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James Webb: A Statesman Email Print

By Intrepid Liberal Journal
03/12/2007 11:48:26 PM EST

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The topic below was originally posted in my blog, the Intrepid Liberal Journal.

Yesterday, Virginia Senator James Webb appeared on ABC's This Week With George Stephanopolous. Primarily, Webb's interview covered Iraq, diplomacy with Iran and Syria and the Walter Reed scandal. However, it was his response to Stephanoplonous's final question that caught my attention.

Webb was asked if he has any interest in becoming the Democrat's nominee for Vice President in 2008. Stephanopolous specifically noted the blogosphere was championing Webb as an ideal number two for the Democratic Party next year. Initially, Webb's response was predictable about his desire to remain in the Senate.

But Webb also added he wanted to address problems not typically mentioned in political campaigns. What sort of issues does Webb have in mind? Webb actually wants to understand why two million people are incarcerated in the United States. He notes this is an issue "tearing apart" the country. In a post last week I asked if anyone cared about America's prison industrial complex. How gratifying to learn we have at least one Senator taking an interest.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO OF SENATOR WEBB'S APPEARANCE ON ABC.


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James Webb: A Statesman | 2 comments (2 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)
Agreed ... (none / 0)
This is an impressive question from an impressive man.

There are so many things -- from CO2 emissions to those in prison that are 'out of sight, out of mind'.

We, as a society, would be far stronger if we could figure out to realize that the things out of sight matter and shouldn't be out of mind.

Get Energy Smart NOW!!! Help turn the tide toward a Sustainable Future.

by A Siegel on 03/14/2007 10:24:25 PM EST

And ... (none / 0)
Some things that I think should happen:

  • Decriminalization of marijuana -- if alcohol and tobacco are legal, how does marijuana remain illegal? (And, this would make industrial hemp legal to grow -- which has potential huge benefits.)  That releases from the system many non-violent criminals.

  • Better funded, more serious programs to assist prisoners in transition back into society.

  • Emphasizing (funding,making available, encouraging) educational opportunities throughout America's prisons.

Etc ...

Get Energy Smart NOW!!! Help turn the tide toward a Sustainable Future.

by A Siegel on 03/14/2007 10:27:26 PM EST

James Webb: A Statesman | 2 comments (2 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
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