Election Marks Social Progress in America

On November 6, America made some giant advances socially, foreshadowing significant changes in public policies.
The legalization of marijuana for recreational use among adults passed by a large margin in two states, Washington and Colorado. In fact, in Colorado, there were 50,000 more votes to legalize marijuana than there were to re-elect President Barack Obama.
In Massachusetts, marijuana use for medicinal purpose succeeded on the ballot. There are now two states with outright legalization for adults, and 18 states in which marijuana is legal medicinally.
The federal government will have to re-assess its stance on marijuana. Many feel that it will redirect policy away from the “War on Drugs” and undermine the terrifying dominance of drug cartels.
Aside from legalizing marijuana for the first time, states made other social progress as well. Maine, Maryland, and Washington all legalized gay marriage. This marks the first time marriage equality has been legalized via the ballot.
Yet more progress was made in terms of elected officials; this was the first time in our history that a disabled woman was elected, an openly gay woman was elected, and an Asian woman was elected. And voters in California backed the Governor’s plan to increase state taxes in order to maintain public education.
This tells me we are becoming more accepting and less judgmental as a nation. It’s only a matter of time before the old corrupt politicians pass on and the new generations of smarter, more enlightened people take their place.