cannabisnews.com: Have Compassion





Have Compassion
Posted by CN Staff on September 11, 2006 at 21:45:46 PT
By Robert Joseph Blevins
Source: Central Kentucky News Journal
USA -- This letter to the editor is in reference to the latest marijuana/cannabis debate letter from the Rev. Ted Beam.Maybe if Mr. Beam had paid more attention in theology school he would be more clearly focused on this debate. Instead, he has blurred the lines of the conversation about cannabis legalization and research. No one was stating that mushrooms and cocaine are anything good for society, but Mr. Beam sure breached the topic really quickly. I'm sure this is happening all over the country where theologians and politicians blur the actual context of the debate in order to make a point.
Mr. Beam is avoiding the simple word "compassion" from theology and going straight to ethics and morality. There are members of all denominations - Methodist and even Southern Baptist, with cancer, aids, eating disorders and mental illness who could benefit from just the research alone of cannabis treatment, but theologians like Mr. Beam aren't even allowing medical doctors like Lester Grinspoon of Harvard to conduct research.He may have family members who need this treatment, and his compassion isn't present in his faith - due to his moral convictions about "drug" use. These morals of his seem to reach out to other people who are sick and that is just tragic that people like him have lost the faith to have compassion. This doesn't seem like the compassion of Jesus - Jesus may be offering a new solution to our medical problems, and with your faith centered on tradition, you may not be able to allow God to work through this new avenue.Let's say that cannabis is everything wrong that Mr. Beam points out ... we "still" don't even have scientific proof to even back him up because of the harsh limitations posed on researchers. This rhetoric seems reminiscent of a church that fought all scientific progress during the time of Gallileo.Mr. Beam, please quit fantasizing and criminalizing people with opinions about cannabis research and medication - after all, if Christians had to endure the persecution of a medical cannabis user (jail, criminalization, losing everything even their own family) - first off, that would be the kind of Christianity the Bible talks about, and secondly, I guarantee that a Cost of Discipleship that high would bring modern Christianity to a halt.Robert Joseph BlevinsCampbellsvilleSource: Central Kentucky News Journal (Campbellsville, KY)Author: Robert Joseph BlevinsPublished: Monday, September 11, 2006Copyright: 2006 Central Kentucky News JournalContact: cknj cknj.comWebsite: http://www.cknj.comRelated Article & Web Site:Lester Grinspoon M.D.http://www.marijuana-uses.com/Medical Field Against Legalized Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22130.shtmlCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 
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Comment #16 posted by Genthirdday on September 13, 2006 at 07:54:37 PT
Have Compassion...........
 In the game of life money trumps compassion. Can you say "Elmer Ganrty"?
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Comment #15 posted by whig on September 12, 2006 at 21:35:55 PT
GCW
The old and new testaments are full of references to cannabis. It is asked, why they are not more obvious in every case, and the answer is the profanity of the priests has long kept our secret from safe printing, and when writings could not easily be copied they were easily destroyed or censored. So we learned to speak and write in a language that is clear to ourselves but ambiguous to those who do not recognize the properties of cannabis. For I can call cannabis another thing, give it a whole other metaphysical framework, like Pantagruelion, and talk about it at leisure but you will know what I mean from the shared experience. So that is how scriptures are to be interpreted in my opinion.What I find very inspiring about the internet is the relative protections against information being destroyed. It is possible to remove a web site, but you cannot find all copies of it that may exist. They can be copied without any evidence. Anyone who views a page may have one. And if only one copy survives it can still be infinitely copied.We could not have done what we are doing now before we had this technology.
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Comment #14 posted by The GCW on September 12, 2006 at 21:11:18 PT
Priests? Cannabis prohibition; Sin of the Priests
Sin of the Priests 6" 'A son honors his father, and a servant his master Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?' says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, 'How have we despised Your name?' 
 7"You are presenting defiled food upon My altar But you say, 'How have we defiled You?' In that you say, 'The table of the LORD is to be despised.' 8"But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?" says the LORD of hosts. 9"But now will you not entreat God's favor, that He may be gracious to us? With such an offering on your part, will He receive any of you kindly?" says the LORD of hosts. 10"Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you," says the LORD of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you. 11"For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations," says the LORD of hosts. 12"But you are profaning it, in that you say, 'The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised.' 13"You also say, 'My, how tiresome it is!' And you disdainfully sniff at it," says the LORD of hosts, "and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?" says the LORD. 14"But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King," says the LORD of hosts, "and My name is feared among the nations." http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=46&chapter=1&version=49Malachi 1:6-14. The last book of the Old Testament.
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Comment #13 posted by Matt Stover on September 12, 2006 at 18:55:51 PT
Are Johns Hopkins' Researchers, 'Nobodies'?!?
Why are you publishing that Johns Hopkins researchers are "nobodies"? Are you seeking a libel lawsuit, from Johns Hopkins, or are you just as ignorant as Ted Beam, who endorses 14 million years' past imprisonment of Americans, just for Cannabis, alone?http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/53164/psychedelic_mushrooms_have_spiritual.htmlGoogle: "395,000 for magic+mushrooms+spirituality"
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Comment #12 posted by global_warming on September 12, 2006 at 13:13:51 PT
re: Priests
Open your hand of MercyThe Tender HandThe Hand You Take To The Abyss
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Comment #11 posted by global_warming on September 12, 2006 at 13:08:14 PT
In The Meantime
Millions of Human Beings are in cagesAnd the Priests keep it that way
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Comment #10 posted by global_warming on September 12, 2006 at 12:59:25 PT
If You Have Some Confusion
Cannabis is Older than VodkaOur Souls are older
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Comment #9 posted by global_warming on September 12, 2006 at 12:45:19 PT
Just A Carpenter
Changed every one of us, there is Hope,There is "all of us,We can change the worldThere is strength, our unity can bring those fruits To the Alter of Reason, to the Alter of JusticeHail The UniverseYou do not have to look at the Eternal AbyssYou do not have to look into any mirrorI hope that you live a full life and that sparkleFrom the side of your eye, you never see,Remember, a slight sparkle, from the sideCan grab you and your soulBlessed Is He Who Comesgo for it max
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Comment #8 posted by global_warming on September 12, 2006 at 12:21:58 PT
Poor Mr. Beam
"Mr. Beam is avoiding the simple word "compassion" from theology and going straight to ethics and morality. There are members of all denominations - Methodist and even Southern Baptist, with cancer, aids, eating disorders and mental illness who could benefit from just the research alone of cannabis treatment, but theologians like Mr. Beam aren't even allowing medical doctors like Lester Grinspoon of Harvard to conduct research."So where are the good people in this world?All I can hear is a lot of barking cops, I do not hear doctors, men of reason and good science standing up for sensible measures in this dispute.The Sun shines for "EverybodY" Light, Truth and Justice is given for every one, who can occasionally look up, that reflection in the mirror, is only a minor specter, for "we those people" must look into the "abyss, that Infinite Night, and carry our gifts' to the Endless Parts Of This Universe.
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Comment #7 posted by whig on September 12, 2006 at 11:51:26 PT
Excuse me?
"This still leaves you with your chronic pain problem. This information here may hopefully be of some benefit to you."Stretching and meditation, exercise and regular sleep sound very nice, but let me tell you something about serious chronic pain. It makes those things a lot harder than they sound. Impossible, in some cases. Do you think you can sleep soundly when your body is wracked in agony? Do you think you can meditate without having regular sleep? Do you think you can exercise if you can't even meditate? Please.You need to be able to break this vicious cycle. Cannabis isn't just a good idea, it's a necessity for some people.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on September 12, 2006 at 10:57:34 PT
Q & A: Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain?
Question and AnswerHealth and Age (US)Published: September 12, 2006***Question: I hear that marijuana is very effective for controlling chronic pain. Do you know where I can get a script for medical marijuana for my chronic pain. Answer: Although you have posed a very interesting question, you have not provided important relevant information. Unfortunately you do not mention your age, what medical condition is causing your chronic pain, what you are presently doing to help relieve your pain or what your prognosis is?Firstly, there is of course controversy over marijuana (cannabis) and it stems from the legalization of the drug for medical use. To date, marijuana is still classified as an illegal Schedule 1 drug by the Controlled Substances Act. It is defined as having "no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States" However, many states have recognized that medical marijuana does have medicinal uses. According to the Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics, thirty- four states have recognized the value of marijuana for medical conditions. There are physicians who say "that at the very least, marijuana should be moved to a Schedule II drug (a useful drug that can be prescribed by a doctor). If marijuana can bring any amount of relief to the sick or dying, it should be given to them." Further studies are needed to determine if marijuana has any medicinal value. The legalization of marijuana would make it easier to fund and conduct these studies. Science and medicine should determine the question of whether marijuana has any legitimate medical purpose. The United States should do more to encourage legal and open exploration of marijuana's potential, at least among physicians and researchers. FDA will continue to be receptive to sound, scientifically based research into the medicinal uses of botanical marijuana and other cannabinoids. However, in in non-USA countries there may be different regulations in place for medical marijuana.This still leaves you with your chronic pain problem. This information here may hopefully be of some benefit to you.Treatment for chronic pain is about much more than medication, .It can also involve stress relief and relaxation, physical therapy, improved sleep and nutrition habits, and exercise. Several types of therapy can help ease your pain. Physical therapy (such as stretching and strengthening activities) and low-impact exercise (such as walking, swimming or biking) can help reduce pain. However, exercising too much or not at all can hurt chronic pain patients. Occupational therapy teaches you how to pace yourself and how to do ordinary tasks differently so you won't hurt yourself. Learning to be realistic about how much you can do in a certain time period is beneficial. Behavioral therapy can reduce your pain through methods (such as meditation and yoga) that help you relax. It can also help decrease stress.Lifestyle changes are also an important part of treatment for chronic pain. Getting regular sleep at night and not taking daytime naps should help. Stopping smoking helps, too, because the nicotine in cigarettes can make some medicines less effective. Smokers also experience more pain than non-smokers.However, most pain treatments will not take away all of your pain. Instead, treatment should reduce how much pain you have and how often it occurs. Talk to your doctor to learn how to best control your pain. Copyright: 2006 Health and Age URL: http://www.healthandage.com/Home/gm=20!gid7=952
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on September 12, 2006 at 10:22:33 PT
Whig and Mayan
We didn't watch any TV yesterday after we saw it was going to re-play that terrible day 5 years ago. The pictures of standing on the flag shocked me when I just saw them on the links you both posted. It instantly said to me that 9/11 was the day the President crushed our country. Wow what an impact picture.
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Comment #4 posted by whig on September 12, 2006 at 09:50:49 PT
mayan
My own photo essay:http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/09/12/nuff-said/
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Comment #3 posted by mayan on September 12, 2006 at 06:17:37 PT
Oh, My!
A photo essay for 9/11/2006:
http://www.unknownnews.org/060911-photo-essay.html
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Comment #2 posted by The GCW on September 12, 2006 at 05:27:01 PT
2 more in the same issue...
US KY: LTE: Medicinal use of cannabis is realAuthor: Bonnie Colleen McCoolViewed at: http://www.cknj.com/articles/2006/09/11/opinion/letters%20to%20the%20editor/02letter.txt 
Medicinal use of cannabis is real 
 
We all agree drug abuse is a problem. Reformers say there is a better way to handle it. Our politicians play on our fears to make us more accepting of their waste of our precious lives and resources.Drug abuse, including alcohol, is a medical problem and we'll do a better job of keeping kids drug free and inebriated folks off the road with compassionate policy offering helpful treatmentWar creates a booming economy for some on the suffering of many. Drug warriors are so befuddled by the noble idea of preventing drug abuse, they ignore the lessons of history.No legitimate business lasts long if it kills its customers or shootsthe competition. No legitimate business would sell drugs to children
 
or recruit minors to sell to their peers. This happened during alcohol prohibition and it is happening today. Once again, prohibition triggers more danger to the user and society by increasing violent crime and corruption of public officials.It is down right sinister, a crime against humanity, for the medicinal use of cannabis to be suppressed!Patients all over the world testify to cannabis' help in treating chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal tract disorders and HIV/AIDS. Some scientists speculate that cannabinoids play a protective role in the brain, slowing the rate of disease. Studies have shown it to slow the growth of three kinds of cancer in mice - lung and breast cancer, and a virus-induced leukemia and in another study THC destroyed incurable brain tumors in rats. Most recently, a study has shown it is far more effective than available Alzheimer drugs to halt the disease's progression.Leaders responsible for current quagmire will one day answer to a higher power for their crimes against humanity. It's time to end the terror by changing our intrusive, big-bully policies, both foreign and domestic. The monetary costs are staggering and the human suffering unconscionable.Bonnie Colleen McCool
 
Stephenville, Texas420US KY: LTE: Pay attention to scriptureAuthor: Rev. Meril DraperReferred: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1178/a05.html?260426Viewed at: http://www.cknj.com/articles/2006/09/11/opinion/letters%20to%20the%20editor/04letter.txt 
Pay attention to scripture 
It seems to me Dr. Ted Beam, senior pastor, should pay a little more attention to the actual wording of scripture. The verses that are being referred to in his letter, "Medical Against legalized Marijuana, Sun. Sept. 3, 2006," are Gen: 1 verses 29-31. It states "GREEN, SEED bearing HERBS," depending on what version of the Bible you are reading.I didn't know poison ivy and many other poisonous plants were seed bearing "herbs." I don't know of an herb that is greener or produces more seeds than the cannabis hemp plant (also known as marijuana). I am surprised that Beam condemns God-created mind-altering substances that he doesn't understand, and condones man created synthetics. Like it or not, God created pot.In February of 1983, I returned home after four very good years in the United States Submarine Force to find my grandfather dying of cancer. Early one spring morning, I received a phone call from my grandmother asking me if I knew where she could find some marijuana. I was very shocked and surprised. Then she went on to explain why.A doctor had told her that marijuana might help my grandfather's appetite. My grandmother would allow my grandfather one hand rolled Bull Durham cigarette a day. She started adding small amounts of marijuana to his cigarette. I will never forget the excitement in her voice the next time she called me, which was the very next day, stating that my grandfather had eaten five times since the day before and hadn't thrown up once.It was less than three weeks and my grandfather was able to get out of bed, the same bed the doctors were saying he would never get out of again, and eat at the table. It wasn't very long until my grandfather was able to walk outside and enjoy his beautiful garden he had spent the better part of 40 years creating.
 
Marijuana was allowing the medicines that were able to save his life to stay in his stomach to do the job they were meant to do. I don't care what or how many pills you take, they cannot work if they keep being thrown up. Bottom line, munchies save lives!There are synthetic marijuanas being created, but no one can make it better than God.I have two questions for Dr. Ted Beam.Is he going to go out and start smoking marijuana if it becomes legal? I'm sure his answer would be "no." My second question is, then why does Beam think everyone else will? Education and regulation is the answer, not prohibition and incarceration.The Rev. Meril Draper
 
Brinnon, Wash. Pubdate: Sept. 11, 2006
Source: Central Kentucky News Journal (Campbellsville, KY)
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Comment #1 posted by mayan on September 12, 2006 at 05:00:43 PT
Rev. Ted Beam
WWJD? Cage us for using plants?WWBD? (What Would Beam Do?) I imagine Reverend Beam would just eradicate all cannabis plants from the face of the earth since he surely knows better than God. THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Democrats screen movie questioning 9/11 story:
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/local_news/epaper/2006/09/11/s1b_geo_0911.htmlFive Years On, 9/11 Truth Movement Reaches Critical Mass:
http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20060911143038301BYU takes on a 9/11 conspiracy professor:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/060911/11conspiracy.htmEXCLUSIVE...9/11 Debate: Loose Change Filmmakers vs. Popular Mechanics Editors of "Debunking 9/11 Myths":
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/09/11/1345203Labor MP attacks Ten on 9/11 documentary:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20391954-5005961,00.htmlEveryone's First Reaction Was "Controlled Demolition":
http://prisonplanet.tv/articles/september2006/110906controlleddemolition.htmGerman 9/11 Summit a Success:
http://911blogger.com/node/2759Alex Jones: Most Police, Firefighters Now Believe 9/11 Inside Job:
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/september2006/110906insidejob.htmFilm Review: 9/11 Press for Truth: 
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00147.htm
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