Regarding Amendment 4, there is no need for deliberation; we are staunchly pro-life and oppose Planned Parenthood. Our social positions naturally filter out those with differing morals, as they tend to self-select out of our circle.
Amendment 3, however, presents a different scenario. Initially, my stance was negative, as I believed society did not need more individuals under the influence. However, after engaging in discussions with friends and reflecting on the matter, my perspective shifted for several reasons.
Firstly, I have always supported the decriminalization of cannabis. Growing up in South Florida in the 1970s provided me with firsthand experiences. Seeing individuals incarcerated for cannabis use never made sense to me and still doesn’t. The police should not be burdened with the responsibility of determining who is “good” or “bad” based on possession violations. Many lives have been unnecessarily impacted by minor infractions.
My professional experience in the aviation sector has also influenced my views. A profession like mine demands a clear mental state, and the risk of losing my job due to drug use has always outweighed any potential benefits. While society does grapple with alcoholism, I have remained sober for 30 years, though I have encountered many colleagues who have struggled with alcohol. The risk of injury and subsequent fitness-for-duty screenings also serves as a deterrent.
If the amendment passes, how insurance companies will handle claims related to cannabis use is a new challenge. However, other states that have legalized cannabis have likely addressed these issues. I recall hearing about a cannabis breath analyzer being developed.
Despite our loyalty as conservatives and strong support for Ron DeSantis, this time, we must respectfully disagree with his stance on this matter.