cannabisnews.com: Legalizing Drugs is Dead Wrong





Legalizing Drugs is Dead Wrong
Posted by CN Staff on June 13, 2002 at 10:04:00 PT
By Jane Chastain
Source: WorldNetDaily
One-fifth of our states have passed ballot initiatives that are chipping away at the nation's drug laws. Some 24 states permit voters to participate in the initiative process and this is where the drug legalization battle is being waged. The initiative process was originally designed to give ordinary citizens a voice in proposing legislation but the people who are bankrolling these initiatives are far from ordinary. George Soros, Peter Lewis and John Sperling are three of the wealthiest – perhaps misguided, but certainly most devious men on earth. They no longer want to legalize marijuana and other drugs. 
They want to legalize marijuana as medicine, repeal unfair mandatory minimum prison sentences and end, what they claim, is our failed war on drugs, in order to reduce crime and minimize the harm drugs do. In other words, they want to push the public in a direction that carefully crafted opinion polls and focus groups have shown the 80 percent of Americans, who oppose drug legalization, may be willing to go. Those fighting on the frontlines of this battle are patient and content to focus on wedge issues. When these wedge issues are won, they will drive the wedge a little deeper until their dream of a society, which not only accepts and freely uses drugs, but also maintains drug addicts at taxpayer expense, is realized. These promoters will tell you that we've lost the war on drugs but the same argument could be made about the war on poverty or racism. Is that any reason to throw in the towel? These are not wars society can expect to win outright. However, we are making progress and there are important reasons this progress should be continued, about 450,000 reasons to be specific. That's how many people in the United States died last year from causes related to alcohol and tobacco, two other addictive but legal substances. The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, reports that 104 million people in this country have used alcohol in the past month and 66 million have used tobacco. Compare that to the relatively small number of people, 14 million, who have used drugs. Last year there were 16,000 drug related deaths, tragic to be sure, but nothing compared to the large number of people who are dying from causes related to the drinking of alcohol and the smoking of cigarettes. With only six percent of the overall population over the age of 12 currently using drugs, it is difficult to say that drug-reduction efforts have failed. Furthermore, it took 30 years of campaigning for smoking to decline as much as illegal drug use did in just 10 years. Drug proponents cite polls that show only 15 percent of the population say they likely would use drugs if they were legal. That is about triple what it is today. However, proponents are discounting the fact that, once these substances become legal, the stigma will be gone. Also, those who market drugs will begin to glamorize these substances, thereby increasing the demand. Although only one quarter to one half of the population believe they easily could get illegal drugs, only 11 percent of people report seeing drugs available in areas where they live. If drugs are legalized, they will be available everywhere. Drug proponents will argue that marijuana is not as addictive as alcohol, therefore it is a lot safer and deserves to be legalized. Marijuana is not safe. Scientists have found that a marijuana cigarette contains 50 percent more carcinogens than a tobacco cigarette and involves twice or triple the tar and carbon monoxide. Presently, 50 percent of all regular smokers will die or become disabled as a result of smoking. Do we really want to compound the health problems in this country by legalizing marijuana? Marijuana smoking raises the blood pressure and increases the heart rate. Many people do have adverse reactions. In 1999, over 87,000 patients were treated in our hospital emergency rooms because of marijuana. Chemicals in marijuana are fat-soluble and do not pass through the body like the components of food or alcohol. The psychological and physiological effects are cumulative and the withdrawal symptoms do not appear suddenly but gradually increase with time. Given these facts, those who are promoting drug legalization appear to be, at best, shortsighted – or worse, extremely selfish, willing to accept another half-million drug-related deaths a year in order to validate this lifestyle.Jane Chastain is a WorldNetDaily columnist and a co-host of the Judicial Watch Report radio show, heard daily from 12 to 2 p.m. EST on the USA Radio Network. Source: WorldNetDaily (US Web)Author: Jane ChastainPublished: June 13, 2002Copyright: 2002 WorldNetDaily.com, Inc.Contact: letters worldnetdaily.comWebsite: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmGovernment Bias Prevents Gains in Research http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13107.shtml High Court Upholds Marijuana as Dangerous Drug http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13104.shtmlCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #24 posted by Lehder on June 14, 2002 at 08:44:39 PT
Jane, you ignorant slut!
There's way too much tired BS in this article, so just a remark or two:Also, those who market drugs will begin to glamorize these substances, thereby increasing
   the demand.Once more we see the obsessive capitalist thinking that presents cannabis either as criminal or else as the highly refined packaged product (doubtless with sterilized seeds) of a corporate empire with pushy salespeople, millions of glittering outlets, the litter of wrappers and bottled cannabis drinks, vending machines for children and incessant TV ads and jingles - all the trappings of a shallow and detestable profit-culture that Jane represents and that powers the drug wars.No, we only want to grow and smoke it for our personal benefit, and not be imprisoned or impoverished or disenfranchised for a peaceful and productive lifestyle. ...they want to push the public in a direction
   that carefully crafted opinion polls and focus groups have shown the 80 percent of
   Americans, who oppose drug legalization, may be willing to go. The Bill of Rights was written to protect minorities from the depradations and bigotries of the majority. Its purpose is not to ensure the the will of the majoriy is imposed on all others, but exactly the opposite - to guarantee that the will of the majority cannot be imposed on all. You will begin to understand this concept better, Jane Chastain, as you find yourself a lonesome banshee among a shrinking minority. You will be glad of the Bill of Rights that makes life as you like it possible for you and that protects you from being compelled to smoke marijuana - as verified by a mandatory piss test - for your health, to hold a job, spew your venom, drive a car, and stay out of prison.You know, Jane, before an immigrant is accepted as a US citizen she must pass a test to display competence in the fundamentals of Constitution and the American conception of Freedom. You would fail. -------es bueno verle otra vez, kaptinemo, hope you had a pleasant sojourn. i tried to sell you a Jarvis Model JCK-1 Automatic Hog Splitter - handles up to 650 hogs per hour, regardless of size or weight. alas, you were gone away that day, but i see the turkey knife is whirring sharp as ever. Hola!
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Comment #23 posted by kaptinemo on June 14, 2002 at 07:35:16 PT:
Bob Barr, Obstructionist...is receiving
a taste of his own medicine.I sincerely hope that Mr. Barr receives the 'comeuppance' he so richly deserves after attempting and contiunuing to attempt to strip the citizens of the District of Columbia of their sovereign franchise as voters. Having already forsworn his Oath of Office, he has not a single leg to stand on, Constitutionally. He should have been physically dragged through thre streets of DC with a la traditional tar-and-feather punishment of scalliwags for having done so. But if a less messy and more financially punishing form of karma takes place, well, I guess we'll have to settle... 
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Comment #22 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on June 14, 2002 at 07:21:12 PT:
More on the Barr, Klayman, Chastain connection...
Jane Chastain is a WorldNetDaily columnist and a co-host of the Judicial Watch Report radio show, heard daily from 12 to 2 p.m. EST on the USA Radio NetworkGa. Rep. Barr Sues Clinton, Others 
Thu Jun 13, 4:32 PM ET 
By JEFFREY McMURRAY, Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Bob Barr ( news, bio, voting record), R-Ga., is suing former President Clinton ( news - web sites), Democratic analyst James Carville and Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, contending they harmed his reputation and caused him emotional distress during the Clinton impeachment.Photos AP Photo 
 
 
Barr, a vigorous Clinton critic who called for the president to resign, is seeking at least $30 million, along with attorney's fees and other costs.He filed the lawsuit March 7 in U.S. District Court. Flynt, who says he was notified last week, made it public this week."It's ridiculous," Flynt said Thursday in a phone interview from his Los Angeles home. "He's been out of the limelight for a while so maybe he's looking for some attention."The lawsuit, filed along with various news articles and television transcripts, alleges the three defendants took part in a "common scheme and ongoing conspiracy to attempt to intimidate, impede and/or retaliate" against Barr and other House impeachment managers.Specifically, it accuses Carville of providing Flynt with FBI ( news - web sites) files and other classified information on Barr's private life for use in a smear campaign. It alleges Clinton approved of the actions."I don't know if it's more silly or more frivolous," Carville said. "It's just a political stunt. I think the best thing to do is let the courts handle it."Flynt printed a 27-page story in Hustler alleging the congressman was a hypocrite who embraced family values in public but didn't follow those standards in his own life.Flynt denies having contact with Carville or anyone else at the White House, insisting most of the information came from a private investigation and court documents from Barr's divorce.Barr said in a statement, "James Carville can preach his lies about people on television and Larry Flynt can print whatever he wants in the pages of his smut magazine, but at the end of the day they are going to be held accountable." He said, "Their lies, smears and intimidation will end, and I look forward to this case moving forward."Democratic-friendly redistricting has pushed Barr, first elected from his suburban Atlanta district in 1994, into a primary fight against fellow GOP Rep. John Linder ( news, bio, voting record). The primary election is Aug. 20.Carville said he suspects Barr filed the lawsuit for political gain among conservative Georgia Republicans.___On the Net:Barr: http://barr.house.gov/
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Comment #21 posted by John Tyler on June 13, 2002 at 20:31:19 PT
Civic minded
Why is Ms. Chastain critical of civic minded citizen like Mr. Soros, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Sperling and many others who exercise their rights and responisibilities lawfully in society? Should not laws be changed when they are deemed unjust and/or unworkable by the people? Isn't that what political freedom is all about? Laws are not set in stone. Laws should serve the citizens, not citizens serving the laws. Ms. Chastain needs to reorder her priorities. People are not thrown in jail for drinking or using tobacco, or overeating, neither should they be for cannabis use. It is time for the laws to change. These men are doing us (all citizens) a great service.
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Comment #20 posted by Naaps on June 13, 2002 at 15:31:57 PT
Chastain's Dead Ignorant
One thing that I couldn’t resist is correcting Chastain’s personal take on the motives of Mr. Soros, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Sperling. I refuse to accept her call that these are devious men. America should be proud of these men, they’ve worked hard to make their fortunes, contribute significant taxes, pose no burden on the public, and work with grassroots organizations to bring more of the public into the political realm. Probably, she would sooner these men not act to increase the general public’s participation in American politics, leaving more people merely waiting for the next commands, rather than becoming active and voting.Mr. Soros, particularly, is a grand philanthropist whom many people are indebted. I recall that he alone contributed half as much as the US Government to third world aid agencies. Think about that, the United States may be the richest country in the world, with close to 300 million people, yet a single man contributes half as much aid as the entire nation.Chastain dredges some health consequences as good reasons for keeping cannabis illegal. She’s not a doctor, nor does she cite where these facts were obtained. Perhaps the outdated, discredited work of Dr. Nahas is her source. I never accept the medical-health model for prohibition because the historical reason for the law didn’t depend on medical evidence, except for the egregious lies conjured by Anslinger’s farcical ‘expert’.  
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 13:43:27 PT
Morgan
I posted it and named you Newshawk. Thank you once again. I really appreciate news like this.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 13:02:08 PT
Morgan
You typity type type! That's great and thank you. I need to think how to do this. I've always had a link. Maybe they will have it up later on and if they do or if I can get in touch with Richard he can tell me how to do an article that is in print but not on the web site. Good Job and Thanks!
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Comment #17 posted by Morgan on June 13, 2002 at 12:53:46 PT
Sorry FoM
I couldn't find the link either. The article was in today's paper, but wasn't on their website (though every other story was. Strange.) So I just copied it (typity type type). Hope that's okay.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 12:53:28 PT
Trying this again
http://www.aawod.org/
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 12:47:26 PT
Found The Web Site Link
AAWOD Web Site 
https://www.contributionusa.com/aawod/root/homepage.asp
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Comment #14 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on June 13, 2002 at 12:43:56 PT:
More Barr....
My cut & paste skills not what they used to be, I omitted the following about Bob Barr from previous post about Jane Chastain possibly being Mrs. Barr number four:"Thrice-married" frosh Rep. Bob Barr (R- GA) co-sponsored the bill: "The flames of hedonism, the flames of narcissism, the flames of self-centered morality are licking at the very foundations of our society, the family unit" (Black, BOSTON GLOBE, 7/13). The future Mrs. Jane Barr?
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 12:38:33 PT
Morgan
Would you post the link. I can't find the article anywhere on the web site and need it to verify dates etc. This is the second article I can't find on a web site today. Thanks!
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Comment #12 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on June 13, 2002 at 12:36:08 PT:
Bob Barr's lacky...
Jane Chastain = Larry Klayman = Bob Barr...... Bob Barr's Believe It or Not By Lloyd Grove
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, June 13, 2002; Page C03 We never realized that that Rep. Bob Barr -- the Georgia Republican who so despised Bill Clinton that he demanded his impeachment before the Monica Lewinsky scandal -- was such a delicate hothouse flower. Well, it turns out that Barr was deeply hurt by all those slings and arrows during his 1998 ordeal as a Republican impeachment manager.Barr was so wounded, in fact, that he has filed suit in a Washington federal court against the former president, Clinton loyalist James Carville and politically active pornographer Larry Flynt seeking compensatory damages "in excess of $30 million" for "loss of reputation and emotional distress" and "injury in his person and property" allegedly caused by these three -- who Barr claims conspired to "hinder [the plaintiff] in the lawful discharge of his duties."When Barr's normally media-friendly lawyer, Judicial Watch president Larry Klayman, initially declined to comment on the lawsuit, we sensed that something highly unusual was afoot. The suit was filed very quietly back in March, but didn't come to light until yesterday, when Flynt issued a press release. Maybe Barr, who was mum yesterday, thought the publicity wouldn't help his tough primary race against Rep. John Linder, another Republican incumbent, in their freshly re-drawn congressional district.Defendant Flynt, meanwhile, declared: "This time, Barr has kicked the wrong dog." Defendant Carville told us: "To call this suit 'frivolous' would be to elevate the status of 'frivolous.' " Clinton's attorney, David Kendall, said: "The claims have no legal merit and will be defended vigorously." In due course, the strangely reticent Klayman said: "I don't wish to comment on the substance of the case. However, it is serious, and the congressman is confident of prevailing."Klayman sued his own mother & is known throughout Washington as one of the most ruthless, self-promoting operatives in the business. Perfectly suited to represent Bob Barr, or Jane Chastain, if she's named in Barr's next divorce settlement:NATIONAL BRIEFING - SAME-SEX MARRIAGES: HOUSE EASILY PASSES BILL With "ardor, anguish and indignation," the House debated and passed the Defense of Marriage Act on 7/12, a bill which would allow states to "ignore" same-sex unions sanctioned in other states and would deny homosexual partners the right to claim their spouse's Social Security, file joint income tax returns and receive other federal benefits. 
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Comment #11 posted by Morgan on June 13, 2002 at 12:29:27 PT
Johnson
Johnson forms drug-reform groupAmericans Against the War on Drugs will work to educate elected officials about efforts to reform drug laws.By STEVE TERRELL
The New MexicanGov. Gary Johnson and a group of his closest advisors have taken the first steps to set up a new national organization to support the liberalization of drug laws.Johnson said he formed Americans Against the War on Drugs as a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating elected officials and candidates for office about drug-law reform. Johnson plans to become a spokesman for the new group after he leaves office in January."Groups like NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and the Drug Policy Alliance do a great job," Johnson said Wednesday. "But the one gap I see, the missing link, if you will, is reaching the policy makers.""Many leaders won't schedule meetings with NORML," Johnson said. However, he hopes politicians who are scared off by such groups might be willing to talk with a former governor.Johnson said the focus will be on reaching incumbent or candidates for major office such as a governor, U.S. senator or U.S. representative in hopes of finding support for changing drug laws.The organization will launch a Web site later this year, Johnson said. "We'll be doing some direct mail to try to raise some money for it," he said.Johnson's supporters filed incorporation papers for Americans Against the War on Drugs with the state Public Regulation Commission last month.Officers and directors for the organization include Harold Field, Johnson's finance secretary; Kelly Ward, superintendant of the state Regulation and Licensing Department; and Jurgen Haver, a marketing consultant and longtime Johnson advisor.Ward, who is listed as president of the organization, said Wednesday that AAWOD currently is "a virtual organization.""The real work," he said, "will begin in January, when the governor leaves office."He said he hopes that once the organization is off the ground, it can turn into a full-time job.Ward said an Albuquerque marketing-consultant firm called Promotion Dynamics is setting up the AAWOD Web site and writing a business plan for the group."I think the governor's organization will be a really nice compliment to what we're doing." said Katharyn Huffman, director of the New Mexico Drug Policy Project. Huffman's group is associated with the Drug policy Alliance, formerly known as the Lindesmith Center."There are a lot of organizations." Huffman said. "Some are focused on drug-law reform. Some deal mainly with civil liberties, some with health or social issues. There's a lot of work to be done."Of Johnson, she said. "With his political background, he'll be a great spokesman for drug reform."For the last three years, Johnson has been a nationally recognized voice for softening drug laws. He is a frequent guest on national television news and talk shows, discussing his opposition to the drug war, and has been interviewed in several national publications on the issue.Johnson frequently has stated his belief that the national, state and local focus on arresting drug users is a waste of police and court time and prison resources. He has said drug addiction should be treated as a health issue, not a criminal matter.Opponents argue that liberalizing drug laws would result in more drug use, especially among minors.The state Legislature during the past two sessions has adopted some of Johnson's less-contriversial drug proposals, such as allowing pharmacists to distribute clean hypodermic neeedles to addicts and making it more difficult for police and prosecutors to seize property from alledged drug dealers.However, lawmakers have given the cold shoulder to other proposals, such as allowing certain seriously ill medical patients to smoke marijuana.KISSing up to the governorBy STEVE TERRELL and JONATHAN McDONALD
The New MexicanGov. Gary Johnson is in Los Angeles today to tape a segment of the political/comedy talk show Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, who, like our governor, is an advocate of decriminalizing marijuana. This will be Johnson's second appearance on the show.Among Johnson's fellow panelists will be Gene Simmons, bassist and all around monster for the band KISS. The governor, a confessed John Denver fan, said the only KISS song he knew was School's Out. The trouble is, that's a song by another heavily made-up '70's shock rocker. Alice Cooper.Unfortunately for New Mexico viewers, the show with Johnson and Simmons will air at 2:05 a.m. Friday on KOAT, Channel 7. (In most markets, Politically Incorrect airs right afetr Nightline.)
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Comment #10 posted by krutch on June 13, 2002 at 12:07:09 PT:
People Can Think for Themselves
I am with P4Me. It is not the goverment's job to be everyone's Mommy, and make sure they have healthly habits. heart disease from fatty food kills far more people then all drugs combined. We do not see the government throwing overeaters and restaurant owners in jail.This Kills me:"They want to push the public in a direction that carefully crafted opinion polls and focus groups have shown the 80 percent of Americans, who oppose drug legalization, may be willing to go."Does she believe that that voters are unable to make decisions without carefully designed opinion polls or focus groups? How does putting a question on the ballot about medical MJ push anybody into anything?Here is a wonderful example of inconsistant logic. She says:"With only six percent of the overall population over the age of 12 currently using drugs, it is difficult to say that drug-reduction efforts have failed."Then she says:"Drug proponents cite polls that show only 15 percent of the population say they likely would use drugs if they were legal. That is about triple what it is today. However, proponents are discounting the fact that, once these substances become legal, the stigma will be gone."Did it ever occur to this brillant analyst that the 6 percent number could be deflated by the current stigma of the illegal substance. She believes that the 15 percent number is deflated by the stigma, why does she have so much faith in the 6 percent number?We are in a battle of wits. The enemy is unarmed.
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Comment #9 posted by MDG on June 13, 2002 at 12:00:38 PT
She's going to be on with Gary Johnson?!
I must see the show tonight! I just hope Bill, Dave and Gene don't get in Johnson's way! Also, for any Hoosiers out there, Gary Johnson is scheduled to speak at the Libertarian convention in July. I wish I could be back there to see him.
Gary Johnson at the LP convention.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 11:53:41 PT
kapt
Hi kapt! What has happened to Joel Miller's powerful drug war articles that he would write before Bush got in office? He isn't writing much anymore.
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Comment #7 posted by kaptinemo on June 13, 2002 at 11:49:36 PT:
Every family has one...
You know; the 'slow' (we dare not say 'stupid' in these politically correct times, now do we?) kid that the family wishes would either wise up or disappear somehow. The one that when he or she opens their mouth, the other family members' faces resemble that of poker players...or they turn their heads to hide their shame. Since none of the family wishes to be tried for fratricide, they are stuck with the moron...until it becomes someone else's problem.It would seem that the usually brilliant WND crew, like that unlucky family, is occasionally saddled with it's slow and stupid members. Ms. Chastain's diatribe certainly seems to qualify for such a description, given her typically anti cavalier sloppiness with the facts concerning cannabis. Maybe her journalistic credentials and ethics are only a millimeter thin and she's actually gunning for a USG job in the ONDCP? From all the inaccuracies she's committed, I would think so; she'd fit right in... 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on June 13, 2002 at 11:02:01 PT
Bill Maher's Official Web Site
You might want to leave a message on Bill Maher's Web Site. He said last night that he was really surprised at the comments and appreciated them. Maybe mention the WND article and he might pick up on it tonight. We can hope!Here's the web address: http://www.billmaher.tv
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Comment #5 posted by monvor on June 13, 2002 at 11:00:21 PT
How dare they
"They want to legalize marijuana as medicine, repeal unfair mandatory minimum prison sentences and end, what they claim, is our failed war on drugs, in order to reduce crime and minimize the harm drugs do. "Those MONSTERS!!!
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Comment #4 posted by VitaminT on June 13, 2002 at 10:46:37 PT
Poking around at WND
Hey folks I found this poking around at WorldNet Daily: 
WND ON THE AIR
Jane Chastain on 'Politically Incorrect'
WorldNetDaily columnist joins fray tonight for last time Posted: June 13, 2002
1:00 a.m. Eastern© 2002 WorldNetDaily.com WorldNetDaily exclusive columnist Jane Chastain will be a featured guest tonight on "Politically Incorrect" for the last time. The popular ABC show comes to an end on June 28. Chastain, who is a member of WND's Speakers Bureau, is scheduled to appear with comedian Dave Foley, New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and musician Gene Simmons. A woman pioneer in sports media, Chastain is co-host of the "Judicial Watch Report" radio show, heard daily from 12 to 2 p.m. EST on the USA Radio Network. ABC's "Politically Incorrect," hosted by Bill Maher, takes an irreverent look at politics and current issues. Check your local listings for broadcast times.
Gov. Gary Johnson vs Jane "Drug War Lover" Chastain
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Comment #3 posted by p4me on June 13, 2002 at 10:33:56 PT
Another dumba$$
Needless to say I think the views of Jane Chastain are dimwitted. But if Ms. Chastain wants to save the people from themselves maybe she should start with obesity and close down all the fast food murderers that overburden the health care system and put them in jail as pushers and confiscate their property. In one minute a Google search will tell you: http://justsaynotoaddicts.com/practicingalcoholics.html :
Number of obese Americans continues to rise; Coloradans slimmest,
          Mississippians fattest 
          September 13, 2001           CHICAGO (AP) - Nearly 40 million American adults are obese, new figures show, continuing a
          decade-long climb in numbers despite efforts by health officials to encourage a sensible diet and
          plenty of exercise.           ``Far too many of us are not following this simple prescription,'' said Health and Human Services
          Secretary Tommy Thompson.           The 2000 national obesity average of 19.8 percent is up from 12 percent in 1991, according to a
          government survey. Twenty-two states had a rate last year of 20 percent or higher, while no state
          had a rate that high in 1991, the authors said in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical
          Association.           In addition, more than half of Americans - 56.4 percent - were overweight, compared with 45
          percent in 1991.           The increase has contributed to a parallel rise in diabetes, with 15 million diagnosed adult cases
          last year, compared with 9 million in 1991.           That adds up to about 1 in 5 American adults who are obese and 1 in 14 diabetic - twin
          epidemics that threaten to overwhelm the health care system, researchers said.           ``If we continue on this course for the next decade, the public health implications in terms of both
          disease and health care costs will be staggering,'' said Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan, director of the
          Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where the research was conducted.           Diabetes alone accounts for $100 billion in health care spending each year, Thompson said.           Most cases are likely adult-onset diabetes, which can be brought on by being overweight and, like
          obesity, is largely preventable, said Ali Mokdad, CDC epidemiologist and study leader.           Obesity related-diseases already are the second-leading causes of premature deaths, behind
          smoking, implicated in 300,000 deaths yearly, Mokdad said. Any article that does not say that the war on people that use marijuana is bullsit, is bullshit itself. And you can quote me on that. P4me on June 13,20021
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Comment #2 posted by Dankhank on June 13, 2002 at 10:24:30 PT:
More Crap
"Although only one quarter to one half of the population believe they easily could get illegal drugs, only 11 percent of people report seeing drugs available in areas where they live. If drugs are legalized, they will be available everywhere."Drugs are everywhere in spite of WHAT the sheep think they know.
Hemp N Stuff ...
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Comment #1 posted by Letsgetfree on June 13, 2002 at 10:23:58 PT
O, my GAWD
what a piece of trash this article is...i can't even be bothered picking it apart as it would just make me too mad....i might send an email to wnd about this trashy piece
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