Hump Day Roundup: Legalization Special

Today's roundup is all about the hot new political issue starting to generate more and more discourse and debate in American politics today. No, it's not the economy - too depressing. The wars? Nope, old news. Infrastructure? Meh, not sexy enough. Instead, fittingly, in a new year and a new political era, the body politic has decided that it wants to address fundamental reforms that are long past due in the area of MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION.

Item 1: Am I just ranting about the government's view of weed, as usual, or is this issue actually taking off in the broader political discourse of our country? Good question, Taylor. As it happens, marijuana legalization has led and continues to lead in Barack Obama's totally open, citizen-driven poll regarding the top issues that Americans feel the government should address. Even better, the competition ends this week, and it seems like something might actually get done with the winning issues, judging by this blurb on the contest's purpose:

"On January 16, Change.org and the Case Foundation are co-hosting an event at the National Press Club in Washington, DC to announce the top 10 rated ideas and then launch a national campaign behind each idea and mobilize the collective energy of the millions of members of Change.org, MySpace, and partner organizations to ensure that each winning idea gets the full consideration of the Obama Administration and Members of Congress."

Item 2: Plus, the issue is catching on (finally) in the MSM. Perhaps you've noticed an up-tick in the amount of cannabis-related programming on your TV? If not, you will.

Item 3: Finally, even the Hill's blog, a pretty good gauge of the political pulse up around the Capitol, has been abuzz with legalization commentary lately (thanks in large part to NORML!). Jump on the bandwagon folks. Coming up soon on the Daily Taylor - the Top Ten Reasons to Legalize. Adios!