Judge Gray Running For Senate On LP

I heard Judge Jim Gray speak yesterday.

In my view, he is an effective and credible speaker.
He certainly looks the part of a Senator.

Unfortunately, that's where my enthusiasm ends. He
is a Green on marijuana and a Republican on almost
everything else--a Greelican.

His goal is to create another govt program: regulating,
taxing, and distributing pot in the form of a nationalized
govt monopoly. We'll have another DMV (Department
of Marijuana Venality).

As a judge, he jails marijuana offenders on the grounds
that a judge should enforce the law, without regard to
its morality. (In all fairness to him, after his talk he
admitted to me that the Fugitive Slave Law was an
exception.)

I'm puzzled as to why he decided to run as a
Libertarian, but thought it would be rude to ask him.

Best, Michael

Michael,

  This is very disappointing, but not too surprising when I think about it. If James Gray was serious about system-wide reform, we'd probably have heard more about him making waves as a judge. It is unfortunate, though. I'd hoped that perhaps this time we might have a high-profile candidate who walked the walk. It makes it more likely I'll be voting for Gail Lightfoot in the primary -- though I'll leave it open at least until I get a chance to interact with James directly. Do you mind if I forward your comments to him and ask him to respond?

Yours in liberty,
            <<< Starchild >>>

Michael,

  This is very disappointing, but not too surprising when I think about
it. If James Gray was serious about system-wide reform, we'd probably
have heard more about him making waves as a judge. It is unfortunate,
though. I'd hoped that perhaps this time we might have a high-profile
candidate who walked the walk. It makes it more likely I'll be voting
for Gail Lightfoot in the primary -- though I'll leave it open at least
until I get a chance to interact with James directly. Do you mind if I
forward your comments to him and ask him to respond?

Yours in liberty,
            <<< Starchild >>>

I heard Judge Jim Gray speak yesterday.

In my view, he is an effective and credible speaker.
He certainly looks the part of a Senator.

Unfortunately, that's where my enthusiasm ends. He
is a Green on marijuana and a Republican on almost
everything else--a Greelican.

His goal is to create another govt program: regulating,
taxing, and distributing pot in the form of a nationalized
govt monopoly. We'll have another DMV (Department
of Marijuana Venality).

As a judge, he jails marijuana offenders on the grounds
that a judge should enforce the law, without regard to
its morality. (In all fairness to him, after his talk he
admitted to me that the Fugitive Slave Law was an
exception.)

I'm puzzled as to why he decided to run as a
Libertarian, but thought it would be rude to ask him.

Best, Michael

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In my view, he is an effective and credible speaker.
He certainly looks the part of a Senator.

I agree.

His goal is to create another govt program: regulating,
taxing, and distributing pot in the form of a nationalized
govt monopoly. We'll have another DMV (Department
of Marijuana Venality).

I didn't like this either. Still, he may be our best option.

Btw, I didn't understand his distinction between legalization and decriminalization. Did you?

-- Steve

> In my view, he is an effective and credible speaker.
> He certainly looks the part of a Senator.

I agree.

> His goal is to create another govt program: regulating,
> taxing, and distributing pot in the form of a nationalized
> govt monopoly. We'll have another DMV (Department
> of Marijuana Venality).

I didn't like this either. Still, he may be our best option.
I'm finding it hard to believe that this is the same Judge Gray i've come

to know and respect. However, I've spent a lot of one-on-one time
with him recently, so maybe my vision is clouded.

He's far from a single issue Libertarian, agreeing with us in principle
across the board, and supporting the LP Platform 100%.

As far as his ideas on legalization, he's in favor of legalization of
everything and getting the government 100% out of our choices
in medicine, vitamins, herbs and even recreational drugs.

That being said, he's practical and is more than willing to take
or effect changes for the better in the right direction. He's not
an incrementalist, per se; but is in favor of progress.

For example, if we can't get heroin 100% legalized tomorrow,
he'd still be happy to get it decriminalized Swiss style, as a
very good step in the right direction.

Judge Gray is in step with our feelings not only on drugs,
but on Socialized Medicine, Social Security, Privacy, Taxes,
Prostitution, Gay rights and Education. In fact, I can't think
of a single issue that he's not at least as principled on issues
as delegates I meet at conventions and activists I know.

Big picture, the man is a real Libertarian. He believes in
what we believe in a real, historical, legal and principled way.
He's as much of a Libertarian as the founders of this country
and yes even the founder of our party, David Nolan.

I know David quite well, talking to him on the phone nearly
every day. In fact, I had lunch with him Sunday, also joining
us, at my invitation were Clyde Cleveland, Gary Nolan and a
long list of activists and candidates. Every one in that room
feels that Jim is a Libertarian, through and through.

We also recognize that Jim is the only one that will get us
recognition and respect from the public and the News Media.
Gail is a nice lady, and she's worked hard and well in the past.
But, this is Jim's time to run, and our time to support him.
His success in the General Election is crucial to the success of
our other candidates and to the success of the LP.

Jim is the only one that can raise the millions of dollars it will
take to win on any level. He's the only one with the clout and
the credibility to get the endorsements and support needed for
our success, not to mention his as our candidate for Senate.

I can tell you, I do like Jim Personally a lot and have donated
money and time to his campaign. I can also say that he's supported
me as well.

San Francisco needs Jim Gray as a Libertarian Senate Candidate.
What questions can he answer or statements can he make to
reassure you that he's truly a principled Libertarian?

Yours,

Bruce Cohen
LP Candidate for US Congress
WWW.GetBruce.Com

This was a bit confusing. Apparently, according to
Judge Gray, if it's legalized the govt can't nationalize
and monopolize it.

He favors decriminalizing pot, not legalizing it, so the
govt can become the drug dealers of (no) choice.

Best, Michael

Judge Gray favors decriminalization as a better system than the one we now
have.

He'd MUCH prefer total legalization, but feels that this step is a necessary
on as we walk down that road.

He'd rather not have the government involved in your selection of drugs,
herbs or vitamins. He also realizes that though we want it all now,
incremental changes are better than none.

Bruce Cohen
WWW.GetBruce.Com

What questions can he answer or statements can he make to
reassure you that he's truly a principled Libertarian?
Bruce Cohen
LP Candidate for US Congress
WWW.GetBruce.Com

I would be reassured if he made the following statement and
posted it on his website:
"With regard to drugs, crime, education, guns, health care,
and immigration, govt doesn't work. Govt is the use of force
and consequently is the problem, not the solution. The solution
involves the govt getting out of these areas immediately and
allowing individuals the freedom to make their own choices.

As an agent of the govt, I will not use force against peaceful
individuals who have not initiated force themselves, even
when they have violated govt laws."

If Judge Gray supported this statement, it would be clear to
me that he is a Libertarian, not a Greepublican.

Thanks for asking.

Best, Michael