This was a busy and somewhat goofy week in our State Capitol
and our U. S. Capitol.
The most important story is the funding budget of the
Department of Homeland Security. The
Senate passed what’s called a “clean” funding Bill but the House’s Homeland security
Bill adds language that would gut President Obama’s plan for immigration
reform.
Ironically, the threat of shutting down Homeland Security
has developed into a genuine Mexican standoff. A Mexican standoff consists of three armed
opponents. Obviously, you don’t want to
be the first to shoot and lose your tactical advantage. Since it is the second opponent to shoot
that has the advantage, everyone just stands there not wanting to go first.
There were many tense moments in the standoff. Minutes before the deadline, it was agreed
that the final showdown would take place in seven days. In the meantime, the standoff will continue
behind closed doors, instead of openly on the House floor.
The standoff is
between the Democrats (and some Republicans) standing with the President of the
United States; and the plain ole conservative House Republicans. The third opponent is the super conservative
house Republicans representing the Tea Party faction. The Tea Party faction has insisted that they will jeopardize the
safety of America and shut down the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate, by passing a clean funding Bill
has sent a message to the House, “We’ve done our job, now we’re going home,
adios!” So now the conservatives and ultra-conservatives in the House are in
the standoff with each other and the Democrats. At the time of this writing, it is unknown who will win this
Mexican standoff. However. I know that the loser will ultimately be our
country.
The next story I’d like to discuss is not particularly
important, but it is a fine example of our dysfunctional government. Every year, a Bill is introduced by a
Georgia Legislator that makes you scratch your head and wonder, “How did this
man get elected?” This week, Tom Kirby,
(Republican, Loganville) introduced such a Bill. This Bill makes it unlawful to create a human animal
hybrid. We can’t make mermaids who are
half fish, half woman.. We can’t make
Centaurs that are half man, half horse.
No birdmen, and most disappointing to me, we cannot create
were-wolves. I bet this man checks
under his bed at night for the bogeyman.
Finally, I have good news!
The Medical Marijuana Bill is half way to being a law. It is now in the hands of the State
Senate. I have no way of knowing what
encouraged Representative Allen Peake, (Republican-Macon.) to get back into the
game after the Governor threatened veto.
However, I have reason to believe that Representative Peake caught so
much grief from his constituents, he decided to buck Governor Deal. Please give Representative Peake a pat on
the back if you see him.
I read the entire Bill that passed the Georgia House. These
are the most important things you should know.
House Bill No. 1, called Haleigh’s Hope Act, makes it lawful to possess
up to 20 ounces of low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oil from marijuana. The oil must not exceed 5% THC. You must have a registration card issued by
the Department of Public Health and the oil must be in a properly labeled
pharmaceutical container. To get your registration
card, your doctor must certify to the Department of Health that you have at least one of the following
conditions: cancer, amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease),
seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, Chrohn’s disease, mitochondrial
disease, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease, and sickle cell.
Remember, this legislation still has to pass the Senate and
get by Governor Deal’s veto pen. Your
voice and opinions can make the difference.
If this Bill survives intact, the Department of Public
Health will start issuing registration cards as early as September 1,
2015. I suppose it is a necessary evil,
but yet another government agency will have to be created called the Georgia
Commission on Medical Cannabis. This
commission will consist of 16 members, plus all necessary staff. I think this chapter was placed in the Bill
to provide incentive to the Governor to sign the Bill. After all, the chance to appoint 16
patronage positions is a gold mine for your political party.
I am delighted that some progress is being made towards
legalizing marijuana for it’s healing qualities. I have one suggestion, though.
I think the Bill should be amended to provide anyone over the age of
sixty-five (65) medical marijuana; no questions asked. We all have ailments and if there is a
medicine that will give us relief, we deserve it! Besides, it would cure “grumpy old men syndrome.” We could call it, “Medicare Marijuana.”
As for the “dress”, it is white and gold.
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