cannabisnews.com: Legalizing Marijuana a Dangerous Prospect










  Legalizing Marijuana a Dangerous Prospect

Posted by CN Staff on December 17, 2007 at 06:32:53 PT
By Jonathan Troutman, Guest Commentary 
Source: Hickory Daily Record 

North Carolina -- Legalizing marijuana for individuals over the age of 18 is not right for America. Illicit drug use already causes serious problems in society: Health issues, accidents, lost productivity in the workplace, and wrecked families.Legalizing marijuana would only further intensify these problems. Marijuana is a risk to our society morally and physically. Its use leads to use of harder illicit drugs which pose an even greater threat to society. Our government has a duty to its citizens to protect us from harmful drugs such as marijuana. I urge you to consider the deteriorating effects of marijuana on individuals and their surroundings.
Marijuana is a plant that grows in a variety of climates and consists of 66 different cannabinoids. Marijuana has a variety of effect on the user such as euphoria, a feeling of well-being, distortions in time, deficits in short term memory, paranoia, mood enhancement, mild sedation and an increased desire to eat.Unfortunately, some users experience adverse mood reactions which are characterized by period of increased anxiety and paranoia, sometimes to the point of hysteria.The legalization of marijuana debate has been controversial, especially in the past decade.Legalization of marijuana will create more drug-dependent users and increase accessibility to the youth. Before the United States rushes to legalize marijuana, we should learn from our past mistakes. Increased access to marijuana results in increased marijuana use. Legalization of marijuana in Alaska in the 1970s led to a tripling of marijuana use among 18- to 20-year-olds. Alaska’s marijuana use among teens was nearly twice that of the continental United States.Even though this issue only pertains to legalizing marijuana to those over the age of 18, whenever you legalize an illicit substance, you increase it’s accessibility to children. This is especially dangerous because developing brains and bodies are more vulnerable to the negative effects of smoking marijuana.No one has ever died from a marijuana overdose. As a result, proponents of legalizing marijuana often say that marijuana is a “victimless crime” - meaning that the only one that is harmed is the user. However, this is not true. Marijuana has been a factor in many workplace accidents and car accidents.Driving under the influence of marijuana presents police officers with a new problem. It is much more difficult to detect marijuana intoxication than it is to detect alcohol use. Individuals under the influence of marijuana can often pass a field sobriety test even though their driving is impaired.We must consider the collateral damage that legalizing marijuana would cause to those who do not use the drug.The current debate over medical marijuana is not whether marijuana has medical use, but the relative degree of harm inflicted by the negative side affects. Marijuana has been implicated to play a role in cancer development, immune system depression and psychosis as well as a variety of less significant ailments. It is essential that we consider the psychological and physical harms caused by marijuana use.Many supporters of legalizing marijuana claim that it only makes sense to legalize marijuana because other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol are more dangerous.While it is nearly certain that alcohol has more detrimental effects on the user, this does not mean we should legalize marijuana. American use of tobacco and alcohol places a significant burden on society in terms of crime, tragedies, lost productivity and deaths. It makes no sense to add another drug to this list and further weaken American society.It is the government’s duty to protect Americans against harmful drugs, not to promote their use.We must stand firm against this potentially government-sponsored vice and “just say no” to legalizing marijuana.Jonathan Troutman lives in Hickory and is a junior at Elon University.Source: Hickory Daily Record (NC)Author: Jonathan Troutman, Guest CommentaryPublished: Sunday, December 16, 2007Copyright: 2007 Hickory Daily Record Contact:  lclark hickoryrecord.comWebsite: http://www.hickoryrecord.com/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml

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Comment #58 posted by Hope on December 21, 2007 at 15:23:01 PT
"Joy to the World"
"All the boys and girls.Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea.Joy to you and me."As some of you may have caught... I thought John Fogerty died.I'm still sorry about Dan Fogelberg, but I am quite relieved to realize that John Fogerty is still with us.
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on December 21, 2007 at 08:20:01 PT
Had Enough
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
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Comment #56 posted by Hope on December 21, 2007 at 07:58:17 PT
 "a double lick and wet doggie kisses"
Lol! And thanks, HadEnough.FoM Comment 51. I'm better. Republican says I coughed all night. It was definitely flu like and lasted nearly two weeks and am still feeling kind of yucky... but so much better and I'm so gratefulThe Mama Dog that I'd been feeding scraps to got killed on the highway the other day. I feel sad about that. If she had puppies, or even one.... I can't find them or it. 
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Comment #55 posted by Had Enough on December 21, 2007 at 06:32:36 PT
Hope #53 - Black Diamonds in the Ruff
Thanks Hope.Looks like we are going to make it to 2008. Diamond and her humans hope that all will be well and will be looking forward to another year, but is still her 1st one.There is a lot going on with this pot war, we are gaining ground little by little, overall we have come a long way despite the current administration the world has to deal with. The emperors are naked for all to see, it is now time to show the nakedness of it all to those still wearing the blinders.My hope for the new age coming – Re-legalize hemp farming and get off the controlled substance called Crude Oil. Look at that name they labeled it. Crude oil. It sure is crude. Look at the damage it has caused. First we extract it from deep below the ground and replace it with water, then we ship and spill it all over the place, then it gets refined then burned, and does more damage to the air we breath. And on top of it all we have to have wars and kill to keep it flowing. And don’t forget the stifling of the medical research. And it is done all for profits, the bottom line. Not a good thing for mankind in this book… it IS rather CRUDE if one sees the big picture.The Black Diamond and her people wish everyone a happy & healthy future to come, and the Black Diamond also gives everyone here a double lick and wet doggie kisses. She sure is a gem.Toker00 had always said “Dogs, people should be more like them” and I agree…And FoM, thanks for all you do here…It give us a place to keep connected.
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Comment #54 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 10:59:12 PT
Oh my.
Oh my. Why must they keep pelting us with these pebbles? The pricks.:0)"Marijuana is a risk to our society morally and physically. Its use leads to use of harder illicit drugs which pose an even greater threat to society. Our government has a duty to its citizens to protect us from harmful drugs such as marijuana. I urge you to consider the deteriorating effects of marijuana on individuals and their surroundings."
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Comment #53 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 10:55:03 PT
And Black German Shepherds.
Had Enough!
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Comment #52 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 10:49:24 PT
Looking at the leaves on this page.
You know, they really are pretty.Makes me think what a good job you do here, FoM. Good job, FoM. Very, very good job.A pillar of patriotism.A mother on a mission.A beautiful lady.Her name we won't mention.But who could it be?I think you all know.AndTo all you Bulldogs, Dobermans, Rottweiller, Raging Chihuahuas, and angry old Pekingese. The dogs of joy, hope, peace, and justice.Another year.We've hung on tooth and toenail... another year.To you, my friends, Hallelujah!
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Comment #51 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 10:40:26 PT
Hope
Are you getting better? Is it the flu? Take care of yourself. We love you.
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Comment #50 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 10:36:42 PT
I've been so sick
I don't want to talk about it. Imagine that!:0)I think I'm going to survive. One of my daughter in laws said to me that I always get sick at the holidays.Hmmmm.I kind of thought I usually hurt myself.Anyway. It appears I'm going to live.The days have marched forward in spite of it all.I keep thinking, "Joy to the world"."All the boys and girls. Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea and joy to you and me."
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 09:31:25 PT
Hope
Have a great day and Merry Christmas to you and your Republican and the rest of your family.
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 09:29:57 PT
Hope
I didn't want to cry today either. I am recovering from a bad sinus infection and crying doesn't help but when we need to cry we need to cry.I used essential oils to get over the infection and they worked and no drugs were needed. I love essential oils.
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Comment #47 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 09:27:27 PT
This "vapor"
needs to accomplish many things today!I love you all and hope your days are good.
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Comment #46 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 09:26:58 PT
Hope
I wanted to mention to you that I am very happy with Alltel Axcess. I have received 2 bills and I held my breath after downloading a big concert but there wasn't any hidden charges and it is very dependable. No FAP is great. I will be able to cancel my dial up when the next payment is due in another month. I hope you get EVDO in your area soon.
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Comment #45 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 09:26:07 PT
Crying
Sometimes it just has to be done, I guess.We, our lives, are like a vapor. We live in that vapor and then it's gone.
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Comment #44 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 09:24:49 PT
Run for the Roses
Watched it. Heard it. Beautiful pictures. Beautiful song. I certainly didn't want to be crying like this today. But thank you, anyway.
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 09:09:40 PT
Hope
The VA requires a check every year and I am glad they push the tests.
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Comment #42 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 09:03:32 PT
The Republican is pretty good about check ups.
He had a couple of rounds of trouble in the past, and he thought he was going to die, I think. So he's careful.
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 09:00:48 PT
Hope
I think that's a good thing. The yearly tests are very important too.
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Comment #40 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 08:59:23 PT
Prostate cancer
I feed my Republican a lot of cooked tomato products. There's supposed to be something in cooked tomatoes that is good as a preventative, somehow, of prostate cancer and trouble.
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 08:59:17 PT
Hope
Me too. I watched the video again and it just makes me cry. Someone said on the thread to the video that Dan can now sing this song to Barbaro. 
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Comment #38 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 08:56:57 PT
Dan Fogelberg
He brought joy to humanity.I'm so thankful we had him.
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on December 19, 2007 at 08:36:07 PT
Hope
Yes he died of Prostate Cancer. When he was diagnosed it was too late. Men need to be tested regularly as much as they hate it.http://www.danfogelberg.com/
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 08:31:25 PT
Run for the Roses
I'm loading it. That beautiful horse. I just want to hug and pat him when I see his pictures.
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on December 19, 2007 at 08:29:34 PT
What?
Dan Fogelberg. He died?
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Comment #34 posted by NikoKun on December 19, 2007 at 00:03:24 PT
seriously? -_-
How can anyone take this article seriously... It's whole basis relies on the "gateway" theory and other such "evil drug scary" bullcrap...Here it's simple... Marijuana = safer than alcohol... Therefore it should be legal.My whole family, and most of my friends, smoke pot... None of them are addicts, nor junkies... In fact I think everyone in my circle is perfectly normal, perfectly productive, and harms absolutely no one.The way I see it, if even ONE person out there, is capable of using Marijuana responsibly and without harming others (recreationally i mean), then we simply can't call Marijuana itself a bad thing, and we shouldn't be criminally outlawing it. The drug doesn't cause problems, criminalizing it does... Why not instead, let people who are responsible users, be responsible users... and punish the morons out there, that really are a problem, acting irresponsibly and harming others. It's not the drug, but the people who use it wrongly... and we wouldn't ban cars, just because "some" people drive irresponsibly... Would we?Prohibition is just some kind of misplaced "preemptive punishment"... punishing everyone involved, regardless of their responsibility and such... -_-
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Comment #33 posted by Richard Zuckerman on December 18, 2007 at 19:35:30 PT:
COLLEGE STUDENT'S SUPERFICIAL KNOWLEDGE OF POT
This university student author obviously only has a superficial knowledge of Cannabis. He does not cite any medical or social studies to support his position. He writes in broad generalizations. Today's www.infowars.com has a news story stating New York City Mayor Bloomberg plans to spend lots of money to try to dereail Ron Paul's U.S. Presidential campaign. Bloomberg will probably use the same gross generalizations the university student uses in the above article!
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on December 18, 2007 at 19:27:03 PT
John Tyler
I really liked your comment. If I could find a VW Minibus I'd probably see if I could afford to buy it though! LOL! Not really but I thought they were just so cool.Merry Christmas!
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Comment #31 posted by John Tyler on December 18, 2007 at 18:32:04 PT
weak argument 
These are all very weak argument for continued prohibition. This is an emotional issue for them though, even the young ones. The prohibitionists are afraid of something though they can’t verbalize it (at least that I have seen). They seem to have this unfounded paranoia that if cannabis is re legalized that everyone will grow out their hair, wear tied tee shirts, bell bottom jeans, drive around in vintage VW minibuses again. Don’t worry it won’t happen. Tiedied shirts and bells are out of fashion, and when was the last time you saw a VW minibus? Relax prohibitionists. Re legalization will be good for everyone, even you. Hipsters invented the PC, the ecology movement and a bunch of other cool stuff. We haven’t been wrong yet. Trust us on this. 
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Comment #30 posted by observer on December 18, 2007 at 13:52:52 PT
Fallacies Link
Here is another link that I think is useful for that sort of thing: http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/ Thanks, Treeanna! I just added that Fallacies link to http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/proplinks.htm 
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Comment #29 posted by observer on December 18, 2007 at 11:43:59 PT
We Must Stand ! 
We must stand firm against this potentially government-sponsored vice and “just say no” to legalizing marijuana.So original! Let's see.. where have I heard this before? Oh yes:
Dr Carroll: 
You and other parent-school groups around the 
country and must stand united on this and 
stamp out this frightful assassin of our youth!You can do it by bringing about compulsory 
education on the subject of narcotics in
general, the dread marihuana in particular.[thumps desk]That is the purpose of this meeting ladies and 
gentlemen. To lay the foundation for a 
nationwide campaign by you to demand by law, 
such compulsory education. Because it is only
through enlightenment, that this scourge can be
wiped out.-- "Reefer Madness", circa 1936
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Comment #28 posted by VoxxRocks on December 18, 2007 at 07:43:19 PT:
Chickens Stew...
Isn’t this editorial great! I'm a re-legalization supporter and yet I still love this piece. Why? Because it shows that even the younger, up and coming prohibitionists have no real ammunition.14 paragraphs, 2 pages in MS Word format, and not one new or even truthful thought in the whole piece. In my opinion, it should be illegal to publish such drivel. The biggest problem we face as anti-prohibitionists is the fact that they spew publicly while we stew privately. If we keep on in this manner it will be the next generation’s responsibility to carry the torch.If you partake in the benefits of the bud and you’re not actively working to re-legalize marijuana, then you are bogarting progress, plain and simple.
 
For marijuana to regain its legal status, we need to be more open about our usage with others in our immediate circles, especially non-smokers. They need to see that we’re not the monsters , criminals, or unmotivated losers they have been CONDITIONED to believe us to be. 
 
If we utilize fact based commentary that reaches beyond marijuana usage so people can apply the injustices of these laws to things that matter to them it can be a great way to make an inroad when faced with the ignorance of people on cruise control spewing our government’s blatantly unjust party line. We can get initiatives on ballots all day long without them, but it’s with them that we’ll get more than a few of these measures passed.
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Comment #27 posted by Taylor121 on December 17, 2007 at 22:51:00 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Thanks for posting that. Great news!Everyone should be in favor of the Massachusetts marijuana decriminalization initiative. If it were to pass, it would be a huge victory for the marijuana reform community and over 10,000 citizens of Massachusetts would be spared jail and a criminal record EACH YEAR. 
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 21:27:18 PT

Hope
If you see this thread this one's for you and me too.Run For The Roses By Dan Fogelberg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhdTCNCoL80
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 20:38:36 PT

Off Topic: Dan Fogelberg
He was only 56. Rest in Peace.Rhythm Of The Rain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djCUfGVd9lY***Leader of The Band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy3GHCy49Dw
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Comment #24 posted by fight_4_freedom on December 17, 2007 at 20:21:33 PT:

MPP e-mail
Great news! The Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy
(CSMP) has just been informed that they have easily turned in enough signatures to push the marijuana decriminalization initiative through the first stage of the signature-gathering process! The secretary of the commonwealth's elections division has allowed 80,372 certified signatures to be counted, far exceeding the 66,593 required to complete the first stage of the signature drive.As a major supporting organization of CSMP's efforts, MPP is thrilled with this progress — an accomplishment that was completed early and under the projected budget.And on January 2, 2008, the initiative language will be transmitted to the House clerk of the Massachusetts Legislature, where the initiative will be discussed and debated through the beginning of May 2008. During this period, the Massachusetts Legislature could pass the initiative into law.MPP will keep you updated on the bill's progress. To contact your legislators to let them know you support this initiative and would like them to pass it into law, please click here.If the legislature does not adopt the marijuana decriminalization measure, CSMP will launch the second stage of the signature drive and, ultimately, the campaign that will lead up to Election Day on November 4, 2008.This initiative is the most comprehensive and progressive marijuana decriminalization proposal ever to be placed on the ballot in the United States. A win in Massachusetts will be a win for marijuana policy reform across the nation.To sign up for more information on the campaign or to contribute to CSMP, please go to http://www.sensiblemarijuanapolicy.org/.MPP looks forward to continuing to assist CSMP toward a win on November 4, 2008.
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Comment #23 posted by Treeanna on December 17, 2007 at 16:03:45 PT

Analysis is fun :)
I always love it when observer does the analysis of the prohibition rhetoric...it is sooo fun! :)Here is another link that I think is useful for that sort of thing:
http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/ 
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Comment #22 posted by Yanxor on December 17, 2007 at 15:47:13 PT

Cannabis prohibition
There's a certain point at which fighting against the prohibition feels like smashing your head against a wall.Anyone from Jonathan Troutman to John Walters can be easily replaced by a plastic doll that repeats: "It sends a bad message to our children!"
"Marijuana leads to heroin!"
"Its not the marijuana of yesterday, its pot 2.0!"And then arrests you.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 15:44:07 PT

mykeyb420 
I'm sorry to read about the shutdown. I believe this administration is determined to finish what they started before they are out of power. Someone will be the last soldier killed in this war until it will be over.
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Comment #20 posted by museman on December 17, 2007 at 14:22:34 PT

marihuanna -marijuanna
mary-jane, weed, reefer, ganja, grass, herb, mota, - slang for 3 genus of CANNABIS;Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica ("Indian Hemp,") and Cannabis Ruderalis (what all those Russian exiles were smoking during the 'cold war.')Cannabis has been used and abused with all it's multiple properties since the first wise woman gathered herbs and taught their attributes to the tribes, primarily in the various healing arts, but also permeates the shamanistic, mystical arts as well.The properties of cannabis as an expectorant, a mild pain reliever, and bedtime toddy for children, for example are present in medicinal records, logs, and references - up until 'temperance' began the government backed polgroms on various 'sinful' habits prevalent in living life. The Jazz musicians really freaked out the dominant white culture when they used the 'reefer' to enhance their improvisational music, and attracted the white youth of the 20's and 30's into their powerfully emerging American sub-culture. Mr. Ronald Reagan was president of the M.P.C.A. (Motion Picture Corporaiton of America.) WIlliam Randolf Hearst was owner of almost all the mainstream media of the time, and a good deal of the land on the west coast. What he didn't own, he had access to through his other monopoly; wholesale deforestation of the northwest - Logging, and lumber mills.Righ about this same time that the M.P.C.A. was trying to find a way to stop the Jazz, and it's culture from 'spreading', a new machine had been invented that could seperate the curds from hemp fibres, and could create paper more cheaply, and much more durable than wood fibre.Hearst, and the M.P.C.A. teamed up, along with some background support from J. Rockefeller Jr. who had a vested interest in another of hemps by products; ethanol (Henry Fords first car ran on ethanol,) and somewhere in there is a Bush, and they hired James Anslinger.He lied. Mr. James Anslinger made up virtually all the same crap we are still hearing today from our prohibitionist dunderheads. He made the movie "Reefer Madness" (with special help from the M.P.C.A.) and he is the one who opens the movie by telling you about this new horrendous thing "happening to our society.." He invented the entire line of BULL, the whole prohibition mantra. And he lied about it all. He lied so bad the first time he went before congress, they practically laughed him out of the building. But then he meditiated on the art of lying and came back, admitted he lied, then lied some more, and they bought it; The Marijuanna Stamp Act was hastily signed in.History reveals the struggle between the forces of ignorance, power, and dark intent, and those of the more common population. Those who want to make sure that those who just want to live a good, quality life with the tools and faculties that 'God' gave us, don't get to do that.Freedom has come hard, and will be harder still to actually get to the place where we are truly a free, open, and somewhat democratic society, without a dominant ruling class mucking up the works for their greed and ambitions of power. Their 'reality' is only a mental invention. Their weights and mesasures of comparison, and standardizing, their form of 'law and order,' just an invention of a predatory mind. Soon this will become more and more apparent.Cannabis will still be here when the last prohibitionist is buried and forgotten.I'll say it again, louder (for those who just don't seem to get it) EVERYTHING THE PROHIBITIONISTS SAY ABOUT CANNABIS. IT'S ALL LIES, AND PROPAGANDA!And the author of this tripe needs to skip a haircut or two.
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Comment #19 posted by fight_4_freedom on December 17, 2007 at 13:49:09 PT:

If you go to the page they have a video as well.
Aurora Veteran Fights For Return Of Pot Plants
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) ―A former Marine from Aurora who argued that marijuana helps him deal with injuries suffered during Operation Desert Storm planned to ask for the return of his plants on Monday.Criminal charges were dismissed against Kevin Dickes, 38, on Friday in Arapahoe County District Court. Dickes is a state-certified medical marijuana patient, and the district attorney dismissed marijuana cultivation charges against him following his not guilty plea.Dickes was wounded by shrapnel from a grenade in 1991."It helps with my nervousness, it helps with the pain, with my mood swings," Dickes told CBS4. "When I'm in pain, I kind of get upset, angry; it calms me down and it's better than narcotics."Police seized 71 plants from Dickes' home on April 27. A neighbor told police Dickes was growing the marijuana in his house, but Dickes' attorney, Robert Corry Jr., says police were not told the pot was for pain and the DA said officers didn't know he has a medical card allowing it.Corry said state law requires the police to maintain the quality of whatever they confiscate."The police officers must maintain it, must cultivate it, they must water it, feed it, preserve it," he said.Dickes was set to file a motion for the marijuana plants' return and said that if the plants are dead, he'll be asking for hundreds of thousands of dollars ($2,500 per plant).In a similar case in Fort Collins earlier this month, police returned 39 plants seized from another couple with a medical marijuana card. Those plants were dead and now the couple is suing the police department.(© MMVII CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
http://cbs4denver.com/seenon/Aurora.Colorado.Kevin.2.612142.html
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Comment #18 posted by mykeyb420 on December 17, 2007 at 13:18:01 PT

DEA shuts another pot club in SF
Last week the DEA sent out letters to ALL owners of cannabis clubs in SF warning them to shut down NOW or risk going to prison. Today 194 Church st( the first club in the USA) closed its doors due to pressure from DEA. Say goodbye to medical cannabis clubs,,goodbye to healing,,say goodbye to living,,i'll never vote again because it is not worth the time or effort,,,why bother?? AXIS OF LOVE,,,I hope you are proud of yourself
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Comment #17 posted by goneposthole on December 17, 2007 at 12:56:45 PT

Hats Off
To all of those cannabis growers out there who have successfully harvested another 25,000 metric tons of cannabis for everyone's enjoyment.America has satisfied customers.Thanks again! 
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Comment #16 posted by OverwhelmSam on December 17, 2007 at 12:37:50 PT

WTF? 
Talk about unsubstantiated blanket statements, for example:"Driving under the influence of marijuana presents police officers with a new problem. It is much more difficult to detect marijuana intoxication than it is to detect alcohol use. Individuals under the influence of marijuana can often pass a field sobriety test even though their driving is impaired."If people can pass a field sobriety test, how are they impared?
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Comment #15 posted by unkat27 on December 17, 2007 at 12:07:45 PT

Troutman: another r-wing mouth-piece know-nothing
> "Legalizing Marijuana a Dangerous ProspectBy Jonathan Troutman, Guest Commentary
 
Source: Hickory Daily Record "-- Troutman is an amateur wrestler, period. I guess that makes him a real expert on issues like this, eh?Despite the fact that he knows nothing, he still gets more attention than a pro-cannabis expert.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 10:53:29 PT

runruff
I know you are right but really left. LOL!PS: Don't mind me I am sick with a bad sinus infection and I'm a little weird today.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 10:51:33 PT

john wayne 
Merry Christmas. I must admit I didn't read the article. When an article confuses me I don't finish it. I much prefer listening to Wilco. LOL!http://wilcoworld.net/records/index.php
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Comment #12 posted by runruff on December 17, 2007 at 10:49:49 PT:

FoM
God is good! Yes! But you can't trust a preacher. He makes a living marketing god. God is a great product for marketeers. He has an eternal shelf life.
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Comment #11 posted by john wayne on December 17, 2007 at 10:48:44 PT

slice it or dice it
This kind of crap has held sway in public opinion and law for 90+ years now. And I don't see any end in sight.Merry Christmas.
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Comment #10 posted by rchandar on December 17, 2007 at 10:46:33 PT:

???
I'm still trying to figure out if this article is a joke or what it is? The writer points out the beneficial medical effects of MJ, then writes: "it is necessary to consider the harmful effects of MJ," then produces no examples.There's another paragraph where he states: "when you legalize an illicit substance there will be more access to children." Then he uses Alaska as his example; then he cites increased use among 18- to 20- year olds to demonstrate the harm effect upon "children." Legalizers, by and large, stress adult use, those over 18."It is the government's duty to protect Americans against harmful drugs"--but this totally wipes out any support of alcohol or tobacco, which he admits are "more dangerous."The article is either a joke, or this guy didn't figure out his argument before he pressed his "moral convictions."rchandar
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Comment #9 posted by runruff on December 17, 2007 at 10:45:45 PT:

The "kid card!"
They love to pull the "kid card." Excuse me if I say so but raising someone elses kid is not my job. It sure ain't the job of the federal bumblement! My rights are not based on how my neighbors kid will react to my behaviours. Let each parent set the example they want for their kid. As for dealers IDing kids. This is just plain ignorance. Here in the American outback the kids grow their own pot. Some grow for their parents as well. City kids grow a back yard stash. If pot were legal, then you would ID someone who wanted to buy it. Boy, they really are reaching to make their point.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 10:40:48 PT

runruff
You said: I once attended a church for several years in my youth. I was just thinking that, if that preacher had the power to make people live the way he thought god wanted us to, oh what a tyrant he would have been. What a world we would be forced to live in. I say: Ain't God good! We should forget the churches in my opinion and look inside and it is so different and peaceful.
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Comment #7 posted by runruff on December 17, 2007 at 10:34:07 PT:

Obsever has said it all so well.
I would just like to add, simply. Show me the bodies? Were is the evidence that the feds have "protected" us from anything? Where is the evidence that cannabis is in anyway harmfull? The ony people who have ever been harmed or killed because of cannabis has been at the hands of law enforcement. Millions of lives have been ruined over the years because of prohibition. It's always the same ol' make up to scare the hell out of you propaganda [Reefer Madness]. Yes propaganda, Joseph Geobbbels make the usage of lies and exageration a high art. He has been copied ever since by those who feel compelled to control the lives of others.I once attended a church for several years in my youth. I was just thinking that, if that preacher had the power to make people live the way he thought god wanted us to, oh what a tyrant he would have been. What a world we would be forced to live in. 
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Comment #6 posted by observer on December 17, 2007 at 09:35:11 PT

analysis, I
[1]
Legalizing marijuana for individuals over the age of 18 is not right for America . 

(Sentence 1) re: "America" - Prohibitionists assert that the survival of the community, society, the nation, the world, etc. are at stake. Only continued and increased punishments for drug users can be contemplated, because, say prohibitionists, society will otherwise fall apart. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "Legalizing" - Any mention of lessening the harshness of drug laws is portrayed as a sinful "legalization". Only total prohibition (or more jailings) will be righteous. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[2]
Illicit drug use already causes serious problems in society: Health issues, accidents, lost productivity in the workplace, and wrecked families . 

(Sentence 2) re: "problems", "accidents" - Drugs, claim the prohibitionist, cause insanity, violence, and terrible sickness. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "society" - The health of the "community" (read: government) is assured, prohibitionists explain, because drug users are punished. Jailing drug users is thus painted as upholding society. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "drug use" - Prohibition propaganda claims that all use of any "drug" is abuse. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[3]
Legalizing marijuana would only further intensify these problems . 

(Sentence 3) re: "Legalizing" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[4]
Marijuana is a risk to our society morally and physically . 

(Sentence 4) re: "society", "our society" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) 
 
 
[5]
Its use leads to use of harder illicit drugs which pose an even greater threat to society . 

(Sentence 5) re: "society", "to society" - Because of prohibition (prohibitionists assure us), society is protected: the community is safe, and the nation is saved. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "leads to" - Prohibition propagandists try to smear targeted drugs by announcing they are "gateways" to other truly wicked behavior. (Use is Abuse, Gateway (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#4 ) 
 
 
[6]
Our government has a duty to its citizens to protect us from harmful drugs such as marijuana . 

(Sentence 6) re: "harmful" - Drugs, the prohibitionist explains, are a wicked bane on modern man. Why if not for the noble drug war (i.e. jailing drug users), exclaims the propagandist, then people will run amok, and violence, death, psychosis, and plague shall cover the land. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[9]
Marijuana has a variety of effect on the user such as euphoria, a feeling of well-being, distortions in time, deficits in short term memory, paranoia, mood enhancement, mild sedation and an increased desire to eat . 

(Sentence 9) re: "euphoria", "paranoia" - Prohibitionist propaganda claims that horrible dangers are caused by "drugs." (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[10]
Unfortunately, some users experience adverse mood reactions which are characterized by period of increased anxiety and paranoia, sometimes to the point of hysteria . 

(Sentence 10) re: "paranoia" - Prohibitionists claim any use of currently illegal drugs cause death, illness, lunacy, mania, melancholy, and all means of sin and degradation. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[11]
The legalization of marijuana debate has been controversial, especially in the past decade . 

(Sentence 11) re: "legalization", "legalization of marijuana" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[12]
Legalization of marijuana will create more drug-dependent users and increase accessibility to the youth . 

(Sentence 12) re: "youth" - Drug war propaganda plays on parental fears for the well being of their kids. If drug users are not jailed, says the prohibitionist, then your children will surely suffer. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) re: "Legalization", "Legalization of marijuana" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[13]
Before the United States rushes to legalize marijuana, we should learn from our past mistakes . 

(Sentence 13) re: "legalize" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[14]
Increased access to marijuana results in increased marijuana use . 

(Sentence 14) re: "marijuana use" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[15]
Legalization of marijuana in Alaska in the 1970s led to a tripling of marijuana use among 18- to 20-year-olds . 

(Sentence 15) re: "marijuana use" - "This strategy equates the use and abuse of drugs and implies that it is impossible to use the particular drug or drugs in question without physical, mental, and moral deterioration." [W.White,1979] (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "Legalization", "Legalization of marijuana" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[16]
Alaska s marijuana use among teens was nearly twice that of the continental United States . 

(Sentence 16) re: "marijuana use" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 

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Comment #5 posted by observer on December 17, 2007 at 09:34:37 PT

analysis, II
 
[17]
Even though this issue only pertains to legalizing marijuana to those over the age of 18, whenever you legalize an illicit substance, you increase it s accessibility to children . 

(Sentence 17) re: "children" - "Since the Harrison Act of 1914, the user and the seller of illicit drugs have both been characterized as evil, criminal, insane, and always in search of new victims, the victims are characterized as young children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) re: "legalizing", "legalize" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[20]
As a result, proponents of legalizing marijuana often say that marijuana is a victimless crime - meaning that the only one that is harmed is the user . 

(Sentence 20) re: "crime", "harmed" - It is prohibition, claim prohibitionists, that saves people from drug crazed, whacked out, high flying drug users. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "legalizing" - Any mention of lessening the harshness of drug laws is portrayed as a sinful "legalization". Only total prohibition (or more jailings) will be righteous. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[22]
Marijuana has been a factor in many workplace accidents and car accidents . 

(Sentence 22) re: "accidents" - Drugs, scream prohibitionists, cause all bad things in life: crime, violence, insanity, etc. If not for prohibition (i.e., jailing drug users), then criminality, violence and psychotic behavior would explode upon the land, the prohibitionist assures us. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[26]
We must consider the collateral damage that legalizing marijuana would cause to those who do not use the drug . 

(Sentence 26) re: "legalizing" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[28]
Marijuana has been implicated to play a role in cancer development, immune system depression and psychosis as well as a variety of less significant ailments . 

(Sentence 28) re: "cancer", "depression", "psychosis" - The rhetoric of prohibition asserts that insanity, crime, and violence are caused by drugs, or are controlled by prohibition. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) 
 
 
[29]
It is essential that we consider the psychological and physical harms caused by marijuana use . 

(Sentence 29) re: "marijuana use" - Prohibitionists try to hammer in the idea that 'all use is abuse.' The rhetoric of prohibition needs to deny that many people can use currently illegal drugs without abusing them. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[30]
Many supporters of legalizing marijuana claim that it only makes sense to legalize marijuana because other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol are more dangerous . 

(Sentence 30) re: "legalizing", "legalize" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[31]
While it is nearly certain that alcohol has more detrimental effects on the user, this does not mean we should legalize marijuana . 

(Sentence 31) re: "legalize" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 
[32]
American use of tobacco and alcohol places a significant burden on society in terms of crime, tragedies, lost productivity and deaths . 

(Sentence 32) re: "crime" - Prohibitionist propaganda claims that horrible dangers are caused by "drugs." (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "society", "American" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) 
 
 
[33]
It makes no sense to add another drug to this list and further weaken American society . 

(Sentence 33) re: "society", "American" - Because of prohibition (prohibitionists assure us), society is protected: the community is safe, and the nation is saved. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) 
 
 
[34]
It is the government s duty to protect Americans against harmful drugs, not to promote their use . 

(Sentence 34) re: "harmful" - Prohibition propaganda rarely misses an opportunity to link crime, violence, and insanity with "drugs". The propagandist insinuates that prohibited drugs cause evil, and if it weren't for "drugs" bad things would not exist. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "Americans" - The health of the "community" (read: government) is assured, prohibitionists explain, because drug users are punished. Jailing drug users is thus painted as upholding society. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) 
 
 
[35]
We must stand firm against this potentially government-sponsored vice and just say no to legalizing marijuana . 

(Sentence 35) re: "just say no", "legalizing" - Any mention of lessening the harshness of drug laws is portrayed as a sinful "legalization". Only total prohibition (or more jailings) will be righteous. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) 
 
 

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Comment #4 posted by ekim on December 17, 2007 at 08:34:28 PT

Jonathan please take a moment
 to read about all of the wonderful benefits of the plant you want prohibited at a time in History were more humans than ever are starving to death.Chapter 8
Cannabis Hempseed as a Basic World Food http://www.jackherer.com/chapter08.html
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Comment #3 posted by ripit on December 17, 2007 at 08:05:14 PT:

same old 
they keep coming at us with the same old arguments.he starts out with the gateway theory then jumps on the what about the kids bandwagon!(i still have never heard of a dealer who id's their customers)! he says"Driving under the influence of marijuana presents police officers with a new problem. It is much more difficult to detect marijuana intoxication than it is to detect alcohol use. Individuals under the influence of marijuana can often pass a field sobriety test even though their driving is impaired."so how dose that work? are the tests flawed?and he says"We must consider the collateral damage that legalizing marijuana would cause to those who do not use the drug"what damage would that be?making it legal would force ppl to use?oh! i know ppl would no longer have the privledge of stumbling on a grow in the middle of our national forests or have cops bust into yer home at 4 in the morning and point deadly weapons at yer head because yer kid had plants growing in the basement!.why do the newspapers print editorials against cannabis but ya never see them print pro cannabis?
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Comment #2 posted by dongenero on December 17, 2007 at 07:15:09 PT

oh these crazy college kids
Okay son, you have squeezed more bunk than I thought possible into your 20 some sentences.Now, get back to class ya knucklehead.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on December 17, 2007 at 06:43:53 PT

OT: War on Drugs has Unlikely Foe

By Brent Hopkins, Staff WriterDecember 16, 2007As a friend of presidents and hobnobber with governors, David Fleming makes an unlikely insurgent against the War on Drugs. He's been dubbed by a local business weekly as "The Valley's Most Powerful Person," chairs the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and doles out dollars to charity by the millions. He works for one of the world's largest law firms. He can preach for hours about business tax, government reform and transportation. With his immaculate white shirts, slicked-back hair and easy familiarity with powerful people, Fleming embodies The Man. "I smoked marijuana once, 25 years ago," he said. "I got high for three hours and decided: `Yecch. This is not for me."' Complete Article: http://www.dailynews.com/ci_7739458
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