cannabisnews.com: Hemp Activists Get The Joint Jumping





Hemp Activists Get The Joint Jumping
Posted by CN Staff on September 16, 2007 at 06:54:18 PT
By O’Ryan Johnson
Source: Boston Herald 
Massachusetts -- Two of the nation’s leading advocates for legalized marijuana were arrested on Boston Common yesterday for lighting up a joint during the Boston Freedom Rally, a pro-hemp event that promotes decriminalizing the drug.R. Keith Stroup, 63, founder of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, and Rick Cusick, 53, an editor at High Times magazine, were charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. “We were smoking a joint behind the booth here,” Stroup said. “I’m sure the police would rather be chasing real criminals. We’re both productive, hard-working taxpayers.”
High Times and NORML are co-sponsors of the annual rally that celebrates pot culture and traditionally results in dozens of arrests of addle-brained youths who mistakenly believe it is legal to toke up for just that day.“A lot of them said they thought it was an amnesty,” said one of the cops at the makeshift booking area where plainclothes police led the shame-faced youths who were caught smoking reefer. The 60-plus arrested found it was not only not legal for that day but would cost them a day in court.Despite the number of arrests, while Stroup was onstage telling the crowd about his own arrest he also prompted the audience to “stand up, light up and let the world know how you feel.” The advice was heeded by men who identified themselves as Anthony Martins, 22, of West Bridgewater, and Josh Hatfield, 22, of Weymouth, and passed a joint back and forth during Stroup’s speech.“No, I don’t think it’s legal,” Martins said, when asked if he thought there was an amnesty. “It’s something I’m proud of. It’s not like I’m a heroin addict.”Asked why he was smoking pot, Martins said, “To fight the power.”Stroup, who was arrested once before 24 years ago, said he and Cusick were relaxing and smoking a joint in the park, an activity he said was no harm to anyone.Both men said police treated them well and professionally during the booking process.“I’ve been waiting 33 years to get arrested,” said Cusick, chuckling. “When it happened I was calm, like a monk. I told them I’d call my lawyer, but he got arrested with me.”Source: Boston Herald (MA)Author:  O’Ryan Johnson Published: September 16, 2007Copyright: 2007 Boston Herald and Herald MediaWebsite: http://www.bostonherald.com/Contact: letterstoeditor bostonherald.comRelated Articles & Web Site:NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/Hemp Fest Revelers Stir The Pot in Hubhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22170.shtmlFreedom Rally at Common May Support Us Allhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22168.shtml
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on September 17, 2007 at 20:15:17 PT
The Peace Train slide show?
It is beautiful. The place is beautiful and the people are beautiful.I hate war, killing, and murder.I hate death. Being partners with death is a terrible thing.
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on September 17, 2007 at 18:36:59 PT
Thanks...
I saw the protest on the freeway. I didn't see pictures like you described. I'll try again.
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Comment #34 posted by Toker00 on September 17, 2007 at 17:52:22 PT
Hope
I had that prob before this computer. That video is a three part video. First part City Council, second part overpass drop, third part um...I forgot.The pictures may be on the next page, but they are a slide show and worth the time to download. Hope that helps.Toke.
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Comment #33 posted by Hope on September 17, 2007 at 17:48:06 PT
Toker00
Obviously, you aren't talking about the video with the city council. The one with the Sheik? I only loaded the city council video. Videos are a chore on this machine.
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on September 17, 2007 at 12:19:31 PT
Toker00.
"Weren't those beautiful pictures of our Brothers and Sisters in Tehran, Iran?"Somehow, I didn't see that. I'll have to reload it this evening.
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Comment #31 posted by dongenero on September 17, 2007 at 09:57:19 PT
Iran
Looks pretty much like average people just trying to enjoy and get through life. My understanding has been, at least prior to Bush, that the Iranian people really like western culture and that seems evident in the pictures/slideshow.The problem is, they have an essentially conservative, fundamental religious government in power that opposes western culture and the US in particular. Hmmm, a conservative, fundamental religious government....sound familiar? Sounds like trouble.I don't think it matters if it's Islam, Christianity, or Shamanism, when you put conservative, fundamental religious mankind in power, believing they have the ultimate backing of a supreme God, things are headed for trouble.
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Comment #30 posted by Toker00 on September 17, 2007 at 09:45:34 PT
Hope
Weren't those beautiful pictures of our Brothers and Sisters in Tehran, Iran? Did they look like Terrorists to you or did they look like beautiful happy people, like we are sometimes? Know what BushCo. wants to do to these beautiful people? Uh-huh. He sure does. Just like our Iraqi Brothers and Sisters. And all of our other Brothers and Sisters around the world who don't want to be like us. Consumans. We are a terrible lot over here in Amerika. We have to stop All the Wars in The World. Or continue killing the people you see in the photos so the Elite can gain and maintain their power over us. They have no power but that which we give them.Toke. 
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Comment #29 posted by Hope on September 17, 2007 at 08:11:03 PT
Dang!
I got the film, but no sound.That city council is disgusting. They look like a bunch of zombies. What's wrong with them? How many of them are taking pharmaceuticals that help them zone out like that? There was an evil in that room. It was visible. It wasn't the citizens trying to be heard, either.My eyes have filled with tears at the sight of it.
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Comment #28 posted by Hope on September 17, 2007 at 06:58:08 PT
Freeway Blogging
It's loading... slowly. But those politicians! Maybe if someone came in with a big snake they'd pay attention.The 9/11 Truth people give me hope. There are some good people left in the world and it's encouraging to see them doing something. So many people just don't care about anything but their TV sets and comfort. They don't even want to know what's going on. That's scary to me. For someone who does care about what is happening, that, "Don't give a damn. Leave me alone." attitude is what gives the culprits in our world the power to get away with their bad acts against humanity. Looking through the articles on the blog, I found this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that I really like.“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
 
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Comment #27 posted by mayan on September 17, 2007 at 04:59:09 PT
Misc.
“I’m sure the police would rather be chasing real criminals. We’re both productive, hard-working taxpayers.” I wouldn't be so sure of that. The cannabis laws offer an easy way to generate revenue for more police resources and powers.Toker, those are great "freeway-blogging" pics. A great way to reach the masses!THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Pilot who flew 2 planes used on 9/11 doesn't believe official story (w/video): 
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/september2007/160907Pilot.htmActivists want 9/11 answers:
http://www.riograndeguardian.com/brief_story.asp?story_no=15Press for Truth Packs Theater on 9/11: 
http://www.jonesreport.com/articles/140907_press_truth_mn_911.html9/11 Truth Saturates The Hague After Previous Attempts to Stifle Speech: 
http://www.jonesreport.com/articles/170907_hague_911.htmlBill Maher: Corporate “Comic” and Shill for the Official 9/11 Fable:
http://adereview.com/blog/?p=419/11 Commission Report leaves much unanswered 3 years later:
http://911blogger.com/node/11399WTC 7:
http://www.wtc7.net/articles/FEMA/WTC_ch5.htm
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Comment #26 posted by Toker00 on September 17, 2007 at 03:24:50 PT
Hey guys,
we're trying down here too...Forgive the misspellings and the incompetence of our city officials in one of the videos. They are probably a lot like yours...Good videos and a great turn out in Houston!http://houston911truth.org/Toke.
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Comment #25 posted by aolbites on September 16, 2007 at 19:22:16 PT
well,
you can always comment on the pics on flikr esp the really stupid comments...-------and the other link should start getting more pics when anyone else posts pics tagged masscann [which i am sure will start happening soon...]
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on September 16, 2007 at 17:49:07 PT
aolbites
I just now looked at the other link. That wasn't good.I like this link.http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=masscann
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Comment #23 posted by Max Flowers on September 16, 2007 at 17:37:09 PT
Photog is a little worm of a man
That photographer "JB Imaging" or whatever he's called is a punk. He's making all these negative judgements about the people he's photographing and putting those in the captions.Yeah I know, it's a free country so he can write what he wants... well I'm here on the net also, and I'm free to say he's a punk. I only wish he were here to read it.
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Comment #22 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 13:05:41 PT
Toker00
I think that photographer was looking for ways to smear and taint the rally.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 13:04:27 PT
Oooh... Jack Rabbits
I love Jack Rabbits. I used to watch them out my kitchen window. They're gone now. Wiped out from this area. Haven't seen one around here in years and years.
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 13:02:38 PT
Some photographs here and more linked
http://www.masscann.org/history01.shtml
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Comment #19 posted by Toker00 on September 16, 2007 at 12:55:13 PT
Hope 
The reporter treated the event as a novelty and not a serious story. He obviously has no Cannabis culture about him what so ever.Toke.
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Comment #18 posted by Toker00 on September 16, 2007 at 12:53:25 PT
Hope
Yep. All that and giant jack rabbits too!Great pics. Stroup and Cusick, thanks for doing that. Toke.
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Comment #17 posted by aolbites on September 16, 2007 at 12:51:56 PT
yea
I agree. he sounds like a total ass.
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Comment #16 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 12:47:58 PT
Aolbites
Those photos are meant to be very negative portrayals of the people there. The photographer seems very snide and prejudiced, if his comments on the pictures are taken into account. Very negative. Unless I'm misunderstanding something, of course.http://www.flickr.com/photos/mac_addict/
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 12:33:11 PT
Toker00
Texas is known for what?I thought it was dirt, and sky, and stickers.
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Comment #14 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 12:29:21 PT
When Souder says,
"However, I believe we can begin to reduce health care costs by implementing more consumer choice, reducing bureaucratic red tape and regulation, and enacting medical liability reform to limit the ability of trial attorneys to drive up insurance premiums."He only means, "Pharmaceutical drugs"... of course.Cannabis, a natural herb, is "immoral" to use, of course.Although openly professing his Christianity, the books of the Bible have no bearing on his pseudo Christian beliefs. However, FDA approved (the FDA approval process is only to protect us, the consumer, of course) and corporately manufactured "pharmaceutical drugs" are "moral" ... according to his particular vision and version of "morality".Mr. Souder's sense of morality is severely skewed and morally reprehensible to my way of thinking. His standard of morality, what he believes is "right" and "acceptable" human behavior, is to persecute, penalize, terrorize, and put people in jail and prison for their desire to use an herb.That's part of his standard of "correct" human behavior? I wonder how he managed to get to that conclusion of "moral" human behavior?
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 11:36:23 PT
From his website
Congressman Souders position on Health Care.Congressman Souder's Position
The quality of health care in the United States is, arguably, the best in the world. While not a completely free-market system, America—more than any other country—does encourage the ongoing innovation of new medical technologies, pharmaceutical drugs and more effective treatments and surgical procedures. People from all over the world come here, to the United States, to receive health care treatments not available or difficult to obtain in their own countries.Advances in medicine have not occurred without a cost, however, and over the past several years medical costs have grown many times faster than the cost of living. Americans have seen their health insurance premiums grow by 10 percent or more annually, and some have had their benefits reduced or dropped completely. Fixing this problem will not be easy because there are no simple answers. However, I believe we can begin to reduce health care costs by implementing more consumer choice, reducing bureaucratic red tape and regulation, and enacting medical liability reform to limit the ability of trial attorneys to drive up insurance premiums.
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Comment #12 posted by nuevo mexican on September 16, 2007 at 11:36:10 PT
60 arrested at Boston Freedom rally:
Only 5,000 attended according to this article, I assume is half the number that actually were there, we'll see.People are clogging the machine up at this point, the more the merrier, the time has come, as leaders are leading!NORML founder Keith Stroup arrested at Boston Freedom RallyStroup and Cusick were among the 60-plus people arrested by Boston Police during the six-hour festival in Boston Common. They received Possession Class D tickets and were discharged with the instructions that they were not to return to the park. Of course, they did, both speaking to the a crowd of 5,000 people later in the day.
http://www.celebstoner.com/content/view/350/1/
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on September 16, 2007 at 11:10:07 PT
aolbites
Thanks for the link!
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Comment #10 posted by aolbites on September 16, 2007 at 11:05:55 PT
more pics
from some newspaper photoghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mac_addict/
flikr serch - masscann
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Comment #9 posted by Toker00 on September 16, 2007 at 10:20:34 PT
FoM
Patience Toker00, patience. Thanks FoM. I was sort of kidding but my excitement was real. We never have anything like this in Texas. Texas is known for what? OIL BARONS. CATTLE BARONS. LAND BARONS. Along with them are the World Bankers who suck like leeches off these Capitalist Giants. Agricultural states seem to have and allow a more Hemp fest atmosphere than here in this land of Bullsh*t and Oil Refineries. It is so soothing to my eyes and then my soul to see these people celebrating what I can only fantasize about the people doing around here. When you combine that beautiful plant with the beautiful humans the Creator put on this Earth, you have a Perfect Relationship. Those pictures reflect that to me. I will have to content myself with the fact that it takes time to put news on the Internet. No one fetches it faster C-newsers. Patience Toker...Toke.  
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Comment #8 posted by Sam Adams on September 16, 2007 at 09:21:39 PT
Who's addled-brained
Interesting that the Herald decided to lie about people thinking there was amnesty (not sure how this is possible when people are warned on stage about undercover pigs repeatedly).  Instead of asking why law enforcement spent thousands to harass a bunch of teenagers. They could have pointed out that Seattle and Portland chose not to arrest anyone at their cannabis festivals.Meanwhile, just 10 miles to the west, this guy was convicted twice of raping children in the last 10 years and somehow is still out on the loose raping. I guess all the piggies are busy chasing cannabis users.Maybe we should start giving free cannabis to violent child molesters so that we can jail them for 20 years the first time? Arrest is made in rape of boy, 6DNA aids police in '06 Cape caseBy Michael Naughton, Globe Correspondent | September 16, 2007A Waltham man, whom police had been working to identify for more than a year, was arrested Friday for allegedly raping a 6-year-old boy in Hyannis.Police arrested John Cox, 40, at his Waltham workplace and charged him with rape of a child with force.Cox, a registered level-three sex offender, was previously convicted twice of raping children in other Massachusetts communities, according to Barnstable police.The Sex Offender Registry Board designates level-three offenders as being a high risk to commit further offenses.In May 2006, Cox allegedly sexually assaulted the 6-year-old, who was visiting from Connecticut, in the communal locker room at a Hyannis hotel, according to Barnstable police.The boy, who was at the hotel with his family and used the swimming pool, told police about the assault. Cox was not registered at the hotel.Cox was identified as a suspect after Barnstable and State Police collected forensic DNA evidence from the crime scene and verified the DNA source through a sex-offender database."If it wasn't for the DNA and this database, I don't know how well the case would have gone. I think it would have been a hard case to crack," said Barnstable police Sergeant Sean Sweeney."It shows you that the system does work," he said.Cox's convictions were for the rape of a child with force in October 1997 and indecent assault on a child under 14 in October 2001. He will be arraigned tomorrow. 
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on September 16, 2007 at 09:17:17 PT
Toker00
I looked but I haven't found anymore so far. I am having trouble with Yahoo news search but maybe someone else could check because they often put up pictures.
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Comment #6 posted by Toker00 on September 16, 2007 at 09:09:44 PT
FoM!
I want more pictures! More, Please! Must have more....!: )Toke.
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Comment #5 posted by OverwhelmSam on September 16, 2007 at 09:08:07 PT
I Don't Think They Care About The Money
Souder, the anti-marijuana pusher in Congress, says taking drugs is immoral. What about one of the seven deadly sins known as glutony. Souder obviously doesn't care about this sin. Heck, he's probably stuffing his face as I type. And what about vanity. It's not nice to think you are better than everyone else just because you don't consume cannabis Souder. You're going to Hell when you die and God speed.I still don't see how this King of Sinners gets elected every two years. Surely there are several people in Wayne Indiana better than this evil man.
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Comment #4 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 09:06:12 PT
Stop Wasting our Money!!!
You Wastrels!!!Everybody who wants pot smoker's arrested... pay the cost by yourself!!!Out of YOUR pocket!!! Not ours!!!Take up a collection, you fascist creepos!
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Comment #3 posted by Hope on September 16, 2007 at 08:56:04 PT
You're right Richard!
No more tax dollars wasted on jailing pot smokers!!!!Stop wasting our money!!!!No more arresting and jailing pot smokers!!!!Arresting pot smokers is a foolish waste of our tax dollars!!!!
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Comment #2 posted by Richard Zuckerman on September 16, 2007 at 08:41:33 PT:
HOW MANY TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT ON ARRESTS!
How many tax dollars were spent for the arrests of pot possession or use at the festivity?
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on September 16, 2007 at 06:56:33 PT
Picture from The Boston Freedom Rally
http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/a2973effc2_091507hempfestma008.jpg
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