Weed is the big issues even with 465,476 votes on 13,725 questions from 28,425 people.

Obama held an online forum today.  As if Leno, 60 minutes, his public press conference etc weren’t enough exposure already (I’m not complaining).  And these were the top questions from each category – taken from the Open for Questions forum at WhiteHouse.gov.  The most notable questions are from Financial Stability and Budget — both about marijuana legalization.  Hot topic right now.  A bill to legalize marijuana is coming up across state legislatures as well, like in Mass.  (Thanks for the heads up JS).

Some media outlets are saying that Norml pulled a fast one on the voting by rallying all their members.  Either way, the President brushed the question off with a grin and possibly some inner-monologue reminiscing.  His response was (USA Today),

“I don’t know what that says about the online audience,” the president says with chuckle.  “The answer is no, I don’t think that is a good strategy to grow our economy.”

You can watch the whole question session here.

Education:  “The Founding Fathers believed that there is no difference between a free society and an educated society. Our educational system, however, is woefully inadequate. How do you plan to restore education as a right and core cultural value in America?”

Home Ownership:  “President Obama: What benefits from the stimulus plan are there to those of us who are paying our mortgages, but living paycheck to paycheck?”

Health Care Reform:  “Why can we not have a universal health care system like many European countries, where people are treated based on needs, rather than financial resources?”

Veterans:  “The unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans is higher than the national unemployment rate. Our veterans are a national treasure. How can you, the VA and I ensure our veterans are successfully transitioning into civilian life?”

Small Business:  “what specifically can the federal govt do to lower the cost of providing quality health coverage for small business owners”

Auto Industry:  “What steps are being taken to ensure that the auto industry uses the bailout money it gets responsibly, so that we don’t end up in this same situation in a few years?”

Retirement Security:  “Will you require Congress to pay into social security like the rest of us?”

Green Jobs and Energy:  “”Will you consider decriminalizing the recreational/medical use of marijuana(hemp) so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and a multi-billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?””

Financial Stability:  “Would you support the bill currently going through the California legislation to legalize and tax marijuana, boosting the economy and reducing drug cartel related violence?”

Jobs:  “What are your plans for the failing, “War on Drugs”, thats sucking money from tax payers and putting non-violent people in prison longer than the violent criminals?”

Budget:  “With over 1 out of 30 Americans controlled by the penal system, why not legalize, control, and tax marijuana to change the failed war on drugs into a money making, money saving boost to the economy? Do we really need that many victimless criminals?”

Were moustaches always this cool?

Guys love facial hair.  Most ladies do not.  But facial hair prevails all the same, especially lately.  In the last week alone I’ve read 5 or more articles about facial hair and its range of uses for marketing and publicity.  The themes range from its use to raise money for non-profits…

Whether waxed, curled, combed or crocheted, moustaches can be a way to impress or intimidate the people around you.  But growing facial hair can also be a way to raise money and awareness.  For 826 Boston — a nonprofit writing and tutoring program — they have taken advantage of the moustache craze to support their growing organization.

…to a bingo-esque game at a Harvard grad school, or the newly formed NYC Beard and Moustache Championships.

I bite.  Guys…what gives?  Why is growing facial hair that cool?  And if you think it is indeed that cool (or even if you don’t) , check out these sites.  American Mustache Institute, Moustache Me, Fake Moustache.

Guess who might be next in the moustache revolution?

Barackotology

Have you seen Obama’s bracket?  Doesn’t reflect the risk taker streak that we’ve come to love.  Hello?  3 #1s and the obvious #2?  Way to out on a limb.  The AP agrees, the bracket was an ‘educated’ bracket.  I’d like to see a three-seed in his final 4, maybe the ‘Cuse?

Politico says that his full bracket will be released tomorrow at noon.  For now we just have to be happy knowing his final four: Louisville, Pitt, UNC, and Memphis.  I’ll be waiting with baited basketball breath to check it out tomorrow.  The guy who interviewed him, Katz, declined comment — keeping the seal of secrecy until Sportscenter tomorrow.

Getting fishy in the White House.

These past two days have been uncomfortable in politics.  The tone towards AIG has changed incredibly fast.  Politicians are taking a populist p.o.v. and Geithner is acting like he couldn’t have prevented this when he helped write the last loan contract.

Regardless, I think the administration is doing the right thing – I just wish it hadn’t come to this.  It all feels a little like a cover up at this point.  OpenLeft breaks down the flip-flopping here.  David Sirota breaks it down,

As I said yesterday, the White House is creating a serious economic credibility gap for itself – the idea that it cannot stop these bonuses at a company that taxpayers own is just absurd on its face. And this constantly changing message makes me wonder – WTF is going on? Who is in charge in the White House – the president or his economic team? And do these people really expect Americans to believe that nothing can be done to stop these bonuses?