Reader: Officials' timidity on Amendment 64 explains why we need citizen ballot process

Our post about Governor John Hickenlooper's opposition to Amendment 64, the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, as well as the responses from the various campaigns, stirred up our commenters. Here's a post from a reader who thinks regular folks are more willing to affect change than are politicians...

By Michael Roberts

September 14, 2012

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Our post about Governor John Hickenlooper's opposition to Amendment 64, the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Act, as well as the responses from the various campaigns, stirred up our commenters. Here's a post from a reader who thinks regular folks are more willing to affect change than are politicians.

Matt in Boulder writes:

"The message here is that Amendment 64 backers shouldn't expect many high-profile Colorado electees to risk their political futures by publicly expressing their support for the act."

So true. That's why we need citizen-led ballot initiatives in the first place. Politicians are too busy pandering to their corporate and union masters to bother enacting the will of the people...

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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