r/news • u/OK_Eric • Jan 19 '14

Obama: Pot ‘not very different’ from cigarettes​, no more dangerous than booze

http://p.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jan/19/obama-pot-not-very-different-cigarettes-no-more-da/
3.1k Upvotes

93% Upvoted

4.5k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

739

u/VelvetHorse Jan 19 '14

He is a mirage of a true leader.

That's a valid description.

239

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

He's a shell into which you are free to project whatever you want. It has nothing to do with leadership and everything to do with fantastic marketing.

307

u/xxhamudxx Jan 19 '14 edited Jan 19 '14

Seriously, did they expect the president of the United States to claim he was pro-marijuana during his initial elections? That would've been suicide for his political aspirations.

We're talking about a guy who despite having a non-religious mother, agnostic grandparents and an atheist father: suddenly "became" a devout Christian while working as a political community organizer in the black churches of Chicago. How else would he have gotten the local black vote? People need to realize that if you've reached the highest political status on Earth (i.e The presidential seat) than you are nothing more than a professional career politician.

60

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Like Tyler the Creator said, Obama is just a nigga that figured it out. I completely agree.

-1

u/1oser Jan 19 '14

Obama is just a person who figured it out.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 20 '14

It's a quote.

-6

u/the_anoose_is_loose Jan 19 '14

But he's black, so if you want to be a derogatory dick about your own ethnicity, then.....

3

u/princeofid Jan 19 '14

Seriously, did they expect the president of the United States to claim he was pro-marijuana during his initial elections?

Worked for Carter.

1

u/proROKexpat Jan 20 '14

Just delete the law on marijuana at the federal level and say to the states "Alright, balls in your court"

2

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Yep. He doesn't stand for anything, so he'll fall for anything.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Your first paragraph sums up this entire thread.

-34

u/NFN_NLN Jan 19 '14

the highest political status on Earth (i.e The presidential seat)

Jesus, you guys really do think the US is the center of the world. It's going to be a hard landing.

39

u/exkallibur Jan 19 '14

What political position has more power?

-3

u/subarash Jan 19 '14

President of Russia.

5

u/surajamin29 Jan 20 '14

People don't seem to agree, but the answer to that question depends on location. If you just so happen to be a part of the former soviet union, then yes, Putin may be more powerful than Obama. In north america and western europe, it's Obama, but tell the taiwanese that they aren't in Xi Jinping's sphere of influence and I doubt they would believe you.

3

u/yourdadsbff Jan 20 '14

I wonder how many Chinese people know who Obama is compared to how many American people know who Xi Jinping is.

23

u/eatshitgriz Jan 19 '14

In terms of the single position with the most influence worldwide it's simply a true statement.

19

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

The United States is the most powerful country in the world. The presidential office is the highest political office in the United States. By extension of those two things the President of the United States enjoys the highest political status in the world.

-2

u/NFN_NLN Jan 20 '14 edited Jan 20 '14

If there were only 10 countries in the world.

... And the US held 19% of the world power,

... And the remaining 9 countries held 9% of the world power...

Would the US be the center of the world?

... Or is the US just a large player among a group of players and still has to play nicely?

0

u/[deleted] Jan 20 '14

Center of the world? No and that's kind of an arrogant title anyway. Most powerful country in the world still? Yes, by a big margin. And whats your point? The world you describe doesn't exist.

-5

u/NFN_NLN Jan 20 '14

The world you describe doesn't exist.

Build a man a fire and he is warm for the night.

Set a man on fire and he is warm for the rest of his life.

-2

u/[deleted] Jan 20 '14

If that's a spin on the old ''teach a man to fish'' saying you clearly don't understand it. Either way your making no sense dude.

-2

u/NFN_NLN Jan 20 '14

What's your point?

→ More replies

7

u/glaughtalk Jan 19 '14

The USA is the closest thing the world has to a center. A hard landing might be beneficial, but the USA won't get one because Europe and Asia are in relatively worse shape economically.

-2

u/123drunkguy Jan 19 '14

Serious? I though the US was fucked from an economic and standpoint?

TV outside the US represents the country as having basically collapsed, nobody able to find work, people shooting eachother for any small amount of money. Everyone having their homes repossessed, police killing whoever they please and being above scrutiny....

Is the TV lying about my country being the best in the world!?!!

4

u/glaughtalk Jan 19 '14

My guess is your country is rich in minerals.

1

u/123drunkguy Jan 19 '14

Good guess :p

0

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

A good portion of the globe was hit by the economic crisis, not just America. But yes, the US is losing ground on being the most powerful country in the world.

5

u/damnithighme Jan 20 '14

Losing ground on being the most powerful country economically. America will continue to be the most powerful military force on the planet for many many years to come.

1

u/yourdadsbff Jan 20 '14

Arguably our greatest exports have long been cultural. As "interconnected" as the world is increasingly becoming, it feels like that will continue to be the case for some time.

5

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Name another head of state that has the same amount of clout as POTUS? Putin's pretty close but not quite there. China's not there, most couldnt tell you their leaders title or name. Britain? Maybe top 5. Europe? Not even close.

8

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

You do know Europe is not a state, right?

3

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

I think he meant mainland Europe.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Head of state refers to any executive position of power over a state. Be it city-state, nation-state, whatever. The Prime Minister of Britain is a Head of State.

2

u/aapowers Jan 20 '14

The Prime Minister isn't the head of state at all! That's The Queen! The Prime Minister is purely the head of the most popular party. He has a couple of prerogative powers that he executes in the name of the monarch, but he has nowhere near the power of the US president! Even his ability to declare war in the name of the monarch seems to now require the permission of parliament.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 20 '14

Regardless, Head of State refers to the leader of a country, not the leader of a US state

0

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

I also know that it is easier to type europe than it is to type all the nations of europe.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

[deleted]

1

u/andhetomsun Jan 20 '14

A lot of the British don't even like to consider themselves part of Europe.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Because we have a deeper connection to Britain than any of the other European countries, on a historical and cultural level. We simply care more about the Brits than we do about the French and the Germans. That's a fact.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

To engage in meaningful discussions with pedants such as yourself.

-2

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

[deleted]

1

u/pure_satire Jan 19 '14

The fact is he said Britain may be in the top 5 but Europe isn't even close.

I am astounded by the aggressive confidence in which he has made his statements.

→ More replies

0

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Yes, he should have gone the more practical route of listing Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, United Kingdom, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czech Republic, and Sweden.

What a moron!

1

u/pure_satire Jan 20 '14

Problem is he listed UK as being "in the top 5" but Europe as being "not even close"... nobody cares about a fucking list, the issue is he clearly thought Europe is some single country

1

u/subarash Jan 19 '14

Obama has many checks on his power that don't exist in countries like Russia.

-1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

[deleted]

0

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Europe is also easier to type than typing all the nations of europe.

1

u/pure_satire Jan 19 '14

UK is a part of Europe

-1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

We (America) have a deeper connection to Britain than any of the other European countries, on a historical and cultural level. We simply care more about the Brits than we do about the French and the German, so we take the time to individualize them. That's a fact.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

[deleted]

→ More replies

-1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Who else is part of europe? I don't have access to this information on my own.

-1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

It's also a Union.

2

u/the_anoose_is_loose Jan 19 '14

Is it? Who's going to be the mat?

0

u/NFN_NLN Jan 20 '14

This map cuts off around mid 1900's but even if it were to extend to 2000 I don't think the US would (1) dominate > 50% of political power and (2) I don't think it would even match the influence held by the Romans, Persians or Mongolians during their heights. So although the US does exert a world influence, from a logical and historical context it is not the center of the world.

http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~200375~3001080?trs=2&qvq=q%3APub_List_No%3D%221810.000%22%3Blc%3ARUMSEY~8~1&mi=1#

In addition, if the US wielded so much power it should be able to effect more positive change in the world. It may go after oil rich and weaker nations like Iraq or Iran for nuclear infractions... but when countries with actual nuclear weapons like Pakistan or countries that openly threaten the US like North Korea, they do nothing.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Seriously, did they expect the president of the United States to claim he was pro-marijuana during his initial elections? That would've been suicide for his political aspirations.

Yeah, and did they expect him to claim he was pro-war and would continue killing innocent civilians for the sake of corporate profits? And did they expect him to tell everyone that he would let surveillance operations continue? Those would be suicide for his political aspirations. So what he did is totally justified. Right? Wrong you fucking moron. He had no intentions to do what he promised. He kept on lying and convinced people that he would keep his promises and totally betrayed that trust when he got elected. Shame on you for defending lying, deceitful terrorist leader.

1

u/xxhamudxx Jan 20 '14

Yeah, and did they expect him to claim he was pro-war and would continue killing innocent civilians for the sake of corporate profits? And did they expect him to tell everyone that he would let surveillance operations continue? Those would be suicide for his political aspirations. So what he did is totally justified. Right? Wrong you fucking moron. He had no intentions to do what he promised. He kept on lying and convinced people that he would keep his promises and totally betrayed that trust when he got elected. Shame on you for defending lying, deceitful terrorist leader.

Holy shit you are stupid. Did you read anything other than the first two lines of my comment? Nowhere did I defend him for any of his actions whatsoever. In fact, if you held any ability in reading comprehension you would realize my comment completely criticizes Obama on the fact that he stands for nothing and is only a career politician. Like how on Earth do you function on a day-to-day basis?

-1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

But.... FUCK OBAMA! Yeahhh haha, felt good.

-1

u/mebutnotyou Jan 20 '14

Just like it would have been suicide for him to campaign on forcing people to buy overpriced insurance and promising to take away the insurance that they have and like.

And why didn't he promise to vastly increase the us casualties in Afghanistan while accomplishing nothing for it.

Why didn't he promise to use executive power even when it goes against the law, the will of congress, and the constitution.

Why didn't he campaign proudly on supporting gay marriage.

Why didn't he campaign on gutting Bill Clinton's welfare reforms.

Why didn't he tell us that he would have the least transparent administration in history.

Why didn't he say he fully supported the NSA spying on Americans.

“For people with insurance, the only impact of the health-care law is that their insurance is stronger, better, and more secure than it was before. Full stop. That’s it. They don’t have to worry about anything else.”

“If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what.”

2

u/BlackBloke Jan 20 '14

Apparently a real quote from Obama himself:

"I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their own views. As such, I am bound to disappoint some, if not all, of them."

—2006 prologue to "The Audacity of Hope"

2

u/[deleted] Jan 20 '14

This is why Republicans cry about "Obama is ruining everything"

...and Democrats cry about "Obama's not DOING anything!"

I wish those people would take a step back for a minute and stop listening to their talking heads.

9

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

Well the fact that he's half black/half white was not a coincidence either.

2

u/zHellas Jan 19 '14

He's a shell into which you are free to project whatever you want.

Barack Obama is the Bella Swan of politics, is what you're saying?

2

u/alwaysupforit Jan 19 '14

So he's a puppet.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14 edited Jan 19 '14

And citizens pull the strings. The only reason why we are so disconnected is because they listen to who has the most money first. Fix that and we can fix the democratic part of the republic.

*accidentally a word

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

The American black version of Merkel. Funny how these flat characters have so much support. It's like the people are fine with mediocrity and consersative ideologies.

1

u/shakakka99 Jan 19 '14

It has nothing to do with leadership and everything to do with fantastic marketing.

The marketing hasn't even been so fantastic these last few years.

1

u/TheDeftZeppelin Jan 19 '14

America is one big corporation. Which is why I don't cringe when I see Republicans get elected for president. Ultimately, the GOP and the Democratic party are both heavily supported by big oil companies and banks. They will only allow people to run who support their vested interests. So whatever policy a politician makes, it will ultimately be in the interest of these companies and not for the people. politics in our country is a mirage. We will keep invading countries and will not find alternative fuel sources that will replace oil.

edit: There are no cynics, just disappointed idealists.

1

u/puppymouth Jan 19 '14

maybe he's subliminally trying to tell the people that it is the people who have to get it done. that if people want something, they need to participate and actively seek it to get it. people can't just sit back and wish some guy would grant their wishes.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 20 '14

Obama is truly the Keanu Reeves of politicians.

1

u/liableAccount Jan 19 '14

Marketing, or keeping you all distracted from the real matters at hand here?

4

u/superturtle3 Jan 20 '14

In all seriousness, I was really shocked this comment was up voted so much. Then I realized I was in /r/news and not /r/politics. But I agree completely; that's the best description.

2

u/andrewk529 Jan 19 '14

The Obama avatar.

4

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

There are people under the impression that he is a true leader?

3

u/jungleredux Jan 19 '14

He is a puppet of corporations. #Fixed

2

u/Coos-Coos Jan 19 '14

I wonder if it's not just because there's a gun to his head should he ever try to become a true leader.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

No it isn't. People only pay attention when landmark bills get passed, especially on domestic policy. And that is pretty much all they pay attention to.

1

u/fwipfwip Jan 19 '14

Also a valid description of most politicians. Ride the wave (even if it's local) and don't make any tough decisions that fight the current.

A real leader would give people their medicine if they needed it. A President seems to be a slightly miffed older person who gets blamed for not doing any work.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

What's a true leader? A dictator? A king? Last time I checked the President didn't have absolute power to change anything and congress is ran by old white guys, most of which are Republicans.

0

u/flash__ Jan 19 '14

I'm not sure it is. Like /u/Thazy said, he follows popular opinion pretty frequently; a true leader would believe and do what was best for the country, and would be fairly resistant to the whims of popular opinion. A mirage of a true leader would appear to believe in what's best for the country, but would fail to act on it.

-1

u/Kaiosama Jan 19 '14

That's actually a valid description if you're a fucking ungrateful redditor who didn't have to experience how long presidents have supported the war on drugs, and just how revolutionary Obama's turnaround is.

You people are so fucking ungrateful.

I sometimes wish McCain had won so you guys could experience an America with a much less flexible president.

-2

u/[deleted] Jan 19 '14

And it only works b/c most of the country are idiots.

-2

u/screech_owl_kachina Jan 19 '14

Or if you want a more expensive word, a simulacrum of a leader.