It’s safe to say that many Washington, D.C., residents are unhappy with a provision in the federal government funding bill that would block the implementation of the district’s ballot measure legalizing weed.
D.C. voters passed a ballot measure in November to legalize marijuana, but the federal government technically has the power to withhold funding for the city government to regulate the sale of the drug or to collect taxes on it. So while the legalization measure can still technically go through, Congress has handcuffed the city government over regulation.
Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) inserted the language blocking the ballot measure in the omnibus bill because “D.C.’s not a state.”
And it seems District voters have been directing their anger toward him.
According to Harris’ office, the congressman has received just as many complaints about the D.C. provision specifically as he has calls related to the funding bill as a whole.
And while many D.C. residents called Harris to directly complain about the provision related to legal weed, others have called to ask him about unrelated D.C. issues, Harris’ office confirmed.
Some D.C. residents inquired whether Harris could help with issues like trash collection in Washington, D.C., in addition to meddling with the ballot measure legalizing pot.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) did encourage people to complain to Harris about the provision.
DC: Trash not being collected? Street light out? Contact @RepAndyHarrisMD – seems he is very into controlling local dc affairs. #Save71
— NORML (@NORML) December 10, 2014
.@RepAndyHarrisMD “said he had no qualms about interfering with the results of the Nov. 4 election.” Angry? His office phone is 202-225-5311
— NORML (@NORML) December 10, 2014
The group did not specifically ask people to be sarcastic, but did see people go that route, according to NORML Communications director Erik Altieri.
Altieri called Harris’ push to block marijuana legalization in D.C. “a flouting of the democratic system.”
“He deserves to hear from voters from across the United States on this,” he said.
His voicemail inbox is full. So I sent an email complaining about my storm drain getting clogged in the California storm I am weathering right now.
I’d love it if NORML - and anyone else who wants an end to this idiotic war on drugs - could pull all their resources in other states and pour them into Maryland legalization. Put it on the 2016 ballot, and make it the Colorado of the East.
And then he can see how it feels to be overruled by outsiders on his own turf.
Good and keep it up. This guy needs to be on the receiving end of a months long onslaught of voter disapproval in his entirely selfish actions. He’s the recipient of huge campaign contributions from the Pharmaceutical industry who are opposed to legalization.
I called this character from the other side of the River (va.). Andy is from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a conservative, largely white area. This plays well with the population over there, which Is probably what inspired his move. This crowd likes nothing more than sticking it to the District of Columbia and if you think there could be some racism there, you are right. I know enough folks over there to attest to that.
Harris is my congressman. I live on the Eastern Shore of MD on the Chesapeake Bay. He votes against every proposal to help clean up the Bay, which is our biggest source of revenue from tourism. He would love nothing better than to turn our beautiful Bay into a cesspool. I would love nothing better than to see this guy in a world of hurt.