cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Referendum Looms Large in Hailey










  Marijuana Referendum Looms Large in Hailey

Posted by CN Staff on October 31, 2007 at 07:59:21 PT
By Terry Smith 
Source: Idaho Mountain Express  

Idaho -- If a set of proposed marijuana legalization initiatives are approved in Hailey, a maelstrom of opposition may arise from state and federal government. The Idaho Attorney General's Office declined to say what it will do if marijuana is legalized in the city, but issued the following statement on Monday through spokeswoman Kriss Bivens Cloyd:
"The municipalities do not have the authority to repeal state or federal criminal laws. Under state and federal law possession of marijuana is a crime." But there's no need to get excited yet. The initiatives would require that Hailey establish a Community Oversight Committee to work out the details of legalization. The committee would be allowed up to one year to get its work done. Jack Van Valkenburgh, executive director of the Idaho chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, an organization with extensive experience in constitutional law litigation, agreed that state law would supercede local law, but said he supports the marijuana legalization initiatives nonetheless. "Local measures need to comply with state law, but if it gets the discussion going that's great," Van Valkenburgh said. "I think it's great that it's going forward as an educational venture. I'd like to see it pass overwhelmingly." If legalization initiatives are approved and implemented, somebody will likely sue, but there's no clear-cut procedure that falls into place when local law conflicts with state law, or even when state law conflicts with federal law—Americans fought a bloody civil war over that kind of political conflict. "It will be litigated in some way or another," Van Valkenburgh said. Hailey's electorate will vote on four different marijuana legalization or reform measures on Nov. 6. The initiatives were started by Ryan Davidson, a former Bellevue resident who now lives in Garden City and is the chairman of The Liberty Lobby of Idaho. Meanwhile, Hailey City Attorney Ned Williamson warned that approval and implementation of the legalization measures could be a costly to Hailey taxpayers. "If any or all of these four initiatives are passed by the voters, then I would expect a court challenge," Williamson wrote in a letter to the editor to the Idaho Mountain Express. "The defense of any of these initiatives would subject Hailey taxpayers to potentially significant attorney fees and costs." A potential legal battle looms, but that's sort of the whole idea to Davidson, a dedicated, if not fanatical, advocate of government reform. The Hailey initiatives are part of a grassroots effort that he hopes will spread statewide and beyond. "If they all pass and they all get thrown out, then it still wasn't in vain because sending the message is the most important aspect of the thing," Davidson said. "If the initiatives pass and no one ever sues, then theoretically you could have marijuana shops in Hailey," he said. "But the county's not going to allow that to happen. The sheriff's likely to arrest anyone in Hailey violating marijuana laws." Hailey police aren't particularly worried about the implications of the initiatives. "There will be a lot of legal possibilities until we get into what we're going to do," said Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter. Four Different Pot Initiatives: Hailey voters will encounter a lengthier ballot than usual when they step into voting booths on Nov. 6. The Hailey City Council opted to print the initiatives in their entirety, rather than try to summarize them for quicker reading. All four of the proposed initiatives are lengthy. Voters who want to read them in advance can pick up copies at Hailey City Hall or view them on they city's web site at: http://www.haileycityhall.orgFollowing is a brief summary of the four initiatives. - The Hailey Cannabis Regulation and Revenue Ordinance. Just as the title implies, the initiative would require that the city regulate sales and use of cannabis, a scientific name for marijuana, and would allow the city to tax the substance. Davidson considers this the most important of the four initiatives. It doesn't implicitly say that marijuana would be legal in the city, but establishes a framework to come up with the details. The framework would be the Community Oversight Committee. It would be allowed to deliberate for a year before finalizing legalization specifics. The initiative also would require that the city of Hailey lobby other branches of the government for the reform of marijuana laws. · The Hailey Medical Marijuana Act would legalize medical use of marijuana. The details of legalization would be worked out by the Community Oversight Committee. This, and the following initiative, would also require that the city lobby for marijuana reform. - The Hailey Lowest Police Priority Act. Davidson thinks this one has the greatest chance of approval. The initiative would make investigation of adult marijuana use the city's lowest law enforcement priority. - The Hailey Industrial Hemp Act. This fourth initiative would legalize industrial use of hemp, a marijuana byproduct consisting of the fibrous stems. Industrial hemp is not usable by marijuana smokers since it's low on THC, the chemical that induces a high. - Simple Majority. A simple majority is required for passage of any or all of the four initiatives. Note: Litigation likely if pot initiatives approved by electorate.Source: Idaho Mountain Express (ID)Author: Terry SmithPublished: October 31, 2007Copyright: 2007 Express Publishing, Inc.Contact:  letters mtexpress.comWebsite: http://www.mtexpress.com/Related Articles:Marijuana Advocate Battles With Ketchumhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23394.shtmlMarijuana Initiative Makes Hailey Ballot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23358.shtml

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Comment #94 posted by Hope on November 07, 2007 at 05:44:58 PT
Hailey, Idaho....wonderful!
That's really wonderful! Congratulations to the sons and daughters of Liberty, Peace, and Freedom!
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Comment #93 posted by FoM on November 07, 2007 at 05:33:28 PT
We Won In Idaho All But One
http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php
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Comment #92 posted by FoM on November 05, 2007 at 08:20:08 PT
Related Article from The Associated Press
ID Pro-Marijuana Backer Says Policy, Not Pot at Stake in Vote 
***
 November 5, 2007 HAILEY, Idaho (AP) - Call it a "Rocky Mountain High."Voters in Hailey, Idaho in the central Rockies will vote tomorrow on four initiatives to ease restrictions on marijuana.Officials with the Idaho Attorney General's office say the vote won't change anything, because state and federal law already make pot illegal.But Ryan Davidson, a libertarian Republican who says he doesn't smoke, believes the initiatives are the first step in getting state law changed.1 of his measures would decriminalize marijuana, another would make arresting people for pot the lowest police priority.The other two would make industrial hemp and medical marijuana legal.Some Hailey officials fear if any of the initiatives pass, costly lawsuits could follow.Copyright 2007 The Associated Presshttp://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=7312499
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Comment #91 posted by afterburner on November 01, 2007 at 22:36:16 PT
Speaking of Voter Initiatives
Any word on how Michigan's initiative by the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care is progressing? How many more signatures are required? What is the deadline to get it on the November 2008 ballot?
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Comment #90 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 16:37:16 PT
mayan
I have a preference for Obama but I will vote for other's in the Democratic Party. If Obama doesn't win I will understand and will accept that he couldn't do it. I won't push him like people feel a need to push Ron Paul. How about a little respect for those who don't care about Ron Paul?
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Comment #89 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 16:33:45 PT
mayan
I like all of the Democratic candidates except Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.
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Comment #88 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 16:33:26 PT
Dankhank
That's very true.
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Comment #87 posted by mayan on November 01, 2007 at 16:24:06 PT
whig
I don't really care about the candidate you support. So why not support him in his primary and leave the general election discussion until after that.
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Comment #86 posted by Dankhank on November 01, 2007 at 16:19:31 PT
loving women ...
here's how it's done in our compassionate conservative country ...http://alternet.org/rights/66637/
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Comment #85 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 15:58:21 PT
mayan
I don't really care about Ron Paul and no other Republican is running that anyone here supports. So why not support him in the Republican primary and leave the general election discussion until after that.
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Comment #84 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 15:55:42 PT
mayan
I don't want drastic drug law reform, I want to end cannabis prohibition, and then deal with other substances individually.
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Comment #83 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 15:54:12 PT
FoM
I think we're doomed to repeat it anyhow, but if we've learned the lessons we can take a step back and not worry about how to manage it because we know how.
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Comment #82 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 15:43:37 PT
whig
There really isn't anything new under the sun. We can learn from the past or we are doomed to repeat it. 
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Comment #81 posted by mayan on November 01, 2007 at 15:34:45 PT
It's About TIME!
The Ron Paul Revolution:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1678661,00.htmlLike him or not, at least Ron Paul is making it safe for a candidate to endorse drastic drug-law reform. Someone has to break the ice!
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Comment #80 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 15:29:10 PT
FoM
History repeats in ways that are kind of funny, and these stories are lessons from times that have happened before.
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Comment #79 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 15:23:34 PT

Whig
That particular Bible story gave me strength to stand for my beliefs.
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Comment #78 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 15:18:35 PT

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadrach%2C_Meshack%2C_and_AbednegoSome time later, King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and set it up in Babylon. He ordered that whenever the people heard the sound of the "horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music," they would bow down and worship the image or else be thrown into a blazing furnace.Sounds like the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
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Comment #77 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 15:16:59 PT

Whig
Yes I did. I named my puppy Mishach but I never got to having an animal that I named Abednego? I would have but my parents restricted my volume of pets to a degree! LOL!

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Comment #76 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 15:12:23 PT

FoM
Did you have other animals named Mishach and Abednego?
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Comment #75 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 15:01:39 PT

That Link I Posted Didn't Work
Let's see if this one works.http://tinyurl.com/367h62
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Comment #74 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 14:59:32 PT

whig
I had a little donkey (burro) and he was adorable. His name was Shadrach from the Bible. He was very stubborn though. LOL!http://k43.pbase.com/u38/rotalbar/large/25136435.burro.jpg
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Comment #73 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 14:54:25 PT

ryno35 
Thank you for the link. I also am Pro-Choice like Senator Obama is. Senator Obama also cares about drug laws.http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008667878
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Comment #72 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 14:50:55 PT

And yes
Democrats are donkeys.
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Comment #71 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 14:49:28 PT

ryno35
I think Republicans are hypocrites for the most part. A bunch of moralizing asses that get wide stance treatment.
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Comment #70 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 14:44:51 PT

Dankhank 
Thank you so much. I feel so darn alone among so many Republicans.
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Comment #69 posted by Dankhank on November 01, 2007 at 14:16:52 PT

liking women ...
what a concept ...does a man like women if he:won't allow her control over her body ...won't allow her contraception ...won't allow young girls to get an injection that prevents disease ...here's what South dakota tried to do ...http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/03/06/sd.abortion/index.htmlMississippi is 'bout as bad, they have run all but one clinic out of the state ....The idea that those who don't like a law can move is laughable ... really want millions of new residents in the more liberal states? A new way to vote ... with the feet ...Picking up and moving across half a continent is not easy, costing a lot ... there are some in here that have done that ...Those who believe that Ron Paul is the best of a bad bunch should consider that if he won, all the assholes would still be in that party, able to continue hateful policies and pursue "undesirables" as part of the new government.Hillary as the worst of a good bunch would still be at the behest of a mostly "right-thinking" bunch of folks who could keep her in line. republicans are the ones who are trying to institute Facism in America, with the help of some confused Dems.a thrashing of the repugs is what's in order to wake them up and to alert the soft Dems to shape up ...
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Comment #68 posted by ryno35 on November 01, 2007 at 14:13:52 PT

FoM
I happen to be against all drug laws. And to many people that means I must want everyone to get addicted to cocaine or meth or something and see our communities destroyed. But they never consider that maybe mine is the more compassionate position. And even if they wouldn't agree with that it would be nice if they could accept the fact that I believe my position the most just and compassionate and not assign an evil motivation to my opinion.Do you think Republicans are against (embryonic) stem cell research because they don't like sick people? No it's for the same reason most are pro-life. It is based in a religious view that life is sacred, given by God and we have no right to create and destroy it at our discretion. And in their view someone who doesn't show that same respect for life foments an attitude of disrespect for life.http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060628-call_to_renewal/This speech by Obama really sums up what I'm trying to say here. It's because of this speech that I will vote for him if Ron Paul doesn't get the nomination and he does.
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Comment #67 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 13:26:35 PT

ryno35
They are also against stem cell research. The abortion issue is only one of many things that bother me about Republicans. 
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Comment #66 posted by ryno35 on November 01, 2007 at 13:16:47 PT

FoM
Men don't carry children so you're comparsion there between a woman's body and a man's body doesn't really hold up when one is a of the pro-life persuasion. The pro-life position is one that holds women responsible for a separate life inside them and the "right to your own body" argument falls apart when you feel that an unborn baby is as much a person as you and I. A pro-lifer would say that a woman has no more right to kill her born children than she does to kill her unborn children.With that said I don't believe any person who is pro-life would object to the termination of an Ectopic Pregnancy. The baby has no chance of survival and allowing the pregnancy to continue would certainly kill the mother as well.I'm not trying to argue the pro-life position here as much as I'm trying to get people to see both sides. Basically I'm responding to your "I am beginning to think that many republicans don't like women" comment. Because being pro-life/anti-abortion has nothing to do with not liking women.
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Comment #65 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 08:43:28 PT

dongenero
Thank you. I never can leave something hanging if I think about it long enough. I think it's a curse rather then a blessing. LOL!
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Comment #64 posted by dongenero on November 01, 2007 at 08:39:52 PT

FoM
Yes, that is the point exactly.I think the concept of federalism (states rights) is desirable and obviously very necessary for social progress (cannabis laws for instance) but, not when used to limit fundamental individual rights.I know the next step is to argue, "what is a fundamental right". And then, it all generally bogs down.
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Comment #63 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 08:33:03 PT

dongenero
I understand state's rights but some state's have abused it in the past. Obama taught Constitutional law so I assume he is very familiar with all these issues. If the Feds can't ever override a state on issues like slavery which is still going on with Mexicans not Black nowadays how can we prevent religious extremists from taking over like in Iraq and other countries? 
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Comment #62 posted by dongenero on November 01, 2007 at 08:23:59 PT

abortion arguement - off topic but close
The question still remains at the state level as to whether government should be able to limit a woman's right to choose an abortion.I think it is one thing to say states should have a right to experiment with giving citizens MORE freedom than is afforded under Federal law. That seems to be in the spirit of our Constitution and Bill of Rights.I don't think anyone could successfully argue that states should be allowed to experiment with slavery, even if the state's voters approved it. This would be a time for the Feds to step in as they did.A point about abortion that is somewhat analgous to cannabis prohibition is the notion that if it is illegal it will not happen. As with cannabis, this notion is also a fallacy with regard to abortion. It will continue to exist underground, in high numbers and with great medical risk.Abortion would be a terrible decision to have to make and I find myself always conflicted about it but, there is such a push for government to control all aspects of our lives, at very very personal levels, limiting our basic freedom. This, I think we cannot allow. Perhaps laws, prohibitions and punishments are not the way to achieve progress in such an issue.
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Comment #61 posted by thestales on November 01, 2007 at 07:46:35 PT

Republican
Oh and I try not to lump all republicans and democrats into one barrell.I would rather have Ron paul than Hillary, and Dennis Kucinich instead of Mitt Romney.The problem is that the republicans these days are so far from being true republicans....most are fascist. I agree that in general as a party, they stink...but there are a few good ones out there.
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Comment #60 posted by thestales on November 01, 2007 at 07:42:45 PT

Ron Paul
FOM, I see where you are coming from and I beleive that a Womens body is her own and she should be free to make that choice.Ron is not trying to outlaw abortion, rather, give the powers to the states to legislate how they please, as I feel it should be. If mississippi voters want it illegal, then so be it, but I would just have to move if I lived there. That way you can have the wonderful variety of people this country offers, and not have one HUGE government trying to control my everything. Then you can have California Voters vote for what they want and some crazy backwoods state vote for what they want.I just feel that the local people should have the power...and if you don't like the people you are living around, you can move.
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Comment #59 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 07:07:27 PT

ryno35
I look at it this way. My one sister would have bled to death if a surgical abortion had not been done. She had 6 children and what would have happened to those children without their mother? I don't want men making decisions about a woman's reproductive system any more then a man would want a woman to decide anything about a man's reproductive system. The Republicans hate abortion but when a child is born and is born into poverty they don't seem to care if they make it or not. The Republicans are for the death penalty but want to make a woman a criminal over an abortion. Remember people have been executed and then they found out they weren't guilty. What about their life and family?
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Comment #58 posted by ryno35 on November 01, 2007 at 06:57:34 PT

FoM
The thing about abortion is both sides think the other is insensitive and doesn't care. You think Ron Paul and the Republicans don't care about women and a pro-life'r would think that you don't care about the sanctity of human life. When you believe as a pro-life'r does that God gives us life and it starts in the womb, no one has a right to take that life other than God. So you see it's not about compassion for women, it's about compassion for everyone including the unborn.However I will agree that many pro-life'rs don't have the compassion they should for the women involved because they see them as violating a sacred right to life given by God. And they also don't see the compassion of the pro-choice'r who feels strongly about the women involved. In the end I think everyone who cares about this issues does so out of compassion - just directed at different entities. Therein lies the problem.
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on November 01, 2007 at 05:49:49 PT

BGreen
I would love to see the laws changed but Ron Paul is against about everything I believe in so like has been said by others here I also am not a one issue voter. If I was a one issue voter I would be standing behind Mike Gravel or Dennis Kucinich but never a Republican. They have wrecked our country and I want them out of power until they fix their Party and hopefully it will be for many years. I hope that those who like Ron Paul post on his blog like people post on Obama's blog who support him. I don't want people who read CNews to think that we support him. 
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Comment #56 posted by mayan on November 01, 2007 at 04:50:43 PT

A Couple More
Now Playing at Reason.tv: Drew Carey Defends Medical Marijuana:
http://www.reason.com/blog/show/123282.htmlFINEST GOES TO 'POT':
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11012007/news/regionalnews/finest_goes_to_pot_930351.htm
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Comment #55 posted by mayan on November 01, 2007 at 02:51:27 PT

Still Censorin'
CLEAR CHANNEL, REPUBLICAN PROPAGANDA NETWORK, OUT TO KILL SPRINGSTEEN'S MAGIC? 
http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2007/10/clear-channel-republican-propaganda.htmlF*ck Clear Channel!!!
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Comment #54 posted by Mike on November 01, 2007 at 02:31:17 PT

whig
No! I have not. I only watched free clips and read a few posts on message boards. I enjoyed what I did watch, however. I can see how having someone like him on this side of the cause might help influence an entirely different demographic than people who visit weed boards or are predisposed to be reading books from any author on cannabis. Regardless of how right that author may be. I certainly doesn't hurt. Anything to gain numbers. That's what its all about. It certainly isn't truth, or we wouldn't be dealing with prohibition laws in the first place.
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Comment #53 posted by whig on November 01, 2007 at 00:39:57 PT

Mike
Have you actually watched the DVD yourself? It wasn't clear that you had or hadn't.
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Comment #52 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on November 01, 2007 at 00:18:44 PT

whig
That's what I'd like to know!The only review I've seen was Loretta Nall's. She thought it was pretty useless, but she doesn't post here and Mike doesn't respect her for some odd reason.So is there anyone who posts here, who Mike respects, who has actually seen Barry Cooper's dvd? And if you have, do you think it will keep you from ever being busted?
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Comment #51 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 23:53:17 PT

Sinsemilla Jones
The thing is really interesting, in that I've never ever read or heard of anyone actually recommending his DVD except him. Some people may like him personally, but who has actually reviewed his product and can say that it is good?
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Comment #50 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on October 31, 2007 at 23:42:58 PT

I doubt Cooper's LEO status will hold much sway...
when those folks he can supposedly reach because of such, find out he is unconcerned that his advice can be used by smugglers of heroin and cocaine as well as marijuana. Even the accusation that he is aiding terrorism could be lodged at him. He probably is sincere, but I think he is also probably somewhat misguided and self-serving in his approach. 
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Comment #49 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 22:51:27 PT

whig
Yes. Jack Herer is a very good man. If only *everyone* could see him as we here do. The Emperor Wears No Clothes should be required reading in schools.
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Comment #48 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 22:41:13 PT

runruff
I believe Jack Herer is a very good man.
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Comment #47 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on October 31, 2007 at 22:35:12 PT

Well, I paid for Jack's book.
Way back in the 20th century, before there was an internet. It was well worth the money. Lots of good information that I was unaware of.I wouldn't begrudge Cooper some money, if he had some good useful information in return, though I've yet to hear that his dvd has such, except from him. But there's no way in hell I'd ever send him my name and address. And I'll wait till he offers his information free online, before using Piratebay, because the last thing I'm going to do is steal from a law enforcement officer, former or not.
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Comment #46 posted by runruff on October 31, 2007 at 22:32:55 PT:

Jack Herer   Co.
I have spent time with Jack and Co. I have witnessed that Jack makes money verious ways through his campaign. He is is not rich. He devotes 100% of his time to his cause and I believe He is entitled to make at least a living. From what I saw he lived quite modestly. He owned the first hemp store. It is still open and located at Vinice Beach. He sells his books in verious languages around the world.
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Comment #45 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 22:24:07 PT

BGreen
It seems to me that Republicans should vote for Ron Paul in their primary. I don't see why anyone would have a problem with that. The general election is a long way away still, more than a year.
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Comment #44 posted by BGreen on October 31, 2007 at 22:19:29 PT

I don't expect you to agree with me, FoM
I seriously doubt if even Ron Paul would be against abortion in cases of rape, incest or when the health of the mother is in danger.I totally agree that there are specific reasons where abortion would be necessary. I doubt if the majority of abortions that take place are a result of any of the three above mentioned reasons.There is no reason that any woman shouldn't have access to the morning after pill. That should be addressed and women should be educated that they have a couple of days to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.A bigger issue is that if Ron Paul had his way, there wouldn't be any need for CNews.com anymore and we could all "come out of the closet" and hang out with each other in person.None of the leading democrats offer us that hope.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #43 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 21:59:48 PT

FoM
I do understand. Believe me. But there's much more serious concerns this election than abortion. Ron Paul wants to give the power back to the states, where it should be.Abortionists already had enough power to hold their cause through the Bush years. That support isn't going to vanish.Its our cause that needs the help right now. And not just our cause, but our very existence as a nation may hang in the balance. As a matter of record, however, I would desire Obama after Ron Paul. (Although Ron Paul has the momentum to win, I don't think he has the time) 
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Comment #42 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 21:51:55 PT

You misunderstand.
I'm not attacking Herer at all. But the general public who is already buying into the DEA brainwashing nonsense will be more likely to listen to a former drug cop than someone who's made money selling cannabis books over the years. (Perhaps I should have used Ed Rosenthal as a better example.)And yes, his books, minus graphics, are now free online. That's the only way I personally read them. Perhaps in 20 years Cooper will make his material free online. Maybe then I'll watch it all. (Although you can already download it free via Piratebay.)

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Comment #41 posted by RevRayGreen on October 31, 2007 at 21:11:15 PT

Nothing but love for Loretta
that wasn't my point. She's a fighter.If the end result of the rise in the counter culture is legal marijuana either medical or recreational in our life the gain will be never having to worry about going to jail and paying $$$$$ in fines for starters.
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Comment #40 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 21:09:59 PT

Sinsemilla Jones
If I understand Mike's argument, the public is more likely to believe a former DEA agent who lied for a living, than Jack Herer who sells his books if you want to pay for it but he also gives them away free online and has dedicated his life to this cause.
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 21:09:56 PT

BGreen
My one sister had 7 children and doesn't believe in birth control being a practicing Catholic and I'll tell you her story. Before her last child was conceived she became pregnant but it was an Ectopic Pregnancy. She had to have a surgical abortion or she could have died it was that serious. Here is an explanation of an Ectopic Pregnancy. She was fortunate to live and to have one more child after that pregnancy.http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ectopic_pregnancy/article_em.htm
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 20:52:03 PT

greenmed
I'm glad you liked the idea. The United States are north, south, east and west and we need to stop fighting over heaven knows what.
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Comment #37 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on October 31, 2007 at 20:49:50 PT

Mike
I doubt you'll win too many friends for Barry Cooper by attacking Jack Herer and Loretta Nall.As for Loretta's "demeanor", whatever that means, try working for marijuana reform in Alabama and see what your demeanor is like. I can definitely understand how someone who has had their home raided by a drug task force might have a pretty skeptical "demeanor" towards someone who used to raid homes for a living.As for Jack Herer making money, his book, The Emeror Wears No Clothes - Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy is worth every penny, yet he puts it up free online!And unless you have evidence to the contrary, neither Loretta nor Jack has ever busted anybody.Have you bought Barry Cooper's DVD? Is it worth it? Will it really keep me from being busted?Why doesn't Barry Cooper give out his information free online?
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 20:49:35 PT

BGreen 
I usually agree with you but I can't on this one. If everyone was responsible we wouldn't need a government really. Rape by a father and no access to a morning after pill is one reason a young girl would seek an abortion. Life threatening health issues for a pregnant mother would be another. These aren't solved by being responsible.
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Comment #35 posted by greenmed on October 31, 2007 at 20:28:46 PT

FoM
Obama - Edwards. What a great ticket that would be. Each Democrat president at least since JFK has either been or had a running mate from the South. If there were a bumper sticker available, I'd stick one on now.
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Comment #34 posted by BGreen on October 31, 2007 at 20:10:19 PT

Surgical abortion is a moot point
Contraception is readily available, and there are "morning after" pills that work up to 72 hours after the fact.If women took ANY responsibility for their reproductive health they wouldn't need surgical abortions.Mrs. Green and I don't have any kids by choice. It's not that we haven't gone through the motions but we have enough common sense to protect ourselves against an unwanted pregnancy.If we don't get somebody in the White House who will stop cannabis arrests then millions of men and women are screwed. If surgical abortion is outlawed in all 50 states then women will still have legal options to stop unwanted pregnancies, they'll just have to take more responsibility for their actions.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 19:39:51 PT

 RevRayGreen 
What a good idea!
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 19:37:55 PT

greenmed
I think that an Obama - Edwards ticket would be great. They get along and seem to think in similar manners. The two of them were great last night. It was wonderful to see them catch her spinning in a live on air debate. When I looked at some of the faces she made last night she looked just like Bush to me! I don't want another Republican in the White House. 
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Comment #31 posted by RevrayGreen on October 31, 2007 at 19:33:04 PT

I know there are some issues
from some activists for their dislike of Barry Cooper.
I know of Loretta and her demeanor, but what other ex-cop besides the LEAP members are trying to make change by speaking out.Most of us get into activism after years of being in the culture all to scared to exercise our right to free speech,then bam you get arrested, look around and decide to educate others on the truth. Why ? it takes righteous individuals to speak the truth so one day we can all obtain a legal financial gain instead of being underground.BC should go on the Campaign Trail with Chris Dodd, I think I'll send him a message on myspace :)
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Comment #30 posted by greenmed on October 31, 2007 at 19:29:07 PT

FoM
Obama and Edwards each did well, I thought. The race is now getting interesting, and there's a long way to go. Perhaps we will actually have a real choice that is not just the lesser of two threats.I wish every nominee could have had, or will have, a chance to answer the decriminalization question. Somehow I don't have a lot of confidence in Ms. Clinton's making any significant change, considering that her "copresidency" with Bill saw such a staggering increase in Cannabis incarcerations.
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 19:28:01 PT

I Just Found This Article About Ron Paul
I read it and I can't believe he believes the way he does.http://greenoptions.com/2007/10/31/power_to_the_people_pride_goeth_before_ron_paul
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 18:54:09 PT

Mike
I am voting for Obama not Clinton. I believe he stands a good chance particularly after how well he did last night. Ron Paul should know better but he wants to make women criminals again if they need to have an abortion. That is cruel and shows no heart. I am beginning to think that many republicans don't like women.
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 18:48:58 PT

runruff 
I'm glad you liked the article. I believe everything you are saying but I have come to an acceptance that it might be too late to fix. I try to keep my focus on the moment so I don't miss it if that makes sense. We lost Robin (MBC) and I don't know if you were here and remember her. My heart hurts over losing her. Lord knows we tried to make her feel better but it didn't work. She came here to CNews to say goodbye and I will never forget it. I want to plan my future wisely so when we retire we will be able to tune out and enjoy life. Can you listen to music? Neil Young has a new CD out and I like many of the songs but I love the last song on the CD called The Way. Check it out if you can and want to.Here is The Way:http://streamos.wbr.com/wmedia/wbr/neilyoung/audio/chromedreamsii/neilyoung_010_the-way_56.waxHere are all the songs: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rust/message/192087
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Comment #26 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 18:48:57 PT

Mike
Why do you say Jack Herer made money from cannabis? That's quite a charge.
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Comment #25 posted by runruff on October 31, 2007 at 18:20:21 PT:

Thanx for the Salem News article, FoM
That was a great article but it reminds me of how frustrated I am with the unconstitutional, runaway, government that we now have. The Supreme Court is just plain wrong. It is a part of the same power structure. The DEA is an illegal police department enforcing illegal laws. They are in our face saying, "yeah, whatcha' gonna do about it"? The mega-Drug corps spent 167 million on congressional election campaigns the last election cycle. The have two lobbiest for each and every congressperson. They litrally write legislation, hand them to committees and they are voted into laws. If they conflict with constitutional law they just change the constitution or reinterpret it. The controlled sustance act for example.
The feds simply have to much money. The founding Fathers said that if an income tax was allowed to fund federal government that they would never get enough to satisfy them and centralized power would grow out of control. Once again those long haired old pot heads new what they were talking about. A revolution is way over due.
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Comment #24 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 18:08:38 PT

Giving back
As far as I'm concerned, he's giving his reparation now. And doing a damn good job of it. If only all the others could follow in his example and genuinely regret the terrible harm they've caused (even if they've previously been brainwashed to believe otherwise.) I'm grateful for any positive influence in this sea of madness that's irreparably harmed so many - and murdered many including Robin. "Give me liberty or give me death." Indeed. This is about ending the insanity. I see Cooper as an enemy who defected to our side. See, the general public is more likely to listen to the words of a former top drug LEO than they will, for example, listen to someone like Jack Herer, who made money himself because of Cannabis. DEA and LEO know this, and will stop at nothing to discredit Cooper and try to cast question and doubt over his motives. His words are hurting them. I like Cooper. You may not. We disagree on that point. However, I do believe we are on the same side of this war. Our approaches may be different, but I think we are both looking towards the same general finish line - like everyone here in the CNews family.And now changing the subject a wee bit...http://sendtherightmessage.com/reportcard.html I can't wait to see the Democrat report card. I did fear the presidential election next year would be between the two worst possible candidates. Fortunately Clinton is showing her true colors to the masses after last night: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1007/6634.html And mayan's link shows Ron Paul is drastically gaining on Giuliani. Clinton or Giuliani. That's like picking which side of the bridge you want to jump off. Sorry if I sound cynical, but I've lived to see a lot of elections and have heard a lot of empty fancy talk by both Republicans and Democrats. I know how to recognize BS. Ron Paul is the only one telling it like it is, and being honest about what he believes in. And guess what? He probably won't be elected because of it. For that I hope I am wrong. Otherwise, the WOD may become the least of our problems very soon.
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 18:02:45 PT

Correction
I must be wrong. It isn't on C-Span. Sorry about that. 
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 17:46:35 PT

Last Nights Democratic Debate at 9 PM ET C-Span
I'm watching it again and those who missed it might be able to check it out. Thought I'd pass it on. I really like the Democrats that are running all but Clinton.
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Comment #21 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 16:50:28 PT

Mike
How much money should he give in reparation to the people and families he destroyed?
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Comment #20 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 16:41:09 PT

Cooper
Not only do I think he should charge for the implied value alone, I hope he gets filthy rich doing it. I would. That's part of living in a supposedly free capitalistic society.
 As he urges other LEOs, "Come over to the side of light!" All the more power to him. 
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Comment #19 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 15:13:57 PT

mayan
I think we should have Barry Cooper come explain himself and help us help people without it being for money.
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Comment #18 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 15:12:48 PT

mayan
Good point. Cooper may be telling the truth. I don't like him, because I don't like what he did, and I don't see how he's paying a price for it, do you?
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Comment #17 posted by mayan on October 31, 2007 at 15:10:06 PT

Cooper
I was listening to NPR this morning when they aired his segment.  "We would pull over cars that had college bumper stickers, because we knew college kids often partied with marijuana," Cooper says. "We would pull over 'Vietnam Vet' plates, because a lot of our vets developed a habit over there." "I feel bad about it," he admits. "I would look for Mexicans. I would look for black people. It works."Then there's this..."I used to break into houses at three o'clock in the morning with 10 other men, after throwing a flash grenade through the window," Cooper says. "I would drag Mom and Dad away and send the kids to the department of human services — over a bag of pot — and totally ruin that entire family. I started reaping what I had sown."He may just be out to get his former bosses or make a quick buck, but he sure is throwing some pretty sharp daggers!Like Cooper or not, he has said what we here have known for a long time. Now, EVERYONE knows about the draconian,racist tactics used to harrass American citizens!In other news, the rise continues...Ron Paul's Presidential Odds Drastically Slashed:
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/october2007/311007_presidential_odds.htmTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...WHY IS THE 911 "FRINGE" MOVEMENT SO MAINSTREAM?
http://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd317.htmO'Reilly Sends Cameras to Ambush Rosie:
http://www.jonesreport.com/articles/311007_oreilly_ambush_rosie.htmlThe O’Reilly Factor ambushes Rosie about her Trutherism (w/video):
http://hotair.com/archives/2007/10/29/video-the-oreilly-factor-ambushes-rosie-about-her-trutherism/Osama Bin Framed?
http://mujca.com/osamabinframed.htm9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL:
http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 15:02:43 PT

whig
Thank you.
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Comment #15 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 14:56:05 PT

FoM
You're right, I shouldn't really bring outside opinions here.I don't trust Barry Cooper very far, though. Just my opinion, from what I've seen. Take it for what it's worth.
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Comment #14 posted by OverwhelmSam on October 31, 2007 at 13:19:59 PT

Just A Note
This is a great example of the current down and dirty fight between the government and the People. I can see it in the election debates and the local news. One last, one for all, down to the last man, for control of power between the People and the governments.
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Comment #13 posted by dongenero on October 31, 2007 at 12:46:27 PT

re: post #12
Bush is tapping former ND Gov. Schafer to head US Department of Agriculture.Schafer signed the North Dakota senate's bill allowing hemp production. Of course the DEA has taken North Dakota farmer's $2000 plus application fees nearly a decade ago and have subsequently done nothing.I don't know anything else about Schafer or where he stands today. If he stands by Bush now, I imagine he may have flip-flopped.
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Comment #12 posted by ekim on October 31, 2007 at 12:13:07 PT

can't make this stuff up-----DEA

US ND: Government: Hemp Lawsuit Arguments Are WeakURL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1259/a02.html 

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Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 12:12:34 PT

Opium and Marijuana Research Go Underground
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-10/uoc-oam103107.php
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 11:24:30 PT

Mike
You're welcome.
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Comment #9 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 11:13:18 PT

FoM
Thank you! I was thinking the same thing. (You know.. great minds! lol)
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Comment #8 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 11:10:28 PT

Barry Cooper
Just do a Google search. I have little respect for Loretta and her demeanor. Personally I found a lot of interesting information contained just within the free clips on Barry's site. He's also a big supporter of LEAP.http://www.nevergetbusted.com/The BBS is interesting too.
 
http://www.nevergetbusted.com/community.php (Jodie Emery posts here I see)
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 11:09:56 PT

whig
Dongenero was commenting to Mike and who really cares about opinions outside of CNews as far as a comment goes? 
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Comment #6 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 10:39:54 PT

Loretta Nall on Barry Cooper
http://nallforgovernor.blogspot.com/2007/02/berry-cooper-gets-his-cop-underoos-in.html
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Comment #5 posted by whig on October 31, 2007 at 10:35:38 PT

FoM
My friend Libby Spencer had some not very nice things to say about Mr Cooper. I'm not sure Mike is right, I don't expect that Cooper is necessarily on our side at all.
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Comment #4 posted by dongenero on October 31, 2007 at 09:18:24 PT

great point Mike
I listened to this piece this morning and the irony of Tebay's statements went right by me.I'm sure that irony went right past Commander Tebay as well."One of the things about America is that people can do things you don't like," Tebay says. "And Barry is certainly doing something a lot of people don't like. That doesn't make it illegal."
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 09:11:08 PT

Mike
I am surprised that NPR covered this but I'm glad they did.
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Comment #2 posted by Mike on October 31, 2007 at 09:08:04 PT

FoM
I was just about to paste that URL here and saw you beat me to it. The one thing the story doesn't say is that Cooper honestly believes the laws against cannabis are wrong, and that he had been brainwashed to believe otherwise. The story made it seem like Cooper's only goal in making the tape was to get even and make money.One of my favorite parts of the story was near the end:"I don't know how he justifies having played one side of the fence and putting people in jail, and now playing the other side and helping them avoid it," says Herschel Tebay, commander of the Tarrant County Organized Crime Narcotics Unit in Fort Worth. "I don't know how he lives with himself and looks in the mirror." Tebay says Cooper had a good reputation as a narcotics officer, but he resents that Cooper now helps marijuana users and smugglers. Still, there is little he can do about it. "One of the things about America is that people can do things you don't like," Tebay says. "And Barry is certainly doing something a lot of people don't like. That doesn't make it illegal." Riiiight...

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Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 31, 2007 at 08:57:01 PT

Ex-Drug Officer Shows Users How to Avoid Arrest
 By Wade Goodwyn Morning Edition, October 31, 2007 · A former top narcotics officer, credited with over 800 arrests in eight years, is now selling a DVD that shows marijuana users how to avoid arrest when traveling with a stash. Law enforcement officials are outraged.The opening of Barry Cooper's DVD has that same compelling, grainy quality you find on true-life cop shows: police cars in high-speed pursuit, drug dogs jumping into the backs of pickups, hidden cameras in hotel rooms and cardboard boxes stuffed with cellophane-wrapped marijuana bricks. But one thing is clear: this is real. The people are about to make their debut on local news. URL: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14470003
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