Recent polling demonstrated that a majority of Americans, say it "makes sense to tax and regulate" marijuana. The Zogby poll, commissioned by the conservative-oriented O'Leary Report, found 52 percent in favor of legalization, only 37 percent opposed. In California, a Field Poll found 56 percent backing legalization and as a result California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called for an open debate on legalization, all which suggest that American society may be reaching a tipping point when it comes to legal pot.

Richard Lee raised eyebrows among many, including some in the "drug reform establishment," when he announced an effort to qualify for the California statewide ballot in November of 2010, The Control, Regulate and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010, the first major statewide initiative designed to legalize marijuana for personal use. We'll have someone come and give us the status on signature gathering and what the next steps will be to make this income source a reality.

We'll also hear from the Project on Student Debt. They say nearly one in 10 community college students in the U.S. cannot get a federal student loan– the safest, most affordable way to borrow for college – because their schools choose not to participate in the federal loan programs.

Despite low tuition, the average total cost of attending a two-year community college ($14,054) is three fifths that of a four-year public college ($18,326). Federal loans can help students afford college costs, including textbooks, transportation, and housing when grants and scholarships fall short. Their brief report warns that students who need to borrow may turn to risky and expensive private student loans or credit cards when federal loans are not available. Other students may drop out, work excessive hours, or take fewer classes – all choices that reduce their odds of earning a degree or certificate.

“It’s important that community colleges provide access to federal loans for students who need them,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter.

There's more to come.

thanks to these contributors to the write-up
Don Hazen, AlterNet.
Project on Student Debt