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September 2014

I'll Vote Yes On 91

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

LogoOregon voters will consider a ballot measure legalizing the sale and regulation of marijuana. Taxes from the sale of marijuana would be directed to fund public education, mental health and addiction services, and public safety. The General Synod of the United Church of Christ has made no pronouncement on this emerging public policy issue and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has yet to release their fall ballot measure guide. As a minister in the United Church of Christ in Oregon, however, I will vote yes on the November measure and encourage other people of faith to consider doing likewise. My vote is predicated on a theological principle that public policy should reflect the common good. The illegalization of marijuana, a drug that is in some ways medically considered to be less harmful then alcohol, has tragically forced many people needlessly into the criminal justice system. It is worth noting that those charged with drug offenses are disproportionally people of color. African-Americans are four times more likely as whites to be arrested for marijuana use even though usage is the same, according to federal data. This has further institutionalized the sin of racism in our society. Like many young people, I smoked marijuana, but unlike youth of color there was little chance that I would have ever faced legal consequences for my actions. My “yes” vote is not without reservations. There is growing medical evidence that smoke from marijuana is dangerous. I am concerned that marijuana use is often idolized in public culture – the same is true for alcohol, however – and thus some seem to promote use among young people under 21. My hope is that with further public education and drug treatment funds that Oregon can do more to reduce unhealthy drug use among young people. Regardless of my concerns, this issue should be treated as a treatment issue and not a law enforcement issue. Obviously, people of good faith will come to different conclusions on this issue. I’ll vote Yes on 91 with the hope that the legalization and regulation of marijuana will reduce crime and violence now associated with the black market linked with the drug, will provide new funding for treatment, and will undermine the systemic racism that fuels our dysfunctional criminal justice system. All of this would benefit the common good of Oregon.

Disclaimer: Views expressed here represent the perspectives of Rev. Currie, as well as reader participants, and may not represent the official views of Pacific University, the United Church of Christ, or any local congregation.

Posted at 20:35 in Health, Oregon, United Church of Christ | | Comments (0)

What Is Genocide?

Saturday, August 09, 2014

What is genocide? I agree that the term has fallen victim to "verbal inflation." Both Hamas and Israel have been accused of war crimes - attacking civilian populations - but to accuse Israel of genocide is a misuse of the term. Rwanda was a genocide by legal standards. President Obama is taking steps in Iraq to prevent a possible genocide by the ISIS against Christians and others. I argue the world community has a "responsibility to protect" in the event of genocide. Even limited military action in Rwanda, such as destroying radio and other communication facilities, could have saved lives. We've said: Never again! We ought to mean that. I hope very much the humanitarian aid and limited air campaign does accomplish the mission without drawing the U.S. back into a long term effort in Iraq. It is worth noting that Christians lived in peace in Iraq before the U.S. Invasion there. At the same time, we need to do everything possible to push the Israeli government into a new peace accord. President Obama is in my prayers, as always, as he seeks to navigate these waters. My prayers are also with all those facing or fleeing violence...whatever the legal definition.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Posted at 06:58 in Iraq, President Barack Obama | | Comments (1)