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Critics of SQ806 (the short-lived proposal to sell marijuana to everyone, but at a 24% tax rate) said the idea smacks of "a west coast leftist big govt form of legalization". Libertarian advocates insist that wellness choices should never involve confiscatory taxation beyond the broad rates that other herbs are subject to.
But one of the filers of SQ806, Amy Young; has withdrawn her affiliation with the lawyers and PAC who designed the initiative language. She told the Oklahoman that she's stepping aside, and stopping the legal action that she helped launch. Here's what the Oklahoman reported...
Proponent and Oklahoma City resident Amy Young said in a Facebook post she is no longer affiliated with the initiative petition campaign. In an extended post, she said her gut reaction to pull the petition came at the same time others involved in the campaign came to her to suggest rescinding the measure.
An educator for 25 years, Young said she signed onto the measure because she hoped it would boost state revenue for education, mental health and infrastructure and would result in many prisoners being released. "Speak up about what you want," she wrote. "I’m sure they will be watching. I am no longer affiliated with that group but I believe that they are trying to do something good here." |
Social media photo from the acct of Amy Young, filer of SQ806
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Here's a fuller explanation from Amy Young's social media acct.
Dear Oklahoma,
I’m so grateful for the unconditional love of my family and friends, for the continued respect shown to me by those who might not agree with me or those who think I might have made decisions without all the information or foresight needed. To those who would fight to defend what they believe in, even if we don’t agree, I support your right to do so and encourage everyone to stand and embrace your constitutional rights. The fear that is handed to us over speaking out is what keeps us down and keeps us from working towards a better future. Take it from me, fear is a very loud liar, so combat that fear with fierce belief in yourself, your intentions and your ability to change injustices. I know my intentions for people and this state are good and my history proves it.
In the end, I changed my mind about something very important to our state, mainly because of two things: 1. I want Oklahoma children to have the medicine that they need and 2. I want Oklahoma businesses to thrive. 99% of what I do is based on what I want to give to Oklahoma. After being an educator for 25 years, my original choice was based in hopes for more funding for education, mental health, releasing people from modern day slavery (privatized prisons where imprisonment benefits investors) and infrastructure improvements for the entire state. I want more for all of us here in Oklahoma. But I can also see when I’ve been wrong and won’t hesitate to admit it, apologize and correct it if I can.
The truth is that the people I agreed to sign for came to me and suggested rescinding at the exact moment that I was going to ask for it, so please take this as a starting point for something that could help so many, not a final solution. Speak up about what you want. I’m sure they will be watching. I am no longer affiliated with that group but I believe that they are trying to do something good here. (Again, you can disagree. It’s your right! But please understand that I’m not going to fight with you, especially here. Nothing will be solved on my Facebook page. Those days are behind me. All I want to do now is focus on showing love and goodness to people through action. Words are good, but action is better.)
The past weeks have provided quite a challenge when it comes to keeping peace within my heart, mind and body. I believe that the greatest accomplishment of my year happened yesterday when I was finally able to recognize just how fortunate I am to have the family, friends and health that I have - and that even with the stress and pressure of people’s expectations, I was able to value, appreciate, enjoy and celebrate every second with people I love - in person and through texts. You never get those seconds back so you have to live right in the middle of every one of them. Don’t give them away to anxiety or wishing for a different reality. You lose the gift of what’s right in front of you when you do.
I am so incredibly fortunate to live the life I lead. I just want as many other people as possible to feel the same way about their lives too. ❤️
Much love and happy new year, Amy
p.s. This is my statement. I’m on vacation now. ?
I’m so grateful for the unconditional love of my family and friends, for the continued respect shown to me by those who might not agree with me or those who think I might have made decisions without all the information or foresight needed. To those who would fight to defend what they believe in, even if we don’t agree, I support your right to do so and encourage everyone to stand and embrace your constitutional rights. The fear that is handed to us over speaking out is what keeps us down and keeps us from working towards a better future. Take it from me, fear is a very loud liar, so combat that fear with fierce belief in yourself, your intentions and your ability to change injustices. I know my intentions for people and this state are good and my history proves it.
In the end, I changed my mind about something very important to our state, mainly because of two things: 1. I want Oklahoma children to have the medicine that they need and 2. I want Oklahoma businesses to thrive. 99% of what I do is based on what I want to give to Oklahoma. After being an educator for 25 years, my original choice was based in hopes for more funding for education, mental health, releasing people from modern day slavery (privatized prisons where imprisonment benefits investors) and infrastructure improvements for the entire state. I want more for all of us here in Oklahoma. But I can also see when I’ve been wrong and won’t hesitate to admit it, apologize and correct it if I can.
The truth is that the people I agreed to sign for came to me and suggested rescinding at the exact moment that I was going to ask for it, so please take this as a starting point for something that could help so many, not a final solution. Speak up about what you want. I’m sure they will be watching. I am no longer affiliated with that group but I believe that they are trying to do something good here. (Again, you can disagree. It’s your right! But please understand that I’m not going to fight with you, especially here. Nothing will be solved on my Facebook page. Those days are behind me. All I want to do now is focus on showing love and goodness to people through action. Words are good, but action is better.)
The past weeks have provided quite a challenge when it comes to keeping peace within my heart, mind and body. I believe that the greatest accomplishment of my year happened yesterday when I was finally able to recognize just how fortunate I am to have the family, friends and health that I have - and that even with the stress and pressure of people’s expectations, I was able to value, appreciate, enjoy and celebrate every second with people I love - in person and through texts. You never get those seconds back so you have to live right in the middle of every one of them. Don’t give them away to anxiety or wishing for a different reality. You lose the gift of what’s right in front of you when you do.
I am so incredibly fortunate to live the life I lead. I just want as many other people as possible to feel the same way about their lives too. ❤️
Much love and happy new year, Amy
p.s. This is my statement. I’m on vacation now. ?
