cannabisnews.com: Metro's Pro-Pot Ads Get Attention On Hill





Metro's Pro-Pot Ads Get Attention On Hill
Posted by CN Staff on December 02, 2003 at 21:44:45 PT
By Jim McElhatton
Source: Washington Times 
Marijuana-legalization ads posted recently in Metro buses and subway stations have prompted an Oklahoma congressman to propose legislation making it illegal for transit agencies that accept federal dollars to give advertising space to groups that advocate breaking the law.   Rep. Ernest Istook, Republican, cited "grave concern and displeasure" at the public service announcements placed on Metro buses and throughout area subway stations during October by Change the Climate, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit group.
Mr. Istook took particular exception to a marijuana-legalization ad showing a young couple embracing, and the caption "Enjoy Better Sex!"   "At a time when the nation and the Washington D.C. area, in particular, suffer from chronic substance abuse ... I find it shocking that [the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority] provides this ad space, and at no cost!" Mr. Istook wrote in a letter to Jim Graham, chairman of the Metro Board and a D.C. Council member..   The Metro ads prompted the congressman, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee, to add language to an appropriations bill prohibiting federally subsidized transit agencies from giving ad space to organizations that tout legalizing drugs.   "Since [Metro] has the resources to provide $46,250 in free ad space for this very advertising," Mr. Istook wrote, "I have to wonder why [Metro] should expect to receive the $67,050,000 in federal funding."   The new language Mr. Istook inserted into the transportation legislation states that federal funds will not be available if a transit agency "is involved directly or indirectly with any activity ... that promotes the legalization or medical use" of illegal drugs.   Mr. Istook wants to eliminate $92,500 in federal funding to Metro "as a warning to other transit agencies," according to the legislation.   "I think it's a moot point," Mr. Graham said yesterday, referring to Mr. Istook's amendment. "As of Jan. 1, we will not be considering any more public-service announcements, except as the local jurisdictions sponsor them.   "In terms of losing the $92,500, I think that is petty and punitive," he said. "I think there would have been a better appreciation of the dilemma we were in."   Metro recently reduced the space reserved for public service ads from 13 percent to 5 percent, with Maryland, the District and Virginia now handling their own public-service announcements.   Metro Board member Carlton Sickles, who represents Montgomery County, said the transit agency would abide by the new rules if federal lawmakers approve the legislation, which they will consider when the House reconvenes next week. However, Mr. Sickles said the board would not make any policy changes until that happens.   "It seems to me that this sort of legislation always gets very controversial and that it tends to get stuck in committee," he said. "I don't know where this is going at the moment, but we'll be watching it carefully."   Metro had rejected the ad campaign by Change the Climate two years ago, but reversed its position after the American Civil Liberties Union interceded on the group's behalf.   Both Mr. Graham and Mr. Sickles said Metro had accepted the recent ads from Change the Climate because Metro's attorneys said the transit agency likely would be sued if it refused.   "These nonprofits would have been very happy to have had a public controversy and to go to court," Mr. Graham said.   Mr. Sickles said, "You have to take what they give you. If you're going to accept the advertising, in terms of public-service ads, you've got take them all."   However, not all transit agencies agree. In Boston, Change the Climate lost in court when it sued the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for the right to post its ads.   "We felt that it was promoting an illegal activity," said Joseph Pesaturo, spokesman for the Boston-based transit agency. "Since we have a very captive audience in our stations made up of a lot of young people, we weren't comfortable with that.   "The group sued claiming the usual violations of free speech. A U.S. District Court judge ruled in our favor."   Local education activists said they were concerned about the pro-marijuana ads because most D.C. school children use Metro to get to and from school, but they had mixed feelings about Mr. Istook's bid to make Metro to stop running them.   "I would rather see local authorities handling this issue, said Mary Levy, and analyst with Parents United, an advocacy organization that works to improve conditions in D.C. schools.   "When you try to regulate things by content, it is a very tricky business under the First Amendment," Miss Levy said. "At the same time, when I saw the huge [pro-marijuana] ad that said 'Have Better Sex', I had to wonder what we're saying to our children about drugs and about sex."   "Generally, I don't advocate censorship," said Iris Toyer, chairwoman of Parents United. "But I have son in the sixth grade, and when it comes to this issue, I have to approach things with my 'parent hat' on." Source: Washington Times (DC)Author: Jim McElhattonPublished: December 03, 2003Copyright: 2003 News World Communications, Inc. Website: http://www.washtimes.com/Contact: letters washingtontimes.comRelated Articles & Web Sites:ACLUhttp://www.aclu.org/Change The Climatehttp://www.changetheclimate.org/Pro-Marijuana Group Given Free Ad Space http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17782.shtmlPanel Asks Metro To Cut Free Public Adshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17702.shtmlLawmaker Shocked at Metro Role in Marijuana Adhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17661.shtml
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Comment #19 posted by The GCW on December 10, 2003 at 07:48:16 PT
LTE about story + Kucinich info
US DC: PUB LTE: Overworked About An Ad On The MetroURL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1897/a03.html
Newshawk: End Marijuana Prohibition: www.mpp.org
 Pubdate: Tue, 09 Dec 2003
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Copyright: 2003 The Washington Post Company
Contact: letters washpost.com
Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: Thomas L. Schwartz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)OVERWORKED ABOUT AN AD ON THE METRO If Rep. Ernest J. Istook Jr. ( R-Okla. ) was incensed about poverty, injustice and other important issues facing this country instead of grinding his teeth about an ad on Metro ["Marijuana Ad on Metro Infuriates Lawmaker," Metro, Dec. 3], the country and his constituents would be better off. Further, his press secretary is wrong about Metro promoting an "illegal activity." The ad doesn't say to grow, sell, buy or use marijuana -- activities that would be illegal. The ad asks people to lobby for legalization and taxation of marijuana, both processes that continue to be legal in the United States. THOMAS L. SCHWARZ Burke 
& In case You haven't heard: Kucinich put in writing that as president He will: 
"decriminalize marijuana" -"in favor of a drug policy that sets reasonable boundaries for marijuana use by establishing guidelines similar to those already in place for alcohol." 
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17917.shtml 
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Comment #18 posted by DeVoHawk on December 03, 2003 at 14:13:02 PT
Me Thinks thou does protest too much
Ernest T Bass(Istook) is trying to protect the cash cows; the pharmacy industry, the law community, the prison idustrial complex, easy get tough rhetoric, and Control Control Control.Who benfits if I grow my own medicine? Who does not benefit if I grow my own medicine?This same POS who attacked anyone defending DC's right to enact the law passed on medical marijuana.He wants to introduce a school prayer amdendment to constitution; Will this include prayers to Satan?For a Super-Christian, he seems to have overlooked Jesus's message of tolerance, not throwing stones, and love. Istook is a very poor man.
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on December 03, 2003 at 13:49:00 PT
Related Article from United Press International
Lawmaker Upset Over Marijuana Subway AdsWASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- An Oklahoma congressman is so upset over a subway ad for legalized marijuana he wants to cut the federal government's annual payment to the Metro system.Change the Climate Inc. has been using public service advertising space on the Metro since 2001, the Washington Post reported Wednesday, but it was the latest round of advertising, this fall that drew the ire of Rep. Ernest J. Istook Jr., R-Okla.The ad showed a man carrying a tanned blonde in a short white dress at some tropical retreat and proclaimed, "Enjoy better sex! Legalize and Tax Marijuana." Istook called the ad "shocking" in a letter to Metro Chairman Jim Graham.This week, Istook inserted into a bill language that would cut Metro's funds by $92,500 and prohibit any transit system that receives federal funds from advocating decriminalization of marijuana. Metro gets a $164 million annually for capital projects.Metro refused the ads in 2001 but relented rather than face a costly lawsuit.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on December 03, 2003 at 11:22:27 PT
Jose
I don't understand but maybe someone else does. 
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Comment #15 posted by jose melendez on December 03, 2003 at 11:17:48 PT
to expose fraud:
I was demonstrating that accurately quoting our opponents in context is a simple and indisputable way to expose their fraudulent positions.Example:If Mr. Istook inserted new language into the transportation legislation stating that federal funds will not be available if a transit agency "is involved directly or indirectly with any activity ... that promotes the legalization or medical use" of illegal drugs, that begs the question: Why would they attempt to suppress this method of truthful speech if there indeed is no legitimate medical use? Similarly, if more people died or were harmed AND illicit profits INCREASED as a result of the Thai policies, what better way to show the public than by framing that argument against the consequences, whether intended or otherwise?
send a message
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on December 03, 2003 at 10:59:38 PT
Jose
I meant about Thailand and how it pertains to the article about Metro.
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Comment #13 posted by jose melendez on December 03, 2003 at 10:48:47 PT
metro ads
'As of Jan. 1, we will not be considering any more public-service announcements, except as the local jurisdictions sponsor them. 'What I'm saying is that D.C. Council member and Metro Board chairman Jim Graham suggests they WILL be considering public-service announcements if the local jurisdictions sponsor them. DC already has vanity license plates that read "No Taxation Without Representation", which means that if we get public support for the sponsoring of the message, say: Criminalize prohibition. Or, have another drink. . . . by publishing a petition as an insert to the newspaper, (like coupon pages or sale flyers) that requests people fill it out and fax or email it to a central repository, and encourage them to send copies to state offices and newspapers, television and radio would be forced to cover the story.
criminalize prohibition
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on December 03, 2003 at 08:59:18 PT
Jose
I am not real sure I understand the points you are trying to make concerning the Metro Ads. 
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Comment #11 posted by jose melendez on December 03, 2003 at 08:17:14 PT
utter VICTORY
Oh my God, Jesus Christ Holy Moses and Muhammed!If I display symptoms of Tourette's, please accept my apologies.Dank Hank, you rock. Any chance you can go back with an audio cassete rolling? I'm presuming here that communications in public offices may reasonably be echoed to or overheard by any citizen and that therefore any notes of such discussions are certainly not private. Ahem.Meanwhile, in Thailand, a public official answers the awkward question, 'is drug use now eliminated?':THAKSKIN SHINAWATRA " . . . so is now way that one single country will have no, a seelo, uh narcotics. But this is in the level that vely low and you is nich, not disrupt ah normal life of people."INTERVIEWER: And do you think it was a price worth paying because the human cost was very high?"No, I , not, I don't think so. I don't think so." (smile in voice)"If you try not to understand, you will not understand. If you try to understand, you will understand. "Thaskin Shinawatra, during a (BBC?) interview, regarding the announcement by the Thai government that it is satisfied with the results of their crackdown on drugs."More than two and a half thousand people have died since the government launched it's campaign in February, setting today as the day for illegal drug use to be wiped out in Thailand." -bbc" . . . if we want to kill those people i i dont think uh we need it that way, because, uh in doing that way we will also loss some of the assets of those people. We need to take all the assets and stop their working. And we consider that the best way, to to stop all the drug traffickers is that we cut their profit, we make them poor.Thai narcotics control board official Rasami Vituat
A-Men
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Comment #10 posted by Trekkie on December 03, 2003 at 08:07:39 PT
Istook should have his paycheck garnished
Whenever Istook supports legislation to change a law, he should lose compensation equal to double the amount of the fee/fine in said legislation.Not that he would ever vote on an issue that loosen laws...In effect, what he is saying is that non-profit groups cannot campaign for for the loosening of restrictions, only the creation of MORE restrictions.
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Comment #9 posted by The GCW on December 03, 2003 at 08:03:09 PT
Dankhank,
"Pot kills Cancer, Scientists knew in '74," That one has to catch the eye. The more the U.S. tries to exterminate cannabis the higher the incidence of cancer. And right now the rates / chances of getting cancer in Your life are 1 out of 3; up from 1 out of 4... That is every American family, which includes the mothers of children, who will learn more and more about the issue when the death of their children interupts their comfort level.This issue is going to catch everyones attention, because it exposes needles death, induced by the greedy.This is all a Biblical issue. The Bible is about God, Christ & CANNABIS; from the very 1st page through the very last page. And We're told not to exterminate cannabis, We're told that the tree of life will be for the healing of the nations. And right now the nations need healing."...eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance." - Isaiah 55:2.It is with the will to do the will of Christ God Our Father, that I ask everyone to thank Our creator for the king of the plant kingdom. "...those (of Us) who believe and know the truth..."Christ God Our Father would like a bit of Our time... and when We give Him some, thanking Him for kaneh bosm, is worthy. Who knows, maybe You will decide to give Him all Your time... which is good, since He will just give it all back to You, but more.Add that to the tools You use to end the persecution and extermination of the king of plants. The communication properties of cannabis / kaneh bosm, is beyond even what We suspect. Cannabis is real.Cannabis does things no other physical matter can do.Notice it says, the tree of life is for the healing of the nations; not bullets of guns... on the very last page...And yes, cannabis kills cancer. (Holy Cow, Cannabis Man)The Gov. knew in '74, and We should help everyone else know it now. Exterminate cannabis prohibition, teach the ignorant brothers amongst Us, the truth.
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Comment #8 posted by jose melendez on December 03, 2003 at 06:57:48 PT
please forward: questions(s) for asa hutchinson
I wish someone had asked him if there should be walls at the northern and southern borders, to protect us from marijuana. THAT would have been entertaining to hear!Happy Birthday, Asa!(if you are reading this, here's my question for you:If supporters of cannabis prohibition can be shown to have aided and comforted corporations, groups and individuals that do harm or wage war on American citizens, as per Article III, Section 3 of our Constitution, WOULD YOU THEN support amnesty for those charged under the provisions laid out in U.S. law?Not sure what the  cspan.org address is, but if someone were to fax Asa Hutchinson THAT question, I'd be interested in noting the reply for the record, in hopes of establishing an escape clause in the Drug War Crimes Act. I think it's responsible and reasonable to avoid imposing draconian penalties for something the masses may have truly believed, if they concede their error and agree to 'sin no more.'All it would take, would be something like the following link:
Print petitions in newspapers w/fax, email numbers to receive completed forms!
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Comment #7 posted by Dankhank on December 03, 2003 at 06:44:34 PT
Oklahoma
Now you see what crap I have to live with ...I spent half an hour yesterday at Congressman Cole R-OK's office yesterday in SW OK leaving a Cannabis Research Library CD, various studies that I make into pamphlets, and some Kids and drugs pamphlets, hard copy of IOM report, hard copy of Canadian Senate Study, and 59 page printout of the table of contents to the CRL CD.The office manager is interested in the story "Pot kills Cancer, Scientists knew in '74," so I will be stopping back later this afternoon.We do what we can.Gotta go.Peace
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Comment #6 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on December 03, 2003 at 06:02:05 PT:
Asa Hutchinson...
....on C-SPAN right now (9:00 AM Eastern): call-in & ask a question if you can get thru.
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Comment #5 posted by jose melendez on December 03, 2003 at 04:19:02 PT
legalize DC!
'As of Jan. 1, we will not be considering any more public-service announcements, except as the local jurisdictions sponsor them. 'Well, there's a simple challenge if I ever heard one. DC already has vanity license plates that read "No Taxation Without Representation"
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Comment #4 posted by Nicholas Thimmesch on December 03, 2003 at 02:30:36 PT:
The Washington Post's take....
....on the same story (BTW: Istook is considering a U.S. Senate bid to replace Nickles and needs to impress the folks back in Okie Dokie):Marijuana Ad On Metro Infuriates Lawmaker By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 3, 2003; Page B01 An Oklahoma lawmaker is seeking to slice $92,500 from the federal government's annual payment to Metro because he is angry that the transit agency accepted advertising from a nonprofit group that wants to decriminalize marijuana. Change the Climate Inc. has been using public service advertising space on the Metro system since 2001, but it was the latest round of advertising, this fall, that drew the ire of Rep. Ernest J. Istook Jr. (R-Okla.). The ad showed a man carrying a tanned blonde in a short white dress, the two of them set against the azure sky of some tropical retreat. Under the picture appeared the declaration: "Enjoy better sex! Legalize and Tax Marijuana." In a Nov. 10 letter to Jim Graham, chairman of the Metro board, Istook called the ad "shocking" and said the board had "exercised the poorest possible judgment, so I must assure that [Metro] will learn the proper lessons from this experience and will only accept appropriate ads in the future."This week, Istook inserted into a bill language that would cut Metro's funds by $92,500 and prohibit any transit system that receives federal funds from running advertising from a group that wants to decriminalize marijuana. The money is just a fraction of the federal government's $164 million subsidy to Metro for capital projects. The language is part of an omnibus bill expected to come before Congress for a vote in late December or January."Metro is using taxpayer facilities to promote illegal activity," said Micah Swafford, Istook's press secretary. She said the congressman was unavailable for comment. Graham sees things differently."This is petty and punitive," Graham said. "It's a politically motivated, micromanaging bolt from the blue. I suspect it would never have risen to this level if this was San Francisco or another city. Whatever they're running would never have come to the attention of Congressman Istook."Metro officials initially refused the ads when Change the Climate approached them in 2001. But when they were threatened with a First Amendment lawsuit backed by the American Civil Liberties Union, officials relented. "The congressman would rather have us slug this out in court at great expense than follow the judgment of our general counsel," Graham said. "The expense that's going to be involved is considerable. And this group would like nothing more than to sue. It's better publicity than advertising."Officials at the Boston subway system refused the same ad -- triggering a lawsuit that has continued for three years.Change the Climate officials said they were trying to attract attention to certain issues. "Yes, we wanted to stimulate debate, but we didn't think a nutcase congressman would try to eliminate free speech," said Joseph White, founder of Change the Climate. "If they don't like what we're doing, they ought to read the Constitution and get a life."Swafford said Istook was particularly irritated because Metro gave the advertising space to Change the Climate at no charge, as part of its policy of dedicating a percentage of ad space to nonprofit groups for public service announcements.Metro officials recently voted to abolish that policy, in part because it attracted groups wanting to post controversial ads."We're not just talking about allowing them to use the space," Swafford said. "They gave them free ad space. The First Amendment does not require the government to give free space."The space was worth $46,250. Istook's proposal would cut twice that amount from Metro's budget "as a warning to other transit agencies."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29671-2003Dec2.html
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Comment #3 posted by gloovins on December 03, 2003 at 02:04:27 PT
saw this and made me think of this site
The American Deck o cards.......http://tvnewslies.org/html/the_loaded_deck.html
ONE LOADED DECK! HAAA
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on December 02, 2003 at 22:08:36 PT
BGreen
You made me laugh again! Thanks! 
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Comment #1 posted by BGreen on December 02, 2003 at 21:58:59 PT
Tell the kids to do what the sports stars do
"At the same time, when I saw the huge [pro-marijuana] ad that said 'Have Better Sex', I had to wonder what we're saying to our children about drugs and about sex."Take Viagra! Have better sex with Viagra. Get it up even when your partner disgusts you with Viagra. Even 80-year-old men can do it like a bunny with Viagra.Watch a major league baseball game and see the Viagra ad behind the batter. Watch the NFL and see the ads for the Viagra-like drug Levitra.There's stiff competition in the "take a pill for great sex" market. God forbid we suggest a little cannabis might help.The Reverend Bud Green
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