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Rubio Mum on Whether He Smoked Marijuana
by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700
Copyright
May 19, 2014
All Rights Reserved.
Tea Party favorite 42-year-old Marco Rubio
(R-Fl.), considered a likely GOP 2016 presidential candidate, refused to answer
a question put to him by ABC’s Jonathan Karl on whether or not he’s smoked
marijuana. Rubio voices forceful
opposition to medical marijuana laws now in 21 U.S. states and raises stronger
objection to recreational use laws passed in Colorado and Washington State. Rubio earns a 100% rating by the
American Conservative Union, misinterpreting conservative views on marijuana
reform, something that cuts across the ideological spectrum. His refusal to answer whether or not he’s used marijuana, answers the question in the
affirmative. Rubio told “Politics
Confidential” that his non-answer mirrors his personal view that there’s no
“responsible way to recreationally use marijuana.” Rubio’s dodge tells the real story
about his youthful indiscretions.
Before Rubio grew up to complete his bachelors degree from the University
of Florida in 1993 and J.D. from University of Miami in 1996, he reportedly had
a 2.1 grade-point-average when he graduated South Miami Beach High School in
1989, signaling that he was into anything but academics, most likely into
teenage distractions. He was a
pre-teen when “Scarface” hit the silver screen in 1983 glamorizing Miami’s
Cuban-dominated cocaine trade. When
Rubio said there’s no “responsible way to recreationally use marijuana,” he
might be sharing his own experience, rather that the vast majority of cannabis
users that seem to keep it in check.
If California’s liberal 1996 Prop 215 “Compassionate Use Act” is any
guide, Rubio’s fears about weed destroying society’s fabric looks unfounded. Eighteen years of medical marijuana hasn’t tanked the Golden State.
Whether one believes that there are more productive activities than
smoking weed, California’s long experiment with medical marijuana has proved
that there’s little measurable damage to society. “If you say you did, then suddenly
there are people out there saying, ‘Well, it’s no a bid deal,’” said Rubio. “On the other side of it, if you
tell people that you didn’t, they won’t believe you,” showing the kind of fence
sitting not seen since former President Bill Clinton equivocated in 1998 about
whether or not he had “sexual relations” with Monica Lewinksy. Asking a simple question deserves as
simple answer. Judging by Rubio’s
reluctance to answer yes-or-no, it’s more likely he had bad experience with
marijuana, perhaps contributing to low high school GPA. Rubio tried to explain when he
published his memoir “American son,” he disclosed his poor grades in high
school.
Rubio claims he was once challenged by a constituent whose son told her
he didn’t have to do well in high school because Sen. Rubio didn’t, so why
should he? “And that impacted me,”
said Rubio, telling Karl why he didn’t answer the question of whether he’s used
pot in the past. Rubio wouldn’t get
a 100% rating by conservatives unless he opposes all of President Barack Obama’s
policies, especially the Justice Department’s view that the Drug Enforcement
Agency shouldn’t enforce federal drug laws with regard to marijuana when states
pass their own compassionate use or recreational use laws. Rubio opposes the White House’s stance of backing state laws on marijuana use. Rubio wants the federal government
to enforce its current marijuana laws that classifies the drug in the same
category as heroin for the purpose of enforcement and federal prosecution.
Considered a favorite of the Tea Party, Rubio opposes most federal
government programs, forgetting about his family’s immigration from Cuba,
requiring assistance to make a successful transition to America. While he’s probably not likely to
win the GOP’s presidential sweepstakes, he enjoys preferred status when it comes
to a possible VP pick. Like his
fellow GOP senate colleague from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Rubio takes extreme right
wing positions without regard to what’s best for the vast majority of newcomers
to the U.S. from foreign lands. His
opposition to government entitlements puts him high the Tea Party’s list for
potential 2016 candidates.
His views on marijuana don’t reflect changing views that cut across the
ideological spectrum. Rubio thinks
legalizing another controlled substance doesn’t add anything to improving
unavoidable problems in today’s society.
Rubio says he’s considering running for president in 2016 if there’s a
place for his message: Opposing
anything Obama. Asked by Karl
whether he’s ready for a presidential run, Rubio acknowledges he has many
qualified GOP friends. “I do, but I
think that’s true for multiple other people that would want to run,” said Rubio,
responding to whether he’s ready to run.
Since he’s reluctant to answer whether he’s smoked marijuana, it won’t be
easy for Rubio get off the fence when it comes to running for president. His positions on mainstream issues,
including same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization, predictably follow the
conservative line, whether it fits with the vast majority of voters. Rubio’s support for current DEA laws
shows just how far he’s out-of-touch with mainstream voters. Opposing everything Obama is no
substitute for a mature approach to politics.
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