Get the Ricochet app

Ricochet will work fine in a browser on your mobile devices, but for the best experience please download our app.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Become a member.

Tired of the toxicity of social media? Why not join Ricochet for just $5/month? Think of it as an online bar. Come in, have a drink, hang out, say whatever you want. But don’t badger, bully, or berate the other drinkers. That's our only rule.

The Undiscovered Country

Subscribe to The Ricochet PodcastSubscribe
threat_assesment

This week, a tribute to the late, great Leonard Nimoy (you must read James Lileks' wonderful tribute, "I Am, and Shall Always Be, Your Fan"), the great Col. Allen West on ISIS, veterans, and the President's love for this country. Then, our GLoP pal John Podhoretz on Bibi's speech and the chances of blocking the President's deal.

Music from this week’s episode:

I Won't Back Down by Johnny Cash

The opening sequence for the Ricochet Podcast was composed and produced by James Lileks.

LLAP, EJHill.

Yes, you should absolutely subscribe to this podcast. It helps!

Help Ricochet by Supporting Our Sponsors!

Screen Shot 2015-02-20 at 8.56.20 AM

This podcast is brought to you by Harry’s Shave. For the finest shave at the best price, got Harrys.com and use the coupon code RICOCHET at checkout.

Hosts:
Charles C. W. CookeJames LileksSteve Hayward

Discussion (19)

  • Ricochet@MattEdwards

    Spoiler alert --

    First, thanks to Col. Allen West for his service.

    Col. West said a reason why he doesn't think marijuana should be legal is because it will reduce the number of qualified young people to be accepted into the military because the military has strict rules against marijuana and won't tolerate it's use. This will lead to a low enlistment problem we can't afford.

    Now, I've never touched the stuff (aside from second hand exposure at rock concerts) and I think this is a terrible argument. While the military should have some sort of rules in places regarding being under the influence of any controlled substance (alcohol, pot, pills etc) while on duty, what you engaged in prior to applying should have no bearing on acceptance. If you happen to be one of those stereotypical stoners who lack initiative, drive, and alertness you're gonna fail basic training regardless - if you even get that far!

    The tide of legalization in this country is growing. While I'm not too familiar with the questions or tests that occur to determine and prevent marijuana users from getting past a recruitment officer - we are going to have to embrace the fact the young people use it even more than they drink beer or any other drug for that matter. Their use of everything else has been trending downward, all except for marijuana.

    So Col. West should be advocating for the repeal of any marijuana restrictions that prevent young people from signing up and then advocating non-use of all substances while serving in the military. This will ensure enlistment numbers have a chance at staying above water.

Scroll for later comments
+14 more comments
Join the conversation

You're seeing five of 19 comments. Sign in, or join for just $5 per month, to read them all and add your own.