cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Laws: Free Speech an Illusion Marijuana Laws: Free Speech an Illusion Posted by CN Staff on March 10, 2004 at 11:14:12 PT By Ray Molzon - Staff Writer Source: Michigan Tech Lode It seems that practically everywhere I look, I can see signs of the decrepit system, that uses human beings as mere tools, beginning to crumble. If you've read any of my articles in the past, you will probably come to the conclusion that I believe the Drug War is a senseless waste of resources and does more to destroy lives than to rebuild them. Mind you, that is just my opinion, though there is a whole heap of evidence supporting my claim. Right now, the federal government is being sued over a little clause that was attached to the FY2004 spending bill passed last year. The fact that these kinds of riders, which on their own wouldn't stand a chance, can become law, and do so quite regularly, speaks very ill of our political process. This is nothing new, though; the waste in Washington is so commonplace that "pork" now has meaning other than "the other white meat."This rider which I speak of, sponsored by Rep. Istook (R-OK), denies federal funding to local transit authorities who display advertising promoting "the legalization or medical use" of any Schedule I controlled substance. He should have just prohibited this kind of advertising about marijuana, as this is what the bill was really aimed at.A political advocacy group, Change the Climate, has been placing ads in large cities for a few years now, trying to stimulate some debate about marijuana legalization. You would think in a democracy that free and open debate, about any subject, would be encouraged. Well, not in this "democracy." Istook took offense to one of the ads that the DC-based Metro displayed, an ad that suggested that marijuana users can enjoy better sex. This was not a vulgar ad; you see much worse on network TV. Further, Metro had to show it as this was a PSA sponsored by the non-profit Change the Climate organization.Perhaps this ad could be considered offensive by some; but if it is the sex-related content, then Istook shouldn't be attacking just that ad. No, what really got to him was the fact that someone would actually publicly announce that they do not agree with marijuana prohibition. Maybe he thinks that prohibition is a good idea, but there is this little thing called the First Amendment, which supposedly guarantees all citizens the right to publicly express their own thoughts.Rather than accept the notion that we are a democracy, Istook decided that he knows best for the whole country. And so, in last year's spending bill, there was a little note that forbade any transit authorities from showing any ad questioning our government's competence over the drug issue. Why not just drop the other shoe and forbid any dissent whatsoever?I hear it works great for Castro.An ad sponsored by several groups, which advocate drug policy reform, along with the ACLU, was recently rejected by Metro, in accordance with this newly passed law. You can view this ad at changetheclimate.org, though I must say that there is really nothing controversial or offensive about it. It says "Marijuana laws waste billions of taxpayer dollars to lock up non-violent Americans," along with a picture of several locked-up Americans.This ad is stating a fact: there is no scientific evidence that marijuana use promotes aggression. However, our politicians and bureaucrats don't need sound science to make their decisions.Time and time again they've shown us how to conveniently ignore a whole slew of studies that seem to indicate their policies are not based on reality.I'll admit it can be pleasant to live in a fantasy world, though I think people managing real events should keep fantasy and reality strictly separate.Source: Michigan Tech Lode (MI)Author: Ray Molzon - Staff WriterPublished: March 10, 2004 IssueCopyright: 2004 Michigan Tech LodeContact: remolzon mtu.edu Website: http://www.mtulode.com/ Related Articles & Web Sites:ACLU http://www.aclu.org/Change The Climatehttp://www.changetheclimate.org/Istook's Illegal Amendment http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18401.shtmlSuit Targets Ban on Pro-Pot Ads http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18362.shtmlAre You Ready For Some Censorship? http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18240.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #9 posted by ekim on March 11, 2004 at 13:10:55 PT Will Detroit be allowed to use Metro ad for MMJ http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread18408.shtml Sides Prepare Fight Over Medical Marijuana Bill Posted by CN Staff on February 27, 2004 at 08:31:20 PT By Cecil Angel, Free Press Staff Writer Source: Detroit Free Press www.mmdetroit.org With roughly six months to go before Detroit voters weigh in on a ballot measure on whether to legalize the medical use of marijuana in the city, the issue is picking up steam. Supporters have raised $30,000 in campaign funds and that number is steadily rising as donations pour in from across the country. http://www.minorml.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by billos on March 11, 2004 at 06:35:00 PT: Is there anybody out there.................... that grew up in the states and moved to Canada in adulthood?? If so what was the hardest part of the whole move?? If bush gets in office again I'm thinking of getting out of this country. I don't think I could handle another 4 years of a lying dictator. I'd rather rescind my citizenship before I put up with bush. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by ekim on March 10, 2004 at 21:52:41 PT Who will lead us to new jobs and a brighter future Ray Molzon I would like to thank you for such a great statement. I tried to get to the mtu site but it must have been busy.I would like to say to all those that are running for President of the United States of America come to Ann Arbor MI. April 3 at NoonFor the 33 annual Hash Bash for Freedom. The New informational Video "Busted " will be screened at 5:00pm in the Henderson Room in the Michigan League Building. At Fletcher St.If anyone here is posting on any sites please pass on this request for all to attend and Speak to the People. Here in MI we are loosing manufacturing jobs . We need to hear how we will be making Hemp paper and Ethanol fuel from it also. Ralph Nader said last time he ran that Hemp could make many jobs so lets hear about some of them. Come on Dennis and John . and you too Al.and Geo.Only Positive Press will come from speaking about Jobs and saving taxmoney and farms and freeing up the courts. Who will represent. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on March 10, 2004 at 13:08:17 PT Just a Note I had trouble trying to just remove the link. The only way I could figure out how to fix it was to remove the comments and maybe we can try again. Sorry everyone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 10, 2004 at 11:27:42 PT Tonight on Nightly News with Tom Brokaw A deadly big-city problem. It ruins lives and orphans innocent children. But, why are the devastating affects of methamphetimines suddenly hitting America's heartland? Who's responsible for the explosion of this illegal drug in the small towns and cities of the American south?http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ [ Post Comment ] Post Comment