Rauner's prison depopulation reform goes to pot

Gov. Rauner apparently blinked when short sighted members of his base balked at reforms to our dysfunctional marijuana laws by reducing liberalization for small amounts of pot. Now just 10 grams or less, not the legislated 15 grams, get's an offender a fine instead of a ride to the hoosegow. Rauner also upped the fine from a $55 minimum to $100. Rauner appears terrified at the prospect of actually doing something positive to meet his stated goal of  reducing Illinois' bloated prison population by 25%. His reason: 'Can't go to fast on this....wouldn't be prudent' is nonsense. Making matters worse, Rauner is reducing the trial period for Illinois' medical marijuana project from 48 months after first dispensary opens to just 32 months from next Monday, a drastic reduction which will greatly hinder success of this vitally needed medical help to countless sufferers.

Gov. Rauner has the backbone to attack unions, teachers, state workers while withholding help from the needy to protect his fabulously wealthy base. But when faced with something simple and wise to reform our insane War On Drugs while reducing prison inmates, Rauner's spine turns to jelly.

Too bad he couldn't amend the medical marijuana law to include on the list of maladies pot could alleviate the dreaded RAF: Rauner Austerity Fatigue.

 

Walt Zlotow

Glen Ellyn