cannabisnews.com: A Truth Obama Won't Dare Tell










  A Truth Obama Won't Dare Tell

Posted by CN Staff on February 02, 2008 at 11:02:46 PT
By Steve Chapman 
Source: Chicago Tribune 

Chicago, Illinois -- Lately, Barack Obama has been quoting John F. Kennedy: "The world is changing. The old ways will not do." For a few hours the other day, I was starting to think he really meant it.On Thursday, The Washington Times reported that in 2004, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, Obama came out for decriminalizing marijuana use. That usually means eliminating jail sentences and arrest records for anyone caught with a small amount for personal use, treating it more like a traffic offense than a violent crime. But in a show of hands at a debate last fall, he indicated that he opposed the idea.
When confronted on the issue by the Times, however, the senator defended his original ground. His campaign said he has "always" supported decriminalization. It's a brave position, and therefore exceedingly rare among practicing politicians. Which may be why it didn't last. Before the day was over, the Obama campaign issued a statement saying he thinks "we are sending far too many first-time non-violent drug users to prison for very long periods of time" but "does not believe that we should treat offenses involving marijuana with a simple fine or just by confiscating the drug." Recently, he had told a New Hampshire newspaper, "I'm not in favor of decriminalization."This episode reveals that as a candidate, Obama is more fond of bold rhetoric than bold policies. But it also proves the impossibility of talking sense on the subject of illicit drugs during a political campaign. That course of action would mean admitting the inadmissible: that the prohibition of cannabis has been cruel, wasteful and fraudulent.Cruel because it leads to the arrest of nearly 700,000 people a year for mere possession of a substance that is comparatively benign. Wasteful because it expends billions of dollars in police, court and correctional resources that could be deployed against dangerous predators. Fraudulent because it hasn't solved anything: According to the federal government, nearly 100 million Americans have tried the stuff.But in the political realm, a strangely disjointed view of drugs prevails. Past use is forgivable. Both George W. Bush and Bill Clinton admitted to smoking marijuana, as did Al Gore and John Kerry. Obama has admitted doing the same.At the same time, no major party presidential nominee has advocated decriminalization (much less legalization) since Jimmy Carter did so in 1976. It would be considered political suicide. So we are now in a bizarre position: A candidate who spent his college days flouting our marijuana laws can be elected president, but an abstemious, button-downed candidate who proposes to change those laws has no hope.Had we enforced our statutes more vigorously, of course, Bush, and many other officials would never have been elected anything, because they would be ex-convicts. Yet they are happy to put people behind bars for crimes they themselves committed.One alternative to that approach is decriminalization, which is not exactly radical or untried. It's already the norm in 12 states—not just California and New York, but places like Mississippi, Ohio and Nebraska. About one of every three Americans lives in a state or city where pot users typically don't go to jail.Despite this lenient approach, Omaha and Cincinnati still would never be mistaken for Jamaica. One thing we know is that criminal penalties have little if any effect on the number of stoners. States that have decriminalized cannabis are largely indistinguishable from states that have not.A 1999 report by the National Academy of Sciences found "little evidence that decriminalization of marijuana use necessarily leads to a substantial increase in marijuana use." Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron surveyed the available data from here and abroad and agreed: "Existing evidence provides no indication that marijuana decriminalization causes increased marijuana use."This discovery should not be surprising. Cigarettes and beer are both legally available, but smoking and drinking have been declining for years. Freedom is not incompatible with enlightened self-restraint. In fact, it seems to foster it.Politicians normally can't say such things. But near the end of his administration, Bill Clinton confided to Rolling Stone magazine that he thought marijuana should be decriminalized. Maybe, eight years from now, Obama will do likewise.Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)Author: Steve Chapman Published: February 3, 2008 Copyright: 2008 Chicago Tribune CompanyContact: ctc-TribLetter Tribune.comWebsite: http://www.chicagotribune.com/Related Articles:Obama's Positions On Issues Has Changedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23647.shtmlObama: Decriminalize Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23646.shtml 

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Comment #103 posted by FoM on February 09, 2008 at 18:24:54 PT
Dankhank
Thank you. I will check it out.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #102 posted by Dankhank on February 09, 2008 at 14:08:13 PT
nvc
is Nerovision show and is probably only usable in the Neroshowvision program and is possibly not convertible with current conversion programs.If I were U likely I would just go get another version ...http://www.mininova.org/com/1122873I deleted a number of my earliest downloads, sometimes immediately after I got them.part of the experience ...good luck 
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Comment #101 posted by FoM on February 09, 2008 at 12:23:08 PT
One More Thing
When I had a DVD recorder before it died I wasted many dvds so this time I bought dvd rws so if I keep making mistakes I wouldn't have to throw them out.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #100 posted by FoM on February 09, 2008 at 12:12:35 PT
Dankhank
It is in nvc and I was trying to put it on a dvd rw. I can preview it in Nero but that's all. I tried to make a VCD and the disc was too small it said. It was too big for a 2 hour dvd but it could make it fit it said but the disc was empty when it was all done. I tried it 3 times doing a little something different each time. It takes 3 hours each time I try. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #99 posted by Dankhank on February 09, 2008 at 12:03:24 PT
burnin'
is there a particular reason you have to put it on RW?what format is the file?what burner prog U using ...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #98 posted by FoM on February 08, 2008 at 08:52:16 PT
Dankhank
I don't know if you will see this comment but I wanted to say I finally got the movie downloaded. I tried a couple of days and the one time my computer went off when the power failed but it still seemed to finish ok when the power came back on. I tried two different times last night to put it on a dvd rw and it failed. I guess I must learn how to format a dvd rw first. So far so good though.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #97 posted by Truth on February 06, 2008 at 00:02:41 PT
but....
Will she continue to cage recreational users?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #96 posted by dirtmover on February 05, 2008 at 20:27:03 PT
Bill
A friend had a chance to ask Bill Clinton THE question, after a West Coast speech."Will Hillary stop the raids on Cannabis dispensaries?"The answer was definitely, "Yes".
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #95 posted by afterburner on February 05, 2008 at 10:55:19 PT
OT: Super Food Bowl Animation & more
Super Food Bowl Animation Announced by the Health Ranger. 
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 by: Mike Adams 
http://www.naturalnews.com/022560.htmlThe Vitamin Hoax: Big Pharma Speaks Through Reader's Digest Magazine. 
Monday, February 04, 2008 by: Carol L. Ohnesorge 
http://www.naturalnews.com/022586.htmlWeird Uses for Food
http://food.aol.com/play-with-your-food/weird-uses-for-foodSeven Words That Can Change the World: An Elegant Theory of Universal Transformation, by Joseph Simonetta. 
Saturday, February 02, 2008 by: Mike Adams 
http://www.naturalnews.com/022580.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #94 posted by FoM on February 05, 2008 at 10:17:31 PT
Dankhank
That article clarified a lot. Thank you.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #93 posted by FoM on February 05, 2008 at 10:07:21 PT
OverwhelmSam 
I think that is great news. I just got back online and hope I didn't miss any news. We had a major power outage and the electric just came back on.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #92 posted by afterburner on February 05, 2008 at 09:04:54 PT
OT & OT
It's Super Tuesday Across the Nation
By CALVIN WOODWARD,AP.
Posted: 2008-02-05 11:57:07
Filed Under: Elections News
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/its-super-tuesday-across-the-nation/20080203121009990001Two Polls:How would you characterize the race so far, compared with what you expected?
 -More exciting 
 -Less exciting 
 -About what I expected How passionate are you about the 2008 presidential race?-Very 
 -Somewhat -Not at all The Tears Of The Anti-Feminist
04 Feb 2008 06:38 pm.
Andrew Sullivan,
The Daily Dish
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/02/clinton-the-ant.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #91 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 05, 2008 at 04:39:35 PT
FoM
Thought you might enjoy this site:Republicans for Obama http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=homepage
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #90 posted by Truth on February 05, 2008 at 04:38:21 PT
learn here Butchie
www.dailypaul.com
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Comment #89 posted by Dankhank on February 04, 2008 at 21:23:34 PT
more HD stuff
http://tiny.cc/C1jkA
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #88 posted by FoM on February 04, 2008 at 17:00:50 PT
For Those Who Are Interested
Here's another inspired song called Fired Up and Ready To Go.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyJ72iZ3tW4&eurl
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #87 posted by FoM on February 04, 2008 at 10:19:16 PT
Obama's Superbowl Ad Soundtrack
I loved the music on the Superbowl Ad and did a search and found it. Here it is for those interested!http://www.myspace.com/danzweben
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #86 posted by Hope on February 04, 2008 at 10:06:01 PT
Republicans and Ron Paul
Dongenero, I suspect you're right. Even if he won the primaries.... I don't think they'd let him be their candidate. More than embarrassing, I think they are afraid of him. He's a danger to the pork barrel and expanding government and they love the pork barrel, the prison industry, and expanding government.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #85 posted by ChristenMitchell on February 04, 2008 at 10:02:28 PT:
Project Free TV
Things certainly change. Most in theater and TV shows are available at Project Free TV. Being bootleg, they are up and then down the next day. There are 6 or 7 providers to this site. Many are poor quality. I wait until the film is on Stage6, where it can be almost DVD quality. Enjoy
Project Free TV
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #84 posted by dongenero on February 04, 2008 at 09:51:36 PT
Ron Paul
I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell that the GOP delegates would ever give Ron Paul the nod. Regardless of the vote, or that he is the top Republican fund raiser and has tremendous grass roots support, the GOP is not in step with him. I think they view him more as a fringe embarrassment. This is the Republican party we're talking about here. Fundamental religious, intolerant, arrogant moralists. He's not their style and not their base. His best shot would be to run as an independent. And it may be the best opportunity ever for an independent to get some traction against the status quo. I think he may do this once the GOP deserts him and props up whatever zealot they choose. If he runs as an independent, then the worry would be if he divides the vote for change giving a galvanized GOP an opening,Just my thoughts for what it's worth.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #83 posted by Richard Zuckerman on February 04, 2008 at 09:26:47 PT:
OBOMA'S FULL OF IT!!
His wife is a member of the Council On Foreign Relations. John McCain is a member of the Council On Foreign Relations. "Billary" Clinton is a Bilderberg. They all want to give this country to the illegal aliens for cheap labor and sink poor and middle class Americans six feet under. As a registered voter for tomorrow's Primary Election here in New Jersey, I will vote for Ron Paul for U.S. President!! If Ron Paul loses, then, if Mitt Romney survives the Primary Election, I'd vote for Mitt Romney!If you believe pot laws are harmful to Americans, wait until this problem is compounded by the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform", because YOUR PARENTS vote for it!After the Primary Election tomorrow, I'll serve Petition for Certiorari upon the two lawyers and the United States Supreme Court; My lawsuit was dismissed based on Heck v. Humphrey,  U.S.  (1994) requiring us to get the criminal conviction thrown out before filing a police misconduct lawsuit. However, I filed a petition for post-conviction relief to the municipal court which entered the "conviction", which was a frame-up cover charge of "disorderly conduct", but the municipal court would not even hear the petition for post-conviction relief petition! So, my first question raised to the U.S. Supreme Court is: Does the Heck v. Humphrey favorable termination rule bar a civil action if the criminal court refused to adjudicate the post-conviction relief petition?
It will be mailed out tomorrow, February 5, 2008!Richard Zuckerman, Box 159, Metuchen, N.J., 08840-0159, richardzuckerman2002 yahoo.com.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #82 posted by FoM on February 04, 2008 at 08:35:03 PT
Dankhank
Thank you. That helps alot. I really wasn't sure.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #81 posted by FoM on February 04, 2008 at 08:33:45 PT
Something Just On C-Span
Before I forget a person called into Washington Journal and said he was an old hippie but Obama supporting decriminalizing marijuana could be fodder for the Republicans. The person on C-Span didn't say anything negative or act surprised by Obama and the marijuana issue. I hope others saw it too. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #80 posted by Dankhank on February 04, 2008 at 08:20:54 PT
DVD
like mine won't play Blu-Ray or HD-DVD.It will play regular DVDs, (upconverting) them to 1080i, which is HD and looks real good.I understand ... I am also very picky about what I spend my money on. I weigh much before forking it over.good luck ...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #79 posted by FoM on February 04, 2008 at 06:46:48 PT
Dankhank
I wanted to mention that I got to 61% downloaded last night and then the connection on my air card stopped. I'll try to finish it up tonight. This poor, old computer sure is trying.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #78 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 03, 2008 at 22:09:05 PT:
What a game!
That will probably rank as one of the greatest super bowls I've ever watched. An absolute classic! I had a ton of fun.And as always, there was some funny commercials. I swear that's why half of the people watch.Believe it or not, there was no anti-marijuana commercials! The only anti-drug commercial was the one with the drug dealer complaining about not having any customers now that everyone is using prescription medicine instead.Tom Petty's performance was amazing as well. I was impressed. I think they mentioned he'd be going on tour this summer, and if that's correct I'll be checking him out for sure.With all this John Lennon talk I decided I'd take a picture of this Old John Lennon picture I have. It has an old wooden frame with a velvet like cloth for the picture. I have to find a new spot for it. John Lennon (and fleetwood mac) were my Dad's all-time favorites.http://tinyurl.com/2xymjvhttp://tinyurl.com/2gkpjp
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Comment #77 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 22:04:23 PT
Joan
I got to kiss her one Valentine's Day. Her one son, Gabe, is a very dear friend. You all remember Gabe from the Woodstock movie. Remember Joan on stage talking about her incarcerated husband and rubbing her pregnant belly saying her and the baby were doing good. Gabe was on stage at Woodstock though he wasn't born yet...
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Comment #76 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 22:01:30 PT
MMJ
If the dinosaur wins. All of Obama's supporters will have learned enough about Dr. Paul to feel really good about throwing their support behind the good Doctor. I pray he wins. It means Freedom!!!!!www.dailypaul.comMMJ Ministry. I totally concure. The man speaks not only the Truth but he is very eloquent. I totally understand him. He is 100 percent right.
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Comment #75 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 21:22:26 PT

One More Comment
I just read that Joan Baez endorsed Obama. I wonder who else will be stepping forward from our culture in the coming days to do the same. These are very electric and inspiring times. 
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Comment #74 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 21:09:42 PT

John Tyler
I got it to play now. It's very good.Nothing gonna change my world either!
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Comment #73 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 21:01:20 PT

Dankhank
I looked at my DVD's user manual and I can play DivX so it might work. We almost got a DVD player like yours today but we decided to wait for now since I wouldn't know if I can use a Blu Ray movie or just a regular movie. I take a lot of time to figure out what I want to do anymore. HD Satellite TV sounds like it would be great but I am not 100% sold on it yet. I don't want trouble with programs that aren't in HD and that might happen from what I have read so far in the HD forums. I'll keep reading and maybe bugs will slowly be fixed and then it will be worth getting. They don't have enough in HD programming to mess up regular digital tv if that makes sense.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #72 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 20:52:49 PT

John Tyler 
For some reason I can't get the video to load right now but I will try later. Thanks for the link.
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Comment #71 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 20:24:49 PT

Dankhank
Thank you. I'll let it load overnight and see how far it gets. I don't know what kind of file it is right now but tomorrow I might. I am trying to get Across the Universe and it's big. I can copy Youtube and that is nice when some are pulled quickly. When I convert them they just don't look good on my dvd player so I just save them to my computer for now when I really want a video.
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Comment #70 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 20:06:06 PT

Across the Universe video
Check out the link below for a good rendition of Across The Universe. It has some good pictures of the Beatles too.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbirjVeI_Pk&feature=related
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Comment #69 posted by Dankhank on February 03, 2008 at 20:05:11 PT

torrent
yes, can shut down computer even ...when restarting the file is checked and starts from there...best to stop download, but wait 'till modem activity light stops to get what little piece you still needed, usually stops soon, just let it finish that piece ...good luck on your first one ... I've done a few, so much to learn, though.if you're getting a divx file it's about 700 Mb most of the time and will fit on a CD-R, and play in DivX-capable Dvd player.larger divx files I burn a few to a DVD player with my handy-dandy Emachine DVD burner and most of them work mostly in most DivX/DVD players.I found a program that converts many fornats to DVD-movie format and it works most of the time, yesterday I burned two DVDs with "I am Legend," one worked in one friends DVD player the other didn't work in another house. Sometimes it's a crapshoot.good luck ...you ca burn bout anything, it's all about what your player can see.
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Comment #68 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 19:37:12 PT

Dankhank
I don't know anything about football. Stick doesn't watch it and no one in my family ever watched it while I was growing up. I have been reading news and looking at the tv tonight. I turned the tv up during Tom Petty and between the big tv and surround sound I felt like I was there. It was really cool.PS: Can you stop and start a download on torrent? I am trying to download my first movie and it seems to take forever. I already stopped it a couple times and started it back up and it seems to work. Can you then copy the movie onto a DVD? Thanks for any advice.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #67 posted by Dankhank on February 03, 2008 at 19:01:49 PT

superbowl ...
sounds like something a hippie would do ...30 seconds ... game over ... low scoring, even sports prognosticators get it wrong these days ...I don't watch ANY football including superbowl, but had it at my peripheral and actually looked at it occasionally there's been a StarTrek Enterprise marathon all day on Sci-Fi so we been piggin' out ...
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Comment #66 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 18:07:39 PT

Dankhank
Tom Petty was really good. I am trying to catch the commercials too. Usually I tune out to commercials. I don't understand most of them though.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #65 posted by MMJ MINISTRY on February 03, 2008 at 17:51:37 PT

DR. RON PAUL 
#59... i agree with truth.
 i think obama needs a few year of constitutional schooling from ron paul. i'm not sure obama can be trusted on our issue but he is my second choice to ron paul.what's this i hear about obama not letting patients grow their own in the mmj states? if this is true he will definitely be needing 8 year of constitutional study.i understand everything DR. paul says, but yes it is deep at times (economy/stock market) and requires lots of reading. if you need help understanding DR. paul i would start by reading the constitution and go from there. watching cspan never hurts, that's where i was introduced to DR. NO around 1996-1997.
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Comment #64 posted by Dankhank on February 03, 2008 at 17:49:13 PT

Tom ...
good show ...
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Comment #63 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 17:20:00 PT

Tom Petty
I thought it was great. 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #62 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 16:37:51 PT

Tom Petty
Almost time! 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #61 posted by museman on February 03, 2008 at 16:22:38 PT

#60
Yes I realized that after the fact. Thank you for clarifying.
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Comment #60 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on February 03, 2008 at 15:28:03 PT

Museman #46
John Lennon was born October 9, 1940.He left December 8, 1980.
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Comment #59 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 15:11:20 PT

Please invision this
pretend...The dinosaur wins, she cheats or whatever and squeaks by Obama. Obama has a lot to contribute. Invision Dr. Ron Paul asking, the pushed aside Obama, to be his running mate. A split party ticket. With Paul for president and Obama learning as Vice we can hold the office for 16 years. If this happens we will truly be free.
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Comment #58 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 15:07:36 PT

The Super Bowl Ad
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/sb_join_ad
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 14:52:51 PT

A Little More News
Maria Shriver just came on stage for Obama! Obama will have an ad in the Superbowl too.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #56 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 14:35:09 PT

augustwest 
I'm really excited about the endorsement from the Grateful Dead. I love how they used their logo and put Obama's logo in the middle. I am watching Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy at a rally in LA. Michelle was holding Stevie Wonders hand as they were coming on stage and they fell. That scared me but they both seem to be ok.http://www.phillesh.net/
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Comment #55 posted by augustwest on February 03, 2008 at 13:43:56 PT:

HEY NOW!
The boys don't play together very often anymore it's really great they can put aside differences to support a good cause. This is a big deal for deadheads and nowhere are there more deadheads than cali. Rock the vote
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Comment #54 posted by augustwest on February 03, 2008 at 13:34:14 PT:

deadheads for obama
Monday 7:30 pm webcat from i clips
http://www.dead.net/features/news/general-news/dead-heads-obama
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 10:11:58 PT

LaGuardia 
Thank you. I try very hard to live in the real world and Senator Obama is the only one who might win and be helpful to our cause. I don't want Clinton.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #52 posted by LaGuardia on February 03, 2008 at 10:08:21 PT

BTW
By the way, has anyone looked at the comments on this article on the Chicago Tribune website? Many of them accuse the Tribune and Steve Chapman of doing a "smear job" on Obama by highlighting his stance on marijuana. There is also one comment suggesting that the government should drug test everyone regularly and give people 20 years hard labor (or execution) if they test positive for drugs. Fortunately, that would unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment, so the idea is funny as well as disturbing.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #51 posted by LaGuardia on February 03, 2008 at 09:33:39 PT

fight_4_freedom Comment #32 
I agree that we probably will not get the answers that we want from Obama during the campaign. I think that it is pretty clear, however, that Obama does really support federal decriminalization, whatever he is saying now. As the article says "in the political realm, a strangely disjointed view of drugs prevails . . ." so he has to watch out.  We already know where the candidates stand, at least basically, and bringing marijuana prohibition reform into the spotlight during the election really would only give ammunition to the opponents of reform. Remember what they did to Carter?This much is clear: Obama is the only candidate with a good chance of getting elected who would make real progress on marijuana prohibition reform. I like Ron Paul, and also Gravel and Kucinich, but none of them are likely to be nominated. Ron Paul's national poll numbers are only about 5%. That's too bad because I think that Paul has good ideas and I'm a libertarian too, but I think that it is realistically Obama or bust in this election.If Obama is President -- and therefore would control the administrative state, including DOJ and DEA -- we could see major policy shifts almost immediately. How the laws are enforced (or not enforced) makes a big difference. Obama could very well reopen enrollment in the federal Compassionate IND program and reduce the use of civil asset forfeiture, as well as end DEA raids. Just guesses, but no other candidate with a good chance to win gives me any hope of making meaningful changes.Hillary, on the other hand, might stop DEA raids on medical marijuana users and providers (if she is telling the truth . . . I have my doubts) but she is otherwise for the status quo. I do not want another 4 to 8 years of listening about how we can't change the marijuana laws based on disingenuous arguments like "it sends a bad message to kids" (like beer commercials don't send a bad message to kids; what a joke) and having a President who won't put the DEA in its place. I was really disappointed by Clinton I (who made Gen. Barry "Marijuana is a Gateway Drug" McCaffrey drug czar!) and Clinton II would be no different. I might even vote for McCain over her just so that Obama or someone else better than Hillary would get a shot four years from now.
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Comment #50 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 09:16:06 PT

The best...
The best song we had of the tour was last nights "Attics of My Life"Here is a link to a youtube of Jerry Garcia singing Attics. The harmonies are golden.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSx1rwUNC_0Please listen.
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Comment #49 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 09:09:33 PT

Lennon
I'd love a day for Lennon, Jerry too.
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Comment #48 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 09:05:13 PT

museman
You are right about it not being an official holiday etc. That is going to take some time and effort to get the politicians to come around to that. There are three issues; one, it would be a day off with pay. That is going to cost a bundle; two, there are some people who still don’t care for John; three, he was British. We do have a Columbus Day for an Italian, so there is a president, but it will still be a long haul.  
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Comment #47 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 09:01:28 PT

http://www.dailypaul.com/
Last night we had a show in an old cannary up above Piaia. (sp)(Maui) This building is filled with absolutely beautiful old artifacts from old Hawaii and other points of the earth. The band scorched. I witness one of the most extrodinary pieces of music that I've been blessed to be at. The band is the David Nelson Band. David from New Riders of The Purple Sage. (Panama Red). With David was Billy Kreutzman from the Grateful Dead on the drum kit. On bass we had the pleasure of listening to Pete Sears (Jefferson Airplane/Starship and of course Faces. Mr Mookie Siegel on keys with his wonderful vocals. Barry Sless shared the lead with, and played the lead with his guitar and the pedal steel. David was ON! We went places. The Stella Blue that Pete sang had me crying and crying. It was just so wonderful I can't put it into words but I wish you were all here to share it with us.
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Comment #46 posted by museman on February 03, 2008 at 08:51:58 PT

JohnTyler
Dec 8th is John Lennons birthday, but I didn't know it was officially 'John Lennon Day.' MLK Day isn't his birthday too is it?I mean we need a holiday sanctioned by the gov. like MLK Day. People need to get out of school, and off work on John Lennon Day just like MLK Day. 
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Comment #45 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 08:47:58 PT

John Tyler
#37....Nice!
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Comment #44 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 08:46:47 PT

Calendar
We need a hipster calendar with special days noted and sentimental pictures etc. I think that would be a good job for High Times or Cannabis Culture or that new mag Grow to do. They already have the resources. It would be easy for them to do. They could whip it out in no time. 

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Comment #43 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 08:40:06 PT

JL Day
I thought John Lennon Day is in December. I think it’s Dec. 8th.

[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #42 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 08:35:27 PT

Across the Universe Day II
The first I saw anything about it was in either the Entertainment Section or Space and Technology section of the MSNBC web site on Friday 2/1/08.  There was a link to www.acrosstheuniverseday.com. I think its good that we are collecting our own holidays (4/20, John Lennon Day in December, and now Across the Universe Day). These are our special holy days. We need one in the summer too. 
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 08:35:02 PT

Across the Universe 
Now we are talking about buying the movie. I think we might really enjoy it.
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Comment #40 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 08:23:32 PT

wag the dog
When it comes to cannabis reform it seems that a cadre of prohibitionists in the gov. are like the tail that wags the society dog. They have way too much influence over this policy and don’t care what the people want. It’s high time for some changes. The next president needs to get rid of the Drug Czar’s office and the DEA to “send a message” that this cruel, expensive prohibition is over. Another thought, the moniker, politician has a well-deserved negative connotation. 

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Comment #39 posted by museman on February 03, 2008 at 08:13:37 PT

John Tyler
I mentioned to my wife the other day that there ought to be a John Lennon Day, like Martin Luther King Day, both were martyred for the same reasons by the same power elite - they were murdered because they spoke truth, and people listened -Do you know why Feb 4 is the choice of days to celebrate?I saw the movie Across the Universe last night. It took me nearly a half hour after seeing it to stop crying, the nostalgia was nearly overwhelming. Very well done. I highly recommend it to anyone who remembers, or would like to get a good glimpse into OUR youth.
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Comment #38 posted by museman on February 03, 2008 at 08:04:49 PT

JohnO
In 1976, I worked hard for the Tom Hayden campaign. I was so excited when I got to meet him - he was one of the 
'Chicago 7' for those who do not know, a political role model for my generation. Up to the moment I looked in his eyes, I believed in the american political system, and had worked on several campaigns, including McGovern in 72. I beat feet, knocked on doors, and convinced a lot of people to vote who wouldn't have otherwise. But then I got a chance to look a politician in the eyes, up close and personal.That was the day of political revelation, the true meat of the matter. In the moment I was shaking his hand and smiling expectantly into his face, I was given access to peer into his soul, and what I saw there was fear, corruption, an a huge inflated pride that had no basis other than his being in the right place at the wrong time -the Chicago riots in '68, and a general lack of concern for anything but image.Since then I have peered closely at a number of 'em, and even Dennis Kucinich, who said a lot of things I agree with, like Ron Paul, but the truth is in the eyes. You can't see it on television, which is why TV and media makes it so much easier for the funded candidates to get votes and attention. They are all professional obfuscators, which is a nice way of saying liars. They have become pretty convincing actors to the american public, but none of them are anything but, well, politicians.But the dogs wear badges and guns.
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Comment #37 posted by John Tyler on February 03, 2008 at 07:57:49 PT

Across the Universe
As was mentioned in an earlier news item tomorrow, 2/4/08, is Across the Universe Day. (Not really sure why, but it’s totally cool. I hope this will become a yearly event like 4/20 day. Also, I find it totally strange that a staid gov., agency like NASA, would promote the premier hippie band of the world, that played superb psychedelic music, that expanded the minds of millions and millions of people, that advised listeners to “Get A Little Help From Their Friends” and to look for “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”. It just goes to show that their music touched everyone. That’s Karma at work.)  Also the DVD of the movie by the same name goes on sale today to celebrate the event. Listen to a Beatle song on 2/4 in remembrance of the Fab Four, the four lads from Liverpool, who told us “All You Need Is Love” and took us “Across the Universe”.

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Comment #36 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 03, 2008 at 07:44:24 PT:

Happy SuperBowl Sunday C-News!
To me, it's a holiday. One of my favorite days of the year.Reminder, Willie Nelson to perform during the pregame festivities. And Tom Petty will sing at half time. So let's get, to the point, let's roooooll, another joooiiint!
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Comment #35 posted by RevRayGreen on February 03, 2008 at 07:32:35 PT

In Denver
at the Convention, all of the questions will be answered. I read some time ago Mason was trying to get things pot-free from police during the convention.
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on February 03, 2008 at 06:59:46 PT

Truth
I had some work to do but I did catch a little of what he said. I don't understand him very well. I've tried many times though. I don't look at the world like he does I guess.
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Comment #33 posted by Truth on February 03, 2008 at 06:51:46 PT

Martha
Did you listen to Ron Paul? What did you think?
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Comment #32 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 20:20:43 PT:

He does have a lot to lose.
And I understand that he probably won't say much about these issues during the race.I guess we'll just have to wait and see what he does when he's elected.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 20:12:32 PT

fight_4_freedom 
You ask if he will actually do it but how can we ever know if anyone will do what they say they will do? There is an amount of faith in a way and we hope they will do what they said they would do. Sometimes people do, but sometimes people don't. He has a lot to lose. He would be the first African American President and much will be expected from him and I believe he cares about what his legacy would be.
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Comment #30 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 19:42:04 PT:

Thanks for the Obama letter
He's made it clear that he will not follow in Bush's footsteps by arresting sick patients and their providers. But the question remains, what will he actually do? Will he leave it up to the states to decide? He still isn't very clear on this one either. But at least he will end the thuggish raids.
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Comment #29 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 19:16:59 PT:

I liked the 
way it was done. The candidates had more time to talk (well in Ron Paul's case anyways). And although they don't paint the whole picture, the little polling thing they do is pretty interesting.Thanks Sinsemilla! Wasn't it great to hear that four letter word in a televised debate!And you're right FoM, I don't know how they do all of those events in one day and at the same time still stay focused and awake. I know I couldn't do it.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 18:45:38 PT

Truth
I think that we need to look at the voter turnout after each Primary or Caucus to know how many young people are for each person. At least adding up actually voters is more of a correct way to be sure about the youth vote. Online polls aren't accurate because many people don't do polls or might not even be online. I don't have one friend that has a computer where I live. 
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Comment #27 posted by Truth on February 02, 2008 at 18:21:29 PT

Dr. Paul
The young folks seemed to prefer Dr. Paul over the others. He offers actual ideas instead of just the word "change". Obama will tweek the currant wheel, maybe a new spoke. Dr. Paul will change the whole broken wheel and worn out tire.If by cheating or a stroke of luck, hILLARY, wins, I'd love to see Dr. Paul pick up Obama as a running mate.
 I've funded Obama but Dr. Paul will see more of my hard earned shrinking dollars.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 17:55:45 PT

Review On MTV - My Space Event
The MySpace Generation's Got a Crush on Obamahttp://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9863687-36.html
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 17:25:09 PT

This Was In My E-Mail News
Response to Your Message to Senator Obama 
 
 	
 Dear Friend, 
 Thank you for contacting Obama for America to inquire about the Senator's position on allowing severely ill patients to use marijuana for medical purposes.  Many states have laws that condone medical marijuana, but the Bush Administration is using federal drug enforcement agents to raid these facilities and arrest seriously ill people. Focusing scarce law enforcement resources on these patients who pose no threat while many violent and highly dangerous drug traffickers are at large makes no sense. Senator Obama will not continue the Bush policy when he is president.
 Thank you again for contacting us. 
 Sincerely, 
 Obama for America

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Comment #24 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 17:04:45 PT

Another Thought
Obama just finished a rally that had 20,000 people there and then he came on the MTV program and has another event in Missoui tonight which will probably will be large too. I don't know how he does it. I get tired when reading his schedule. I don't know why anyone would want this job if it almost kills you with exhaustion to get it. The top tier candidates never seem to stop on the Democratic side.
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Comment #23 posted by JohnO on February 02, 2008 at 16:49:32 PT:

The candidates
are like stray dogs begging for a handout. There is no real
loyalty, only whatever they have to say to get your vote. How can you be certain Obama's first position was not simply pandering to the growing cannabis lobby? If he's elected, where will his loyalty lie, or did he simply lie?
Presidents tend to leave the States to fight it out among themselves, and when State's policies conflict with Federal policies, Presidents largely act as though they are above the fray. They have experts to do that work for them, in this case it will be the DEA.
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Comment #22 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on February 02, 2008 at 16:44:59 PT

fight 4 freedom #20
Ron Paul was saying how we give subsidies to farmers to grow corn for ethanol, when it takes almost as much energy to convert the corn as the energy produced.He said we should be using hemp for ethanol.This is the first time I've heard the word "hemp" in any of the debates.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 16:36:06 PT

Just a Comment
Obama is beating Clinton and that is great. I think most of the questions were centered around what they are saying in general as far as their platform goes.
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Comment #20 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 16:07:32 PT:

I was on the phone with a friend
when Ron Paul was talking, and he mentioned hemp and how it is illegal. I didn't catch the actual quote, but he was stating how it was a viable alternative fuel. 
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Comment #19 posted by RevRayGreen on February 02, 2008 at 15:28:11 PT

The LIVE stream
is dead (no cable), I'm sure it's jammed......I'll be looking forward to the video clips.......
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 15:01:49 PT

It's Started
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 15:00:49 PT

fight_4_freedom 
It's wonderful. We don't have HD programming yet but just the satellite signal is great. We have it hooked up to surround sound too. 
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Comment #16 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 14:56:15 PT:

FoM- Forgot to ask you
How's the new HD?
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Comment #15 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 14:46:07 PT:

And how can I forget to mention
The sunrises and sunsets. It's definitely worth getting up early for.And the tiki torches all lit up along the beach at night :)I could go on and on for hours.
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Comment #14 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 14:43:05 PT:

I'm happy for you truth
Hawaii was the most magical place. The water was so pretty. With the mountains and volcanoes in the background. The most colorful fish I've ever seen. Some of the best herbs as well :)My sister got married out there. Our hotel was right in front of Waikiki beach. sorry for the spellingShe then had her honey moon in Maui. Don't waste your time with the debate. Get out there and enjoy it while you're there!!!!!
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 14:40:45 PT

Truth
I think it will be interesting. I'm hoping at least. Glad you will get to see it online.
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Comment #12 posted by Truth on February 02, 2008 at 14:36:54 PT

FoM
Thanks for the heads up on the debate. We don't have MTV here so we're going to watch it on the internet.
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Comment #11 posted by Truth on February 02, 2008 at 14:35:08 PT

freedom
Thank you. I love it here. Yesterday I swam for a while with the biggest, oldest turtle I've ever seen in the wild. It was twice as wide as me. We also had a whale breach big right in front of us when we first hit the beach. The water is wonderful. At the third show the band set up on a boat in Kona a played to the sea critters. Tonights show is in Maui.
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Comment #10 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 14:21:38 PT:

Oh Hawaii.....
I can still smell that ocean breeze. Most amazing place I've ever been to. I dream of the day I can go back and visit.Have fun!
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 14:16:06 PT

Friendly Reminder: MTV - My Space at 6 PM ET Today
This election season, MySpace & MTV join forces to empower you to ask questions directly to top Presidential candidates and respond to their answers in real-time. To conclude our groundbreaking series, we're bringing you all of the top candidates in one live event. Submit video now and tune in on Feb 2 to ask your final questions before Super Tuesday!http://www.myspace.com/election2008Truth, it sounds like you are having fun. Enjoy!
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Comment #8 posted by Truth on February 02, 2008 at 14:04:19 PT

By the way....
Martha and I are having a blast in Hawaii with the David Nelson Band. 5 shows down, 2 to go and then 3 days in Kauai. The Nelson Band is Rockin' Hard! What a long strange trip it's been.....
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Comment #7 posted by Truth on February 02, 2008 at 13:58:36 PT

Ron Paul
Ron Paul will end the drug war. He will end the Iraq war. He will bring all our troops home, give the land back to the countries that we took it from. He will let drug offenders out of prison/jail and apologize. No wonders the press blocks out what he has to say.A revolution is afoot. Fight for freedom! 
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Comment #6 posted by augustwest on February 02, 2008 at 13:37:21 PT:

Obama
 
I would like to think he's playing it tight maybe he's anticipating a drug past scandal and thats why he can't look soft on the issue. Hopefully, if he does survive whatever they throw at him, he will use his power to bring some sanity to our drug laws.
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Comment #5 posted by augustwest on February 02, 2008 at 13:29:21 PT:

conspiracy
The clintons tipped their hand when supporters started refering to obama's past a while back. Now this. The other shoe will drop soon in the form of somone coming out saying obama sold drugs to him or something really scandalous like that. I can't see billary the savvy politicians they are letting obama ride this wave much longer. Treachory is afoot.

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Comment #4 posted by fight_4_freedom on February 02, 2008 at 13:10:28 PT:

FoM comment #2
Very Well Said!
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Comment #3 posted by Truth on February 02, 2008 at 13:10:14 PT

I suggest...
Google Ron Paul and listen to his ideas on the war, the drug war and the economy. He's being blacked out in the press because they DON'T want You to know.Knowledge is the key.Dr. Paul speaks the truth!
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 11:39:50 PT

One More Thought
Anyone who has ever done drugs should be able to look back and rediscover why they did what they did and why they stopped. That type of person has a unique wisdom that only they can have because experience really is the best teacher. Think long and think hard about the criminal penalties and how your own life could have been put on hold if you had gotten caught. Now think of all the particularly young and many African Americans that have lost hope before it even had a chance to be born. We need to change this archaic law now.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on February 02, 2008 at 11:03:48 PT

Thank You Steve Chapman 
I am an Obama supporter but I want this question answered.
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