cannabisnews.com: Demon Drug Propaganda Doesn't Cut It Anymore










  Demon Drug Propaganda Doesn't Cut It Anymore

Posted by CN Staff on May 09, 2006 at 20:34:49 PT
By Froma Harrop 
Source: Providence Journal 

USA -- America's war on drugs is actually a Raid on Taxpayers. The war costs an estimated $70 billion a year to prosecute, and the drugs keep pouring in. But while the War on Drugs may have failed its official mission, it is a great success as a job-creation program. Thousands of drug agents, police, detectives, prosecutors, judges, anti-drug activists, prison guards and their support staffs can thank the program for their daily bread and health benefits.
The American people are clearly not ready to decriminalize cocaine, heroine or other hard drugs, but they're well on their way to easing up on marijuana. A Zogby poll found that nearly half of Americans now want pot legal and regulated, like alcohol. Few buy into the "demon drug" propaganda anymore, and for a simple reason: Several countries have decriminalized marijuana with little effect on public health.Americans could save a ton of money doing the same. The taxpayers spend almost $8 billion a year enforcing the ban on marijuana, according to a report by visiting Harvard economist Jeffrey A. Miron. State and local governments consume about $5 billion of the total.The war on pot fills our jails. America arrests 755,000 people every year for marijuana infractions -- the vast majority for possession, not dealing. An estimated 80,000 people now sit behind bars on marijuana offenses.The Bush administration stoutly supports the campaign against marijuana, which others think is crazy. Compare the Canadian and American approach to medical marijuana: The Canadian Postal Service delivers it right into the mailboxes of Canadian cancer patients. The U.S. Justice Department invades the patients' backyards and rips out cannabis plants, even those grown with a state's blessing.The Bush administration isn't going to last forever, nor is the patience of Americans paying for and suffering under the ludicrous war on marijuana. Surely letting sick people smoke marijuana to ease their discomfort -- 11 states have approved such, including Rhode Island -- would be a good start for a more enlightened drug policy.For the drug warriors, however, this toe in the water seems a foot in the door for eventual decriminalization of pot. That's understandable. Relaxing the rules on marijuana would greatly reduce the need for their services.Remember the Supreme Court case two years ago, when Justice Stephen Breyer innocently suggested that the federal Food and Drug Administration be asked to rule on whether marijuana had an accepted medical use? Well, the FDA has just ruled. In a total lie, the FDA said that no scientific studies back the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Actually, the prestigious Institute of Medicine issued its findings in 1999 that marijuana helped patients for pain and for the relief of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.The federal government "loves to ignore our report," John Benson, a professor of medicine at the University of Nebraska and co-chairman of the committee that wrote the Institute of Medicine" study, said after the FDA issued its "advisory."The Drug Enforcement Administration, which feeds off the drug war, plays a big part in stopping this and all future efforts to reach educated opinions on marijuana. Lyle Craker, a University of Massachusetts authority on medicinal plants, wanted to grow marijuana for the purpose of evaluating its possible medical uses. The DEA said no, insisting that he use marijuana from a University of Mississippi lab. The DEA knows full well that the UMiss pot is low-quality and therefore useless for study.The drug warriors' incentive to keep the game going is pretty obvious. But what's in it for taxpayers?Miron's Harvard study looked beyond what the public pays to enforce the marijuana laws. It also investigated how much money would roll in if marijuana were legal and taxed like alcohol. The answer was over $6 billion in annual tax revenues. Do the math: If government stopped outlawing marijuana and started taxing it, its coffers would be $14 billion richer every year.We could use that money. For example, $14 billion could pay for all the anti-terrorism port-security measures required in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.More than 500 economists of every political stripe have endorsed the Miron study. Growing numbers of Americans are beginning to agree with them: The war against marijuana is an expensive failure -- and pointless, too.Froma Harrop is a Journal editorial writer and syndicated columnist. Source: Providence Journal, The (RI)Author: Froma HarropPublished: Wednesday, May 10, 2006Copyright: 2006 The Providence Journal CompanyContact: letters projo.comWebsite: http://www.projo.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:MAPShttp://www.maps.org/The Miron Reporthttp://freedomtoexhale.com/mironreport.pdf Why Feds Should Take Over U.S. Marijuana Sales http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21001.shtmlThe High Cost of Prohibitionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20904.shtmlEnd Marijuana Hypocrisy To Save Nation Billionshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20844.shtml 

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Comment #75 posted by FoM on May 12, 2006 at 07:31:53 PT
kaptinemo 
You mention The Nation. Aren't they a magazine more for Democrats? The National Review is more for Republicans. The only way I can tell since I don't read politicial news web sites is what links they have. If I see a picture of Bush that isn't favorable I know they aren't republican.
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Comment #74 posted by kaptinemo on May 12, 2006 at 04:46:32 PT:
My pleasure, FoM
Of course, it makes fun of ignorant stereotypes. According to The Nation, Canucks are all supposed to be canoeing around in plaid hunting jackets, checking their traps for beavers, hunting wolves, dodging rabid moose and swilling Molson while they're at it. (Rolling eyes heavenward) But then, that's what all of our drug laws are based on: ignorant stereotypes, like the dirty, shiftless, brain-burnt, dope-smoking hippie, or the wild-eyed, coke-fried, White Wimmin chasin', bullet-proof 'darkie'. I've never seen such creatures in real life, and am of the opinion they're an example of what's commonly referred to as a chimera, an critter that doesn't exist. Yet it is chimeras the DrugWarriors say they fight. I wonder if they suffer from the DT's and see pink elephants, too.
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Comment #73 posted by whig on May 11, 2006 at 19:52:19 PT
rchandar
Let's start one. We can call it... California.
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Comment #72 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 19:47:31 PT
kaptinemo 
You made me laugh! Thanks!
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Comment #71 posted by rchandar on May 11, 2006 at 19:45:09 PT:
your comment
200 million smokers. There should be a country run by us, with our own constitution, and of course laws ensuring our rights to smoke. We'd be a country as large as Brazil.Black slaves were sent to a country, Liberia, where they could be free. Just a thought, one which could never happen.--rchandar
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Comment #70 posted by kaptinemo on May 11, 2006 at 19:37:30 PT:
US Customs:You! Yeah, you with the Maple Leaf!
"Yeah, you in the parka and the mukluks! Park that dogsled and beat-feat over here! What you got under your arm? C'mon, let's see it! Huh? What the...where the hell do you think you're going with that beaver? And what's that? I told you to leave those dogs over there! Looks like a Husky. A wolf? You got a wolf? Don't you know we got leash laws? Make sure you clean up after 'im! I don' wanna be stepping in his dookie!Is this your moose? You got a permit for him? He had all his shots? Hey! Hey! Sumbitch tried to bite me!! Get 'im outta here! Damn fence-jumping fur trappers!"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. And to think I used to read The Nation, long ago, before it became the mouthpiece of NeoCons.I once had a dream that technology might uplift the human condition, but all it's done is make ignorant mouthbreathing knuckledraggers able to bellow their idiocy across the planet with a click of a mouse. It's enough to cause one to consider whether the eugenics people might not have had something, after all...
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Comment #69 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 15:00:19 PT
Pros and Cons of LWW
This is interesting because you can see which papers learn in one direction or another. It similar with our news here too.http://www.neilyoung.com/lww/lww_greatdebate.html
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Comment #68 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 11:36:03 PT
Fence Jumping Fur Trappers
It has a ring to it! LOL!
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Comment #67 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 11:32:54 PT
Oops: Canada's Young Irks Conservative U.S.
Excerpt: "Neil Young is not a U.S. citizen. He's Canadian," protests the online edition of conservative weekly The National Review."He can't even vote. He's been in America for 40 years, and has never bothered to take out citizenship. And this interloper from the land of moose and Mounties is telling us to impeach our president! For goodness sake."If it's not Mexican fence-jumpers trying to dictate legislation to us, it's fur trappers from the wilds of Ontario insulting our head of state."URL: http://tinyurl.com/r2qmd
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Comment #66 posted by afterburner on May 11, 2006 at 10:56:23 PT
Yes, We Must Try
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." "A State without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.""Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny."--Edmund Burke Quotes
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/edmund_burke.html
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Comment #65 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 10:45:51 PT
afterburner
Yes. It isn't what we accomplish in life that is that important. What is important is that we try. That makes our consience clear and makes a way for a better tomorrow. 
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Comment #64 posted by afterburner on May 11, 2006 at 10:37:01 PT
"We must fix it!" 
Amen!
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Comment #63 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 10:31:41 PT
DankHank
Yes we are the Decider. Neil's new album has lifted me up from such a depth of despair. I'm not sad about my personal life but the future of the country we all love. We must fix it!
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Comment #62 posted by Dankhank on May 11, 2006 at 10:24:44 PT
So that's why ...
years ago in Germany on my second tour ...The wife of another officer remarked one day that I had "smiling eyes."On an Officers/spouses Professional Development bus-tour of the "Battle of the Bulge" areas, I had occasion to talk to some of the wives re: the leafy green ...bunch of 'em stated that we could all get high one day when this Army life was over ...just saw the commercial on CNN for "Living with War." I am the decider ... :-)
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Comment #61 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 10:17:34 PT
afterburner
I know what you mean.
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Comment #60 posted by afterburner on May 11, 2006 at 10:12:33 PT
Drug War Morally Bankrupt
"Marijuana remains the drug of choice around the world" 
--Enforcement agencies need to target surge in synthetic drugs, conference told http://www.recorder.ca/cp/National/060509/n050973A.htmlBy enforcing harsh penalties on peaceful cannabis consumers worldwide, the global prohibitionists, under the flag of the DEA, are responsible for turning many people to hard drugs like methamphetamine, which causes violence. Then, the threat of violence is used as an excuse for more police enforcement and punitive treatment of peaceful cannabis consumers!Australia: Nimbin Police Smoked Out At The Mardi Grass 
by Annabelle McDonald, (08 May 2006) Australian Australia
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n589/a08.htmlExcerpt: {However, police arrested 11 people in Nimbin on cannabis possession charges. They also set up two road blocks at Uki and Goolmangar on the roads leading into the town, arresting another 32 people on drug possession charges. Richmond Area Commander Bruce Lyons said the increased use of hard drugs such as ice, speed and heroin in the town had prompted police to significantly boost their numbers this year. {"Drugs like amphetamines and ice make people a little more unpredictable and they can often turn to violence. As the emergence grows, the community tends to get more violent," Superintendent Lyons said. ...{"It's like the plains of Africa here and the pot smokers are the wilder beasts," said popular didgeribone ( part didgeridoo, part trombone ) player Charlie McMahon. "The cops are like lions, and every now and then they just pounce on one of us."}It's *almost* like the LEOs and the politicians planned the "ice" epidemic and its attendant violence in order to have an excuse to ramp-up the drug war and attack peaceful cannabis consumers with renewed vigor. Nah, that couldn't be. Could it?
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Comment #59 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 10:12:26 PT
Dankhank
You know something else? No matter what way this young generation takes us in the future no one can take away what we as a young generation felt and knew and experienced. We really did live didn't we? I am listening to the Seeger Session and it is making me smile. I know why marijuana people grin. They know something that the majority of at least politicians don't get. It truly is uniquely ours.
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Comment #58 posted by Dankhank on May 11, 2006 at 10:03:39 PT
yes they are ...
I'm singing ....:-)
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 09:59:55 PT
 afterburner 
I hate to say this but welcome to america.
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Comment #56 posted by afterburner on May 11, 2006 at 09:45:42 PT
Link RE Comment #54 Georgie's Blank Check 
"Various forms of cannabis account for about 80 per cent of the world's 200 million drug users." --Enforcement agencies need to target surge in synthetic drugs, conference told
http://www.recorder.ca/cp/National/060509/n050973A.html
24th International Drug Enforcement Conference
held in Montreal this week because Canada is such a hotbed of "narco-terrorism," doncha know. Karen Tandy was there praising her lapdog, Prime Minister Steven Harper for his US-style drug war initiatives!80% of the worldwide "drug" consumers are cannabists. --our own DEA Conference! Any questions?
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Comment #55 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 09:27:25 PT

Dankhank
I think this whole world is going insane and it isn't from marijuana! LOL!Sing along with me!They're coming to take me away ha ha ho ho to the funny farm where life is BEAUTIFUL all the time!
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Comment #54 posted by afterburner on May 11, 2006 at 09:23:54 PT

Georgie's Blank Check to Monitor your Phone (NSA)
"George the Younger is trying once again to 'splain why we all must be monitored." --Dankhank I caught that too. Bushie says he only authorized monitoring terrorists and those with terrorist ties. However, his ONDCP has wrongly accused cannabis consumers of supporting terrorists. Since 80% of the "drug" consumers worldwide are cannabis consumers (unconfirmed assertion from another Internet source), this give Georgie carte blanche to harrass freedom-loving people everywhere.A mean dog indeed!
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Comment #53 posted by Dankhank on May 11, 2006 at 09:17:49 PT

monitoring ...
FoMLOLsame here, 'cept they would learn much about the failed drug war, occasionally ...
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Comment #52 posted by Dankhank on May 11, 2006 at 09:14:59 PT

American Woman
The entire "American Woman" album is fantastic ...8:15969American WomanHumpty's BluesNo Sugar Tonight/New Mother NatureNo TimeProper StrangerTalismanexcellent album .......cummings said in an interview that the song "American Woman" wasn't an antiwar song. BS**tlisten to the whole album and tell me that ...  :-)http://www.guesswhofans.com/gwdisco/awdiscography.html
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Comment #51 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 09:10:17 PT

Dankhank
If they tapped my phone they would fall asleep because it would be so boring. LOL!Had to interject some humor there.
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Comment #50 posted by Dankhank on May 11, 2006 at 09:07:23 PT

redemption
am listening to "Redemption," commenting here and listening to CNN coverage on wiretapping of Americans. George the Younger is trying once again to 'splain why we all must be monitored.Quest got a nasty name in Denver for shoddy service, but, has stepped to the forefront of telecoms resisting Bush's madness .redemption ... classic ...
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 08:55:01 PT

afterburner
I agree with you. I sure hope you win the tickets to see CSNY. 
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Comment #48 posted by afterburner on May 11, 2006 at 08:43:47 PT

FoM, healer, “peacemaker,“ “spiritual elder“ 
{Who are the healers? They are the “peacemakers,“ the “spiritual elders.“ They are anyone who strives to exercise unconditional love and true forgiveness and thereby teaches this to others. By doing so, they lead people back Home - back to the Creator - as all paths but the path of love leads us astray. {Peacemakers are any age. They come from all religions and from no religion, from all societies and from all social and economic backgrounds. Every one of us is potentially a peacemaker, as the teaching and learning of love is our true purpose on Earth. We need only to claim our inheritance.} --Gathering of the Healers: The Healing of the Nations
http://www.rastaheart.com/CSNY, healers, “peacemakers,“ “spiritual elders.“ I'm listening to Looking for a Leader, and trying to win tickets to CSNY's Toronto concert on July 11 "Find the Cost of Freedom."Bob Marley, even 25 years after "death," healer, “peacemaker,“ “spiritual elder.“ Love love love love love

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Comment #47 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 08:03:30 PT

Just a Comment
I love that video with Neil and Randy so much I put it on my page. It is just beautiful. Music can change the world.http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/war.htm
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Comment #46 posted by whig on May 11, 2006 at 07:36:20 PT

Redemption song
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0L754e0iHk4
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on May 11, 2006 at 07:22:19 PT

afterburner
You're welcome. I thought it was a beautiful video and very relaxing too. Here's is an article about Bob Marley. I thought you might appreciate it.Marley Died 25 Years Ago But His Music Remains Alivehttp://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/people/14550551.htm
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Comment #44 posted by afterburner on May 10, 2006 at 22:55:54 PT

Randy Bachman
I saw him perform acoustically with his wife (singing) at the Festival of Friends one recent summer night. That woman looks like his wife. I'm not sure because I only saw and hear her the one time. "In 1966 Bachman married Lorayne Stevenson, converting to his wife's Mormon faith.""Bachman travels the world with singer/songwriter wife Denise McCann" "Jazzthing - Live in Toronto DVD  {This Live concert performance DVD is derived from a BRAVO! Live at the Rehearsal Hall show that Randy did in 2004 in support of his JazzThing CD. It features a great line-up of renowned jazz-oriented and pop guest artists including: Curtis Stiegers, Joel Kroeker, Tal Bachman, Stephan Moccio, and Randy’s wife Denise McCann Bachman. Stellar performance footage of Randy’s original JazzThing compositions including “Our Leaves Are Green Again” – a song that he wrote following the renewal of his wedding vows in 2004 at the same time as he celebrated his 60th birthday}Thanks for the video, FoM. It was beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing. Just what I needed today.For those interested in traveling to Toronto this summer, Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings are performing from the Bachman-Cummings Songbook, a Q107 sponsored concert, featuring songs from The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO). If anyone is interested, "Classic Rock Q107 presents
Bachman Cummings
Friday, June 23rd
The Molson Amphitheatre"Tickets are $79.50, $49.50 and $29.50 plus applicable service charges and are on-sale Monday, April 24th   10am."Ticketmaster site for Bachman / Cummings - First Time Around Tickets 
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10003C93B6FAADF1The above info is for informational purposes only. If it violates the NO commercial advertising rule, please delete this post. I have no commercial interest in this concert.
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 22:12:46 PT

Whig
Her name is Margo Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies.
Prairie Town Acoustic
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 21:51:58 PT

Dankhank
You're welcome. American Woman is on the video link. I love that song too.
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Comment #41 posted by Dankhank on May 10, 2006 at 21:39:16 PT

Super ...
Prairie Town was so good ...Neil and Randy Bachman ... WOWwill check the rest tomorrow ...thanx
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Comment #40 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 21:15:46 PT

Dankhank
I have only seen the first three so I don't know what is on the other videos.Videos: Randy Bachman and BTO: http://tinyurl.com/puupc
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 21:12:01 PT

Living With War
I didn't see the show but I saw the ad on CNN this morning. OK we'll be the Decider. I love Looking For a Leader. It is so up! So hopeful. All the songs are deep and good. I love Families. I think Neil wrote that song for the soldiers who won't come home from the war. I see a light aheadThere's a chill wind blowin' in my headI wish that I was home insteadwith my family***There's a universe between us nowBut I want to reach out and tell you howmuch you mean to meand my family***I'm goin' back to the USAI just got my ticket todayI can't wait to see you againin the USA.
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Comment #38 posted by Dankhank on May 10, 2006 at 21:02:52 PT

BTO
a great rock n roll band no doubt.Love "you ain't seen nothin' yet" ...liked Randy Bachman since his "Guess Who" days ...http://guesswhofans.com/gwdisco/American Woman album is excellent ...
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Comment #37 posted by whig on May 10, 2006 at 20:54:56 PT

Living with War
I saw the ad too.They end it with, "You be the decider." It's pretty classy.
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Comment #36 posted by Dankhank on May 10, 2006 at 20:48:26 PT

Neil ...
just saw a commercial for "Living With War" on the Colbert Rappor ...Now SmokingGun.com owner ...
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 19:47:41 PT

whig 
I don't know if I am right then about what I thought I knew. For some reason I thought BTO wasn't allowed in the states. I watched them when Live 8 was happening but they were in Canada. I love Taking Care of Business.
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Comment #34 posted by whig on May 10, 2006 at 19:19:40 PT

Randy Bachman
According to Wikipedia, he's a strait-laced Mormon who abstains from all drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 19:00:49 PT

Whig
I don't know. She has a beautiful voice. I remember Bachman Turner Overdrive. I don't think they can come to the states because of a marijuana conviction. I could be wrong but I think I'm right. 
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Comment #32 posted by whig on May 10, 2006 at 18:38:49 PT

FoM
Who's the woman in the video?
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 18:29:41 PT

A Nice Video
The song is called Prairie Town I think and it is with Neil Young & Randy Bachman. It is so relaxing. Enjoy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_W2dwZk1qw&search=neil%20young
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Comment #30 posted by global_warming on May 10, 2006 at 15:36:04 PT

re:comment 29
Maybe they could become pest control agents, good rodent control, may put the cat out of business, but it sure is better than caging human beings for using Cannabis,..May God Be A Merciful God.
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Comment #29 posted by Toker00 on May 10, 2006 at 14:42:00 PT

Well, they created the ATF agency for
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, (and those three go together so well, don't they? They all cause DEAth.) so how about the CIV agency for Cannabis, Incense, and Vaporizer agency, to hire all the soon to be released Cannaprisoners? To regulate the quality and safety of these products. Now, about the soon to be unemployed DEAth agents, well, I understand there will probably be more wars. The unemployed poor Tokers have to join the service to survive, so why not these A-Holes, too? Besides, they have no problem pushing us into poverty, with jobs lost to piss tests and such. In fact, I believe it gives them glee. Extreme poverty usually does one of two things. It builds incredible character in those who escape it, or it causes great mental illness in those who don't. Don't you think the DEA deserves a chance to build a little character? I know that sounds mean. I just don't feel very brotherly towards the DEAth today. Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! 
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 12:19:16 PT

afterburner 
I agree. I can envision so many new jobs that could be created if they saw how beneficial cannabis as a whole plant is.
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Comment #27 posted by afterburner on May 10, 2006 at 12:14:19 PT

I Was Just Reading Some Interesting Biodiesel Info
If the prohibitionists would back off their rabid cannabis-phobia, we could create many new jobs and a cleaner and more peaceful planet.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 12:07:40 PT

afterburner 
I don't think they should be treated special but they know that we know that it will hurt some people's pocketbook and that fires it up since that is what we have become.
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Comment #25 posted by afterburner on May 10, 2006 at 12:05:11 PT

They Don't Have Such Compassion for Workers... 
displaced by outsourcing of manufacturing jobs and IT, and family farmers competing with polluting factory farms. Why should Big Pharma and the Prison-Industrial Complex get kid gloves treatment? 
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Comment #24 posted by BGreen on May 10, 2006 at 11:57:17 PT

I've got the perfect plan
After they release the tens of thousands of cannabis partakers currently incarcerated, there's going to be a lot of good people looking for jobs, AND a lot of empty jail cells ready to hold the tens of thousands of criminals who've perpetrated this attempted mass extermination of the cannabis plant and it's partakers.As with any other criminals, however, the LEO and politicians aren't going to give up their evil ways voluntarily, so the first step is to immediately remove them from power (real or perceived.)The rest will happen quickly.Reciprocity ... ain't it a bitch?The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 11:31:36 PT

Rainbow 
I want to say hello first of all so hello. I know what you are saying. Unless a plan can be shown that would compensate for the loss of revenue if cannabis was legalized it could make it hard. I don't know how many people are in jail for marijuana related offenses. How will it hurt big pharm? It could hurt a lot. We have problems.
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Comment #22 posted by Rainbow on May 10, 2006 at 11:22:45 PT

WPA Project
I have a feeeling that the war might actually continue because of what is said in this editorial.There are many people on the band wagon. To pull the plug means that unemployment might go way high and neither party wants that to happen.So they will fight longer to keep those jobs at our expense.Rainbow
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 11:18:00 PT

Dongenero and Everyone
I enjoy reading comments about music I like. You can see the split in these comments. I guess Neil put himself right in the middle of this one. Thank you Neil.http://tinyurl.com/zzhod
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 10:15:37 PT

dongenero 
I am so glad you are going to buy Living With War. This is the most powerful album I have ever heard. It is raw and unpolished but what heart it has. It has stirred my very soul. I'm listening to it for about the third time already today. God Bless Neil Young and his conscience.PS: I have a 25 disc CD player and they are filled with all of Neil's music but 2. LOL!PSS: I wasn't a Neil fan until we saw and heard Greendale in 03 and 04.
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Comment #19 posted by dongenero on May 10, 2006 at 10:02:23 PT

yes indeed
And many others.When people put themselves at some risk to their freedom or livelyhood to stand up for their principles, it is admirable.Admirable is an understatement.In that same way I admire the community at Cannabisnews and all of the cannabis reform organizations.
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Comment #18 posted by whig on May 10, 2006 at 09:57:38 PT

dongenero
Don't forget Ray McGovern, and Cindy Sheehan.
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Comment #17 posted by dongenero on May 10, 2006 at 09:55:38 PT

FoM
I'm going out to buy the CD tonight after work.I've listened to Neil quite a bit in the past and played in bands covering his material but, this will be the first Neil Young recording I've owned.I'm really looking forward to hearing it. I also cannot resist supporting the statement this recording makes.Neil Young and Stephen Colbert have balls to stand so publicly in dissent. I love it!
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 08:49:05 PT

Had Enough 
Have a great day and think of buying Living With War and listen to it from the beginning to the end. It is wonderful.
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Comment #15 posted by afterburner on May 10, 2006 at 08:38:32 PT

OT: Conservative MP Attacks Can. SC Chief Justice 
Attack on judiciary shatters strategic silence
Globe and Mail, Canada - 5 hours ago
The powder keg sat in Ottawa since election day, but it took Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott to toss the first match.
http://tinyurl.com/r3l9uThe gloves are off. The silence is broken. The true face of Canadian Conservatism is "rearing it's ugly head." Undoubtedly, Vellacott will be seen a a "loose cannon" and sacrificed as a scapegoat, but thinking Canadians beware. This is not an isolated incident: this is a glimpse into the secret mind of the Conservative Party, a peek at the ugly thoughts that they do not want the public to know!
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Comment #14 posted by Had Enough on May 10, 2006 at 08:30:13 PT

Left in the Dust
I got slow band.I didn't know Neil has been here. Cool.Off to do the daily grind.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 08:18:02 PT

Had Enough
You can listen to the whole album at the top of my page here. I believe Neil Young has been here before. He loves the Internet. He is in tune with us. I am sure he has been in some of my FTE pages. I am listening to We Shall Overcome by Bruce Springsteen right now. I love Folk music. This is a good album but not near as good as Living With War.http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/war.htm
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Comment #12 posted by Dankhank on May 10, 2006 at 08:09:22 PT

Got broadband?
or a friend with BB?http://www.mininova.org/search/?search=Living+With+War
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Comment #11 posted by Had Enough on May 10, 2006 at 07:51:24 PT

FoM
That was tune I belive. I was interrupted but still tried to listen to it at the same time, it was over with by the time I could listen again. I haven’t heard the whole album just bits and pieces of it. It’s been a long time since I went to the record store to get an album; maybe it’s time for a change.I noticed how you put Neil’s name in front of Crosby, Stills and Nash, instead of vise-versa. You are truly Neil Young’s number 1 fan. And I don’ t mean this in any groupie kinda way either, you just appreciate what you hear in him. That’s cool. Neil ought to step in here and say hello to his Number 1 fan.

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Comment #10 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 07:36:52 PT

Saintly
Mayan we sure do look saintly these days!
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Comment #9 posted by mayan on May 10, 2006 at 07:33:52 PT

Exposed
Man, the mainstream media is sure making the drug warriors look pretty bad as of late! The real reasons for cannabis prohibition are becoming known to folks who have swallowed the lies for decades. The "dreaded devil weed" and it's users are beginning to look pretty saintly next to the oppressive,greedy,lying prohibitionists. Why can't those folks find jobs that don't rely on the terribly unjust status quo? They had better start thinking about that!Off topic...Marley remains hero to oppressed 25 years after death:
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE420060510073022&Page=4&Title=Features+%2D+People+%26+Lifestyle&Topic=0County panel OKs softer marijuana ordinance:
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2006/05/10/news/z04pot.txtCounty Will Issue Medical Marijuana ID Cards:
http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_130074108.html
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on May 10, 2006 at 07:24:44 PT

Had Enough 
I wish I would have seen and heard it too. I won't wish the summer away but I am so excited about seeing Neil and Crosy, Stills and Nash. We will see them twice in a two week period. I love Living With War and they will be playing LWW on the tour the rumors say. It will fire me up to make sure I vote for a change in November.Lookin' For A Leader ~ Neil Young***Lookin' for a LeaderTo bring our country homeRe-unite the red white and blueBefore it turns to stonehttp://www.human-highway.org/lyrics/lyrics-47.html#008
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Comment #7 posted by Had Enough on May 10, 2006 at 05:06:18 PT

FoM
Imus is on in the background, giving a telephone interview with Senator Rick Santorum. Rick was giving the breeze on Border Patrol, and amnesty for illegal aliens. Then they started talking about having debates with Rick’s opponents. Then it was time for a commercial, and here is what Imus said. “Do you like Neil Young? Rick said, “Yes” (a hesitated yes). Imus replied, “listen to this” It was one of Neil tunes from his new album. Right about that time I was interrupted and missed the rest. But I thought it was cool. I know you would have gotten a blast from it.Yes, We are getting closer.

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Comment #6 posted by Toker00 on May 10, 2006 at 04:41:04 PT

November
TIME FOR THE PEOPLE TO REPOSSESS THE WHITE HOUSE!!Toke.
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Comment #5 posted by kaptinemo on May 10, 2006 at 04:23:46 PT:

It's 'rally to the writer' tiiiiiime!
Friends, Ms. Harrop is, true the the prohibs' modus operandi, about to have their propaganda machine trundled around and leveled at her in preparation for using their high-pressure slime-projector. It's time to start sending some letters to her editor in support of her article. 
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Comment #4 posted by Had Enough on May 10, 2006 at 04:09:57 PT

The Time is Getting Closer
Now that’s an article/editorial. This should be on every “American Kitchen Table”. It should be the talk at the water cooler, and the talk of the evening news. I feel it’s getting closer.“The Bush administration isn't going to last forever, nor is the patience of Americans paying for and suffering under the ludicrous war on marijuana.” A simple fact in pure form.And yes MikeC, the Beat certainly does go on, and on and on and on...Register and Vote!!! WE THE PEOPLE demand it. See you at the polls come November, don’t be late.

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Comment #3 posted by whig on May 09, 2006 at 23:39:42 PT

Two Years for One Joint
Two Years for One Joint: Does the Punishment Fit the Crime?http://tinyurl.com/fa5dfExcerpt:A new video shows how one young man's life was turned upside down because of drug-free zone laws. Seventeen-year-old Mitchell Lawrence was sentenced to two years in jail for the crime of selling one joint's worth of marijuana to an undercover agent.
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Comment #2 posted by observer on May 09, 2006 at 22:14:27 PT

Shoot Foot First, Ask Questions Later
The Drug Enforcement Administration, which feeds off the drug war,...Ah yes, the DEA... As Seen On TV:DEA Agent Who Shot Self In Foot Sues US
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0411061foot1.html (includes video clip!)Adds a whole new meaning to the DEA's usual "shoot first, ask questions later" modus operandi. 
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Comment #1 posted by MikeC on May 09, 2006 at 20:50:42 PT

And the beat goes on...
Fantastic editorial!
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