to take a more active role in government and come to a consensus on issues and the laws of the land rather than leaving it up to the largest fraction of the minority that votes.

Plus, the slippery slope arguement is sort of invalid when the drug is so easy to get. Around here (Normal is home to ISU, so we are a college town) the college kids tell me it is easier to get pot than to get alcohol.

If it is a slippery slope, why are we pushing our kids onto it???

I really oppose the idea that “we the people” get to pick and choose which laws we want to follow. If it is a law we should follow it. If the law is stupid, we should work to get it changed.

Personally, I do not trust the judgement of most Americans to choose which laws are “necessary.” That’s when we get situations like drunk driving – you know the old “I’m not that drunk, and I don’t want to have to get my car tomorrow.” or perhaps you prefer the “Her mouth was saying no, but her eyes were saying yes” example – both are prime examples of times when a law is clearly being broken but there are always idiots who believe they are more qualified to chose when to follow the rules and when rules are just guidelines.

I don’t cheat on my taxes either even though I am sorely tempted.

Prohibiting it only makes it profitable for cartels to trade in. Without that artificial price support, they’d have to focus on drugs that are illegal for good reason, like heroin and crack.

But the Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to regulate or prohibit just about anything that has anything to do with commerce. The fact that people buy and sell weed puts it well within reach of the Commerce Clause – Gonzales v. Raich.

Boy has this thread gone a long ways from talking football.

so no you’re probably not