cannabisnews.com: Montel Williams Joins Push for NJ MMJ Law Montel Williams Joins Push for NJ MMJ Law Posted by CN Staff on June 06, 2006 at 16:05:23 PT By Angela Delli Santi, Associated Press Writer Source: Associated Press Trenton, N.J. -- Television personality Montel Williams planned to tell a Senate panel on Thursday how marijuana relieves his chronic pain caused by multiple sclerosis, as he urges New Jersey lawmakers to join 11 other states that have enacted medical marijuana laws.Williams, 49, who was diagnosed with MS seven years ago, said he turned to marijuana to relieve debilitating knee and foot pain after trying Oxycontin and a variety of other drugs to no avail. Williams, a registered medical marijuana user in California, said he became an activist pushing for medical marijuana laws after being stopped at a Detroit airport by an Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms officer for carrying drug paraphernalia. The charge was later dropped."For me, marijuana eases the pain in my feet - on a scale of 1 to 10, brings it from a 6 down to a 4 and keeps it there - makes it manageable so I can deal with the rest of my day," said Williams. "Why should it not be available?"Williams planned to speak at two events in Trenton: a Drug Policy Alliance-sponsored news conference supporting the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act on Wednesday and a Senate hearing on the bill on Thursday. He said he was also hoping to discuss the issue with Gov. Jon S. Corzine, though the governor's office said as of Tuesday Williams hadn't requested a meeting.Corzine said last year that he would sign a medical marijuana bill into law.Reiterating the administration's position Tuesday, Corzine spokesman Anthony Coley said, "All individuals should receive the best possible medical care available. If a doctor prescribes medical marijuana, we should honor his or her judgment and do what is in the best interest of the patient."The proposal would allow certain chronically ill patients to use marijuana medicinally by smoking it, eating it or taking it in tablets. The drug would be prescribed by a doctor and the program would be monitored by the state Health Department. Under the proposal, the amount of marijuana a patient was allowed to possess would be capped at 1 ounce and patients would be issued cards identifying them as registered medical marijuana users.The bill, sponsored by Sen. Nicholas Scutari, lists cancer, glaucoma, HIV and AIDS, wasting syndrome, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures and persistent muscle spasms as among the conditions eligible for medical marijuana usage.The legislation has long been proposed by Scutari, D-Union, but has never received a legislative hearing.New Jersey voters apparently support the concept, however.A 2002 Eagleton poll found 82 percent of New Jerseyans supported allowing access to medical marijuana.Terrence P. Farley, an Ocean County assistant prosecutor and spokesman for two state law enforcement groups, told The Associated Press last month that the bill is a veiled attempt to legalize drugs."This is how they're trying to get marijuana legalized," said Farley, who also is director of the county anti-narcotics force. Complete Title: Montel Williams Joins Push for NJ Medical Marijuana LawSource: Associated Press (Wire)Author: Angela Delli Santi, Associated Press WriterPublished: Tuesday, June 6, 2006Copyright: 2006 Associated Press Related Articles & Web Sites:CMMNJ http://www.cmmnj.orgThe Cherylheart Foundationhttp://www.cherylheart.org/ Legalize It? N.J. Weighs Medicinal Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21886.shtmlTrenton is Next Battleground in Marijuana Fighthttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21850.shtmlScarborough and Montel Discuss Medical Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20872.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #83 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 14:22:00 PT whig I saw him earlier today on the news. I thought he seemed like a kind man. I just saw him on CNN again too. If we only had more like him what a world it would be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #82 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 14:19:12 PT FoM Michael Berg was just on CNN. What a decent man. They actually sent a reporter up to his campaign headquarters to get his statement because Zarqawi beheaded his son and he is still outspoken against the war. [ Post Comment ] Comment #81 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 14:08:54 PT whig Yes you did walk right into it! LOL!I trust your judgement. Invite him if you want. I don't know if he would register to comment but he might take a little time and read some of our posts. That might help. [ Post Comment ] Comment #80 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 14:03:55 PT FoM Hey!I walked into that didn't I?Probably we should take the drafting to e-mail though. I need some help because I want to try to include some perspectives besides my own and invite him to come over here to CNews to chat with us. I really think that's what we want more than trying to force people to make a public statement before they've had a good dialogue and understand the issue well enough and have a support network that can help them make better informed points.Would you mind that? I mean, inviting people like Michael Berg to come visit CNews? [ Post Comment ] Comment #79 posted by global_warming on June 08, 2006 at 14:02:08 PT "It's just compassion." It always was that gentle understanding mind,That hand of Justice that awaits Eternity, [ Post Comment ] Comment #78 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 13:58:51 PT whig You write so very well why don't you put together an introduction to our issue and send it to him? [ Post Comment ] Comment #77 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 13:54:52 PT Berg's positions http://bergforcongress.us/positions/Vision.phpHe doesn't mention marijuana as far as I can see on his website, I wonder if we have or can put together a good introductory letter about ourselves and this issue and send it to him and other people about taking a public stance at least for MMJ."It's just compassion." [ Post Comment ] Comment #76 posted by global_warming on June 08, 2006 at 13:51:49 PT shit everybody is involved,in some way, [ Post Comment ] Comment #75 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 13:43:50 PT global_warming I hope that people who are getting involved with an issue remember the cannabis issue too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #74 posted by global_warming on June 08, 2006 at 13:42:24 PT Fom What is that you hope happens? [ Post Comment ] Comment #73 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 13:41:47 PT FoM I think Montel Williams makes it much easier for other people to stand up too. It makes this less of a fringe issue for people because he's somebody that people view in a positive light, a productive and successful person who is openly for this issue. I hope more people can take courage from that and not be afraid to discuss this issue. That's the thing that is discouraging to me in Pennsylvania, it isn't discussed at all. It isn't a question of people being in favor or opposed, it's just off the radar completely. We need to make it part of the public dialogue and people who are speaking publicly and are willing to put themselves out there shouldn't be afraid to do so. [ Post Comment ] Comment #72 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 13:32:36 PT Whig I agree with you. I hope it happens. [ Post Comment ] Comment #71 posted by global_warming on June 08, 2006 at 13:30:07 PT Forever is a Long time How we as a people go through this Life,Is a mark and the smell of that mark,Cannot and will never be forgotten,Make straight the way to a better way,That way that has the full hand of forgiveness,That hand that nourishes and carries,All of us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #70 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 13:29:04 PT FoM I understand we all have our particular areas to focus on but we shouldn't spend 100% of our time on one issue if we feel strongly about more than one thing. It might seem like it distracts from our "core message" but really it doesn't because these things are interrelated, and maybe something can be done about one issue if you talk about it but if nobody talks about it than nothing is done. If we're just reactive and talking against what the military is doing I don't think it affects most people unless they have family in the military. But how many sick people could benefit from cannabis? It's a real compassion issue and if people would learn compassion they would stop supporting war. [ Post Comment ] Comment #69 posted by global_warming on June 08, 2006 at 13:18:55 PT it sure aint then what will be next?You know you got to hold them niggers down,Next thing you know, they will be running this Country.If we as a people, learn to forget,What cannot be owned,Than 'we as a people have lost our place,The money changers have won,They own the whole monopoly board,The rest of us are mere slaves,Forever and Ever.. [ Post Comment ] Comment #68 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 13:18:37 PT whig It would be nice if he would but it might not be a priority for him. I'm sure the war takes up most of his energy and time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #67 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 13:14:55 PT FoM I know you're probably right but the question isn't what he would do if he were elected because he isn't going to be elected, so what I'm saying is he should use his campaign pulpit to talk about this and not try to be conservative and careful for fear of losing public support. It doesn't help if people compromise their principles for the sake of electability if they aren't electable anyhow. [ Post Comment ] Comment #66 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 13:11:50 PT Whig I don't know if he is for changing the laws on cannabis ( he was on tv today that's how I found out about him ) but I think that people who are against the war, care about the earth and humanity wouldn't want people to be jailed for cannabis. It's a mindset type of thing to me. I could be wrong but that is how I look at people who appear very compassionate. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by whig on June 08, 2006 at 13:05:35 PT FoM Michael Berg is mostly famous as the father of Nicholas Berg who was beheaded in Iraq. He's opposed to the Iraq war. I know that much and he's presumably a nice man. With that said I don't think he has any chance to actually win a seat in Congress. If he's using his campaign to talk about issues that people should be paying attention to it's fine with me and good, and I expect that's his intention.I wish people who wanted to speak could just speak without having to make it about a hopeless political campaign but maybe this is the only way he can get media attention in the current environment.Does he have any position statement on cannabis or is he avoiding that issue? I think if people are going to run these third party campaigns they have some responsibility not to try to play to the mainstream but to speak out.You know if we keep on the plantation metaphor, if all the workers are asking for is some pot it isn't very much to ask, is it? Is it? [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by FoM on June 08, 2006 at 12:12:09 PT Whig What do you think about this link?http://www.bergforcongress.us/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by global_warming on June 08, 2006 at 03:16:40 PT Go Montel Hope he manages to communicate to those windbags in Trenton..http://rense.com/general71/defmo.htmhttp://www.sparrowdancer.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 17:02:38 PT whig Blackwell being involved in anything related to elections since he is running for governor shouldn't be allowed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 16:57:11 PT Oh well At least there's November to look forward to...http://www.firedoglake.com/2006/06/07/block-the-vote-2006/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 16:47:44 PT As for elections http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00002924.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 16:40:41 PT Speaking of O'Lielly http://mediamatters.org/items/200606070006First 'journalist' to visit Guantanamo? You don't suppose it's because he is such an investigative reporter and carries so much influence and credibility that he can get the inside scoop where others have failed?Or could it be because he's a reliable liar for the administration. Sure, Bill. Come check it out! [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by Hope on June 07, 2006 at 14:54:35 PT "My god the terrorists are coming....." Sam,It's a vivid mental picture you draw...and it is the way it is. And it is outrageous. [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by Hope on June 07, 2006 at 14:52:37 PT Sam Last comment I made, should have been to your attention. [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by Hope on June 07, 2006 at 14:51:30 PT Lol! I know it's NOT funny...but the way you put it is so accurate...and so outrageous. But it is the way it truly is. [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 14:46:26 PT Whig Thanks. I get it now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by Sam Adams on June 07, 2006 at 14:41:55 PT whig to answer your question, how do the plantation owners get elected? Race-baiting. Or maybe it's druggie-baiting. Or gay marriage. Flag burning! Wedge issues one and all. Get angry at each other, not us, the ones who are exploiting you.Terrorists! My god the terrorists are coming. Now, can I please take the rest of your paycheck in taxes so I can pay my corrupt friends? [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 14:33:02 PT FoM Yes, progressives are Democrats but mainly I'm talking about the people who self-identify that way. They are people who don't think the establishment Democratic Party is doing a very good job, that no ideas are being advanced at the national level by most politicians who are formally Democrats. The point about what I wrote before that the mainstream Democratic Party has become the Gray Managers. [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 14:27:25 PT Whig Are Progressives Democrats? Is it a political party or do you mean progressive thinking people in general? [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 14:19:20 PT FoM My point in mentioning the Progressives is because I want to wake them up somewhat that this is THEIR ISSUE and it is the most important one by far. The idea that they want to be involved in the political system still has a lot of resonance with a lot of people. I'm not saying who you should support and vote for, I'm saying what Progressive people should think about our issue. I know they already agree that cannabis should be legal. That is universally held now by them. But the importance of this issue is what I want to stress. This is what will bring the rest of the people to see the truth, this is what will break the deceptions of the Plantation Owners. [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 14:08:38 PT whig I agree with you. You make a lot of sense to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 14:07:09 PT FoM It doesn't matter if you're into politics because I am not either. I watch it and I observe it and I'm commenting on what I see because I think I have some insights when I am in the right frame of mind, and then I want to record them so I don't forget and so others can comment too.I don't think the solution to this can be found in the political system. I'm not in favor of voting and you know I won't vote, but I mainly think that right now people need to never ever vote for any Republicans again and I want to make it clear what they are and who they are and what they represent. They are Plantation Owners. This is the truth. [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 14:03:41 PT Plantation Owners How do they take and keep power? Let's look at this and remember that the Workers are very many in number and the Plantation Owners are very few. They cannot command a majority of the public if their real intentions and interests are known. Who will vote for the Owners against the Workers? For George W. Bush the Owners are his Base, but the Workers are brought to support him in sufficient numbers by a technique of Turning Us Against One Another.That is the purpose of all the divisive social issues politics. The Plantation Owners are not Christians. They are Anti-Christian but they have taken for themselves the Language of Christianity in order to pretend they are the Apotheosis of Christianity. They have inverted the scriptures in their own behalf. The Devil Quotes Scripture.Listen, and I will give you the whole scripture that matters. Love One Another. The rest is commentary. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 13:59:25 PT Whig Who or what are progressives? I am not into politics so I really don't know. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 13:31:57 PT Three Parties In America today there are two political parties, and there have been two political parties since the inception of the majority-takes-all system. When there are two parties there is room for only two ideas. A third idea requires a third party to be expressed, but if the third party is out of power it must convince one of the other two.Now I'm not getting into the subject of the party in power of the executive yet, nor even when all branches of government are in the hands of one party. This is just about the two that can exercise a vote in the running of the government, this is about those who are in the legislature and those that are representing the people's interests. Because if the people themselves represent their own interests without an intermediary, they would be be in power over the political system. But if the political system is in power over the people then only the parties which are seated within that system are the ones who have power.When there are two parties there is room for two ideas, as I said. But when one party becomes dominant over the other in all branches, when it is the only party that decides the questions of the day, there is only one idea. The other party is out of power like the people are, but they have a role in the running of the system too, so what do they do? They aren't in power to decide things of importance, they are only a check on the power of the party in power. They are the Gray Managers. The Democratic Party in America today is the Gray Management and they are the ones who are holding back the ideas of others because they won't express their ideas for anyone beyond trying to persuade the people that they would be better and safer.No third party can enter the system without proposing to replace one of the two parties now existing. And in so doing become the second party, placing the old first or second party in third position.Now understand that the Republican Party is the party of the Plantation Owners. So it's the Gray Managers versus the Plantation Owners right now, and we need to make the Plantation Owners go away and never ever come back but the Gray Managers won't do that because they WORK FOR Plantation Owners. They're just management!Progressives are the Workers now. They are the third party whether they are working within the Democratic Party or outside the political system. There is no more important issue to Progressives, whether they realize it or not, than the legalization of Cannabis. Cannabis is the light for the Workers to see by, the insight to perceive what is real and true and what is a deception to rule your minds with false ideas that the Plantation Owners have your interests ever in their minds. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 12:28:42 PT whig I don't want you to think I don't like Colbert. I think he is a nice guy and funny. I really liked him when he was on the Daily Show. I miss Jon Stewart many nights because I like to watch different channels like the Discovery or History Channel and forget to turn on Comedy Central. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 12:08:51 PT whig Yes we did talk about it. I know where you are coming from. I guess for me it's different. I watch what I see and listen too. I have a bad temper but I have found that if I am selective about what I put in my head that I don't get angry. You are young and have a whole life ahead of you. I look at how can I make the most of the rest of my life and do good in some way for others. When you are my age it will make sense but only then. [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 12:00:06 PT FoM When we visited we discussed that watching/reading the news and what is going on in the world can give us a really negative view of things and maybe it is better to avoid doing that so we can keep ourselves focused on the good. I know that my choices aren't necessarily yours and vice versa but it seems to me that it is good to be wise as serpents and know what they are doing in order that we can be prepared for it. In order for Stephen Colbert to do what he does he has to internalize this completely, he has to really understand what it is to be the character that he is playing and then become that to a tee, except with the reservation that he knows and remembers that it is just a role and he is opposed to it from the core of his being. This is some powerful stuff and it is making a big difference. We cannot just be good and separate ourselves from the wider culture, we have to change the culture and to do that we have to interact with it and show it what we believe differently. Nobody wants to be lectured to but a good joke is a laugh and we learn really well that way. That's just the way I think about it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 11:57:06 PT Max Flowers I understand. I work hard to try to keep my blood pressure under control. I'd hate to drop dead because I watched O'Reilly! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by Max Flowers on June 07, 2006 at 11:53:49 PT FoM You said about the hatemonger Bill O'Reilly: He is so far out there that no one can possibly watch him for any reason except to fuel up their hate.Actually, I sometimes watch him in a sort of horrified fascination, sort of like freak-show entertainment (I'm sure I'm not the only one). That, and using him to keep an eye on the extreme right and what they may be thinking. My jaw drops, I feel disgust, but I do watch for few minutes. After 10 minutes or so I always have to switch it off. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 11:49:34 PT Hope My one sister is a die hard republican. She is way more serious then I am about issues. What concerns me is the belief that her church teaches. Too much talk about the rapture and that allows the world to be left at it's own device. I said to her last week when she visited that we shouldn't be so heavenly minded that we can't do what we should do to help people like the Bible says. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 11:48:49 PT Good pol http://youtube.com/watch?v=SrvGXAtWCmsBut of course, Bob Casey won the primary. Massively. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Hope on June 07, 2006 at 11:43:04 PT Nothing funny about Republicans.... Boy...do I know that. I'm the only one around here who would appreciate and anti-Republican joke. My husband, one daughter, and both sons are basically, politically, Republicans.Aaarggh. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 11:37:09 PT nuevo mexican I didn't know Jon Stewart was a Scorpio. Maybe that's why I understand him. I'll give it another shot. I find there isn't anything funny about republicans so maybe that's why it's hard for me to get it. I can't remember when I saw O'Reilly last. A few years now I bet. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by nuevo mexican on June 07, 2006 at 11:27:32 PT Colbert is satire FOM, he's doing Bill O'liely! You're funny!Usually its' Republicans that don't get Colbert FOM, they think he is just doing a tribute to 'Bill O'liely, but he is using Bills' schtick to make fun of Bill, Fox News, the Republicans and their enablers.He's definately an 'intellectual', something we don't produce in this country anymore, like Lenny Bruce, now that we are the land of 'American Idols, and wanna-be jar-heads, (as long as it's not ME going to Iraq, notice those war-loving people AREN"T in Iraq, hmmmmm....when do we send Jenna, and her sis?)You have to have a taste for sarcasm to appreciate Colbert, (which I was huge on in high school as John Lennon was the funniest, and most sarcastic person I aspired to emulate. An early role model).Jon Stewart is a Scorpio by the way, very, very funny, but Stephen Colbert takes satire to new heights, while the people he is aiming at don't get it. Don't feel bad, it takes a few watchings to get used to, but he makes my sides split with laughter, something Jon doesn't always do for me. If you've only watched once or twice, I understand your 'confusion', as he is the 'master'.Watch Bill, then switch to The Colbert Report, and you will see how he has every nuace, look, movement, bark, graphics, and all of the trappings of Fox News and Bill, but using the same techniques to turn it all back on them.You'll get him next time you watch. he is very sophisticated, and just my kind of humor, twisted, and pointed, and always speaking truth to power, avoiding what he calls truthiness, (the spin on the news that makes everything meaningless, or the opposite of the truth, make-believe, we said it, it's true! That kind of thing!) [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 11:08:07 PT More About Hate Ann Coulter Lambasts Some 9/11 WidowsURL: http://tinyurl.com/mvcdg [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 10:53:24 PT whig I'm so far removed from thinking like a republican maybe that's why it doesn't make much sense to me. I don't watch O'Reilly. He is so far out there that no one can possibly watch him for any reason except to fuel up their hate. He doesn't even have any entertainment value to me. I watch Keith on MSNBC. He makes sense to me and I like him. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 10:45:28 PT FoM Stephen Colbert is brilliant but you have to understand that he is playing a role, it isn't him that you see really but a caricature. He plays a complete idiot. Really. That's his character. He is a classic Republican idiot who takes the whole thing to the logical extreme that they would say if they wouldn't look as transparently stupid as he makes himself act. Very difficult to do well: irony.The kind of scary thing is there are actually some conservatives who don't realize that Colbert is playing with them, they think he's really on their side. I think they finally caught on after the White House Correspondents Dinner but until then they didn't get the joke. If you watch Bill O'Reilly (but I don't recommend you do so) you'll see he's every bit the idiot too except he doesn't play it for laughs. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 10:33:30 PT Stephen Colbert Whig, We try to watch Stephen Colbert but he is different then Jon Stewart and I don't understand what he is saying like I do Jon Stewart. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 10:30:41 PT FoM Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are the leading lights of the media today. They really are. If you don't watch the news but you watch them you will know more about what is going on in the world and understand more than you could if you only watched the news. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 10:28:32 PT Whig I think Jon Stewart is a great humanitarian. He is silly in a very good way but he means what he says. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 10:15:12 PT whig I understand. My reason that I don't pay serious attention to politicians is because they aren't my guiding force. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by Richard Zuckerman on June 07, 2006 at 10:11:22 PT: I HAVE PRE-REGISTERED FOR THIS EVENT!!! The Office of Legislative Services told me it will take place at 1 P.M., in Committee Room 1, State House Annex, Trenton, N.J.! YOU MUST KEEP IN MIND THIS IS ONLY A "DISCUSSION" FOR THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE TO DECIDE WHETHER TO POST THIS BILL, S.B. 88, FOR A VOTE!!!Dr. Morgan, of City University of New York, author of a book about Marijuana, and attendee of at least one of the NORML Conferences the last time it was held in Washington, D.C., is also scheduled to testify!!!PLEASE CALL, WRITE, FAX, E-MAIL, THE NEW JERSEY STATE SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JOSEPH VITALE, 87 Main Street, Woodbridge, New Jersey, 07095, (telephone number)(732) 855-7441, (fax number)(732) 855-7558, senvitale njleg.org.New Jersey passed a law way back in 1984, but failed to carry through on establishing a "Board." You may hear more about that some time in the future.If anybody has an questions, contact me, Richard Paul Zuckerman, Post Office Box 159, Metuchen, New Jersey, 08840-0159, (cell telephone number)(848) 250-8879, after 9 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. I was up until 2 P.M. the other night, calling radio and television stations asking them to cover this event! [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 10:05:16 PT FoM I try to see through what people are saying to figure out what is behind it, what their real motivations and beliefs and intentions are. Jon Stewart is simply a brilliant, good and caring man. He is perhaps the foremost spokesperson in the country for our perspective. He believes deeply in treating people as human beings and he is very upset and angry at the careless disregard shown for human lives by the Republicans as well as the feckless surrender and conciliation of the Democrats. Sometimes a flash of his real anger will show through and he will expose his real core for us, but usually he masks it with great and good humor and silly antics to make it fun to watch and listen. He is really a master of it.Bill Bennett is nearly the diametric opposite, he is a leading member of the neoconservative cabal and what he says is as if from Satan's mouth to our ears. It is clear what he is saying and how it is to be understood. He is channelling the aspect of God which is called Satan but which most of us misperceive because we imagine that Satan would say he is evil. No. I wanted to write in that metaphor last night to make it clearer but I held off because I didn't want to put myself in the mindset. We can't leave religion out of this because it is driving the whole thing from the Republican side. From their perspective WE ARE EVIL.Judge the tree by its fruit. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 09:32:17 PT kaptinemo I'm sure you are right. I don't know enough about these things. I know that we are selling everything we own. They are or just sold the Indiana Toll Road and they sold a bridge in Chicago. Do we own anything anymore? [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 09:29:05 PT Hope Thank you. You know something? It's easier for me to pity a person then to hate them. I pity Bill Bennett. It's sad to see. People that lord it over others are very unhappy people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by kaptinemo on June 07, 2006 at 09:27:44 PT: FoM, they have one brake on that The way the banking system works in this country is essentially as you said: no gold to back the currency, and that allows the Treasury to print up lots of paper...until the private banks that comprise the Fed Reserve (most of which are foreign-owned) get tired of the inflation that that rampant paper-printing causes, thus cheapening their investments. That's happening right now, and many countries are now seeking to diversify their currencies by buying more euros, which are 25% gold-backed. The dollar doesn't really have much backing it all. Wars are immensely wasteful of more than lives; engaging in war costs money. Most nations have to get loans to have wars...as does this one. Loans with ruinous interest rates. Loans that must be paid, or terrible consequences ensue for those who don't.Uncle Sam is like the guy who's maxxed out his credit cards, but has to keep up appearences by spending money he can't afford to in order to maintain an illusion. When that illusion finally ends, there'll be Hell to pay in this country. To print more 'Monopoly Money' as the Fed Reserve has been doing (it has stopped reporting how much is actually in circulation to prvent our own citizens from figuring this out) doesn't fool our creditors; the recent about-face regarding Iran may only be a gentle reminder from those creditors that they want their money, and won't loan Uncle any more so he can go and invade some other country until he gets his house in order. So, there's limits to the amount that can be printed...but those limits are set in the boardrooms of distant banks, not legislatures and palaces. All dance to the tune of the international bankers who underwrite nations. And their wars... [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Hope on June 07, 2006 at 09:19:50 PT "...almost felt sorry for Bennett." Because you are a loving and caring person. They aren't. Bennet isn't. They like to see the people they dislike or disagree with hurt and humiliated.He doesn't deserve your sympathy, of course. But he get's it, or a bit of it, just because of the kind of people you are.I'd choose someone like you over someone like him as my friend any day. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 09:08:50 PT kaptinemo They'll just print more money if they want to keep the drug war going. No gold standard means they can do what they want I think. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 09:07:09 PT Whig I got that too. Jon Stewart is really silly but when he is serious he sure can throw out good and hard questions. I almost felt sorry for Bennett. He looked lost. The sad thing is they are lost. There is only one God and HE isn't a republican. HE isn't any political party but I think you'll will get my point. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by kaptinemo on June 07, 2006 at 08:59:10 PT: The 'Writing on the wall' is written in red ink Friends, it's becoming painfully obvious to all who know the bare basics of reading balance sheets that we can't afford this idiotic 'War on (Some) Drugs' any longer. When the economy was going great guns, and prisons were sprouting up like particularly rotten fungus, the DrugWarriors never had to tighten their belts. (But you have to wonder, since the Meldown of 2000, just how much of that was false prosperity thanks to wild speculation which finally came to a screeching halt, like what happened before the Great Depression.)Now, every State in the Union is facing financial straits that don't look encouraging. In State legislatures around the country, prioritization...no, let's call it what it is, triage...is becomng the order of the day. DARE programs being cut were the first signs of reversals in the political fortunes of the DrugWarriors. Now pundits like Froma Harrop a few weeks ago are drawing a bead on those who benefit the most from this abominable 'war' and calling them out for what they are: leeches sucking the taxpayer's blood and getting fat when everyone else is punching another notch in their belts to tighten them. Prison stuffed to the gills didn't reduce crime. Ever harsher penalties and mandatory minimums didn't reduce crime. Giving police ever greater powers to abridge our rights didn't reduce crime. Why? Because the 'crimes' they were meant to affect were created in the halls of the very legislatures, who then propose even more nonsensical means of dealing with the mess they made. Madness begets madness, it would seem. Those politicians who realize the Fed DrugWar (and therefore, their own State 'me-too' version) is running out of monetary steam are also aware that a great many people don't believe in the DrugWarrior canto. They are beginning to see that there is much political capital to be made in showing how far out ahead of the herd they are in calling for changes in drug laws. It obviously has wide-spread support amongst the population, given the recent polling results. And it allows them to appear to be fiscally responsible' by calling out the DrugWarriors as spendthrifts who cannot justify their continued expenditures.I harbor no illusions that any politician wouldn't look to make political advantage out of calling for drug law reform for purely self-serving reasons. But the very fact that some are is encouraging. It proves the feasibility of the idea in stark terms, not based upon its' moral rectitude, but on the bottom line of fiscal realities. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by whig on June 07, 2006 at 08:54:00 PT FoM I watched the Daily Show last night too, Bennett had an interesting part where he said about himself, "we aren't bigots, that's been settled" and tried to close that whole line of discussion. But watching at home I could see through the whole gesture, it was actually an admission that he is, and he closes it off because he knows it and doesn't want to be exposed. He and those like him are always demanding and expecting to be treated with respect for their obvious good intentions, when their intentions are in fact anything but good and deserving of respect. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 08:13:46 PT Gary I hope that this gets a good reception. It's really hard to have any serious hope since we have been hammered so hard during this administration. We desperately need to win something. I hope the organizations know how important it is if they want to keep people interested in our issue.I personally take on tasks that I feel I can complete and that is the way most people are. Time is way to precious to waste on a losing battle. I am not speaking for anyone but myself. Cannabis should be ok by now for adults. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by OverwhelmSam on June 07, 2006 at 08:13:34 PT OH NO! ALARM! "This is how they're trying to get marijuana legalized," said Farley, who also is director of the county anti-narcotics force.You're damned right we are working on legalizing marijuana. Get over it already Assistant DA (Dumb Ass). [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Gary Storck on June 07, 2006 at 07:51:38 PT Gov. Corzine The reason Gov. Corzine is on record in support is because during the last election, Jim Miller called in to a radio show with him and his GOP opponent Doug Forrester. Jim asked if they would sign the bill if elected. Forrester said yes first, and Corzine followed. One small step for Jim to make the call, one HUGE step for NJ patients in knowing that Corzine will sign.A little creativity can go a long way! GO NJ! [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by goneposthole on June 07, 2006 at 07:45:57 PT prohibition lies and its liars I'd prefer that they would read the handwriting on the wall, face the music, and let the truth be told rather than listening to their litany of neverending drug war lies and lying."I'm as free as the breeze and I'll do as I please, just a bummin' around" [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 07, 2006 at 07:33:57 PT kaptinemo Isn't that the truth. Last night on the Daily Show Jon Stewart had on Bill Bennett. I think Bennett will be on again tonight. He was talking about the Gay Marriage Amendment and he was nicely read the riot act by Stewart.What a waste of time and now it appears it won't go thru thank goodness. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by kaptinemo on June 07, 2006 at 07:28:36 PT: Somebody PLEASE give the robots some new programming! This is getting monotonous!Terrence P. Farley, an Ocean County assistant prosecutor and spokesman for two state law enforcement groups, told The Associated Press last month that the bill is a veiled attempt to legalize drugs. "This is how they're trying to get marijuana legalized," said Farley, who also is director of the county anti-narcotics force.BEEP! CLICK! WHIRRR! RE-PEAT! RE-PEAT! I wonder if prohibs have a memory card in their heads that can be replaced; they always, always, ALWAYS say the same things, over and over and over again. They have such a limited repertoire of bilge to spew that it becomes embarassing after a while to read it. This shtick is getting so very very old.C'mon you prohibs! Can't you come up with any newer, more entertaining lies? [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by mai_bong_city on June 07, 2006 at 07:02:40 PT i couldn't resist. "This is how they're trying to get marijuana legalized," said Farley, who also is director of the county anti-narcotics force. say it with me now......Chuck You, Farley!!!!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by whig on June 06, 2006 at 22:07:41 PT runderwo Right. The problem with the guest-worker proposal is that they want to keep and create more second-class people that can be mistreated by employers, hired at discriminatory wages and given fewer benefits and legal protections, to break the backs of the American workers and keep the plantation running for the benefit of the owners.Immigrants need to have the legal right to be here and to work under the same conditions as anyone in order to prevent this divide and conquer from being used against the entire working class. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by runderwo on June 06, 2006 at 21:42:22 PT off topic For those of you who have posted on the immigration debate:http://www.reason.org/commentaries/dalmia_20060501.shtmlI found the mention of the 1996 reforms especially enlightening. If his numbers are true, that knowledge essentially reversed my opinion on the issue. If they are clearly already paying their own way, they should have the option to swear allegiance and become a citizen. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by jose melendez on June 06, 2006 at 19:36:06 PT thanks, hi! hi FoM! thanks again for everything, everyone.we are there . . . [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on June 06, 2006 at 19:33:07 PT Jose I just wanted to say Hi to you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by jose melendez on June 06, 2006 at 19:29:50 PT strange days, indeed http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8D0B5AB9-A1D3-4083-8AF1-B3DD59D4E4BE The local (DeLand, FL) Fox affiliate ran this story, not one dispute as to mmj efficacy, just covered the break in. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on June 06, 2006 at 19:25:11 PT Photos from The NORML Conference http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6903 [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Toker00 on June 06, 2006 at 18:45:26 PT Check this out. Norml has a podcast now.http://www.normlaudiostash.com/My hat is off to Mr. Jim Miller and his wife Cheryl. They started it in NJ, but they did it for everyone, everywhere. Much gratitude.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on June 06, 2006 at 18:44:52 PT Gary It sure has been a hard time coming in NJ. Cheryl would be so proud. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Gary Storck on June 06, 2006 at 18:27:23 PT Press conference has great lineup The DPA sponsored press conference will include Jim Miller. June 7 is the third anniversary of his late wife Cheryl's passing from complications of MS, so I'm sure he'll have a lot to say.It's great to finally see mmj moving in NJ. It's sad Cheryl isn't around to see what she helped start come before the NJ legislature, but it has come a long way from the early days when her and Jim were the only thing going for mmj in NJ. Let's hope they get it done before it's too late for too many other Cheryl's! Cheryl Miller Memorial Project [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Toker00 on June 06, 2006 at 18:25:25 PT Montel I wrote his show. Asked if they might follow the Kubby story and do a report. I guess they decided not to. Like I could change their minds. If the decision was only up to Montel, and not his providers, I think he might have done a show about Kubby, though. They sent me a couple of e-mails totally void of the Kubby subject. I let 'em go.He has stood up before, looks like he'll stand up again, when he can. Kool.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on June 06, 2006 at 16:21:51 PT Montel Williams I appreciate Montel standing up like he has. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment