cannabisnews.com: Red States Weigh In As The Court Goes To Pot










  Red States Weigh In As The Court Goes To Pot

Posted by CN Staff on November 14, 2004 at 13:43:17 PT
By Margot Roosevelt 
Source: Time Magazine  

The penalty for smoking pot in Alabama is up to 99 years in prison. But that hasn't stopped the Cotton State — along with Mississippi and Georgia — from siding with California in its battle to keep medical marijuana legal. All three filed briefs supporting Left Coast medipot users before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on Nov. 29 on whether patients can cultivate and possess physician-prescribed cannabis.
"We happen to believe California's medical-marijuana policy is misguided," says Alabama solicitor general Kevin Newsom. "But this isn't about the drug war. It's about states' rights."Besides California, 10 states have legalized medical marijuana since 1996. Nonetheless, federal drug busters have waged an eight-year battle against medipot, closing down cannabis clubs and prosecuting users. The case now before the Justices, Ashcroft v. Raich, involves two California women with chronic ailments. State lawyers contend the feds have no say over the women's pot use, since no money changed hands and the drug didn't cross state lines. For a court that has expanded states' rights, often to the dismay of liberals, the case is tricky. "Federalism isn't just for conservatives," says Boston University law professor Randy Bennett, who will present the oral arguments for California. "It means allowing states to experiment with social policies beyond the reach of Congress." Who says red and blue states can't get along?From the Nov. 22, 2004 issue of TIME magazineSource: Time Magazine (US) Author:  Margot RooseveltPublished: Monday, Nov. 22, 2004Copyright: 2004 Time Inc.Contact: letters time.comWebsite: http://www.time.com/time/Related Articles & Web Sites:Raich vs. Ashcroft http://www.angeljustice.org/Angel Raich v. Ashcroft Newshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/raich.htmFighting for The Right To Miracle Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19811.shtmlUnlikely Allies Back State on Medical Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19641.shtmlState Backs Medical Pot Case Before Court http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19640.shtml

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Comment #35 posted by FoM on November 16, 2004 at 11:24:49 PT
Off Topic: Measuring Ballot Measures
Despite focus on anti-gay referendums, progressive ballot initiatives may have been the real story.By Hans JohnsonNovember 16, 2004A funny thing happened on the way to the victory party. For progressives, the presidential campaign that drew unprecedented amounts of resources, passion, and participation ended in disaster. Bush won in large part by using one tool of the early progressive movement—the ballot measure—to whip up state-level hostility against same-sex marriage and entice a large slice of his supporters to the polls.Voters who turned out for these measures influenced some other candidate races, too. The weak incumbent Senator Jim Bunning in Kentucky would likely have lost his reelection to insurgent Democrat Dan Mongiardo had the antigay amendment not drawn traditionalists to the polls, where it passed by a 3-to-1 margin. Not content with the bias-laden ballot drive, some Bluegrass State conservatives started a whispering campaign about Mongiardo’s sexual orientation—a tactic straight from the Karl Rove playbook. Bunning narrowly won, by less than 20,000 votes statewide. In other foul news, Florida voters approved, 65 to 35 percent, an amendment to state privacy law that will place hurdles in the path of teenage girls seeking an abortion. In Arizona, Proposition 200, which lashes out at immigrants by demanding proof of citizenship for voting registration or obtaining a library card or going to the hospital, passed 56 to 44 percent. But, beneath the sad finale of the presidential race and the passage of 11 statewide antigay referenda, an underreported and more encouraging picture emerges when one examines state-by-state outcomes.Progressive groups closely tied their get-out-the-vote tactics to bread-and-butter issues like better wages and health coverage, which helped to lure millions of new or infrequent voters to the polls. In a few states, progressive candidates linked their platforms and messages directly to the ballot proposals, emphasizing a people-oriented approach to government and giving voters a crisp contrast to well-funded conservatives.In Florida and Nevada, two states where Bush narrowly edged out Kerry, progressives gained sweeping wins on proposals to lift the state minimum wage by one dollar and peg future increases to inflation. The measures won with 71 and 68 percent, respectively. And, in Colorado and Montana, progressive campaigns to raise tobacco taxes to pay for both children’s health care and prescription drug coverage for the needy not only passed, but helped Democratic candidates regain power in state government. “We made a real effort to turn out low-income women and Native Americans,” says Diane Sands, a former Montana state legislator and a leading strategist with progressive campaigns in the state. “In Missoula County, where I live, we saw 90 percent of those registered cast votes, which is incredible. Absentees, who are usually just three or four thousand, cast 12 thousand ballots here. Administrators had to go out and copy more ballots since so many people showed up.”Montana’s coordinated appeal proved potent for progressives. Democrat Brian Schweitzer, who made a very strong run for Senate in 2000 by calling for affordable prescription drugs, reprised those appeals this year to nab the governorship. And Democratic candidates, buoyed by once-a-decade redistricting that happens later in Montana than elsewhere, picked up six seats in the state Senate to take control, and two seats in the House to achieve near parity. In Colorado, two efforts helped raise turnout and tip races toward state Democrats. Amendment 35, the tobacco-tax increase, passed overwhelmingly, 61 to 39 percent. And Amendment 37, which mandates 10 percent of public energy from renewable sources, proved a rallying point for environmentalists and allies, passing 53 to 47 percent. Empowered by these two vote magnets, Democrats won the open U.S. Senate seat and retook the Colorado House and Senate. In doing so, they checked their right-wing governor, Bill Owens, whose initiative to undermine job protections for state workers failed by more than 3-to-2 at the polls.In Washington and Oregon, progressives used ballot measure appeals, such as stopping the strangulation of government through tax caps and ending nuclear waste dumps, to reach new voters and boost turnout. Each state’s senate, which had been closely divided, tipped for Democrats. In fact, in the 11 most carefully watched skirmishes for partisan control of state legislatures, Democrats won seven and ballot measures played a major role in this success.Finally, in a widely overlooked dynamic, progressive issues outdrew reactionary issues in some key head-to-head gauges of voter enthusiasm. In Montana, for instance, about 442,000 people voted on the anti-same-sex-marriage measure, Initiative 96, which passed 66 to 34 percent. But even more voters weighed in on Initiative 147, to keep residents protected from poison by banning use of cyanide in state mining. And a still greater number, more than 445,000, voted on Initiative 149, which increases tobacco taxes to pay for health care and prescription drugs, as well as Initiative 148, which legalized small quantities of marijuana for medical purposes. In fact, more voters cast ballots on the last two initiatives than voted for governor.A similar margin occurred in Nevada, where more voters cast ballots on Question 6, the minimum wage increase, than in the state’s U.S. Senate race.The successes in Montana and Nevada bear out what progressives have known for a long time: Americans will choose hope over fear. But they won’t make that choice in a vacuum. Well-funded, strategic campaigns whose messages are reinforced by candidates are a crucial part of a winning formula. As progressives plot strategy for 2006, look for a plan that uses ballot measures, and even a federal constitutional amendment, to spark a national debate about kitchen-table issues. Such a blueprint will provide a preexisting structure for the next presidential campaign and set a clear direction for the Democrats as they build on achievements in list-building and turnout. It will also give progressive voters a clear choice at the polls and an unmistakable stake in the outcome.For a more detailed look at ballot measure results, visit the Web site of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center: http://www.ballot.orgCopyright: 2004 In These Times http://www.inthesetimes.com/site/main/article/1691/
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on November 15, 2004 at 22:01:37 PT
John Tyler 
It sounds like a great idea. It would be hard work and it would take time but it would be worthwhile. Go for it!
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Comment #33 posted by John Tyler on November 15, 2004 at 21:49:25 PT
Just some ideas
Maybe we could get together some kind of cyber hall of fame for righ now. We could have some kind of hall of fame type of motif, marble, gold, forals, an entrance way that leads to serenely beautiful broad landscape vistas like Maxfield Parrish meets Peter Max.  Then maybe a place where their names could be etched in a wall of rememberance and maybe a short bio. Maybe the cnews community could nominate perspective inductees. Could go with those that have passed away first, then others with their permission. It should be run through the legal dept. I'm sure we have a lawyer or two around here somewhere. I don't know. I'm just tossing out some ideas. It could be a lot of work, but it could be fun. 
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on November 15, 2004 at 19:13:16 PT
John Tyler 
I could help put the information online and maybe we could get someone who does good graphics to make a banner or two. I can't make graphics. I never figure out how to do them.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on November 15, 2004 at 19:11:31 PT
John Tyler 
Maybe you should do the research and find those who have done good things for our movement. There are so many people working hard for change and many of them it is a labor of love and not about money.
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Comment #30 posted by John Tyler on November 15, 2004 at 19:06:14 PT
Hall of Fame 2
There are so many people that have done so much, you among them. I would like for there to be a nice way to thank them, to let them know that their efforts are deeply appreciated. 
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on November 15, 2004 at 18:55:43 PT
John Tyler 
What a nice idea. Ron Bennett also has allowed me to keep my personal page http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/ and all the pages I've made on his server. He has never asked me for one penny. If I had to pay for this I couldn't do it. It just wouldn't get done. He's a hero to me.
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Comment #28 posted by John Tyler on November 15, 2004 at 18:37:40 PT
Hall of Fame
We need to start up some kind of Cannabis Freedom Hall of Fame to note the bravery and generous contributions of so many individuals through this long night of oppression. Maybe there could be several duplicates places in different parts of the country where people could see and reflect upon the sacrifices of others, etc., etc. What do you think? Be creative, beautiful and sublime. The Drug War has to end sometime. All things must pass.
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on November 15, 2004 at 15:17:45 PT
gloovins
Yes it is all mine but it's in DrugSense's name for the time being because of copyright issues. Ron Bennett created it and gave it to me years ago. That was so nice of him. I'll always appreciate what he did. 
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Comment #26 posted by gloovins on November 15, 2004 at 14:59:50 PT
Hope you own 100% FoM
Because, some of you may know this, craigslist. org got so big and successful that some partial owners -- whom Craig gave percentages of craigs list for free years ealier, they were bought out by, yep, you guessed it: EBAY! And Craig couldn't do anything to stop it.Money is not the root of all evil, the desire for it is. Ebay is kinda like big Pharm -- they dont like competition -- esp when it's free...so I hope you own it all FoM. (I am a betting type & I would bet you have not sold any though btw)So here's a toast to you Martha, you are a true indidvidual with character and poise. Keep the indie spirit alive for it IS like family here, & no one can take that away from us.Knowledge will always be the ultimate power and this site is truly one of the most powerful currently on the net.Cheers to C-News and all of the "family" -- we know who we are.:)
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Comment #25 posted by Dankhank on November 15, 2004 at 12:39:22 PT
Your instincts are right on ...
Since Georgia is one of the states that have no citizen referendum law it is fantastic to read that there may be some sanity in that beautiful but flawed state.I lived there from '63 to '71 when I was drafted during that dustup called "Viet-Nam."My high school was desegrated during my freshman year. As an Air Force brat I was way beyond most of my peers about racial matters.In 1968 Georgia was one of a few states that had photos on drivers licenses, California didn't, and one of the few that had 18 as the legal age to vote. It wasn't that way in most of the rest of the USA. As we were subject to go to a far off land to kill little brown men, it was right that we should be able to vote.Nothing you have chosen to show here is wrong.Thanks.
Hemp N Stuff
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on November 15, 2004 at 08:17:25 PT
You Are Absolutely The Coolest People
CNews isn't going anywhere. I only mentioned it because I've never been asked by anyone to buy it and it threw me a curve and since it really is our site I thought I'd mention it. I'm a stubborn person. When I am doing something that I feel is important I'm impossible to budge. Money doesn't influence me and it never has. 
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Comment #23 posted by dongenero on November 15, 2004 at 07:12:31 PT
buying Cannabisnews + runruffs pick pocket info
People sometimes think that just by buying a business and taking over its assets and name that they can have continued success.What often makes an endeavor work is the heart, soul and talent of the individuals running it. If you take that away you are left with an eviscerated shell of what made it so successful.The other possibility is that it would become heavily commercialized. Generating revenue through a lot of pop-up advertising etc.Yet another possibility is someone wanting to ultimately shut it down.But, FoM, if you can get a big chunk of money out of it, you can just go on and start a new site. Don't sign any non-compete agreements.Oh, by the way runruff. It looks like your pick pocket Dan Durbin is an Oregon State Sheriff's Command Officer now. I'm sure that would be reassuring to the folks of Oregon.
Maybe he needed your money to help buy his way up the ranks?
Watch your wallets out there!
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Comment #22 posted by goneposthole on November 15, 2004 at 05:52:30 PT
obviously
you have been doing something right for other interested parties to want to buy this site.I would be suspicious, though. The new owners might promptly shut it down.Best to hold and not sell. You know what you've got, FoM, and it's a winner.Never argue with success.
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Comment #21 posted by OverwhelmSam on November 15, 2004 at 05:13:04 PT
But FoM,
If you sold the site, who would moderate? It just wouldn't be the same without you.On a lighter note: When you're ready to split the proceeds, let me know so I can make sure you have my name and address on file! LOLDennis
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Comment #20 posted by mayan on November 15, 2004 at 00:40:02 PT
FoM
I would never tell you how to manage anything. I have complete trust in your judgement.Thanks again, for the hope you bring into this sometimes hopeless world! 
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Comment #19 posted by dr slider on November 15, 2004 at 00:02:35 PT:
patience is the only truly human virtue
This is encouraging. No surprise that it took a Supreme Court confrotation to get the backward-ass country f***s to realize the threat that this X.O. poses to their ability to govern their home states.Please Santa
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 22:57:47 PT
breeze 
I wish I knew too. I don't get spam in the e-mail it came in so I assume it is legitimate. 
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Comment #17 posted by breeze on November 14, 2004 at 22:30:21 PT
Why would someone want to buy THIS web site?
I truly appreciate FOM for not selling, but what bothers me is simply- why would a garden club want to buy it?
What purpose could they serve , other than to censor what is being written?
I am QUITE positive that they wouldn't be posting growing advice, or legal advice, or scarcely anything to do with cannabis at all.Makes me ponder the motive behind the motions.If they were so gungho about having a site that is as relevant to the subject as CNEWS, then why not start their own- and elaborate upon it.Could it be that they would also procure the writers here as well? If that be the case, then they would need to have all of the posters here as writers on payroll, FOM as the editor in chief. Some companies see profit margins before principles, and that would definitely end the freedom of speech that we know now on CNEWS.FOM- tell them its not for sale, but if they are so inclined to informing others about the harm of prohibition, donations are certainly appreciated.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 18:54:06 PT
Sukoi and runruff
We are staying right here and we won't need a new web site. I just shared that with you because that never happened before but it never entered my mind to sell it. We are a special group of people who seem to like to be shown a little respect. Respect others and they should respect you. That's the right way.
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Comment #15 posted by Sukoi on November 14, 2004 at 18:30:36 PT
Comments #9 and #14
I'd just like to second (or third) those sentiments as I have those same sentiments. FoM you and everyone here are a "godsend" to many, myself included. If you should decide to sell then that would be fine by me but PLEASE start up another site just like this, the people here cannot be replaced (I hope that my last statement doesn't sound too callous but that's the way that I feel)!!!
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Comment #14 posted by runruff on November 14, 2004 at 17:59:17 PT:
Kudos 
Kudos to FoM for your vision and dedication in creating such a unique [Q. How do you catch a unique rabbit?
A. unique up on it.] forum. I read it every day. I like everyone who contributes to it and look forward to hearing from everyone. This is the only website I personally contribute to. I feel so well recieved, like I can be myself here and feel comfortable. I'm glad I found this place and I hope you all stick around for a long time.Also check out the links offered here. They are great and a great effort by some very fine people.And once again FoM I am greatful for you.Namaste
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 16:45:10 PT
global_warming and goneposthole
I just want to say thank you. Life is short. This web site and the people who read and share their thoughts here are important. The form of communication that we have enjoyed here is relatively new to the world but we have grown into a community that is serious, caring and determined. Money is important. We need it to live but it's hollow. Trying to accomplish good things is priceless. goneposthole ok I'll sell it for $10,000,000 dollars and split it with all of you and then we'll start another web site. That would be ok with me. Where do I sign! LOL!
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Comment #12 posted by global_warming on November 14, 2004 at 16:23:38 PT
re: That Sanctuary
Save me a place, though I might be late to arrive, I will bring good news, for the Light that shiniest, lights my footsteps, and the road is full with blossom, and the expectation of a new world fills my heart.FOM I did not know that you harbored such affiliations with gardens and mother loving embraces, in your sanctuary, our marks in the soil, will add more light to the path, Praying -GW
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Comment #11 posted by goneposthole on November 14, 2004 at 16:20:55 PT
FoM
You can have an appraisal of the value of cannabisnews for about twenty dollars. It will give you a good idea about the worth of your website.Cannabisnews.com is a 'one of a kind'. Priceless is the word.I would have an asking price of ten million dollars; that will wean out a lot of potential buyers.Even at ten mil, it's a bargain. This place is definitely priceless.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 15:38:34 PT
JustGetnBy
Thank you. That makes me feel good inside. CNews has a spirit of it's own. It's special. It isn't about the news as much as it it a place to find solice when things are hard. When we are sad it can be felt at least by me. When we are happy everyone knows it. It is a sort of sanctuary. 
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Comment #9 posted by JustGetnBy on November 14, 2004 at 15:33:18 PT
FOM   YOU HAVE NO IDEA !
  How many people this website has educated out of the INCREDIBLE lies we have been told by our own government for our entire lives. I as one of the newley educated can tell you, C,News is,and has been, the first place I go in the morning, and the last before bed.THANK YOU>>>FOM
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Comment #8 posted by global_warming on November 14, 2004 at 15:32:39 PT
97 Dollars
We are with you runruff, that bastard of an American, will digest that 97 dollars and he will someday cry tears that are everlasting, for in his limited time he will be our room mate in this journey, and the acts that we perform, shall bind us to our salvation.Its difficult, but if I could offer some support, I would easily send it.Thanks for the info FOM, our comments and our problems will always belong to all of us.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 15:05:33 PT
runruff 
Oh my I'd laugh but I can't laugh when it comes to someone getting arrested. You're welcome about hanging tuff. This is my web site but it really is OUR web site. We don't have advertizing or get any money at all. It's a web site that is news and people that share their opinions and links. You can't put a price on that. Not in my book.
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Comment #6 posted by runruff on November 14, 2004 at 14:58:36 PT:
Thanks FoM. For hanging tuff.
One moe thing......My wife wanted me to tell you all what happend when I was being hauled off to the pokey.A cop standing in my door said to me "don't worry sir we will lock up everything when we leave". I said "don't bother, what's the chances I'll get ripped of twice in one day when you boy's are the first".Even they laughed at that one. 
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 14:52:05 PT
global_warming 
The name is Garden Interactive.
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Comment #4 posted by runruff on November 14, 2004 at 14:46:37 PT:
It's yourelephant.
Ashcroft left office looking like a major idiot before he was proven to be a moumental idiot. I believe however history will accomplish that for him.One more note on cop ethics before I go. When I was arrested for felonious farming here at [MY] home in America, the detective in charge of this gang of thugs took my wallet while I was in handcuffs took out my 97 dollars cash put it in his pocket, gave my a great big smirky grin and said you can pick up your wallet in town. With my attorney I tried for two years to get my wallet back. I told the judge the cop could keep the 97 dollars just give my wallet back. He and the DA laughed at me. I never got my wallet back or the $97.00. Detective Dan Durbin is still out there somewhere probably with some soft tax payer supported job . No telling what he is stealing today?   
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Comment #3 posted by global_warming on November 14, 2004 at 14:41:01 PT
Question
Who was the company? I suspect that we have been noticed for quite a while, its odd, that there have not been more anti's posting, and the common troll, who lurks and never posts, will forever be at a loss to type a few words that might offer some comfort to the wrongly accused and innocent victims of their bloody war on drugs, their bloody inability to overcome their fears.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 14:22:15 PT
Something Interesting
I was contacted by a company that wants to buy CNews. I kindly told them that it isn't for sale. I guess we are getting noticed. 
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 14, 2004 at 13:44:25 PT

Just a Comment
This is a small article but it's in Time Magazine and that does make it important I believe.
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