Color Me WTF??: Rand Paul and Pat Leahy Draft Legislation to Overhaul Fed Sentencing

[joeybee12]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul on Wednesday implored Senate colleagues to support a sweeping overhaul of federal sentencing guidelines, saying they disproportionately affect minorities and are reminiscent of Jim Crow laws.

"There is no justice here," said the libertarian and potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate. "It is wrong and it needs to change."

Paul recounted from memory to a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee several cases he said he'd learned about where mandatory minimums had resulted in a miscarriage of justice.

He said one man, Edward Clay, was arrested with less than 2 ounces of cocaine. Even as a first-time offender, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison because of mandatory sentencing guidelines, Paul said.

"Each case should be judged on its own merits," Paul said. "Mandatory minimums prevent this from happening."

http://news.yahoo.com/paul-other-senators-push-sentencing-overhaul-170437858--politics.html

Politics makes for strange bedfellows indeed

[kestrel91316]

1. He's definitely the stopped watch that is right twice a day. He's still a despicable

demagogue.

[glowing]

2. No, libertards are anti-drug regulation.

One should put whatever they want into their bodies ... At the same time, the FDA would be unnecessary since free market would suggest that a company that produces bad product would go out of business (u know, because companies are just so wonderful).

It's all about deregulation. On the other hand in this singular issue, this is a time where I would say its ridiculous for Judges to enforce mandatory drug sentences for different types of substances... It would actually be great if a pot dealer or smoker could just pay a fine and go on their way; where as a dangerous drug cartel who uses violence, should be put away... And perhaps the decriminalization of drugs would help to curtail the cartels and gangs...

[joeybee12]

3. I agree with you about the sentencing...

And in this case, I guess you make partners with whoever agrees with you, for whatever reasons.

[glowing]

4. That is bi-partisan working together across the aisle. This is how it should work.

[Championette]

5. Do you condemn Leahy for partnering Paul when it comes to minimum drug sentencing?

Or do you only condemn DU'ers who agree with Leahy's decision to partner with Paul without condemning Leahy?

[joeybee12]

9. How the phuck did you read that I "condemned" anyone????

[tazkcmo]

6. Even a blind squirrel

finds a nut now and again.

[Comrade Grumpy]

7. Sens. Paul and Leahy are absolutely correct on this issue.

Half of the people in federal prison are there for drug law violations. That's a hundred thousand people.

[Comrade Grumpy]

8. Paul also supports legal hemp and ending the federal drug war. Both good things.

Although I think he just wants to let states enforce their own drug laws. But still.

[kelliekat44]

10. I support Paul on this but very little else. nt

[Enrique]

14. not allowed

if you agree with Rand Paul on anything, in fact if you fail to denounce him at every opportunity, it means you embrace everything he stands for. Same goes for Putin and Matt Damon.

[Uncle Joe]

11. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, joeybee.

[joeybee12]

15. You're welcome!

[Uncle Joe]

16. ...

Peace to you, joeybee.

[Enrique]

12. Pat Leahy is obviously racist

otherwise he would shun Rand Paul.

[quinnox]

13. Odd, none of the "Fuck Rand Paul!" types seem to have post in this thread

[Wilms]

17. May be a Nader, Snowden, or Greenwald thread distracting them.

[quinnox]

18. lol, no doubt

"Greenwald Derangement Syndrome" - or more commonly known as G.D.S. - is especially prevalent among that crowd. Unfortunately, there is no cure.

[Marrah_G]

19. Almost any two people can find something they agree on

[Bluenorthwest]

20. Does this mean the BOG will now strongly favor harsh mandatory minimums and

the head of Pat Leahy?

[bullwinkle428]

21. K&R for the fact that certain posters are avoiding this thread like the ebola virus!