cannabisnews.com: So Little To Fear in Legal Marijuana










  So Little To Fear in Legal Marijuana

Posted by CN Staff on July 20, 2007 at 08:09:28 PT
By Ray Warren 
Source: News & Observer  

Washington, DC -- Justice John Paul Stevens recently asked in a U.S. Supreme Court opinion "whether the fear of disapproval by those in the majority is silencing opponents of the war on drugs." The answer is a resounding "yes," though it's not at all clear that a majority actually agrees with current policies regarding marijuana regulation. Fear of being called "soft on drugs" is stifling rational debate about the relative merits of prohibition vs. regulation of a substance most regard as relatively innocuous.
Virtually everyone under the age 55 knows somebody who uses or has used marijuana. Many need only look in a mirror. Yet federal and state governments continue to treat marijuana possession as a serious crime. This is a wildly disproportionate response, fueled by fear, to an activity that is widespread among all classes of society.As part of an organization seeking to reform prohibition-oriented marijuana laws, I witness this phenomenon daily. Legislators acknowledge privately that current policies are not working, but fret that voters will not accept reform. Citizens wink and nod at marijuana use by loved ones while supporting laws that could ruin their loved ones' lives. Everybody is afraid to question current policies.Instead of acting like Chicken Little, perhaps we should ask ourselves exactly what would happen if marijuana was regulated like alcohol. That might make for calm and rational public policy decisions.Far too many people have tried marijuana, or know somebody who has used it, for the public to really believe in the "Reefer Madness" stories circulated by government fear-mongers. As with alcohol, some people would abuse marijuana. But, also as with alcohol, most would adjust their consumption in a responsible manner.Every day the papers are full of stories of misery wrought by overindulgence in alcohol -- a substance more toxic, and far more likely to induce violence or aggression, than marijuana. Yet prohibition is not considered a serious response to alcohol abuse. And in the real world, most people don't drink themselves into oblivion daily, despite the relative ease and low expense involved in doing so.But if we regulated marijuana like alcohol, what message would that send to our children? Good question. What message do we send when we enact laws that punish a few unlucky individuals for doing what much of the population does without punishment?We cannot engender respect for the law by criminalizing private behavior while quietly tolerating the flouting of the law. Experience with alcohol prohibition taught us that.But isn't marijuana a "gateway" to other drugs? Not through its biochemical effects, as the Institute of Medicine noted in its White House-funded study. The "gateway" is the suppliers -- drug dealers who peddle other drugs as well. Put an attractive product in the same market basket as hard drugs and shoppers may sample the other products. Put marijuana where it belongs, in licensed and regulated outlets as we do with alcohol, and consumers won't see the drug dealers' other wares.Bourbon is sold by legal venues where identification is checked, and proprietors have reason to follow rules in order to preserve their liquor licenses. The fact that marijuana is illegal creates a completely unregulated market where anything goes.I've been licensed to practice law in North Carolina for nearly 25 years. I had the privilege of serving as a Superior Court judge for seven and one half of those years. I wouldn't know where to buy marijuana if I had to. And my own experience with it is limited to the casual exposure nearly every adult under 55 has had. But I've seen many lives ruined by misguided policies that treat the consumption of marijuana as a major threat to society.If we really believe that our friends, family and neighbors are ruining their own lives and threatening the public safety, we should turn them in immediately. The fact that most of us do not do that is testament to the fact we really don't perceive marijuana as a threat to the public order.Properly regulating and taxing marijuana for adult use would save millions of dollars in law enforcement, court costs and correction department spending. It would also bring in millions in tax revenues for education, roads and other critical needs, and shut a "gateway" to hard drugs.Ignoring that opportunity based on hysterical fears about a substance few view as a threat to public order is true "reefer madness."Ray Warren is director of State Policies for the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. He is a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and a former judge.Note: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" -- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933Source: News & Observer (NC)Author: Ray WarrenPublished: July 20, 2007Copyright: 2007 The News and Observer Publishing CompanyContact: forum nando.comWebsite: http://www.newsobserver.com/Marijuana Policy Projecthttp://www.mpp.org/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml

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Comment #68 posted by whig on July 24, 2007 at 12:17:04 PT
Hope
I was speaking there in general terms because I know you are already making conscious and informed choices for your health.
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Comment #67 posted by whig on July 24, 2007 at 12:15:14 PT
Substitutionary principle
If a person is dependent on something harmful, removing the thing does not remove the dependency. If given no alternative, that dependency will fixate upon something else which may be more harmful than the original dependency. The substitutionary principle is this, provide better alternatives and enough information for people to make conscious and informed decisions.
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Comment #66 posted by whig on July 24, 2007 at 12:08:05 PT
Yes, inject
I get an enzyme infusion every two weeks. If I didn't my disease would cause my bones to deteriorate and other things which would be unbearably painful.
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Comment #65 posted by whig on July 24, 2007 at 12:06:12 PT
Hope
I never actually quit smoking per se, I just switched from tobacco to cannabis. That's why I said turmeric might help if you feel you need something. The truth is we all need something, maybe not to smoke but to drink or to swallow or to inject. It's how we stay alive, in fact. The point is to make healthy choices. I believe in the substitutionary principle of harm reduction.
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Comment #64 posted by FoM on July 24, 2007 at 10:27:32 PT
Hope
You probably are right. 
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Comment #63 posted by Hope on July 24, 2007 at 09:06:45 PT
Looks like, maybe...
One of the withdrawal effects of quitting tobacco is intensification of anger at prohibitionists and all the harm they cause.
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Comment #62 posted by FoM on July 24, 2007 at 07:22:11 PT
Hope
This is my opinion of where we are right now. I believe that a country that says it is a Democracy must listen to the majority. The majority is against any form of drug legalization including marijuana. People appear ok with treatment for hard drug users. I think prison for using a substance is not a popular idea anymore. I believe I will not be alive when and if hard drugs are legalized. I believe in putting one foot in front of the other. I believe in keeping my dreams and goals realistic so medical marijuana is the one issue that will be the first to change.
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Comment #61 posted by Hope on July 24, 2007 at 06:59:21 PT
Recently, it seems...
I've had one too many people tell me that the powers we are up against are "never" going to allow cannabis legalization.Although, I tried to ignore it... a new sense of despair and a tendency to keening and wailing has come upon me.I'm still one hundred percent sure that we will eventually overcome and overwhelm the idiocy and error of the so called War on Drugs. But it's the thought of even more lives being ground up by the hellish machine that the Drug War is, that have me keening and wailing. I want to save them from the horrors, degradations, and humiliations that come from getting caught in the machinery that the prohibitionists have created, and I know that you all, do, too. It's not about pot. It's not about drugs. It's about freedom and liberty and being respected as a human being. It's about stopping a real monster that's hurting so many people. Prohibitionists don't want to help these people they are hurting. They just want to punish them for daring to disobey them. These laws against people consuming substances of their own choice are unjust and the cruelty of their punishments is beyond bearing.To give up and not resist, as I see some people doing, is to become nothing more than the mud the oppressors trample under their blood stained jackboots.
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Comment #60 posted by Hope on July 23, 2007 at 17:04:30 PT
Ok, Whig...
You're right. Anything you do more than a few times can get to be a habit.Addiction is what I was really thinking of.Desire for ice cream is an excellent analogy to the desire for cannabis.I fear for everyone that is in danger from the drug war pogrom, and actually that is everyone...even those who don't use any of the forbidden substances. But I'm so desperately afraid for all the young people. The ones the prohibitionists haven't hurt yet. Cannabis isn't going to hurt them. They either like it or they don't. But if they do...they are in such danger from our government. Every day that passes without change, I am more and more afraid for them.Add to that the horror of the fact that they drive young people away from the herb towards hard drugs, that leave the system quickly...with their drug tests.Oh, God.Young people will and do try cannabis. Probably most of them at one time or another to one degree or another. Prohibition isn't stopping that. But prohibition can hurt them and their futures so very much.This has got to stop before more young people, or people of any age, are hurt by this insane prohibition. I'm about worried to death by all of it...and don't feel safe enough myself, since I speak publicly about it, to soothe my worry cells with any cannabinoids. If I'd kept quiet, I could. But I couldn't keep quiet...so there ya go.It seems to me that I may actually be sacrificing a lot of my health by not using cannabis myself...but it's the only way I feel safe about speaking out...and I've got to speak out...in hopes that eventually... soon I hope...that that line will be drawn where not even one more person, of any age, will be persecuted or prosecuted for cannabis use anymore...after that line is drawn that ends the prohibition and persecution and prosecution.People are going to do it. Young people are going to do it. I don't think prohibition stops one single person that decides to do it. I know it doesn't. Cannabis is actually very beneficial to some people...and probably even most people. But the prohibition of it is not beneficial at all. The prohibition is destroying people.I'm talking. I'm writing. I'm calling. I'm praying. I'm voting. I've marched with sign in hand. I've driven my car with signs taped to both sides. I've cried. I'm ready for our victory over this unseemly and insane prohibition.I'm ready.
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Comment #59 posted by whig on July 23, 2007 at 10:46:05 PT
Hope
Don't say cannabis isn't habit forming, it can be. So can ice cream or television. It isn't physically addictive, but people who use it medicinally suffer without it. Why should people have to suffer when the medicine does good and doesn't do harm?
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Comment #58 posted by Hope on July 23, 2007 at 07:57:17 PT
The "Children"
What I want to hear a politician say is that he or she will "Save the children" from a criminal record, being shackled, "treated", or incarcerated, because of marijuana/cannabis use or having paraphernalia. Stop the witch hunt. Stop the harassment. Stop the lies. Stop busy bodies and the misled from ruining innocent lives. I worry so for them. It's like a conspiracy to destroy the futures of children from low and middle income families. The rich can often overcome these criminal records. Actually they don't have to overcome their criminal records. Their families have enough money to educate them and set them up in their lives to do well.What about the poor kid? What about the good kid, like many of you were, who gets caught messing with a little pot and his or her future is ruined or short changed because of a criminal record?It's not right to stick kids in institutions (rehabs and jails) where they are treated like "patients" and "criminals" and given pharmaceuticals and "treatments" because they got high with a completely non poisonous, non habit forming herb. Sometimes they are locked away from their families and actually abused in the name of curing them of the herb habit.Don't treat young people like they're criminals. Don't tell them that they are criminals. End cannabis prohibition. If someone underage, and not prescribed cannabis by a health care person, is caught with cannabis, take their cannabis and tell their parents or guardians. Don't arrest them. For God's sake, don't turn them into criminals. Don't drive them to suicide or running away into a world, or being cast into a criminal world, where they don't belong.Turn them over to the parents or guardians. Not the courts. Not the criminal system. For God's sake, all our sakes, and their sakes, don't make criminals of them. Please. Cannabis use is no reason to treat them, or anyone, like criminals or miscreants or idiots of some kind.Please, someone, please, save the "children" from cannabis prohibition laws. Save the children from criminal records following them all their lives because of using cannabis. Cannabis won't hurt them...but criminality will.Don't let another young man or woman be raped in prison because of cannabis laws. Don't let another young person be denied grants and loans to further their education because of cannabis use. Don't let another young person be expelled from school because of cannabis use.Somebody, somewhere in some sort of a position of power...please save the future of these children. Prohibit these vile and punitive prohibitions. Please.
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on July 23, 2007 at 07:24:32 PT
CNN YouTube Debate Tonight
I hope everyone takes the time to watch the Democrats debate tonight at 7 on CNN. Even if a person doesn't agree with the Democrats I think it is important to watch them. When the Republicans do their debate I will watch it too. I hope it is a good debate tonight.
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Comment #56 posted by FoM on July 23, 2007 at 07:05:50 PT
whig
It sounds like you had a good time. 
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Comment #55 posted by whig on July 22, 2007 at 20:41:26 PT
Oh and...
There were even people from Australia and Ireland and Canada.
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Comment #54 posted by whig on July 22, 2007 at 20:33:18 PT
FoM
I guess there were about 250 people there, most of them run businesses from their websites and so they are not necessarily liberal and these were people from all over the country not just California.
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Comment #53 posted by whig on July 22, 2007 at 20:31:42 PT
FoM
I was at a bloggers conference this weekend and it wasn't political bloggers it was just people who use a particular piece of software called WordPress. I did not discuss politics at the conference because it would not have been appropriate but I said I was a political blogger. So anyhow one of the presenters was talking about setting up little surveys and how someone asked in a survey on their blog whether George Bush was a great president, and then before he said more he asked for a show of hands if anyone thought George Bush was a great president. Not one person raised their hand.
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Comment #52 posted by Hope on July 22, 2007 at 09:24:17 PT
Actually, 
there is much to fear in keeping it illegal.Only those who profit in some way from the prohibition cannot see how wrong it is. Prohibition is money in the bank to them. Prisons and incarceration are money in the bank to them. They laugh and rejoice, all the way to the bank, at the sorrow and grief and even deaths, of those they persecute. They easily shrug off the fact that they've murdered and incarcerated innocents in their drug war. Prohibitionists deserve to be despised and hated for their cruelty to others.Prohibitionists are truly, the real criminals. They have brought a great deal of harm to so many people.The longer it takes to end this prohibition, the more sorrow it will bring to one and all...except, of course, those who find financial profit from it somehow.This prohibition is making some gentle, merciful people feel angry and mean. I used to just want them to stop. But as they visit more and more atrocities upon people and do more and more damage to more and more people and their families...I'm beginning to want to see them punished for what they've caused. I guess it will be "punishment" enough, though, that they have to cease profiting off of and rejoicing over those they persecute.
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Comment #51 posted by John Tyler on July 22, 2007 at 07:55:54 PT
much to gain
Back on topic. There is little to fear in cannabis legalization and much to gain. Hemp was once a major American agricultural crop up until the 1930’s. It can be so again. It was even mention in a NPR history “moment in time” segment about the American Colonial period as a major crop and one that helped the young colonies survive. I am so tried of our gov.’s lies about this topic. Legalization would be a good thing. It is a source of food, fuel, and fiber. It is good for the body, mind, and soul, not to mention the economy. There would, of course, be a “newness” factor at first, but this would soon wear off and it would become “no big thing” any more. People would soon wonder why certain other people got “so bent out of shape” about cannabis in the first place. If the wealthy and powerful folks who control the corporations and gov. read here don’t worry, you will continue to be wealthy and powerful and will probably get a big piece of the future cannabis industry anyway. So what’s the problem?P.S. I think North Carolina would have great climate for growing cannabis and would be a wonderful substitute for tobacco.
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Comment #50 posted by smoknjoe on July 22, 2007 at 07:46:59 PT:
so little to fear
As long as we keep giving them money in the form of taxes they will continue to throw the sick in jail to die. There's no way out!       
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on July 22, 2007 at 06:43:04 PT
Video: Activists March for Medicinal Marijuana Use
http://www.eyeoutforyou.com/news/local/8648056.html
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on July 22, 2007 at 06:07:49 PT
whig
Last night my sister called to tell me Tammy passed away. She was a very good person and loved even Gays. That was very revolutionary for a Christian. We aren't people who go on vacations but when we did for a few years we always went to Heritage USA. It was like walking into Heaven. I never was there when Jim and Tammy were there but the spirit was amazing. I met missionaries from foreign countries who came there for a religious retreat and many people who just wanted what we wanted by visiting the retreat. We didn't join the bankrupcy law suit. We gave thousands of dollars to help build Heritage USA and I felt we received more then we ever gave. We watched her and Roe on Larry King the other day and I know why she went on the show. She wanted to say that she loves everyone one more time and behind all that mascara was a good heart. She will be missed.
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Comment #47 posted by Hope on July 22, 2007 at 04:25:37 PT
"the melting pot."
One thing that I suspect has happened is that several years ago the "melting" stopped. People came here...but did not wish to melt...or blend...or assimilate themselves into an American culture or way of life. They just wanted to live here with the ways of the country and culture they left behind, and loyalty to it over this one and not be assimilated at all.Instead of a melting pot...there are many cultures that are not blending at all. There's no melting. It's more like an antagonist type thing or something. They don't melt and blend and become one. They cling to the ways of the country and culture they left behind and reject being Americans. They repel each other, refuse to blend and assimilate and become factions instead of united. If you're trying to make one thing out of several...it doesn't work if they don't melt and blend.So, I think, that's where the "melting pot" went.
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Comment #46 posted by whig on July 22, 2007 at 00:21:07 PT
OT Tammy Faye
I just saw that Tammy Faye (who used to be married to the televangelist Jim Bakker) has died.
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Comment #45 posted by whig on July 22, 2007 at 00:14:51 PT
FoM
I think America has never been as much of a melting pot as it has aspired to be, but that does not mean we cannot achieve it. One thing that seems to be more common and accepted on the West coast (or at least in this part of California, which is admittedly probably the most liberal part of the country altogether). People like Bill O'Reilly who hate Berkeley and San Francisco are afraid of people of different skin colors dating. I really think it upsets them. I know that in Pittsburgh it's a lot less common.
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on July 21, 2007 at 16:25:46 PT
museman
I thought a lot like you did. I never lost hope but I would keep thinking in time good change will happen. I never believed that it would stay bad like it's been for a long time forever. Maybe 08 will be a new beginning of a better day. It's going to be hard until elections. Some people are angry and I have seen it happen on Obama's blog. I can't believe the snotty, rude, and hateful behavior that just one person is spreading on his blog. He seems to be on a self implode path. He doesn't say who he is for but finds fault with everyone including Senator Obama for everything. No appreciation when everyone else is appreciative. It's all very strange. If I don't like a candidate I won't comment on his blog or even read it. 
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Comment #43 posted by museman on July 21, 2007 at 15:49:07 PT
FoM
In 1970 I was successfully brainwashed by the US Military, having been prepared as a young republican, a virgin patriot, raised on the cinematic glorification of America, and "The War."After nearly dying in what must have been some kind of random selection, bio-experiment (still under investigation and VA Pending,) I was offered 'honorable discharge' but I stood at attention, ended all my sentences in 'sir!' and really believed that I was 'serving my country' and intended to honor my second 'solemn vow' that all who supposedly serve or represent America, and it's Constitution swore.I saw VietNam. So many. I began to lose faith in the image of America that had been taught in church, in school, at the movies, and on TV.When Nixon was thrown to the mob (and he surely did deserve it) I saw a lot of peope start to act like it was all over, that that small victory was the landslide of change that we needed, and it was 'time to get on with our lives.' Activism became secularized and diminished. When we elected Carter in 1976, I actually started to believe all over again. But then, waiting in the wings, the real 'Nixon succcessors' Reagan, and the man behind the puppet; Bush.Suddenly, after everybody was all ready to continue in their lives that were well on their way to being built -families started, careers and great works- The 'Man' started the bust, the WOD. That totally divided our entire generation. And that was one of it's prime intentions.And then, after great struggle to get the truth out, it was revealed how Reagan and Bush had orchestrated control of the election and public opinion of Carter through their dealings with Cocaine, Contras, Guns, Cash, and the Ayatola. The proof positive that they stole that election.Did they get away with it? Oh yes they did. Are there other, more shadowy figures that the public never sees? It's obvious, even without the idiot son making the proclamation. (the shadow government)Then Clinton. Oh rising stocks, the end of the deficit, the 'golden age of the boomer generation'. The 'ol tongue in the cheek "I didn't inhale" got laughs and fooled everyone. So I almost started believing again, but I saw Waco, Ruby Ridge, and Oklahoma City. Word trickled down about the 'little war' between the FBI and the AIM.And I saw the inside of a few jails for my refusal to acknowledge this stupid, unconstitutional, evil, unconscionable prohibition of an herb that was given to me, and everyone else, established in the first books of the Bible and the Torah, which are collectively the actual real source and foundation of all modern law. If those who claim to to be 'abiding by the law' do not recognize and uphold the very first precedent of ALL WESTERN LAW, represented by the phrase; "I GIVE TO YOU ALL HERB BEARINGG SEED TO BE USED AS SUSTENANCE" then they are at heart, and fundamentally not what they claim to be, they are not upholding what they claim to uphold, therefore they are not to be trusted. Their fruits are dry dusty time consuming labors for the privilege extended of basic human comforts, -many, many whose labors do not suffice-, war, suffering. Everything has a price to be paid and exacted, taxed. They produce nothing, yet act as if they did -the naked emporer syndrome-, and through my entire life, they have always, always, without a single exception proven to be liars, con-men, exploiters, and thieves of the 'highest degree and order.'At some point I had to seek out history from many perspectives, but the facts are there. All the way.Nothing new under the sun. When YHWH told the prophet that he 'appointed the basest of men to rule over us' it was in reference to the choice of the people, who could have the 'rule of 'God'' but instead, for whatever reasons, fear, ignorance, or lack of understanding, they chose to follow man instead of YHWH.There is another phrase that comes to mind, I'm sure it is familiar to all;"Scum rises to the top."Which brings us right up to date, with the installation of the monkey in executive control of Powers Of Mass Destruction.I don't see it as just bad luck and stupidity, it's a setup that's been happening for a long, long time. In some ways - that they'd love us to embrace- it just seems futile to do anything but go with the flow of the pollution. Apathy is the political life-blood of America, because if that politic actually ever did get vitalized and infused with real people instead of professional vacuum salesmen (and I don't mean vacuum cleaners) earth might actually get on track.
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on July 21, 2007 at 14:24:09 PT
museman
I think what I mean is in the last 6 and a half years Bush has almost wrecked our country. I remember years ago on Marihemp's Political Board posting an article about how they were going to practice marshal law somewhere in California. Some person said that would never happen in America and I said something like I hope not.Now here we are. What will the next 6 and a half years bring us. I don't worry about terrorists really though. They only are interested in certain areas so it isn't a threat for everyone. I think that our financial structure might crash. They had an ad in the paper for factory jobs for under $7.00 an hour 12 hours a day and no insurance and must pass a urine test. My husband made double that back in 84 until they sent the work away to Mexico. The benefits gave everyone that worked there a false sense of security but now what for people? 
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on July 21, 2007 at 13:49:12 PT
museman
I think why I don't look for serious change is because deep inside I think we've reached the point of no return. I don't know what I mean by that though. I guess it seems more logical to get ready for whatever is headed our way. I'm listening to this really wonderful song on XM Radio.YouTube - R.E.M - Everybody Hurtshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioAQTwc8Oas
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Comment #40 posted by museman on July 21, 2007 at 13:23:51 PT
FoM
Michael ranks pretty high on my list of 'real people' in the spotlight. It's hard to believe that even after such stark and profound evidence of the corruption of American politics and economics -in contemporary time - as revealed in farenheit 911, the criminals just keep on lying and committing crime after crime against all the peoples, and life itself on planet earth. And even with all the useless political posturing and dramatic performance of the Democrats who were supposedly voted in to 'send a message' the war continues. The money mongers continue to reap their profits from the inflated economy, and while we count some victories on behalf of the people, the 'surge' that is going on in Iraq, is also going on here at home.I live in a county that is mostly rural. In the last election we had an opportunity to not vote for funding for the county sheriff, effectively disbanding their little club of fat, slobby, good 'ol boys, whose claim of 'enforcing justice' had more to do with busting partying teenagers so they could milk their parents, taking payoff from the local heroin and meth dealers, and busting hippies whenever they could for anything and everything. The county sent a powerful message of about 65% against re-funding them. Oh they whined, and bitched, told people they were going to have to buy guns to defend themselves in this 'lawless county' because boo-hoo, we didn't give them their funding. Well they robbed the funding for the libraries, closing them down so they could have their 'minimal operations' funding, and then refused to actually do anything like answer a 911 call or, go out on any crime not involving teenagers or hippies. Mr. Monkey Bush gave this county a whopping $19 mil to hire MORE cops, even though we VOTED NOT TO HAVE THEM. The libraries, meantime, remain closed.The surge is in pot busts. In the last week, in cooperation with the DEA, the new county sheriffs have busted three locations -all relating to medical marijuana, and dispensaries. Heard anything about them? I looked for online reference, but could not find any. I wonder how much is going on under the radar?The media is not making a big issue out of cannabis, but the government is on a push. Everybody keep their eyes open.1984 came just as predicted, but by the actual date it was already so far embedded in the culture, and so many were so adequately distracted by 'family and career' they did not see or recognize what has been lost, namely freedom and liberty.
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on July 21, 2007 at 11:31:47 PT
museman
I remember what Michael Michael Moore said in Fahrenheit 9/11 that wars are not meant to be won. Justice has a scale. Some how it doesn't seem balanced anymore.Excerpt from Link: Moore’s film did not disappoint those expectations. There, on the quad cinema big screen, was African-American Marine Corporal Abdul Henderson, in uniform, explaining that he won’t go back to Iraq because he won’t "kill other poor people" who pose no threat to our country. There, after 90 minutes in which the falsehoods behind the Iraq war were peeled away, is the explanation (from George Orwell’s 1984) that, at the end of the day, the maintenance of a hierarchical society requires war. It keeps the people at the bottom fearful and economically insecure. "The war is not meant to be won," Orwell wrote, in words that define Bush’s war on terror. "It is meant to be continuous."http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/mikeinthenews/index.php?id=125
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Comment #38 posted by museman on July 21, 2007 at 10:43:13 PT
what happened?
"What happened to the USA as far as being a melting pot for differences?"Another failed experiment. Looking at history -the biased vesion most of us were taught in school, compared to the actual cultural history - known in the neighborhoods, of not in the textbooks, it ought to be easy to see that the term 'Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.' was taken up as a battle-cry for the burgeoning corporate state, that needed workers to fuel it's program of earth rape, and cultural exploitation, not to mention readily available cannon fodder for war.America was never a friendly nation to the downtrodden, the disenfranchised, or the poverty stricken. Racism did not rise up because of the "Emancipation Proclamation" it already existed in the rank and file of American Aristocracy -which at the time of the Civil War was pretty well established in the Northern Cities -'old money' while the 'southern aristocrats' were mostly 'new money' acquired through their use of slaves.The state that is/was America committed genocide on the original inhabitants - the SOVEREIGN possessors of this entire continent, then proceeded to rip and tear resources out of the ground to fuel the industrial complex. The influx of immigration did not create any kind of tolerance for difference, it supplied actual 'justification' for establishing class distinction, and the 'divine right of rule' for those with the property, power, and money.The many immigrants that settled in the cities created the first 'slums', not because there was no work, but because the work was little more than slave labor that caused many hopeful immigrant Americans to go into debt 'to the company store.' This allowed and fueled igorance and prejudice, which the powers that were did nothing to dispel or counteract. (except create a police force of thugs, and draconian laws to keep people 'in their place.') All efforts ever done to bring balance and equity to the American system, were done by people who did not belong to the status quo, and a lot of the time their efforts ended in their early demise by the mercenaries of the various economic powers in place at the time.The government and ESTABLISHMENT of the United States of America was in it's origins biased, prejudiced and materially corrupt, founded on the Platonian Roman Republic -which exalts the status quo, or the already empowered upper class, as the only group of humanity worthy to rule.Nothing has changed, except that their power is virtually unchallengeable at this point because most of America erroneously believes these politically and economicly empowered liars and thieves are actually some kind of 'public servants.' What a crock.George Bush rose to power because of this system which was in place since the end of the Revolutionary War. What group of people do you suppose wanted to make G. Washington King of America? Not the farmers, laborers, bondservants, and shopkeepers who fought the war for them.Americans are duped as a majority. The lies and obfuscations connected with cannabis prohibition (as well as a host of other crap) are so stark and obvious, yet the status quo (supposedly the general cultural values of all Americans) just keeps piling them on, and Americans just keep fueling that same earth-raping spirit of conquest and aquisition. America the land, is a wonderful place, still, even after all the destruction of our wonderful forests, the decimation of the Buffalo, and the poisoning of our clear clean waters. Even with the filth that is our cities contaminating all the earth for hundreds of miles around them, the spirit of this land is still wild and free, though you have to look for it these days. America the people has such potential, but that part or America is cowed and brow-beaten into submission to the few elite who ride our backs, and as long as we continue to empower error with our misplaced belief in it, the rule of Rome continues.
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on July 21, 2007 at 07:21:13 PT
Long Term Use
Long Term Use and Effects = People might not be as eager to work as hard and that side effect might mean a longer and healthier life.Negative Long Term Effects = Fear of jail. Fear of jail causes serious stress which can cause blood pressure to rise. Also making a group or culture of people criminals seems like they want people to just die or go away and that really makes a person feel really bad. What happened to the USA as far as being a melting pot for differences?
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Comment #36 posted by mayan on July 21, 2007 at 04:55:07 PT
museman
I don't know. I'm still holding out hope that Jesse Ventura throws his hat in the ring! I don't know if it's even possible, but what if Ron Paul hinted that Jesse Ventura would be his running mate if he got the nomination? 
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Comment #35 posted by museman on July 20, 2007 at 23:38:29 PT
whig
Yeah three basic, simple tasks. That's what I would call the 'reality platform.' Wanna be my vice prez?
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 19:10:44 PT
whig
That sounds good to me.
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Comment #33 posted by whig on July 20, 2007 at 19:06:27 PT
Platform
1. End cannabis prohibition, automatically pardon anyone convicted of a non-violent possession or distribution/intent to distribute cannabis.2. End all American involvement in foreign wars and occupations, bring all the troops home.3. Establish universal health care and a guaranteed baseline of all necessities for every citizen of this country.But I'm not running. :)
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 19:04:48 PT
Me Too
How does President FoM sound while you're at it! LOL!Na not interested. 
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 19:03:26 PT
Jmoran 
Thank you so much for sharing your mother's story. I agree with you 100%. I saw an abortion clinic in New York City when they first legalized it in that state. Women from so far away came to that clinic. I was upset with being there and feeling so out of place but I will never forget it. I didn't approve but I understood even way back when. We can't make women criminals ever again. Let it be between her Doctor, her God and herself.
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Comment #30 posted by whig on July 20, 2007 at 19:01:25 PT
oh and...
:) 
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Comment #29 posted by whig on July 20, 2007 at 19:00:58 PT
museman
If I were running, would you vote for me?
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Comment #28 posted by museman on July 20, 2007 at 18:58:57 PT
just in case
 :)
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Comment #27 posted by museman on July 20, 2007 at 18:53:10 PT
mayan #23
"If there is a candidate that is "fully for the freedom of the people" I would like to know who they are.I've been constructing a hypothetical platform,...call it the "Reality Platform" or some such, I mean 'what's in a name?'.Considering that there was not one single candidate out there approaching what I would consider 'Real' I woke up a few mornings ago with the strangest urge to 'run' myself. Everybody thought it was a good joke.Funny thought, but yet there needs to be some topics seriously raised, from completely new or different perspective -which there really isn't- and since all those upper class socialites called 'politicians' haven't the least ability, clue, or even remote possibility of representing me or 'my people' in all of their shenanigans, the old saying 'If you want something done right, do it yourself' comes to mind.So I am constructing a platform. A virtual platform if course, I am not in competition for votes -except for that extremely minimal possibility that I am taken seriously- that I intend to primarily focus on youtube.Just an idea. So, mayan, if I 'ran,' hypothetically of course, would you support me?
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 18:38:56 PT
Greenmed
Thank you. I have it posted now.http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23195.shtml
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Comment #25 posted by Jmoran on July 20, 2007 at 18:30:38 PT
Mayan
 Ouch. 
 I wasn’t looking for any trouble. I never said that there were any that did, but personal rights mean a lot and Ron Paul seems to be all that but not the bag of chips so to speak. 
He is great for cannabis but as Sukio has stated he is personally against abortion being that he is a physician that’s not good. 
My mother had to go to an alley and meet some sleazy doctor to get an abortion because she was too scared to use a coat hanger. She was lucky and only had minor problems. 
I really do not think any of them are worthy of Americans. I just do not want to take a chance having someone that personally believes that and have a possibility he can sway in any way of changing the abortion laws. 
We have seen Bush get rid of stuff I thought was not possible.
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Comment #24 posted by greenmed on July 20, 2007 at 18:23:41 PT
Hemp Wanted in N.D.
"The rocks, the dirt, the cool, wet climate and a devastating crop fungus known as scab are part of what has landed North Dakota, of all states, at the forefront of a political battle more likely to have emerged somewhere “a little more rebellious,” as one farmer here put it, like California or Massachusetts."Complete Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/20/us/20cnd-hemp.html?hp
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Comment #23 posted by mayan on July 20, 2007 at 17:30:38 PT
jmoran
If there is a candidate that is "fully for the freedom of the people" I would like to know who they are. Please enlighten us.Sukoi, thanks for clearing up Ron Paul's stance on abortion.RED ALERT...White House preparing to stage new September 11 - Reagan official:
http://en.rian.ru/world/20070720/69340886.htmlThe terrorists aren't coming, they're here . . . in Washington:
http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_2215.shtmlNew Executive Order / Old-line Republican warns 
'something's in the works' to trigger a police state:
http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=2007072074434538FOX's Alan Colmes Confronted on New York Streets-AGAIN (video):
http://911blogger.com/node/101009/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL:
http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 17:18:59 PT
RevRayGreen
That part just started so I am going to raid the refrigerator. No not really. I'll go pet my dogs instead. LOL!
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Comment #21 posted by PatrioticDissension on July 20, 2007 at 17:07:26 PT
Bush
Perhaps when Bush gets that colonoscopy the doctors will find whats been up his butt these last 6 years.
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Comment #20 posted by RevRayGreen on July 20, 2007 at 17:05:31 PT
The 20 minutes
profiling the DEA Pot Spotter flying around the mountains of San Diego should've been left on the cutting room floor.
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 17:00:52 PT
In Pot We Trust 8 EDT Showtime
On channel 539 on DirecTV they are repeating this really good documentary.I agree whig!
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Comment #18 posted by whig on July 20, 2007 at 16:42:00 PT
FoM #11
Maybe they'll find his head in there?
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Comment #17 posted by Taylor121 on July 20, 2007 at 16:01:14 PT
Link to D'Alliance
Shocking dishonesty on Alaska usage rateshttp://blog.drugpolicy.org/2007/07/shocking-dishonesty.html
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Comment #16 posted by Taylor121 on July 20, 2007 at 16:00:36 PT
Alaskan decrim increased use in 70s? maybe not
 Shocking Dishonesty
Posted by Raphael Ginsberg   D'Alliance"I'm sort of new to a lot of these issues, and I've shocked by how dishonest arguments from representatives of the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) can be. For example, over the last ten years, they have consistently and egregiously misrepresented the findings of a 1988 study on teenage marijuana use in Alaska. In 1975, Alaska's Supreme Court decriminalized small amounts of marijuana, and the study investigated, among other things, if teenage marijuana use was affected by decriminalization. The results were inconclusive for a number of reasons, such as the lack of data on teenage marijuana use before 1983. Also, the study's author, Bernard Segal, surveyed students anonymously, while the National Household Survey interviews were conducted in person at the interviewee's home, a method Segal believed led to the "the national data underestimating drug taking behavior." Also, the influx of oil pipeline workers in the late 1970s dramatically affected drug availability and use. Altogether, Segal found that "any attempt to assess the impact of decriminalization is fraught with difficulty," and "depending on one's views, several contrasting conclusions can be made about decriminalization."Ignoring these findings, ONDCP officials have repeatedly claimed that this study showed that de-criminalization led to sky-rocketing teenage marijuana use. In 1999 testimony before Congress, Barry McCaffrey, then national director of the ONDCP, argued that "legalization of drugs in the United States would lead to a disproportionate increase in drug use among young people," falsely claiming that "marijuana use rates among Alaskan youth increased significantly" after decriminalization. In a 2002 Washington Post editorial, then director of the DEA Asa Hutchinson argued that the Alaska "court ruling became a green light for marijuana use," and claimed that the 1988 report found that Alaska's teens were using Marijuana at twice the national average. Of course, that Alaska's teenagers used marijuana at twice the national average does not necessarily mean that marijuana use had gone up after, let alone because of, decriminalization. Nevertheless, though he cites no further statistics to prove this assertion and the study reports no such thing, Hutchinson concludes that "15 years of legalization had left its mark-increased drug use by a generation of our youth."As recently as October, 2006, Thomas Gorman, director of the ONDCP-supervised Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Area Program, claimed in the Denver Post that "after Alaska legalized ounce quantities of marijuana for adults, teenage marijuana use in that state doubled to the then-national average of 23%." These claims by ONDCP representatives are completely inconsistent: at times they are that Alaska's teenage marijuana use was double the national average; at other times, that Alaska's teenage marijuana use itself had doubled.Examples of these types of distortions can be found in a wide variety of places. I initially encountered this study in an article located on the Southern Baptist Convention's website (yes, they misrepresented its findings). Unfortunately, these distortive arguments came from the highest levels of Washington's drug enforcement establishment, McCaffrey and Hutchinson. I would hope that people rise to such powerful positions by virtue of both their talent and their integrity. However, the mendacious uses of this 1988 study are anything but demonstrations of integrity, and the American people deserve leadership who will communicate with them honestly and respectfully."
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Comment #15 posted by Sukoi on July 20, 2007 at 15:40:56 PT
Ron Paul
I'd just like to set something straight; Ron Paul is indeed "personally" against abortion but he understands that this is an issue that is to be left to the states to decide individually. As a constitutionalist, he understands that the federal government has absolutely no constitutional power to venture into the realm of abortion. So even though he disagrees with it, he knows that the abortion issue is not something to be decided at the federal level. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understands his true stance on the issue.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 14:30:22 PT
OT: OxyContin on Trial for Heroin Addiction
Excerpt: A Virginia judge today will hear from parents before sentencing three execs responsible for mis-marketing prescription painkiller OxyContin. The parents say their children are addicted to heroin because of it. Monica Brady-Myerov reports.Complete Article: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2007/07/20/AM200707208.html
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 14:17:00 PT
jmoran
You're very welcome. We have the best group of activist anywhere online. We are all different ages, different sexes and have different political interests but we all show tolerance for each others opinions and that is how productive change will happen. I have learned more here on CNews then I've ever learned about important issues anywhere.
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Comment #12 posted by jmoran on July 20, 2007 at 13:58:52 PT
FoM Comments
I understand and with you all the way. Thank you very much for doing the service. It is true I have learned more for the comments then the articles. 
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 13:58:02 PT
Just Something I'm Thinking
I wish no harm to President Bush but I can't help but chuckle about the colonoscopy. Maybe the doctors will be able to figure out why he has done what he has done to us over these years. I know sick humor. LOL!
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 13:47:42 PT
jmoran
Thanks for understanding. My back really starts hurting if I need to set up and post a lot of different news. I can do a marathon if needed but I do try to keep it in check. I really want the input by everyone more then I want a lot of articles. Our comments teach those that read including the DEA I've been told that we are good, kind, dedicated people and shouldn't be treated like we are.
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Comment #9 posted by jmoran on July 20, 2007 at 13:42:30 PT
FoM
When you put it that way of course I understand. Did not realize the big picture or knew about Mapinc. Thank you very much. 
On the other commit you made about that new drug that can make you Gamble or have sex among other things is ridiculous that is okay but not Cannabis.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 13:32:10 PT
 jmoran 
I could post it but it would be an article from the UK and I am just doing news from the states. Mapinc. covers all the news so I figure they will post it. Not to mention posting a lot of articles is getting too much for me anymore. I want to concentrate on our news but I do check out news in other countries. Also it saves Mapinc. bandwidth by me being selective. I can't afford to pay them to keep CNews on their server. I hope you understand.
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Comment #7 posted by Jmoran on July 20, 2007 at 13:30:30 PT
Ron Paul
He is against abortion and that is a personal right for a woman. I am man. So he is good on some but if you are not fully for the freedom of the people then he is not good enough. 
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Comment #6 posted by Richard Zuckerman on July 20, 2007 at 13:24:06 PT:
WE SHOULD BE IN FEAR OF BEING SOFT ON GOVERNMENT!
www.RonPaul2008.com.
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Comment #5 posted by jmoran on July 20, 2007 at 13:17:37 PT
FoM
Any chance you can get that link on Britain to be posted as a news for cannabisnews . I think it would be very good for people to see that article and comment on it. The worst is calling former Cannabis smokers pot heads but say nothing about them being lushes or alcoholics or winos now that they do not smoke anymore. I grantee they drink pretty heavily now being in politics.
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Comment #4 posted by HempWorld on July 20, 2007 at 11:17:26 PT

Lots To Fear in Legal Marijuana
For low enforcement and politicos there is a heck of a lot at stake, their bread and butter! It's a classic of people versus their rulers/masters; the govt. in all its forms and the silent co-conspirators (see Iraq war) 500 Billion does not make a difference, do you think you make a difference? World-wide drug trade is also worth around 500 Billion annually. We are sucked dry by a parasites, day after day. Wake up and smell the hemp coffee.
Nobody can stop this!
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 09:32:56 PT

I Hope I Spelled This Right: Mirapex
This is off topic but one of the side effects of this drug they just showed on the news is that it could cause an increase in the desire to GAMBLE or other impulsive actions! What in the world is that all about? Just a rant.I don't believe in gambling so if I took that drug does it mean I would want to move to Las Vegas? LOL!
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 09:01:48 PT

Reefer Madness -- Is Britain Being Run by Potheads
http://www.abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=3397508&page=1
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on July 20, 2007 at 08:15:54 PT

A Link About The Author
http://andrejkoymasky.com/liv/fam/biow1/warr06.html
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