cannabisnews.com: Skepticism Surrounds Santa Cruz's Marijuana Law










  Skepticism Surrounds Santa Cruz's Marijuana Law

Posted by CN Staff on November 10, 2006 at 07:01:35 PT
By Shanna McCord, Sentinel Staff Writer  
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel 

Santa Cruz, CA  -- Now that growing, selling and using marijuana on private property is essentially allowed in Santa Cruz after the overwhelming support for Measure K this week, police are worried about how to carry out their state-sworn duties and parents and teachers wonder how to explain this one to their children."I'm just really upset," said Mike Bethke, a downtown resident and father of two who opposed Measure K. "It sends the wrong message to our kids, and to the rest of the country that Santa Cruz is a haven for folks who smoke pot."
Measure K goes into effect by February. It forces the Police Department to make adult marijuana-related crimes on private property a low priority. It won easily Tuesday with more than 60 percent of the vote.Proponents mounted their campaign after a petition drive earlier this year gathered more than the 3,400 signatures from registered city voters to qualify for the ballot. Campaign cash for Measure K totaled nearly $70,000 and was funneled to Santa Cruz largely from an Ohio insurance tycoon, Peter B. Lewis, who believes in legalizing the drug.Local opponents like Bethke, who were few in number and raised no money nor waged an organized campaign, were unable to sway voters to see the measure as something they say creates problems for police while feeding the city's marijuana-friendly reputation.Marijuana is considered an illegal drug by federal authorities, but following the passage of Proposition 215 in 1996, its use is allowed in California by those with a doctor's OK.Supporters say the new ordinance is more symbolic than anything because marijuana use is already a small offense in most local cases. Rather, they say, Measure K was designed to focus police attention on serious and violent crimes."We're not changing the law here. We're just shifting the priorities for city police," said Andrea Tischler, a Measure K organizer who says she's a regular pot smoker. "This is a very reasonable ordinance. As adults, we should be able to have the freedom to do what we like in our own homes."The measure, proponents said, is part of a nationwide effort to eventually legalize the drug and save taxpayer money on what they view as needless incarceration for minor drug offenses. Similar rules are in effect in Seattle and Oakland.The new ordinance requires the City Council to name a seven-member community oversight committee to monitor police reports and evaluate all marijuana arrests.Should the committee find police are failing to comply with the initiative, civil lawsuits may be pursued, according to the ordinance."This puts the police in a tough situation," City Attorney John Barisone said. "How do they obey the ordinance and do the job they've been sworn under oath to do under state law? "At this point we're figuring out how officers will walk that line."The Santa Cruz Police Department referred all questions about the measure to Barisone.The new ordinance would bar a police officer from testifying in a marijuana-related case, which Barisone said is a violation of state law and creates potential conflict with the District Attorney's Office.Still, many worry about how young people might receive the Measure K message.Though the new ordinance does not protect marijuana use by people under 18, some fear the measure makes it harder to explain the dangers of the drug to teens."Some high school students will see this as the green light to go get stoned whenever they feel like it," said Councilman Ed Porter, a high school teacher who opposed Measure K. "That's too bad because it's hard to learn in that circumstance."Details of the new ordinance that makes adult marijuana crimes lowest priority for police:* Cooperation with state and federal authorities is restricted in relation to marijuana investigations and arrests.* Prohibits city from accepting federal funds to investigate, seize or prosecute marijuana offenses.* Creates a community oversight committee to monitor police reports for marijuana arrests.* Declares that it is city policy to support policies for taxation and regulation of marijuana.* Requires city clerk to send annual letters to federal lawmakers in support of marijuana legalization.Complete Title: Skepticism Surrounds Santa Cruz's Marijuana LawSource: Santa Cruz Sentinel (CA)Author: Shanna McCord, Sentinel Staff Writer Published: November 10, 2006 Copyright: 2006 Santa Cruz SentinelContact: editorial santa-cruz.comWebsite: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/Related Articles:Measure K Attempt at De Facto Legalizationhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22332.shtml As We See It: Pot Measure a Bad Ideahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22320.shtml

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Comment #77 posted by Toker00 on November 12, 2006 at 05:45:58 PT
Ekim
Thanks for reminding me about Randy Brush. I have his new address, unless they have moved him again.Randy Brush #502945PCIP. O. Box 209Orient, Ohio 43146I owe him another letter, and he likes getting articles about the cannabis movement, or recent Political happenings in the mail to share with his brothers. Think of him, too, this Christmas.Toke.
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Comment #76 posted by FoM on November 11, 2006 at 21:08:28 PT
Ekim
I wish I knew if Ohio has or had a medical marijuana law on the books somewhere. I somehow think we do but it wasn't used so they took it away. I know that sounds odd but I can't ever find anything on Ohio's marijuana laws even though I have looked. I want to know too. 
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Comment #75 posted by ekim on November 11, 2006 at 20:30:05 PT
FoM does Ohio have a MMJ Law 
With the talk of Jerry i cant help but think of Mr Randy Bush of Ohio that has been mentioned here about the years he faces in Prison for med use. do hope that Peter Lewis will help fund a local effort in the State of Ohio that brings regulation of cannabis to a larger group of adult voters. Peter knows how to read the fine print and is a valued wise man.thank you Peter B. Lewis 
Campaign cash for Measure K totaled nearly $70,000 and was funneled to Santa Cruz largely from an Ohio insurance tycoon, Peter B. Lewis, who believes in legalizing the drug. 
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #74 posted by FoM on November 11, 2006 at 19:09:02 PT
Toker00 
All I can think to say is time will tell.
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Comment #73 posted by JustGetnBy on November 11, 2006 at 18:38:41 PT
Walking the Walk
  GCW , thank you.
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Comment #72 posted by whig on November 11, 2006 at 14:40:25 PT
gw #65
Thanks!http://cannablog.org/2006/11/11/cannabis-helps-drug-withdrawal-say-doctors/
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Comment #71 posted by global_warming on November 11, 2006 at 14:19:03 PT
the check is in the mail
It Is Time
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Comment #70 posted by whig on November 11, 2006 at 14:11:28 PT
Toker00
I sent Jerry a handwritten letter some time ago, but I haven't heard back. I hope he got it.
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Comment #69 posted by global_warming on November 11, 2006 at 13:33:13 PT
It Is Time
It is correctdo you feel correct?Being correctedWe can have drink togetherMaybe a toke?
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Comment #68 posted by global_warming on November 11, 2006 at 13:12:34 PT
the phone is ringing
That's when the phone rings
And I jump
And as I grab the phone I pray
Let it please be him
Oh dear God
It must be him
It must be him
Or I shall die
Or I shall die
Oh hello, hello,
My dear God, it must be him
But it's not him and then I die
That's when I die
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Comment #67 posted by global_warming on November 11, 2006 at 13:02:05 PT
re: those from the right
they have Left, for some forgotten placelike Eternityuse your good hand and your good eyeto make a better worldIf you drink alcohol before you go to churchOr smoke some marijuanaYou will always find Good PeopleIt is Time'For lawyers to admitThey represent Truth and JusticeEach breathIs A TestamentEach Testament is a RevelationKeep a good eye
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Comment #66 posted by Toker00 on November 11, 2006 at 12:40:17 PT
FoM
"Did anyone notice that we didn't have any gloating articles about us losing this year? The right has lost it's punch I think. Now it's our turn to get it done."And that there were no Arrogant Acceptance Speeches? And no: "Get over it!"? The Right has actually joined the Left in denouncing the idiocy of Bushco. Republicans are STILL jumping ship and going Independent or Democrat. But the Right still believes in Rule by War. The Left still believes in Rule by Love. Are the Dems as Left as they claim to be? Will they Love the World, or wage War on it? We shall we shall soon see, for the pendulum has started it's swing.Toke. 
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Comment #65 posted by global_warming on November 11, 2006 at 12:07:03 PT
Another Shot From Fred Gardner
Pot Shots
Marijuana, the Anti-DrugBy FRED GARDNERhttp://www.counterpunch.org/gardner11112006.html"The extent to which medical cannabis users discontinue or reduce their use of pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs is a recurring theme in a recent survey of pro-cannabis (PC) California doctors. "....So what side of the issue to stand on?Will science ever be able to answer the question 'is there a God of this universe?The answer has as much hope as Cannabis needs to be studied further.It is time
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Comment #64 posted by Hope on November 11, 2006 at 10:16:42 PT
And they've done it for stupid prejudice.
It's not right. Jerry is a VERY good man. It's not right. I don't believe he did anything wrong. I do believe THEY...the powers that be....have done something terribly wrong.It's a plant. A good plant. How can good people put a good man in prison over a good plant...or any plant?It's deeply disturbing.But, that's why we are here. To stop all this "disturbing" and "wrong" stuff from happening to anyone.
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Comment #63 posted by Hope on November 11, 2006 at 10:14:06 PT
Runruff and Runruff's wife
I think I think about them everyday. It's a crushing feeling. I feel guilt too, because I haven't written him. Everytime I start to...I'm at a loss for words.I hate what they have done to him and his wife...and us.
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Comment #62 posted by FoM on November 11, 2006 at 09:36:05 PT
JustGetnBy
All done. That is very easy for me to do.
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Comment #61 posted by JustGetnBy on November 11, 2006 at 09:04:25 PT
Double-Post FOM
Sorry about that, I'm digitally challenged, please remove my double post. Thank You
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Comment #60 posted by FoM on November 11, 2006 at 09:02:45 PT
JustGetnBy
This is why I love all of you. We lose and are bummed out but our spirit can't be stifled for long.PS: I removed the extra post.
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Comment #58 posted by JustGetnBy on November 11, 2006 at 08:57:53 PT

Runoff & Family
Toker00 Thanks for posting the addres. My computer crashed a few weeks ago, losing a lot of saved info., including the Runoffs address'. I agree that we as a communty should support Jerry and Linda through this ordeal. I send a 20 to linda every month. It isn't much, but as you said, the dogs have to eat too. I would imagine that Linda is struggling with bills with Jerry gone.
Twenty dollars doesn't go very far these days, but it comes with love and caring and I believe that has an equal or greater value.  Whadya say gang, join me and lets let the Runoffs know in a real way that we care. Send em a few bucks every month, it will brighten your life, and their life. Loveing kindness is like a candle in a dark world,the light is seen by all, not just he who strikes the match. Peace
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on November 11, 2006 at 08:25:15 PT

Toker00
I think that would be a great idea. I hope Jerry will be out soon. Never are Jerry or Linda far from my thoughts. That's why I care that we get on with this and get it right. Did anyone notice that we didn't have any gloating articles about us losing this year? The right has lost it's punch I think. Now it's our turn to get it done.
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Comment #56 posted by Toker00 on November 11, 2006 at 07:41:37 PT

FoM
I hear ya.I want to know what Jerry thinks of the Blue Revolution, and how it may help get him out early. Wouldn't it be great for Linda, and us, if Jerry got to come home by Christmas?I would like to ask everyone here to please send Jerry Sisson and Linda a Christmas Card. Please? We've been concentrating on fighting Jerry's enemy, and have won wide concessions. Now Jerry and Linda need us to help them get through their ordeal.Jerry Sisson #66424-065FMC Devens Federal Medical CenterP.O. Box 879Devens Ma. 01434Linda SissonP.O. Box 775Cave Junction, Or. 97533Thank You.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #55 posted by FoM on November 11, 2006 at 06:54:48 PT

Toker00
Oh no not me no sympathy. I don't hate Bush but I want justice for what he has done to us and I really hope we all live long enough to see it. I think of Jerry and Linda frequently and maybe Museman would be able to find out for us how he and Linda are doing if Linda isn't on line very often. 
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Comment #54 posted by Hope on November 11, 2006 at 06:19:58 PT

Amen! Toker.
"Think of Jerry, and defend his Liberty and ours, too."Mrs. Runruff. Can we have some news about Jerry? Has he been transferred closer to home yet?
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Comment #53 posted by Hope on November 11, 2006 at 06:17:58 PT

gw, comment 41 Right on!
"I know, you are thinking about the children, but I ask you to consider the prayers of the children who have lost their mothers and fathers in this continued prohibition of Cannabis."
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Comment #52 posted by Had Enough on November 11, 2006 at 05:49:21 PT

Speaking of the runruff’s
Has anybody heard from them?Are they still able to make ends meet?Do their dogs still have dog food?I was just thinking about them the other day.

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Comment #51 posted by Sukoi on November 11, 2006 at 05:32:59 PT

The GCW
Actually, 44 won 15 counties and it only failed by 264,021 votes:http://www.drugpolicytruth.com/a44bycounty.html
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Comment #50 posted by Toker00 on November 11, 2006 at 05:12:02 PT

FoM
Oh. lol. You have such a big heart, I thought maybe you were even feeling sorry for the Bushies! Seriously though, by '08 we should know once and for all whether these Dems are the so-called People's Party, or a carbon copy of the Grand Ole' Party. We'll learn rather fast I believe. Right now, Truth is chasing Lie all over the world, and catching and exposing it with cyber-speed. The main thing slowing us down is that we have to take the time to educate and embolden the cyber-less, the clueless and the ball-less. Some of this work is dangerous. The Blind will run AT you, and unless you can manage to get out of their way, they will run INTO you. So be careful with the DVDs and flyers, but remember, the Truth is the only thing that will set us all free. And unless we are ALL free, we are NONE free. Think of Jerry, and defend his Liberty and ours, too.Toke. 
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 21:45:48 PT

The GCW
I think what you are saying is right. One of the issues in my state was to allow slot machines and it got shot down by almost every place. Everyone I've talked too is very happy about that. 
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Comment #48 posted by The GCW on November 10, 2006 at 21:36:21 PT

Just noticing about 44 & 7,
If I'm right,Nevada appears to only have one County that supported Question 7, while Colorado had 14 counties that supported Amendment 44.http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/ballot.measures/
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Comment #47 posted by ekim on November 10, 2006 at 19:51:43 PT

thank you Peter B. Lewis
Campaign cash for Measure K totaled nearly $70,000 and was funneled to Santa Cruz largely from an Ohio insurance tycoon, Peter B. Lewis, who believes in legalizing the drug.the story of your life and the fact your vision and insight into the workings of the insurance industry have given great hope and joy to many.
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Comment #46 posted by Wayne on November 10, 2006 at 17:38:47 PT

unkat27
Two and a half YEARS? Man, and I complain to my friends when I've gone without for just a month or two.Just when I think I have that whole those-less-fortunate-than-me thing figured out...
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Comment #45 posted by unkat27 on November 10, 2006 at 17:25:25 PT

 GW
I REALLY wish i had some of what you're smoking. I had some once, when was it, about 2.5 years ago? Been so long, I've forgotten how good it is.2.5 years since I smoked mj?Man, no wonder I am such a cynic!
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Comment #44 posted by global_warming on November 10, 2006 at 17:04:23 PT

re: American Freedom Revisited
This post is coming from the USAnother million people for the next yearSeven Hundred Thousand Human BeingsPresently are incarcerated this year, add another 700,000 more human beings from the year before and before.Did WE' the people vote?Dogs Vote, with every bark and frightful tear of an ear,Rarely do they lose an eye.Man buries his kindWith Honor and UnderstandingWith an eye on the trail
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Comment #43 posted by unkat27 on November 10, 2006 at 16:52:08 PT

American Freedom Revisited
>> ""I'm just really upset," said Mike Bethke, a downtown resident and father of two who opposed Measure K. "It sends the wrong message to our kids, and to the rest of the country that Santa Cruz is a haven for folks who smoke pot." Try spinning it, idiot, into a more positive message, like, "Well, kids, in America we value freedom, and that means that people have the right to choose. Of course, it also requires people be intelligent and responsible enough to know what choises to make."After all, that's what they told me when I was a kid, and it worked fine. 
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Comment #42 posted by global_warming on November 10, 2006 at 16:44:45 PT

That Time 
When you see your place,It will flash by your faceYour both good eyes will seeYou will understand and recognize your place in this worldYou will see your debt and then you will cryThe chance you hadHas been wasted on youthful blissAnd wanton greedIt Is Time to remove the censor in front of your eyesThat was that 'blink One moment you open your eyesThe Path you glimpse, in that momentYou have landed on planet EarthYou can Vote
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Comment #41 posted by global_warming on November 10, 2006 at 16:22:47 PT

Lest I Forget
The Fallen and the men and women in prison,The defenders of Truth and Justice have assured a place at the table, the offenders have been rounded up and placed in well guarded places, dank and dark places called prisons.I know, you are thinking about the children, but I ask you to consider the prayers of the children who have lost their mothers and fathers in this continued prohibition of Cannabis.Where is Mommy? Where is Daddy? In prison for smoking an illegal cigarette, I could jump to some slick advertisement for some rum while I take a deep drag on my marly joint.It Is Time
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Comment #40 posted by global_warming on November 10, 2006 at 16:03:39 PT

re: many dead people
It has been said that Charity begins in the home, Be not confused, charity has nothing to do with big governments social programs, charity is the ability of one human being able to "forgive" the debt of another human being.To be able to forgive also means that you are able to see, who you are, where you are, and your connection with a spiritual principle.
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Comment #39 posted by Wayne on November 10, 2006 at 15:56:53 PT

what message to send to the children, indeed...
'"I'm just really upset," said Mike Bethke, a downtown resident and father of two who opposed Measure K. "It sends the wrong message to our kids, and to the rest of the country that Santa Cruz is a haven for folks who smoke pot."'Frankly, you can tell Mr. Bethke that the news story below is definitely NOT the kind of message I would want MY children to hear.Chalk up another victory for the feds and their botched drug raids...
Another Sad Story from Florida
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 15:52:51 PT

Toker00
I am not sad because of what might happen to Bush and his people. I am sad because they did this to us and to the people of Iraq. Hatred has powered them and we see the results. Many dead people.
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Comment #37 posted by Toker00 on November 10, 2006 at 15:48:16 PT

Wayne
You know, Wayne, that's the very reason I posted the poll. I was amazed with the three hundred seventy thousand something votes, and 87%, YES! I believe there's a Boston 911 Truth Party going on this weekend , too, isn't it? Hey Dems, CAN YOU HEAR US NOW?Toke.
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Comment #36 posted by global_warming on November 10, 2006 at 15:45:36 PT

some reading 
http://tinyurl.com/sg6ffUntil the next election..
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Comment #35 posted by Toker00 on November 10, 2006 at 15:39:46 PT

'07. Sounds nice.
Impeach Bush/Cheney, Arrest Donald Rumsfeld for war crimes, by 9/11/07, you mean? I'm going to be sad, too, FoM. Okay, I'm through being sad! :)Toke. 
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Comment #34 posted by Wayne on November 10, 2006 at 15:34:46 PT

Toker00 #31 and GCW #25
Toker, I just voted on that MSNBC poll. I was shocked to see that 87% said YES, especially on a major news network site. I agree, '07 may be a VERY big year for all of us.And GCW, I think you might be onto something:"It is interesting, as I think about it; Colorado has the highest low elevation of any state and that low is in the eastern segment... the states that supported 44 the most are the highest elevation states...The higher the elevation the more support."We just need to raise the elevation of every major city in America, and we'll be home free!

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Comment #33 posted by Toker00 on November 10, 2006 at 15:31:46 PT

Superstition?
Bush has been accused of killing nearly six thousand Americans, and nearly 660,000 Iraqis. Together that is how many? 666,000. What do ya think?VERY SUPERSTITIOUS... WRITINGS ON THE WALL...Toke.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 15:10:41 PT

Toker00
If this wasn't so sad I'd be happy about what might be ahead for Bush and his people. 07 will be quite a year I think.
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Comment #31 posted by Toker00 on November 10, 2006 at 15:06:33 PT

Impeach?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10562904/Methinks so.Toke.
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 14:51:17 PT

Off Topic But Interesting
Donald Rumsfeld: The War Crimes Case http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/forumy/2006/11/donald-rumsfeld-war-crimes-case.php
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Comment #29 posted by Dankhank on November 10, 2006 at 14:48:07 PT

sorry ...
Hope your spellcheck gets better soon ...:-)Peace ...
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Comment #28 posted by Toker00 on November 10, 2006 at 14:39:43 PT

Ok. I'll bite.
Maccacacocky. Maccockycaca.Maccacycocka.Cockymacacca.Yeah. I like Maccacacocky. I just blew up my spellcheck.Toke.
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Comment #27 posted by Dankhank on November 10, 2006 at 14:27:56 PT

musings ...
I just returned from one of my periodicaly unpredictable sojourns from my house.I usually visit some folks and jaw for a while, passing out information like candy from a clown. Make any assumptions you please. :-)While describing the Maccaca debacle I believe I created a new word and submit it here for your approval.Maccacacocky ....def: the act of being so overfull of hubris as to allow he/she to believe they can racially insult a person in public at will.Remember kiddies ... you heard it first in herePeace ...
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 14:24:11 PT

The GCW 
You really are on top of your state. That's a good thing. 
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Comment #25 posted by The GCW on November 10, 2006 at 14:08:52 PT

FoM,
"why not approach adults instead of the non voting young?"We need to work at getting more people to vote for cannabis, that includes a combination of adults, like the ones on the far east Colorado counties, which think way different than mountain counties.
 
Eastern counties may be receptive when they realize legalizing cannabis might open the door to cultivating hemp for farmers. And there isn't many people in those eastern counties, yet they are paying taxes to cage people in the cities for using what is not so prevalent in their communities; they are paying to stop cannabis use somewhere else...Right wing Colorado voters may become supporters when taught that the Christ would be happy if they'd stop punishing and start loving.Fiscal conservatives may support a 44 when they see it costs them money and they are not getting anything for it.Parents may support ending the prohibition when they learn their kids actually are harmed more by the prohibition that by the item being prohibited; like the way women / mothers helped make a big difference in ending the original prohibition.There are a few young student types of voting age that need to be educated also...Cops. Cops need more than education. I can't belive it; I think underneath it all, cops know more than they reveal. They know cannabis by itself is not a problem. Some of them though think everytime they make a meth bust they also see cannabis and so cannabis is guilty.There is a big difference between old and young cops thinking.I spoke with an older officer in Steamboat Springs on the phone a week before the election that seemed to represent the older cop view; staunch no matter how much He agreed with a list of facts... 
One thing I read is how the 44 camp primarily spoke to the cities and mountain area... but didn't have quite enough budget to get the education out to the state as a whole as well.I vision those eastern counties having kids go through school and leaving; and leaving those less educated. I don't want to say, dumb, but how about red-neck thinking.This map indicates how the eastern counties were staunchly opposed to 44. http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/CO/I/04/map.htmlIt is interesting, as I think about it; Colorado has the highest low elevation of any state and that low is in the eastern segment... the states that supported 44 the most are the highest elevation states...The higher the elevation the more support.I don't know if that followed suit 100% but it is close.44If that web didn't show the colorful map of the counties with their different support of 44 thy this one and then click on county map near the top and right under Amendment 44.http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006//pages/results/states/CO/I/04/county.000.html
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 13:34:54 PT

The GCW 
I like what you are saying. We tried to do this one way and it didn't work. An A for effort for everyone but now since we know that Democrats and many Independents (that's me) are fed up with the government doing all they they have done and maybe we can get things changed. The way the fight has been has been until now has been very dirty. I wish a straight approach because we can hold our head high and stop being afraid of the right side of politics and maybe that's all we need is to stand up.If we are trying to change the laws for adults why not approach adults instead of the non voting young?
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Comment #23 posted by The GCW on November 10, 2006 at 13:26:56 PT

FoM,
The way to approach the Dems in Summit County, Colorado
is to go to their Summit County meetings.I did that for a while before the last election.Worked to get some Cannabis (marijuana) language in the Summit County Dems platform.Sounds like a good idea.Don't know if the Dems want to be associated with legalizing the superplant.Though they are not so opposed here in this progressive county...They did support allowing sick citizens to use cannabis for medical reasons.I hope Mason gets another 44 caliber.I would like to see a 44 on the ballot with out gay issues also on the ballot, that tend to bring out certain kinds of voters& would rather seeissues that tend to bring out certain types of people that support cannabis.Like a vote that asks if America should bring back the draft.I'm against even asking the question, but You'd think many young people would get off the butt and register & vote.From speaking about 44 to many young types, it seems one reason 44 failed is because of complacent young people not registering and not voting; people that support 44 but can't.(whig) I Am opposed to requiring people to vote, but if all Colorado citizens voted that didn't vote, 44 may well have been a winner.
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 13:10:08 PT

The GCW
What do you think of this idea. How about a new organization called something like Progressive Dems for Marijuana Reform? How could the Dems be approached in Colorado? I wish we could have a group like that in my state.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 13:06:34 PT

The GCW
Thank you. Now if Safer tries to do it again this coming year as long as they aren't from the right it might pass. I hope you have many Democrats out in Colorado now. We do in Ohio and maybe now we will be able to get MMJ in my state. 
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Comment #20 posted by The GCW on November 10, 2006 at 13:02:17 PT

FoM,
Yes Owens is a Repub.& on His way out.Term limits be a good thing.
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 12:44:20 PT

The GCW
I didn't know that Bill Owens was a Republican. You did get a Democrat as Governor this time didn't you? I haven't caught up on all the things that changed because of this remarkable election we had. I am still trying to figure out about my state.
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Comment #18 posted by The GCW on November 10, 2006 at 12:35:48 PT

Health nannies  -steel cage...
"Health nannies"by Ari Armstrong (letters boulderweekly.com) We have the right as adults to control our own bodies, insofar as we don't violate the rights of others. And yet there was the governor, Great Nanny Bill Owens, standing on the steps of the State Nursery on Oct. 27, arguing that possession of a certain plant by adults should be against the law. For the "crime" of possessing that plant, armed government agents can, depending on the particulars, harass and intimidate you, steal your money, kidnap you, and/or lock you in a steel cage. Owens said, "Earlier this year we passed the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act, because we recognize that cigarette smoke was having a negative impact on the health of our citizens. That one step forward would be undone by the two steps back with the passage of Amendment 44. Marijuana smoke is every bit as cancer-causing as is cigarette smoke, and legalizing the drug would encourage more people to inhale these toxic fumes." In other words, one violation of rights deserves another. People have the right to smoke cigarettes on their own property and invite others to join them. That's the right of property and the freedom of association. Adults also have the right to smoke the "toxic fumes" of marijuana. (Owens didn't bother to point out that marijuana smokers generally inhale less smoke relative to cigarette smokers, or that marijuana can be consumed in ways other than smoking.) Once the Nanny State gets going, its logical conclusion is total control over our lives. If politicians can ban cigarette smoking on select private property and all marijuana use, then they can also regulate sex, ban risky sports and "junk" foods, and outlaw guns and alcohol. Yet some of Owens's children are more equal than others. Those who choose to consume the drug alcohol rather than marijuana earn a pat on the head. Owens endorsed one of the nation's most successful dealers of the drug alcohol for U.S. Senate. CONT.http://www.boulderweekly.com/libertybeat.html
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on November 10, 2006 at 11:10:45 PT

Just a Comment
Today I am sorting out many things. We are starting our ninth year here on CNews. I think one of these days I could write a book on how reform works because I am an observer more then anything. I see a future for reform but I also see how we have been hurt too. Maybe we now will be able to move forward with a majority of voters saying they have had enough of the right. These have been the most selfish years I have ever seen but now maybe compassion will rise up and I hope the right leaning folks don't try to fight against good common sense approaches. That's all and I'm back to my thoughts.
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Comment #16 posted by museman on November 10, 2006 at 10:19:32 PT

motivation and intent
"* Prohibits city from accepting federal funds to investigate, seize or prosecute marijuana offenses."Funds, Money, greased palms, dinero, the payoff. No more 'easy money' for those cops.
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Comment #15 posted by Celaya on November 10, 2006 at 09:34:32 PT

My Letter Sent To The Santa Cruz Sentinel
(Limit 150 Words)RE: "Skepticism Surrounds Santa Cruz's Marijuana Law" -- Mike Bethke says: "It sends the wrong message to our kids, and to the rest of the country that Santa Cruz is a haven for folks who smoke pot."It's okay for adults to consume a substance less harmful than alcohol. - What's wrong with that message? Thank you Santa Cruz! That's a message the country needs to hear loud and clear! My children need to hear it too. It's important for them to know the truth about recreational drugs so when they get to be adults, they can make wise choices.800,000 innocent Americans are arrested for marijuana every year and given permanent "criminal" records that marginalize them for life.It's time for this shameful, monstrous bigotry and persecution to end. Santa Cruz should be proud they are leading the way to do the right thing!
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Comment #14 posted by Sam Adams on November 10, 2006 at 09:33:41 PT

20/20 piece 
Wow, I didn't know John Stossel was at it again! My hero!He's a Libertarian, by the way. Probably the only Libertarian journalist in the USA.If the story of the Civil War doesn't make you anti-war, nothing will. Half of the country burned, half of the young men dead. For what? So the South could continue to persecute black people to this day. The civil war was about ending slavery just like the Iraq War is about ending terrorism.I read a horrifying stat recently: there are more black men in prison today than there were slaves at the high-water mark of American slavery. 
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on November 10, 2006 at 09:31:06 PT

Respecting.
Police don't seem to respect the average person anymore. They rely on deception and intimidation. Everybody is a possible criminal to them.If they don't respect us...how can we respect them?We can't.
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Comment #12 posted by Hope on November 10, 2006 at 09:28:53 PT

"called a MF"
I do so wish the police would start being the upstanding individuals they claim to be. They shouldn't call citizens names and degrade and humiliate or hurt them. They do that all the time...like it's part of their system.I can't respect them, like I use to. I thought they were nice, good people who wanted to help others. People like that don't talk to other people like that. They don't lie, cheat, and deceive. Dynamic entry into citizen's homes and businesses is wrong. People in a free country shouldn't have to experience that. They shouldn't go around messing with our medicines. They shouldn't be cruel and viscious like the so called "bad guys". In my eyes they have become lower and more dangerous than the common criminal. At least I can protect myself against the average criminal. But give that criminal a badge and gun and freedom to abuse....and you have the behavior we see in our police today.Don't get me wrong. There are good people in police work. I know many of them and I have them in my family. We have the LEAP organization...which is a Godsend. Those people are respectable to me.But SWAT teams, undercover agents infiltrating people's homes and lives to arrest them for what they consume or possess, dynamic entry, and the War on Drugs, and the ongoing injustice of the fact that if you're poor, even if you're innocent, you can't fight the charges, and if you are rich, you can...even if you're guilty, have changed the image of police and the justice system in the eyes of most people, and certainly in mine. In fact...they sometimes, often, in fact, seem completely inhuman.Of course, that isn't true with all police officers. Some are very decent people. A uniform, a badge, and a haircut don't make a decent person though. The feel of thinking about our police now is more like the feeling you get when you think of Nazis and the old KGB.That feeling of admiration and respect being lost, was a sad loss for me. It was like the respect I had for them has been surgically removed, and painfully so, by the behavior I've seen on their part in recent decades.
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Comment #11 posted by Toker00 on November 10, 2006 at 09:08:22 PT

Clueless in Santa Cruz.
"I'm just really upset," said Mike Bethke, a downtown resident and father of two who opposed Measure K. "It sends the wrong message to our kids, and to the rest of the country that Santa Cruz is a haven for folks who smoke pot."Ummm...okay, let's argue that the Planet Earth is a haven for folks who smoke pot. Because it is. It's the people who don't or won't smoke pot out of fear and ignorance who don't even realize the simple fact that the entire planet is teeming with those folks who poke smot. You would have to hitch a ride to the next planet, maybe even Galaxy, to avoid cannabis users. Really. If then. So how can these people realistically believe that their little "neck of the woods" will EVER be free of "those folks" who smoke pot.Wage Peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on November 10, 2006 at 09:08:12 PT

Dongenero, Comment 7, I assume you mean.
It's horrible. It's horrible beyond enduring. It makes me sick. It makes me cry. It makes me stand up and holler "FOUL. FOUL. FOUL."Can we get Tyrone Brown out of prison? I surely hope so. And there are many more Tyrone Browns languishing in prison just because of this same sort of stupidity that put Brown there...only no one has discovered their cases and situation.I think, perhaps, the moment I realized the injustice of the drug war was when a young Harlem Globetrotter was arrested on the interstate near here, when it was discovered he had a joint in his pocket. He got five years in the Texas Pen for that joint. I'd never tried marijuana and knew nothing about it, but I KNEW that was wrong.Of course, many people, more powerful than I, apparently, believe that was a fair way to treat another person.It was the first splash of cold water in my face that woke me from my prohibitionist trance. There have been many splashes of cold water in the face since then. They all have a name. Some are dead because of the War on Drugs.God knows I hate this prohibition and what it's being used for.It's hard for me to understand why anybody wouldn't see that that was so wrong and egregiously unjust to cage that young man up like that. I have to ask what's wrong with them that they can do this to another person over a cigarette.Why?Fear? Prejudice? Hatred? Rascism? Shadenfruede? Sheer cruelty? 
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Comment #9 posted by dongenero on November 10, 2006 at 08:54:40 PT

that is sad Hope
How do people stand for that?
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on November 10, 2006 at 08:46:32 PT

Besides...they already know
what it's about if they've seen their mom or dad or uncle forced to the ground after their door was broken down, and called a MF and carried off, bound, to a cage, because they used marijuana.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on November 10, 2006 at 08:43:49 PT

The children...
Might print this up, 20/20 Transcript: Tyrone Brown Serving Life for a Jointhttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1516/a01.html and give it to the child to read and say this is the sort of stuff that Measure K is fighting against.
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Comment #6 posted by Hope on November 10, 2006 at 08:40:32 PT

Actually...
They've built a house of prohibition based on racism, greed, hatred and fear. Most of the "children" realize this, probably, more so than the prohibitionists themselves. So tell them the truth for a change. Marijuana is not deadly. Marijuana is not as dangerous as you've been told, but there are indications that it may be be dangerous for your undeveloped brain and body. When you are fully mature, you can choose to do a lot of things that you can not, or should not, choose to do now. Those include driving, having sex, consuming drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol for recreation. If the day comes and you decide to experiment with using an intoxicant, and if you are going to, I'd feel better if your choice was cannabis for a bit of intoxication and not alcohol or tobacco...which can definitely kill you dead. You must understand that any intoxication is not to be taken lightly...by adults or anyone. It's not child's play and children shouldn't "play" with it.So, Measure K is facing the reality of adult marijuana use. Adults can often use cannabis without any bad effects, so why should we punish them for it?Measure K, dear child, doesn't mean that cannabis is ok for you, or anyone, for that matter. It just says that our authorities should stop pursueing and grieving adults who choose to use marijuana, which appears to be less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco, in the privacy of their own homes. Now if someone tries to get you to smoke marijuana and tells you that it's legal or something, just tell them you intend to wait until you're fully grown, if at all, just in case.Is marijuana really the "Booga Booga" we've told for years that it is? Apparently not. Did people lie about how dangerous marijuana is? Yes, probably some of them did, but most of them were led to believe what they believed and supported, and truly believed what they were saying was true. It wasn't, and now, we know that they were just wrong and some were misled. Measure K is an effort to right that wrong.I love you. Because I love you, I want you to wait until you are grown, and your brain is not quite so tender and vulnerable, to experiment with intoxicants, if at all. 
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Comment #5 posted by jasgrave333 on November 10, 2006 at 08:25:46 PT:

Adults; Sex, drink, Cannabis, *conversations etc..
...we as Adults have the following free-doms;1. Sex
2. Drink.
3. Smoke.
4. Having big conversations about all the above.Alchohol is licensed and SOLD that to OVER 18 year olds.Smoke - Tobbacco; although a reputed killer and cause of cancer; sold to over 18 year olds.What do you tell your kids about that Mr Mike Bethke? In fact Mike (if I may be so bold), how did you have kids?"
"I'm just really upset," said Mike Bethke, a downtown resident and father of two who opposed Measure K. "It sends the wrong message to our kids, and to the rest of the country that Santa Cruz is a haven for folks who smoke pot." 
"I bet Santa Clause smokes Cannabis, ya hypocrite...
License and sell it to over 18 year olds - Duh...!
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Comment #4 posted by global_warming on November 10, 2006 at 08:23:10 PT

i think that they are more worried about
* Creates a community oversight committee to monitor police reports for marijuana arrests.
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Comment #3 posted by John Tyler on November 10, 2006 at 07:48:54 PT

the kids are all right
This the old “what do we tell the children” after we have lied to them about this issue all of their lives argument. When alcohol prohibition was repealed this was not a concern. Cannabis like alcohol usage is for adults not children anyway. When you get to be an adult you can make your own decision about it. An overwhelming 60% voted to have the police make it their lowest priority. It is still not legal. The prohibs should stop their whining. It will be all right. Think of it a just a little bit more personal freedom.
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Comment #2 posted by whig on November 10, 2006 at 07:31:58 PT

How to explain this one to the children
Cannabis is for adults.
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Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on November 10, 2006 at 07:23:07 PT

the children
"police are worried about how to carry out their state-sworn duties and parents and teachers wonder how to explain this one to their children."Imagine how hard it is to explain to your children that the police busted in the door to house and beat you to ground because you like to take in a little cannabis herb in the evenings, while your friends who drink themselves stupid and come home & abuse the wife & kids are left alone.Imagine trying to explain that the United States is supposed to be a democracy, yet even after 60 percent of the people told the cops to leave pot-smokers alone, they still want to attack us. And so do most of the corporate owners of mainstream media.I'd start by telling the kids that we're ruled by a corrupt political class, that loves to use its power to force people to work half of their lives to support the government's lazy work ethic and culture of lying and stealing. I'd also warn them that the same ruling bureaucracy has been paid off by alcohol corprations that spend billions trying to brainwash children watching sports into a life of alcohol dependence and abuse.
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