Rep.Hurst, More power than the people…

February 14th, 2009 | By Bryant

In Washington State we have an opportunity to show the nation,  along with the people of Massachusetts and California, that marijuana decriminalization is a viable option when dealing with our nations marijuana habit. Well, we thought we had an opportunity…

On January, 14th HB 1177was introduced to the WA House of Representatives. This bill sponsored by Rep. Upthegrove and eleven other members of the house, would effectively decriminalize 40g of marijuana. The way I see it, this bill removes the threat of  arrest and or jail time from the marijuana consumer and allows police attention to focus on  hard drugs and violent drug gangs. It is fact that nearly 90% of marijuana arrest are for possession alone, not trafficking or producing, not drugs and guns or even small time dealing. The bulk of our drug enforcement energy goes toward busting Joe Bong Hit.

After being introduced HB 1177 was referred to the Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee.  Several members of the Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee support this bill.

“This is one of many laws that has a greater impact on minorities and low income individuals” Rep. Mary Helen Roberts

Despite the fact that at least a 30% of the committee supports this bill, It is unlikely that HB 1177 will be considered before the Feb. 20th cut off date. The bill will be placed on the shelf until next years session.

Representative Christopher Hurst, who chairs the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee is a former Narcotics officer. As a 25 year cop he believes that he knows all and is refusing to grant the bill a hearing. He feels he is protecting us from undue harassment by the federal drug junkies. “If we tell citizens of Washington that marijuana is no longer a crime, and they cross the border and get arrested… or if they go out on their boat and are arrested by the Coast Guard, they are not going to be happy with us.”

Rep. Hurst has hijacked our legislative process.  He has placed his personal opinion above our right to have a long needed talk about this subject. His decision to place HB 1177 on the agenda, if he cho0ses, does not change the law. His responsible decision would only open the floor for a conversation. What is Rep. Hurst afraid of ?

Please Contact Rep. Hurst and demand that he act swiftly to ensure action on the issue.