GOP anti-pot assemblyman busted for pot

Because of the way that things work in politics, it is rare that politicians really have to believe the words that come out of their own mouths.  In some cases, they don’t even bother to stick to the very laws that they fought so hard to get passed.  Republican Steve Katz is proving to be the latest shining example of hypocrisy in American politics.  Apparently, this anti-marijuana GOP member recently got busted for having a bag of pot in his car.

Normally, getting nailed with a little bit of pot (one-eighth of an ounce to be precise) wouldn't really be such a big deal, even if you happen to be a politician.  Heck, a majority of people in the country have tried it and a significant portion of the population smoke it, either medically or for recreation.  But Katz has fought against medical marijuana legalization in his home state for a long time.  His actions have been responsible, indirectly, for many people being thrown into prison because of their involvement with the drug.  Oh, not to mention that he happens to hold a place on the Assembly Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Committee.  I’m sure his allies over there are pretty pleased right now.

The bust came when a police officer pulled Katz over for speeding at 15 MPH over the limit.  Thinking that he smelled marijuana, the officer searched Katz’s car and found the offending substance.  In addition to the 3.5 gram bag, Katz had several empty bags (perhaps ones he’d already smoked his way through?).

The end result, thanks mostly in part to the laws of the state ironically enough, was a minor $100 fine for possession.  Katz’s response to his public, both supporters and those that he fights against?  It was an “unfortunate incident.”  Wow, thanks mister.  Tell that to all the people you’re keeping behind bars for the same drug.  So far, no backlash from his fellow GOPs, so it looks like they’re going to just let it slide.

I’m not sure if this is a good sign, since nobody seems to care, or a bad sign, since… well, since nobody seems to care. Debate.org attempts to get to the bottom of the marijuana hypocricy question at their site.  But either way, it is a sure example of the double standard that politicians enjoy - vote one way, live your life another.

Steve Katz photo courtesy of thefix.com