An unapologetically apolitical political post

[bkingUK]

Dear fellow members of the Commonwealth,

Primary elections are under way. Polls show overwhelming support of casino gambling and legalization of marijuana in this state. The state government should have no role in preventing people from making their own decisions. The economic benefits of both benefit the entire state of all regions and demographics.

I am not telling you to vote for Democrats or Republicans. But I am urging you that if you agree with me above, take a look to see if the person you’re voting for is against these things. Be educated about your candidates.

Thank You Kentucky

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Won't matter unless the leadership changes.

 

[gobigbluebell]

ELECTION DATES:

2022

• 
  
• Primary Election - May 17
  • Last day to register for Primary Election: April 18, 2022
  • There are four ways for Kentucky voters to cast their ballot:
    1) In-person, Excused, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, May 4th – 6th, 2022 and May 9th – 11th, 2022
    2) In-person, No-excuse, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, May 12th - 14th, 2022
    3) In-person on Election Day, May 17th, 2022
    4) By Mail-in Absentee ballot (return by mail or ballot drop-box). Mail-in absentee portal dates: 04/02/2022 through 05/03/2022
    
• General Election - November 8
  • Last day to register for General Election: October 11, 2022
  • There are four ways for Kentucky voters to cast their ballot:
    1) In-person, Excused, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, October 26th - 28th, 2022 and October 31st - November 2nd, 2022
    2) In-person, No-excuse, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, November 3rd - 5th, 2022
    3) In-person on Election Day, November 8th, 2022
    4) By Mail-in Absentee ballot (return by mail or ballot drop-box). Mail-in absentee portal dates: 09/24/2022 through 10/25/2022

 

[bkingUK]

ELECTION DATES:

2022

• 
  
• Primary Election - May 17
  • Last day to register for Primary Election: April 18, 2022
  • There are four ways for Kentucky voters to cast their ballot:
    1) In-person, Excused, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, May 4th – 6th, 2022 and May 9th – 11th, 2022
    2) In-person, No-excuse, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, May 12th - 14th, 2022
    3) In-person on Election Day, May 17th, 2022
    4) By Mail-in Absentee ballot (return by mail or ballot drop-box). Mail-in absentee portal dates: 04/02/2022 through 05/03/2022
• General Election - November 8
  • Last day to register for General Election: October 11, 2022
  • There are four ways for Kentucky voters to cast their ballot:
    1) In-person, Excused, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, October 26th - 28th, 2022 and October 31st - November 2nd, 2022
    2) In-person, No-excuse, Absentee Early Voting before Election Day, November 3rd - 5th, 2022
    3) In-person on Election Day, November 8th, 2022
    4) By Mail-in Absentee ballot (return by mail or ballot drop-box). Mail-in absentee portal dates: 09/24/2022 through 10/25/2022

Thanks for this

 

[funKYcat75]

Probably doesn’t matter what they personally believe about those issues or what their constituents think. It’s all about Party.

 

[Mdnerd]

I agree these should be legal, but I’m not going to vote for someone who intends to harm Kentuckians in many other ways just to get high and gamble. Some things are just more important.

 

[bkingUK]

I agree these should be legal, but I’m not going to vote for someone who intends to harm Kentuckians in many other ways just to get high and gamble. Some things are just more important.

You’re not my target demographic. And I have no interest in convincing you otherwise.

Probably doesn’t matter what they personally believe about those issues or what their constituents think. It’s all about Party.

Cynically, I kind of agree. Have been in meetings with delegates / appointees in Frankfort and have seen it first hand. But I’m not even saying to overthrow the GOP. I honestly don’t care about party. I’m just saying if you care about these things and you are Republican, look for the GOP guys who favor civil liberties.

 

[Mdnerd]

You’re not my target demographic. And I have no interest in convincing you otherwise.

Cynically, I kind of agree. Have been in meetings with delegates / appointees in Frankfort and have seen it first hand. But I’m not even saying to overthrow the GOP. I honestly don’t care about party. I’m just saying if you care about these things and you are Republican, look for the GOP guys who favor civil liberties.

Which demographic do I fall under?

 

[WildcatofNati]

You’re not my target demographic. And I have no interest in convincing you otherwise.

Cynically, I kind of agree. Have been in meetings with delegates / appointees in Frankfort and have seen it first hand. But I’m not even saying to overthrow the GOP. I honestly don’t care about party. I’m just saying if you care about these things and you are Republican, look for the GOP guys who favor civil liberties.

Weren't you in favor of lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine mandates? That's not very Libertarian of you.

 

[bkingUK]

Which demographic do I fall under?

The one who votes on things I don’t vote for. Not arguing politics or who is right or wrong. Not my intent to change your mind.

Weren't you in favor of lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine mandates? That's not very Libertarian of you.

That’s bait.

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

Dear fellow members of the Commonwealth,

Primary elections are under way. Polls show overwhelming support of casino gambling and legalization of marijuana in this state. The state government should have no role in preventing people from making their own decisions. The economic benefits of both benefit the entire state of all regions and demographics.

I am not telling you to vote for Democrats or Republicans. But I am urging you that if you agree with me above, take a look to see if the person you’re voting for is against these things. Be educated about your candidates.

Thank You Kentucky

I agree in legalization of both but I certainly wouldn’t vote for a candidate based solely on those issues. There are far more important issues than those.

 

[bkingUK]

I agree in legalization of both but I certainly wouldn’t vote for a candidate based solely on those issues. There are far more important issues than those.

Out of curiosity, what are the issues you deem more important?

 

[Mdnerd]

Out of curiosity, what are the issues you deem more important?

Kind of sad you have to ask that. If getting high and gambling are the driving forces behind your vote, you’re doing it wrong. Doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you’re on, those simply aren’t that important to the everyday life of most.

 

[bkingUK]

Kind of sad you have to ask that. If getting high and gambling are the driving forces behind your vote, you’re doing it wrong. Doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you’re on, those simply aren’t that important to the everyday life of most.

You aren't @cat_in_the_hat, but I'll bite. I stated outright I have no interest in changing your point of view, but I will correct you.

Legalization of marijuana has far bigger impact than your ability to use a plant. We have people being arrested for possession of a natural substance. The laws in place have done little to hamper the use of the drug and prohibition has caused far more damage than good. By ignoring this, you are rubber stamping using violence to put people in a cage for a plant. No, you aren't on the side of morality.

Furthermore, there is significant upside to the economic benefits of legalization. It creates more tax revenue, new industry, and merely legalizes something people are doing anyways.

Horse racing is legal through out this state. It's a huge part of our state economy. Meanwhile, other types of gambling are illegal. The only reason for this is corruption and special interests. Read that back closely. Meanwhile, you can place a bet on your computer in two seconds. The state is losing revenue.

Now, let's assume you are pro-life, pro-gun, small government. Insert your issue here. All your GOP candidates are typically going to support these things. And if you agree with legalization of marijuana and legalization of gambling, find the GOP candidates who are also on the good side of these issues.

Now, if you don't want legalization, it doesn't make a difference. You're in the minority. Don't care. Do your Draconian thing, but quite simply, you're wrong.

Our state trails behind the country because politicians pull wool over our eyes in favor of party politics. These are not partisan issues.

 

[Nightwish84]

Kind of sad you have to ask that. If getting high and gambling are the driving forces behind your vote, you’re doing it wrong. Doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you’re on, those simply aren’t that important to the everyday life of most.

It's about bringing money to a state that desperately needs it. Anyone can already get high or gamble in a variety of ways, but if allowed, it brings in money. Simple as that. It's like you're assuming a bunch of stoners just want weed legalized so they can get high and chill on their porches. The driving force is millions of dollars to this beautiful but poverty-stricken place. EKY is screwed wealth-wise and the city of Louisville refuses to take the idea of bringing in an NBA team (more money to the city and state) seriously. This state purposely trips over it's own feet constantly and ends up left behind.

 

[WayneDougan_rivals170043]

Kind of sad you have to ask that. If getting high and gambling are the driving forces behind your vote, you’re doing it wrong. Doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you’re on, those simply aren’t that important to the everyday life of most.

Hey, if we can get our citizens to spend their money on a zero sum game (which ends up ruining the lives of a lot of people who partake in said activity) or get them to spend their money on a narcotic that will make them stupid, lazy and fat, we’ll improve the state!

 

[cat_in_the_hat]

Out of curiosity, what are the issues you deem more important?

Well let’s start by talking about general philosophy of government. Some candidates run on what government can provide and others run on allowing more economic freedom. I favor the later and believe that overall philosophy is far more important for the State’s economic prosperity then either of the issues you raised. I would never vote for someone who favors legalizing gambling and pot but were big proponents of a nanny state approach to government.

The philosophy of economic freedom affects tax policy, government spending taxpayer money on things that benefit a specific group, etc. I think the recent tax overhaul can be a huge benefit for the state if they follow through on it. Continuing to make our tax code more competitive for attracting business is far more important than either of those issues you mentioned. Getting the retirement funds back to solvency is another issue that is more important. Right to work was an important issue and I would be against any candidate who wanted to go back the other direction. Election integrity is an important issue. I don’t agree with making it easier to vote unless the system can ensure people can’t use that ease to scam the system.

While I agree with your positions on those issues because I believe in liberty, I can’t vote for someone just because of those issues.

 

[bkingUK]

Well let’s start by talking about general philosophy of government. Some candidates run on what government can provide and others run on allowing more economic freedom. I favor the later and believe that overall philosophy is far more important for the State’s economic prosperity then either of the issues you raised. I would never vote for someone who favors legalizing gambling and pot but were big proponents of a nanny state approach to government.

The philosophy of economic freedom affects tax policy, government spending taxpayer money on things that benefit a specific group, etc. I think the recent tax overhaul can be a huge benefit for the state if they follow through on it. Continuing to make our tax code more competitive for attracting business is far more important than either of those issues you mentioned. Getting the retirement funds back to solvency is another issue that is more important. Right to work was an important issue and I would be against any candidate who wanted to go back the other direction. Election integrity is an important issue. I don’t agree with making it easier to vote unless the system can ensure people can’t use that ease to scam the system.

While I agree with your positions on those issues because I believe in liberty, I can’t vote for someone just because of those issues.

I actually don’t disagree with you on recent tax reforms. I’m all for reducing income tax to zero as long as it’s done responsibly. I think it’s part of the reason Nashville has done well. I think it’d be good for the job markets. I’m fairly liberal as well but that’s neither here nor there.

But to reiterate, I am not saying to vote for Democrats and I’m really trying to avoid political debate. I’m just saying, look at your candidates! Legalization is important and it’s common sense.

 

[Vismund]

Hey, if we can get our citizens to spend their money on a zero sum game (which ends up ruining the lives of a lot of people who partake in said activity) or get them to spend their money on a narcotic that will make them stupid, lazy and fat, we’ll improve the state!

You can't legislate morality, that's the problem with both parties, they want to control you. The zero sum game could be about gerrymandering, trans fats or fentanyl for all I care, they all suffer from the same fate. When single issue voters became a thing, we lost a lot more than we had bargained for.

FYI, alcohol is far more damaging to a human being than marijuana and that's coming from a guy who hasn't smoked a blunt in over 20 years.

Personal liberty "defenders" are pretty trash at leaving people alone, it seems.

 

[Anon1640710541]

Good lord, Wayne is so awful.

 

[Beatle Bum]

You’re not my target demographic. And I have no interest in convincing you otherwise.

Cynically, I kind of agree. Have been in meetings with delegates / appointees in Frankfort and have seen it first hand. But I’m not even saying to overthrow the GOP. I honestly don’t care about party. I’m just saying if you care about these things and you are Republican, look for the GOP guys who favor civil liberties.

The self-proclaimed “apolitical” is rarely apolitical. (I suspect you meant “non-partisan”)

“Do your Draconian thing, but quite simply, you're wrong.”

Anyone who advocates for a political issue is not apolitical by definition. I could argue that I am far more objective about those things than the OP, but does that make it so?

One person’s counter to the drum beat:

https://thefederalist.com/2019/03/07/7-arguments-legalizing-marijuana-no-one-believe/

 

[Beatle Bum]

You can't legislate morality, that's the problem with both parties, they want to control you. The zero sum game could be about gerrymandering, trans fats or fentanyl for all I care, they all suffer from the same fate. When single issue voters became a thing, we lost a lot more than we had bargained for.

FYI, alcohol is far more damaging to a human being than marijuana and that's coming from a guy who hasn't smoked a blunt in over 20 years.

Personal liberty "defenders" are pretty trash at leaving people alone, it seems.

Make a list of the criminal laws in this country that don’t legislate morality. Heck, don’t stop at criminal laws, most laws. Listen to the politicians today and tell me which are not talking about their morality.

 

[funKYcat75]

This is a politics-adjacent question, but not picking on either side. If such a relatvely big deal is made about one party or the other being the majority, then why does eveything seemingly have to have 60 votes to pass lately? Even with Manchin it seems like a lot of stuff that has come to the Senate would have fallen short of passing.

 

[Beatle Bum]

This is a politics-adjacent question, but not picking on either side. If such a relatvely big deal is made about one party or the other being the majority, then why does eveything seemingly have to have 60 votes to pass lately? Even with Manchin it seems like a lot of stuff that has come to the Senate would have fallen short of passing.

In the federal Senate, they have adopted the procedural filibuster mechanism that protects the minority by requiring 60 votes to overcome the filibuster.

 

[Ron Mehico]

I see Kentucky being one of the last states to legalize marijuana and gambling. I think a lot of it has to do with the bourbon and horse racing industry paying off politicians so they have a competitive advantage in the state. There really isn’t any other logical reason for a state that advertises horse race gambling and bourbon as sources of pride.

 

[funKYcat75]

In the federal Senate, they have adopted the procedural filibuster mechanism that protects the minority by requiring 60 votes to overcome the filibuster.

Thanks. So no one really has any power in the senate over things that are typically split down party lines?

 

[trueblujr]

Dear fellow members of the Commonwealth,

Primary elections are under way. Polls show overwhelming support of casino gambling and legalization of marijuana in this state. The state government should have no role in preventing people from making their own decisions. The economic benefits of both benefit the entire state of all regions and demographics.

I am not telling you to vote for Democrats or Republicans. But I am urging you that if you agree with me above, take a look to see if the person you’re voting for is against these things. Be educated about your candidates.

Thank You Kentucky

I don't disagree with your point one bit, however, I would NEVER vote for another democrat considering the current road they are leading this country down. If that means we sacrifice Gambling and weed in KY, so be it. Yes those two things would be greatly beneficial to the state, but in no way outweigh the destruction of our country being cause by Liberal democrats these days.

 

[trueblujr]

You’re not my target demographic. And I have no interest in convincing you otherwise.

Cynically, I kind of agree. Have been in meetings with delegates / appointees in Frankfort and have seen it first hand. But I’m not even saying to overthrow the GOP. I honestly don’t care about party. I’m just saying if you care about these things and you are Republican, look for the GOP guys who favor civil liberties.

You mean Libertarians.

 

[bkingUK]

You mean Libertarians.

Yes and no. Not a huge fan of political labels because they kind of lead to buying into other agendas out of convenience. I could see a staunch conservative understanding why these things need to be passed and a bleeding heart liberal believing the same.

The current state of these two issues in this state is infuriating and I think most people my age have a similar mindset. It shouldn't have taken 30+ years to legalize gambling, for instance. It makes no sense and it's purely business interests and backroom deals. It's not even just about the gambling, it's about all the backwards reasons why it's not allowed.

 

[CatOfDaVille]

I don't disagree with your point one bit, however, I would NEVER vote for another democrat considering the current road they are leading this country down. If that means we sacrifice Gambling and weed in KY, so be it. Yes those two things would be greatly beneficial to the state, but in no way outweigh the destruction of our country being cause by Liberal democrats these days.

This is proof that the GOP propaganda machine works like a charm. When we have people like yourself who will vote against their own interests simply because of party affiliation and fear of the other side then the politicians have won.

The real world isn't that black and white. For example, I know pro-choice Republicans and pro-life Democrats. Both parties are effective at painting the other side as evil in totality with zero nuance.

As George Carlin said, they've got us fighting a culture war so that we don't realize we should be fighting a class war.

 

[bkingUK]

I see Kentucky being one of the last states to legalize marijuana and gambling. I think a lot of it has to do with the bourbon and horse racing industry paying off politicians so they have a competitive advantage in the state. There really isn’t any other logical reason for a state that advertises horse race gambling and bourbon as sources of pride.

Never thought of the bourbon angle with marijuana but is interesting. Think you're probably on to something, but philosophically, this is how industry dies and states fall. Reminds me of the cycles of revolution in Russia.

Russia has gone through several cycles where the template largely holds up. Revolution -> strong government -> strong government being intertwined with industry (oligarchs today) -> use of government force to hamper competition to protect industry -> citizen discontent -> revolution. Repeat.

Industry gets to a place where it'd naturally be destructed by superior competitors. It happens with all kinds of industries and happens constantly. Print journalism is a good example. What if a strong government dictated that all news can only be obtained through newspapers? Entire mediums and innovations would've never taken place. That model always falls on itself.

 

[trueblujr]

Yes and no. Not a huge fan of political labels because they kind of lead to buying into other agendas out of convenience. I could see a staunch conservative understanding why these things need to be passed and a bleeding heart liberal believing the same.

The current state of these two issues in this state is infuriating and I think most people my age have a similar mindset. It shouldn't have taken 30+ years to legalize gambling, for instance. It makes no sense and it's purely business interests and backroom deals. It's not even just about the gambling, it's about all the backwards reasons why it's not allowed.

Well, the expanded gambling issue is largely due to the large horse racing presence which doesn't want the competition, but it's also how Churchill Downs vaguely gets around it with "Historical Horse Racing" machines that are virtually indistinguishable from Vegas slots. CD wants that monopoly and has the money to lobby to keep it. That's a shame.

 

[wkycatfan_rivals376690]

My problem with legalizing marijuana is that it seems to be such a gateway into other drugs. Addictive personalities and what not.

 

[Ron Mehico]

My problem with legalizing marijuana is that it seems to be such a gateway into other drugs. Addictive personalities and what not.

Making it illegal makes it so if you want MJ, especially in college, you had to go to a drug dealer, one that typically sold other stuff. It demystified the whole process and made it easier to get an in with the drug community. If you wanted beer you went to a store and we’re shielded from the whole thing. Same if you made MJ legal. The whole “gateway” drug is pretty silly as you can say most drug users probably started with alcohol or cigarettes. Making it illegal does give easy access to the illegal drug world however for those that do have addictive personalities as almost everyone has tried/knows someone that smokes weed.

 

[WayneDougan_rivals170043]

My problem with legalizing marijuana is that it seems to be such a gateway into other drugs. Addictive personalities and what not.

It is not a gateway drug. All the heroin junkies who started smoking pot when they were 12 have assured me of that.

 

[wkycatfan_rivals376690]

Making it illegal makes it so if you want MJ, especially in college, you had to go to a drug dealer, one that typically sold other stuff. It demystified the whole process and made it easier to get an in with the drug community. If you wanted beer you went to a store and we’re shielded from the whole thing. Same if you made MJ legal. The whole “gateway” drug is pretty silly as you can say most drug users probably started with alcohol or cigarettes. Making it illegal does give easy access to the illegal drug world however for those that do have addictive personalities as almost everyone has tried/knows someone that smokes weed.

I mean at least we don't have to put our stamp of approval on it as a state. IMHO.

 

[Ron Mehico]

I mean at least we don't have to put our stamp of approval on it as a state. IMHO.

It’s absolutely youre opinion, but it’s a small minority opinion, so by simple logic if the vast majority wanted it legal in a state the reps should make it happen. That’s the whole point of elected officials. That’s the point of the OP.

 

[trueblujr]

This is proof that the GOP propaganda machine works like a charm. When we have people like yourself who will vote against their own interests simply because of party affiliation and fear of the other side then the politicians have won.

The real world isn't that black and white. For example, I know pro-choice Republicans and pro-life Democrats. Both parties are effective at painting the other side as evil in totality with zero nuance.

As George Carlin said, they've got us fighting a culture war so that we don't realize we should be fighting a class war.

So tell me exactly what I'm voting for that is against my own interests? Weed and gambling? I don't need laws to do either. I can go to Derby City gaming or across the river to gamble. I don't care. And in the rare instance I partake, I have ample opportunity and supply at my fingertips. So what else is the GOP filling my head with that's against MY best interest? As of today, I cannot think of a single policy or agenda outside of those two issues, that the globalist liberal democrats are pushing that benefits or protects me and/or my family better than the party of people I choose to vote for. Not one.

 

[catlanta33]

My problem with legalizing marijuana is that it seems to be such a gateway into other drugs. Addictive personalities and what not.

Like prescription drugs?

 

[bkingUK]

So tell me exactly what I'm voting for that is against my own interests? Weed and gambling? I don't need laws to do either. I can go to Derby City gaming or across the river to gamble. I don't care. And in the rare instance I partake, I have ample opportunity and supply at my fingertips. So what else is the GOP filling my head with that's against MY best interest? As of today, I cannot think of a single policy or agenda outside of those two issues, that the globalist liberal democrats are pushing that benefits or protects me and/or my family better than the party of people I choose to vote for. Not one.

I don't see a good reason why either is illegal in this post. Sounds like you're justifying it by saying "you can go places where it's legal." That's exactly why it'd ridiculous it's illegal. It's the most common sense legislation in the history of Kentucky.