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| ACLU and Drug Policy Groups Sue Over Censorship |
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Posted by CN Staff on February 17, 2004 at 16:47:19 PT For Immediate Release Source: Common Dreams 
Washington -- At a noon news conference at the National Press Club tomorrow, the nation’s major drug policy reform groups will announce a lawsuit against the U.S. government and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for censoring the speech of those critical of the government's “War on Drugs.”The lawsuit asks the court to declare unconstitutional a new law that cuts off federal funding to any local transit authority that permits the display of advertisements “promoting the legalization or medical use" of marijuana or other schedule I drugs. The law, sponsored by Rep. Ernest Istook (R-OK), took effect on February 2. Threatened with the prospect of losing millions of dollars of federal support, the Washington Metro system last week rejected a paid advertisement sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union, Change the Climate, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Marijuana Policy Project. The censored advertisement will be displayed publicly for the first time at Wednesday’s news conference. The lawsuit asserts that the Washington Metro’s censorship of this pure political speech, coerced by the Istook law, is a clear violation of the First Amendment. WHEN: Wednesday, February 18 at 12:00 p.m. EST WHERE: National Press Club - 529 14th Street NW / Washington, DC 20045 Zenger Room (13th floor) WHO: Graham Boyd – Director, ACLU Drug Policy Litigation Project Joseph White – Executive Director, Change the Climate Ethan Nadelmann – Executive Director, the Drug Policy Alliance Steve Fox – Director of Government Relations, the Marijuana Policy Project Hadrian Katz – Lead Counsel, Arnold & Porter LLP WHAT: Marijuana law reform advertisement unveiled; Brief statements made by drug policy reform group coalition; Press release, Complaint, and copies of statements will be distributed Complete Title: ACLU and Drug Policy Groups Sue Over Government Censorship of Advertisements Urging Marijuana Law Reform Contact: Drug Policy Alliance Related Articles & Web Sites: Marijuana Policy Project Drug Policy Alliance Change The Climate Strangling Public Debate Spending Bill To Restrict Use of Federal Funds Drug Warriors Try To Censor their Opponents Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 18, 2004 at 12:04:36 PT |
| MPP joins the ACLU and a coalition of drug policy reform groups in a lawsuit against the federal government
On February 18, 2004, a coalition including MPP filed suit against the Bush administration and the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority for violating their First Amendment right to run advertisements in public transit facilities. Because of the "Istook Amendment," WMATA has rejected a marijuana policy reform ad. http://www.mpp.org/WarOnDrugCzar/ [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #20 posted by FoM on February 18, 2004 at 11:28:55 PT |
| I agree. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #19 posted by Sam Adams on February 18, 2004 at 05:48:07 PT |
| I'm sorry, but that Schwarzenhegger (sp?) articel scares the crap out of me! It goes a long way toward explaining why cannabis is still illegal. We're caught between 2 government forces - right-wing, church-going Republicans, and Big Government Liberals, who think the government knows best. They don't even people to be allowed to smoke tobacco! I'm not sure who scares me more. People have a right to smoke themselves right into the grave. People have a right to live and die as they please. Isn't that the most important freedom of all? What kind of society do these people want? [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #18 posted by mayan on February 18, 2004 at 04:19:52 PT |
| These fascist dolts are damned if they do censor us & damned if they don't censor us. They are growing increasingly desperate because they are losing the battle for the minds of Americans. Before the rise of the internet this would've slipped under the radar of the masses. Not anymore! We are watching,waiting & remembering! The way out... Questions Over Bush 9/11 Testimony: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/27/terror/main596208.shtml 9/11 Family Steering Committee: Questions for Bush: http://www.911citizenswatch.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=61&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 9/11, Fear & the Selling of American Empire(video) http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article5689.htm International 9/11 Inquiries - San Francisco & Toronto: http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/archive/scoop/stories/0f/30/200402171047.34c9a6cd.html [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #17 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on February 18, 2004 at 04:19:49 PT |
| Arnold wants to make part of the state capital into an outdoor smoking area, so he has somewhere to smoke a cigar at work. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #16 posted by afterburner on February 18, 2004 at 03:18:37 PT:
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| Their goals and support base are too different. "NDP leader Jack Layton said he's willing to form a minority government with the Liberals if the sponsorship scandal ends up denying the ruling party a majority of parliamentary seats in a spring election." This Liberal & NDP scenario would force the Liberals to take a long overdue *realistic* look at cannabis policy, to abandon prohibition, and to move toward legalization, regulation, and taxation. Toronto is broke, Ontario is broke, the Canada is broke, bring in the clones, plant the seeds of the future prosperity. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #15 posted by The GCW on February 18, 2004 at 01:14:58 PT |
| Joyce Nalepka is a pill people are not meant to swallow. She, in the flesh, is more harmful that cannabis, kaneh bosm. The J. N.'s are spending a lot of time convincing humans that cannabis is a drug; and a bad one at that. Christ God Our Father, on literally the very 1st page of the Bible, disagrees with Joyce Nalepka. The Green Collar Worker [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #14 posted by BGreen on February 17, 2004 at 23:16:01 PT |
| Joyce Nalepka is relegated to the local neighborhood newspaper to spread her lies. I guess this is the last gasp of the obsolete "lie at all cost for the sake of prohibition" beast, a creature known as "haggus annoyicus."Parents Across the World Join In Effort to Expose Mental Disorders Caused by Marijuana The National Institute on Drug Abuse Adds Warning of Major Depressive Disorders (MDD’s) Experienced by Marijuana Users Since 1979, Joyce Nalepka has interacted with parents whose children were severely affected by marijuana use. The problems presented as depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders causing severe behavior problems. At one point, over 150 parents gathered in Washington, D. C. only to hear a brain researcher downplay their concerns. Parental observations and experience drove them on to find answers. Though all the evidence is not in, it is long past-time that we have a national warning to guide parents in preventing and intervening in illicit drug use,” said Nalepka, President, Drug-Free Kids: America’s Challenge. The National Institute of Drug Abuse has just issued such a warning in “Research Findings” published in NIDA Notes that, given the marijuana epidemic in America, should be on the front pages of every publication in the country! Unfortunately, it wasn’t! (An excerpt follows.) “One of the challenges of research into co-occurrence of substance abuse and mental disorders—is determining the order in which these disorders occur and the factors they share. Recent findings from a longitudinal study that followed more than 700 individuals from early childhood into their late twenties now confirms one sequence of events in the co-morbidity conundrum. Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Columbia University provide evidence that substance abuse significantly predicts the later occurrence of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), alcohol dependence, and substance use disorders (SUDs). Moreover, their findings suggest that there are common risk factors for both substance abuse and MDD and that, once abuse begins, it becomes an additional risk factor for MDD.” “Overall, alcohol and substance abuse during the early years was significantly related to later psychiatric disorders, even after we statistically controlled for age, sex, parents’ education level, family income, and episodes of prior psychiatric symptoms. The cumulative frequency of substance abuse from childhood throughout early adulthood is strongly associated with episodes of MDD, alcohol dependence, and SUD’s in the late twenties,” said Dr. David Brook, project researcher. Today, there are over 30 published papers linking marijuana to schizophrenia or other mental disorders. The increase in evidence is likely due to the increased potency of marijuana. A review by the British Lung Association says that the cannabis available on the streets today is 15 times more powerful than the joints being smoked three decades ago. (In 1979, marijuana contained 10mg Tetrahydracannabinol (Delta-9 THC-the ingredient in marijuana that initiates the “high.”) Today, we are seeing pot with up to 150 mg THC, or 15 times more potent. “Commonsense tells us this will increase damage and health risks,” says Drug-Free Kids’ Vice-President, Carolyn Burns. Dr. Robert DuPont, founding Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) adds: “Marijuana use worsens, and in some cases precipitates, severe mental illnesses from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to panic disorder. Furthermore, marijuana use leads to more teenagers entering drug treatment than does the use of all other drugs combined, including alcohol. The key to thinking clearly about marijuana is to recognize that marijuana, far from being harmless, is this country’s most dangerous drug!” (Dr. DuPont can be reached at 301-231- 9010) At least seven nations, including the United States, U.K., Sweden, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia have released data linking marijuana to schizophrenia, depression, and other disorders. Parents are crying out for help. Unfortunately, those who would legalize drugs have clouded the issue with arguments supporting drug use, putting children at greater risk. It’s time for ALL members of the media to issue this important warning. On behalf of America’s children we challenge the media to step up to the plate! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #13 posted by Nuevo Mexican on February 17, 2004 at 22:50:37 PT |
| Think of this song, as you read the names of these organizations: cause together we will stand every boy, girl, woman and man! (Remember Canned Heat? Bob 'the Bear' Hite, great L.A. 60's Blues rock band?) Goin up the country, sorry, off topic!.... Thanks to the American Civil Liberties Union, Change the Climate, the Drug Policy Alliance, and the Marijuana Policy Project! Shapes of things to come! And heres a great article about Dennis! This writer nails it! Midge Miller: Thanks to Kucinich for candidacy, leadership and vision I have watched the marvelous response that you have received from audiences and, through the months, have watched as other candidates have moved in your direction on many issues. Even President Bush is now trying to get the United Nations involved in Iraq although he doesn't understand, as you do, what it will take to make that work. In spite of the enthusiastic response of many audiences, the media have managed to dismiss you, not by challenging you on the issues but by ignoring you and convincing people you don't have a chance. Of course, this has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. This has been disastrous for your campaign, but it is even more disastrous for the country. Our country seems to have three primaries. You must pass the money primary, then you must pass the media primary, and only then does the public have a chance to hear your voice. It is a tragedy that our political system creates a dependence on money that makes it difficult for a candidate to get elected without being compromised. I am dismayed also that the media have the ability, and think they have the right, to distort our elections by picking whom we can take seriously. more: http://www.madison.com/captimes/opinion/column/guest/68245.php [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #12 posted by john wayne on February 17, 2004 at 22:02:15 PT |
| http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/7957766.htm DEA aims to cut pain drug's use BY MARC KAUFMAN Washington Post Service WASHINGTON - The Drug Enforcement Administration is working to make one of the most widely prescribed medications more difficult for patients to obtain as part of its stepped-up offensive against the diversion and abuse of prescription painkillers. Top DEA officials confirm that the agency is eager to change the official listing of the narcotic hydrocodone -- which was prescribed more than 100 million times last year -- to the highly restricted Schedule II category of the Controlled Substances Act. A painkiller and cough suppressant sold as Lortab, Vicodin and 200 generic brands, hydrocodone combined with other medications has long been available under the less stringent rules of Schedule III. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #11 posted by Virgil on February 17, 2004 at 21:46:04 PT |
| http://www.time.com/time/- Time Magazine has extended coverage on the subject of inflammation in the body. It is the cover story on the magazine. Inflammation can lead to heart attack and strokes and that is why the one-a-day aspirin might help in their prevention. The subject of inflammation has taken on new importance in just the last few years and since cannabis holds much promise on inflammation, it is something to keep in mind. There are several links up at the Time homepage “The Fires Within” is the name of the article- http://www.time.com/time/subscriber/covers/1101040223/story.html There is an interactive on “How inflammation works” and a picture of the magazine cover is here- http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101040223/ The 11-year grip on power by the Liberals at Canada is being challenged by the scandals coming out of BC on the memberships that may have been funded with drug money. The Liberals were expected to hold elections this spring, but their fall in popularity to 35% could change that. This is extremely important when thinking on the recent legislation that seeks 14 years for cultivation while decriminalizing 15 grams for possession. The Conservatives with 27% and the NDP with 17% could form a minority government. Jack Layton of the NDP of course is calling for legalization of cannabis. These drops have come suddenly but for people that want legalization for cannabis, the times are a changing and they could end Martin as Prime Minister and the Liberals as a controlling party. Here is the article from the Globe and Mail- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040216.wxpoll0217/BNStory/National/ [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #10 posted by FoM on February 17, 2004 at 20:45:28 PT |
| It sure seems like dirty politics. I didn't understand why it was so close until I realized how many Republicans voted for Edwards. They were trying to pull the rug out from underneath Kerry to make Bush seem like he has a better chance. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #9 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 17, 2004 at 20:34:49 PT:
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| Yes, the Republicans are intentionally going to Democratic primaries to vote for someone who Bush can beat in November. Unethical as it can be, but legal. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #8 posted by FoM on February 17, 2004 at 20:33:57 PT |
| I thought you might want to see the Republicans that voted for Edwards. The open Wisconsin primary was also heavily influenced by crossover votes, which broke for Edwards. About 30 percent of the votes were cast by independents, and 10 percent were cast by registered Republicans, the highest percentage in any primary so far this year. Edwards' strongest support came from the Republican-leaning suburbs of Milwaukee, according to exit polls. http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/7976722.htm [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #7 posted by ekim on February 17, 2004 at 19:58:40 PT |
| Wednesday, February 18
http://www.kucinich.us/schedule.php
Cincinnati, Ohio
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET
Imagine America
(Event starts at 7pm)
Speakers include Dennis Kucinich, Farm Labor Organizer Baldemar Velasquez and Ohio Representative Catherine Barrett
University of Cincinnati
Event Pavilion
Campaign Coordinator: Terri Zins, (513) 541-4748 Sunday, February 22 Los Angeles, California 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. PT League of Women Voters and NBC Presidential Debate Museum of Tolerance Theater Broadcast on NBC Stations, MSNBC, Telemundo and national cable outlets [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #6 posted by FoM on February 17, 2004 at 19:49:51 PT |
| I do pay attention to what is happening but it is more to try to figure out how they will spin things. I don't like spin. I like the truth. I believe in honesty, even if it hurts. I believe in being fair. I believe in all of you and know that you all won't be mad at me forever I hope. I want us to be a family of sorts like the Waltons. They didn't always get a long but when the going got tough they pulled together. I believe in an individuals right to personal happiness and I believe in following a dream. I don't believe that people in power are really concerned about us in general but only themselves. Maybe that's why I shy away from organizations and politics and keep to myself. I like to be able to think freely and I always want to know that what I say is truly what I feel. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #5 posted by Nuevo Mexican on February 17, 2004 at 19:34:00 PT |
| It is all b.s. FOM, you got that right, and you don't miss a beat! I get sucked into it as I grew up with a Dad like me, political, and a Mom like you, apolitical. You're better off the way you are, I will try and let it all go, an experiment of sorts, and see how detached from the emotional puppet show I feel we become manipulated by, when we expose ourselves to the toxic haze of the cathode rays. Thanks for pointing out that it was Repubs voting for Edwards, that should backfire nicely in Kerry, Dean and Dennis' favor! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 17, 2004 at 19:00:42 PT |
| It was close but why were Republicans coming in and voting for Edwards? Is that to shake up Kerry? See it's all politics and it still drives me crazy! LOL! I really appreciate the organizations that are fighting so hard for our rights. [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #3 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 17, 2004 at 18:55:24 PT:
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| Kudo's to all the organiztions involved who are fighting for our rights. The more the state and federal governments are sued, the faster the marijuana laws will change. Outstanding! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by The GCW on February 17, 2004 at 18:42:43 PT |
| With only 11% of the results. Edwards 38% Kerry 37% Dean 19% Kucinich 3% http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/elections/2004/wi/ [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by TroutMask on February 17, 2004 at 17:25:02 PT |
| ...for the prohibitionists. The only way prohibition continues to exist is due to ignorance. The more people discuss the issue, the less ignorant they become. This will only encourage discussion, thus more quickly ending marijuana prohibition. -TM [ Post Comment ] |
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