Difference between revisions of "Bob Barr"
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Revision as of 13:38, 17 March 2015
Robert Laurence "Bob" Barr, Jr.(born November 5, 1948) is a former federal prosecutor and a former member of the United States House of Representatives. He represented Georgia's 7th congressional district as a Republican from 1995 to 2003. Barr attained national prominence as one of the leaders of the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Barr joined the Libertarian Party in 2006 and served on its National Committee. He was the Libertarian Party's nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election.
Political associations
Marijuana Policy Project
Template:Rquote In Congress, Barr's strong stance against medical marijuana put him at odds with marijuana policy reformers such as the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). Despite this historic antagonism, in March 2007, Barr reversed his stance on medical marijuana<ref name="Frates2007">Template:Cite news</ref> and began lobbying on behalf of MPP.<ref name="Evans2007">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Newmyer2007">Template:Cite news</ref> This new partnership saw Barr working to repeal his very own "Barr Amendment"<ref name="Richardson2008">Template:Cite news</ref> – the amendment<ref name="Frates2007"/> that overturned a voter-approved medical marijuana initiative in Washington, D.C.<ref name="Evans2007"/> and bars consideration of similar initiatives.<ref name="SBS2007">Template:Cite paper</ref>
Barr has been careful to note that he isn't pro-drug, but rather against government intrusion.<ref name="Frates2007"/> In interviews he has expressed the nuanced position of simultaneously opposing legalization, yet advocating the federalist ideals of State legislation and enforcement over Federal control.<ref name="Bob Barr on Hannity & Colmes">Template:Cite episode</ref><ref>For example, see Federalist No. 45.</ref>
Barr's reversal on drug policy surprised many, particularly MPP.<ref name="Newmyer2007"/> His new-found appreciation for harm reduction was heartily welcomed: Template:Quote
