[RoseyRed]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

That is brings to light some very good points!

[MorTech]

The only human right is the right to be left alone...This includes how others choose to medicate themselves.
Also, a potential person is not an actual person.

[Windguy]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit.

Well, for one, you will no longer have to pay for the incarceration of decent people who were in possession of small amounts of marijuana. You will save money and they will be able to be productive members of society.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

I haven’t used marijuana since I was sixteen, but I was planning to vote for the legalization amendment so others could easily use it. But then I discovered that the amendment DOES NOT allow you to grow a plant or two in your back yard. You have BUY it at high prices from a licensed shop, and what they sell is far stronger than than the low quality leaves I used to share (one joint among four or five high school students). They are only in it for the money. If you have an ounce or two at home or in your car and can’t prove you bought it legally, you will still be arrested as an illegal distributor. A lot of what is sold in stores costs as much as illegal pills or powders. People can easily spend several hundred dollars a month on marijuana products. It all helps make the poor and unemployed poorer. It harms their families who may really need that money. Maybe they decide to burgle your car so they can buy some. How do you pay high rent when you are also spending hundreds of dollars a month getting legally high?

Last week I read a long article from a reputable source on the problems of legalization. Research in the wake of legalization in many states has allowed doctors doing research to learn a lot more about long term side effects than was known before. For example, a huge percentage of heavy users begin having trouble with nausea and vomiting that makes it hard to work and leads them to ERs. In many cases, that medical care is paid for by Medicaid or health insurance—your tax dollars being spent as some companies make billions and the state makes billions in taxes.

Marijuana chronic use affects brain chemistry more than was originally realized, especially when it is strong. This can cause paranoia, anxiety, depression, as well as relieve them. It depends on the person.

You know that even though it will be legal only for people twenty-one or older, this will increase availability for teens. Even more will eat a THC-laced gummy and float through school days. How is that good for America?

After reading that article, I decided that it would be immoral for me to vote YES on the amendment, so I voted NO and mailed in my ballot. If you love America, I urge you to do the same. If you want America to be strong, that doesn’t come from being high all day.

[christine J Toft]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

I am guessing that half of the Voters in Florida go to the Booth having little knowledge of the Amendment process.

1 The amendments are for a change in the Florida State Constitution.
2 It takes a 60 % affirmative to make the change effective.
3 Who proposed the submittal of the Amendment for vote

The change to the constitution can negate the existing laws by superseding them.

New laws cannot override the constitution.

Given the above, are you ready to vote yes.

As an example, there are current laws against drugs. Amendment 3 wants to legalize Marijuana for more than medical uses.

Comments say that can provide an opportunity for new tax revenue, elimination of bad Marijuana etc.

My question is how I do as an elector get any benefit. Do I want a contractor coming to the house with a Marijuana high? What rights do I have if I suspect he is under the influence, but it is legal. Is my auto mechanic high? Can I get money back if they are not performing correctly. Is there a legal limit or test that would apply to users and responsibility. I know that some would say that the same applies to alcoholics. Well two wrongs don't make a right.

There is no current reason to pass this amendment without knowing how the above will be protected.

Quite frankly, all of the amendments have this flaw. They are special interest solutions to problems not well thought out. Why should we enshrine them in our constitution?

Really? What makes you think that a contractor won't come to your house now high? Marijuana is all over the place. I know many Villagers who partake. I'd much rather they get it from a controlled seller than off the street. I believe you're not going to change the number of people partaking by much... if people want it, they will get it.

[christine J Toft]

Originally Posted by MandoMan

I haven’t used marijuana since I was sixteen, but I was planning to vote for the legalization amendment so others could easily use it. But then I discovered that the amendment DOES NOT allow you to grow a plant or two in your back yard. You have BUY it at high prices from a licensed shop, and what they sell is far stronger than than the low quality leaves I used to share (one joint among four or five high school students). They are only in it for the money. If you have an ounce or two at home or in your car and can’t prove you bought it legally, you will still be arrested as an illegal distributor. A lot of what is sold in stores costs as much as illegal pills or powders. People can easily spend several hundred dollars a month on marijuana products. It all helps make the poor and unemployed poorer. It harms their families who may really need that money. Maybe they decide to burgle your car so they can buy some. How do you pay high rent when you are also spending hundreds of dollars a month getting legally high?

Last week I read a long article from a reputable source on the problems of legalization. Research in the wake of legalization in many states has allowed doctors doing research to learn a lot more about long term side effects than was known before. For example, a huge percentage of heavy users begin having trouble with nausea and vomiting that makes it hard to work and leads them to ERs. In many cases, that medical care is paid for by Medicaid or health insurance—your tax dollars being spent as some companies make billions and the state makes billions in taxes.

Marijuana chronic use affects brain chemistry more than was originally realized, especially when it is strong. This can cause paranoia, anxiety, depression, as well as relieve them. It depends on the person.

You know that even though it will be legal only for people twenty-one or older, this will increase availability for teens. Even more will eat a THC-laced gummy and float through school days. How is that good for America?

After reading that article, I decided that it would be immoral for me to vote YES on the amendment, so I voted NO and mailed in my ballot. If you love America, I urge you to do the same. If you want America to be strong, that doesn’t come from being high all day.

And how many who oppose it are throwing down cocktails like water! People say "you can't sue if there's a problem". Well, those that are using now certainly can't sue the man on the street they buy from. I believe this will prevent deaths. Maybe we need to address the sale of alcohol again???? Kids use it. No denying it. Kids vape.... I prefer to have our law enforcement dealing with real issues.

[GATORBILL66]

Save Florida! No on 3 and 4. Yes on the rest.

[opinionist]

"This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

The "notification of a parent" can happen after the fact. You are being deceived by the lawyer-speak.

[nancyre]

If a child can survive outside of the mother at 20 weeks, then it is a human being at that point and deserves all protections at that point. Likewise if the mother's life is in danger to carry to term then the availability of the process needs to be there.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by opinionist

"This amendment does not change the legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion."

The "notification of a parent" can happen after the fact. You are being deceived by the lawyer-speak.

What lawyer speak? Have you taken the time to read the two sentences (fewer than 50 words) of plain English? Since you included half those words in your post so you must have. The sentences seemed very simple and straightforward to me but judging by the contradiction in your post, something must be confusing.

Read the sentences again. Take the time to understand them. Don’t let someone else tell you what to think.

[RoseyRed]

Originally Posted by dougjb

Marijuana usage does not affect driving capability. This is an urban legend promoted by sheriffs so that they can keep their "bust" records high enough to justify the little work that the police do.

Besides, anyone who thinks marijuana use is not already rampant has stuck their head in the sand. Too many of our youth have been arrested for marijuana possession which has broad ramifications for their ability to get a job or enter a profession.

A great majority of our prison population consists of non-violent drug possession cases.Do you really want to continue to have your taxes keep going up so that these "offenders" are off the streets...while so many other "offenders" are using? That makes no sense. We have the largest prison population in the world. It is time to start sorting out the truly dangerous from those whom society simply wants to look down upon.

YES! totally agree! The focus should be on the violent offenders, not the young population that makes a minor mistake and pays for it the rest of their lives.

[RoseyRed]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

"Slippery slope", my aunt sadie! We were in the situation. Had we been living here now, I would have lost both my wife and child. Child had problems that affected wife and would kill her. No time play regulatory games. Emergency time. Doctors delivered baby early. Wife healed and we could try again. Baby survived 48 hrs. Doctor and wife made the decision and I support that. Just because you detect a heartbeat does not guarantee healthy/viable offspring. All talk about the supposed "slippery slope" is fear mongering at it's worst. Stay out of others personal and heart breaking medical decisions! Keep government hands off of medical decisions. Nobody takes Abortion lightly!

Government has never walked a woman's shoes and neither has the majority of the population! It is an individual's decision and not the government. What is the benefit of the government controlling those decisions?

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by It's Hot There

Obviously not.
Will talk slower.

No one is arguing when mommy's life is at risk.

Yes Amber died after taking an abortion pill.

There is more to that story.
When mommy wants/needs to abort and is unable to get proper medical care, then mommy's life will be at risk. She doesn't need platitudes and government intervention and regulation. She shouldn't have to leave the country or go to poor and unsafe options. As for her reasons, that is between her, her doctor, and her God (if she has one).

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by nancyre

If a child can survive outside of the mother at 20 weeks, then it is a human being at that point and deserves all protections at that point. Likewise if the mother's life is in danger to carry to term then the availability of the process needs to be there.

Agreed. Unfortunately just about all of the arguments presented here avoid that topic.

Following is a list of reasons why women get abortions (from National Library of Medicine website). Apologies for the somewhat jumbled tables. The first number following each entry is the frequency the reason is given. The second indicates the percentage of the total.

Not financially prepared 386 40%
 General financial 365 38%
 Unemployed/underemployed 41 4%
 Uninsured or can't get welfare 6 0.6%
 Don't want government assistance 4 0.4%

Not the right time for a baby 347 36%
 Bad timing/not ready/unplanned 321 34%
 Too busy/not enough time 17 2%
 Too old 16 2%

Partner related reasons 298 31%
 Relationship is bad, poor and/or new 89 9%
 Respondent wants to be married first/not a single mom 80 8%
 Partner is not supportive 77 8%
 Partner is wrong guy 61 6%
 Partner does not want baby 29 3%
 Partner is abusive 24 3%

Need to focus on other children 275 29%
 Too soon after having had a child/busy enough with current children/have enough children right now 239 25%
 Concern for other children she is rearing 51 5%

Interferes with future opportunities 194 20%
 Interferes with educational plans 132 14%
 Interferes with vocational plans 63 7%
 Want better life for self/don't want to limit future opportunities 49 5%

Not emotionally or mentally prepared 180 19%

Health related reasons 114 12%
 Concern for her own health 59 6%
 Concern for the health of the fetus 51 5%
 Drug, tobacco, or alcohol use 46 5%
 Prescription drug (not illicit) or contraceptive use 14 1.5%

Want a better life for the baby than she could provide 119 12%
 Want better life for baby 67 7%
 Living or housing context not suitable for baby 46 5%
 Lack of childcare or help from family to care for baby 13 1.4%
 Don't want her children to have a childhood like hers 5 0.5%

Not independent or mature enough for a baby 64 7%
 Too young or immature 47 5%
 Can't take care of self 12 1.3%
 Too dependent on parents or others right now 9 0.9%

Influences from family or friends 48 5%
 Would have a negative impact on family or friends 22 2%
 Don't want others to know/worried others would judge 19 2%
 Pressure from family or friends 11 1.2%

Don't want a baby or place baby for adoption 38 4%
 Don't want a baby or don't want any children 33 3%
 Don't want adoption 7 0.7%

Other 11 1.2%

Total 954 100%

As one can see from the above, the majority of abortions are done for one thing and one thing only: convenience. The major argument for the passage of this amendment, judging from those repetitive TV commercials and to a lesser extent here, appears to be that abortions are prohibited in Florida even in cases of rape. But to base one's argument on a point so minuscule that it does not even show up in exhaustive lists such as the one above defines such an "argument" as solely emotional. And a solely emotional approach on any topic makes for poor law.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

Please don't encourage me to change my avatar again.....

Aha! The real you! Very handsome!