I'm only trying to end it in the thread about drugs. and no, I'm not ignoring it, I'm saying it's only a piece of the history while you are saying it is the sole driver. conspiracy theories are generally based on fact, some more so than others, the tin foil comments are used by people trying to marginalize others for believing in a theory. People tend to believe them because we are apt to see patterns in events whether they exist or not. Conspiracies can and do exist. the ones you pointed out show they were trying to monopolize transit buses and supplying them. I provided other facts that point to buses as making a viable option for transit companies and, in some cases, more desirable. I don't question the facts you stated, only to what extent they determined the fate of the streetcar in the united states. as for wikipedia, it offers a summary of the arguments and allows you to draw your own conclusions...which it sounds like your documentary does not. now, if you wish to continue to debate the topic either ask me to split the thread or start afresh. if you continue to insult or post on this topic in this thread they will be deleted.
the libertarian party is almost inherently for the legalization of drugs.
I think this is the biggest problem. liberal, in its classic definition, has almost been entirely lost. so if you are for liberalizing something, which party you fall under depends on the issue and frequently neither party will stand for it. For example, Democrats are against trade liberalization but for have a high regard for abortion liberalization. I would say that Republicans hold a liberal view of gun ownership. Unfortunately, liberal has come to mean a specific ideology unrelated to liberalization.

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"You down wit OPM?"
Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"

I understand. I have a hard time deciding, and for the most part I am a Republican. But I feel the Christian right is one of the biggest groups against decriminilization as well as the law enforcement and Pharmecutical lobbiests.

The problem with the Republicans is they are really a diverse group of interests or ideologies that are not always compatible. After the liberals were thrown out of the Democratic party in favor of the populists the Republicans picked them up (despite a long history of opposing them). I recently registered D to vote for Nutter but have always been an independent and have voted for R's, D's, and Libertarians...the latter being the most vocal proponent of drug legalization. To be effective though, I don't think you can push for outright legalization of all drugs. I've always thought that a good compromise would be to legalize the natural drugs such as coca and pot but even marijuana would be a step in the right direction. If the sky doesn't fall there might be room for more liberalization but you're not going to convince enough people to legalize everything right off the bat.

__________________
"You down wit OPM?"
Fumo: "Yeah, you know me!"

My current mission is more focused towards decriminilization than legalization. Your right about too much at once. I think making anything legal right away would be a more immediate problem that would need time to level off, and our good ol media would have a field day with bad stories right after. I have read a lot about the affects of Prohibition during the time, But I don't really know much about the effects on society right after alcohol became legal. Does anyone know any good books on this? Besides, I will admit that at least 8/10 people I smoke with become bumbling idiots afterwards, and I wouldn't want these people out on the roads right away. It usually takes a bit of experience until you can truly function on the effects of marijuana. The fact that alcohol is much more popular is why prohibition was lifted and pot was ignored. The only problem is the mainstream America could care less about people like me that function well on pot, but don't like to drink alcohol as much, as long as they have their wine and beer.

Also, does anyone know any good books on society in Europe after most of the countries realized our laws are full of **** and decriminalized marijuana?

Unfortunately, because of the two-party duopoly...centrist policies usually are adopted...that is unless the houses of Congress or the Supreme Court are dominated by extreme/reactionary cliques..left or right...liberal or conservative...right or wrong..etc. at any given time.

Immigration, abortion, drugs, religion, race, gender, homosexuality are all wedge issues..they tend to be treated with kid gloves.. Neither party will adopt as part of their platforms going forward a liberalized stance of any significance towards drugs in my view...

Ironically, one of the States you mention as having a liberalized stance on drugs is Vermont. The Senator from that state is Bernie Sanders..an Independent...some have labeled him a socialist. Others consider him a populist or progressive depending upon their social stratus. Apparently, the people of Vermont didn't consider him a wasted vote.

Progressive states such as California, Maine, Washington, and Oregon have the strongest popular support for independent candidates..most of the 230 (+/-) Green Party elected officials in the U.S. come from these states..in addition to others.

The problem with third parties is that the duopoly contributes to the difficulty of overcoming ballot access laws in many states. They challenge third parties in the courts and since they have limited funding not backed by corporate interests..they pretty much get marginalized. This is why people then consider third party candidates wasted votes b/c they don't play on a level playing field to begin with. People like Jesse Ventura and Ralph Nader have lamented this fact..Jesse Ventura overcame it and won in his state of Minnesota in 98..Ralph Nader is still trying to fight the good fight as he says (more voices more choices) but he's been labeled a spoiler and crackpot and pretty much fought tooth and nail in the courts by democrats when trying to gain ballot access in states. Ron Paul on the Republican side..although a Constitutional Libertarian has also been marginalized. This is why we have the status quo system we have in many respects..this is why the only change Americans will see or receive will be pocket change...

http://sanders.senate.gov/