cannabisnews.com: Frank Defends Proposal To Decriminalize Marijuana





Frank Defends Proposal To Decriminalize Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on March 23, 2008 at 14:12:26 PT
By The Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Boston, MA -- Rep. Barney Frank is defending a bill he plans to file this week decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, saying the federal law unfairly targets those using medical marijuana in California.Frank, who filed a bill to decriminalize marijuana as a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in the 1970s, said the decision whether to make possession of the drug illegal should be left up to the states.
He also said the federal government shouldn’t have a law on the books that is rarely enforced and which doesn’t make sense to large portions of the public."Do you really think people should be prosecuted for smoking marijuana? I don’t think most people agree with that. It’s one area where the public is ahead of the elected officials," Frank said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It does not appear to me to be a law that society is serious about."Frank said he was particularly troubled by federal law enforcement agencies targeting those using marijuana as a legal medical treatment under California law."I don’t think smoking marijuana should be a federal case," he said. "There’s no federal law against mugging."Marijuana use is illegal under U.S. law, which does not recognize the medical marijuana laws in California and 11 other states.The Drug Enforcement Agency and other U.S. agencies have been shutting down major medical marijuana dispensaries throughout California in the last two years and charging their operators with felony distribution charges.Frank first announced the bill on the HBO show "Real Time," hosted by Bill Maher.Frank’s comments come as pro-marijuana activists are pushing a ballot question that would decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana in Massachusetts.Instead of facing a criminal record, those caught with a small amount of marijuana for personal use would instead pay a civil fine of $100 — much like a traffic ticket.Supporters say the measure would save the state millions of dollars in law enforcement costs and spare thousands of state residents from the burden of a criminal record.Critics, including the head of the anti-drug education group DARE-Massachusetts, say they oppose decriminalizing any amount of marijuana because it could send a signal to children that smoking pot is no big deal.They say they while not everyone who smokes pot will end up shooting heroin, almost no heroin addicts begin with the more dangerous drug.Activists pushing the initiative point to more than two dozen nonbinding referendum questions placed on local ballots in Massachusetts in the past six years. In each, a majority of voters supported the idea of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.About a dozen states have already adopted similar laws.Asked about the marijuana ballot initiative last December, Gov. Deval Patrick said he had to consult with his Public Safety Secretary Kevin Burke and Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby before staking out a position."I think they are both skeptical," he said at the time.The ballot question isn’t the only effort under way to ease the state’s drug laws.A bill working its way through the Statehouse would also decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of the drug, but set a higher fine of $250.Source: Associated Press (Wire)Published: March 23, 2008Copyright: 2008 The Associated Press Related Articles:Rep. Frank Defends Proposal To Decriminalize MJhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23773.shtmlBarney Frank Calls For Decriminalizing of MJhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23772.shtml
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on March 25, 2008 at 15:55:25 PT
 rchandar
I'm sorry to read you were in a car accident. I hope you are doing ok now.
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Comment #33 posted by rchandar on March 25, 2008 at 15:30:52 PT:
Marijuana & Universal Health Care
I think these go hand in hand, and especially concerning the medical patients. A universal, compulsory health care card or insurance would take away privilege, corporate exploitation and price gouging, and establish humanity rather than status as the negotiating factor in medical care. As it turns out, a few themes work against medical marijuana. The first is that MJ is smoked--that's bad, our television and our cultural spin doctors have established that smoking is "bad." Which means that, in the government's view, Marinol is the only alternative. That's bad, I know: prescription marinol costs $100 for a month supply, and it has side effects that the naturally grown grass doesn't. The second is moral: MJ is viewed as "morally" wrong, even though there isn't a strong ethical ground for keeping it illegal. What message would it send to kids, if we allowed it? Probably none. In reality, there is this need for a complete overhaul of medical care and the health professions, one that recognizes choice rather than your wallet. So the government gets pressed to turn out this grandstand message; marijuana is BAD and that's more important than any smaller "good" values. The decision of one' person's health is not individual: it reflects upon the whole of society.I was in a highway accident and was in extreme pain for weeks. Trust me, some things really do work, get you your life back.--rchandar
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Comment #32 posted by rchandar on March 25, 2008 at 15:14:28 PT:
Rep. Barney Frank
I think this is a highly commendable bill and should be passed immediately. Legally, there is no basis for a federal law on marijuana possession; the only instances where federal officers--the FBI, the DEA, even Customs--are really commissioned to enforce narcotics laws are with large-scale possession and trafficking. To have the DEA raid an old hippie's shack and charge him with possession of, say, 3 or 4 grams, is just ridiculous--that, clearly, should be left up to the states. I'm not drawing on it, but I'm sure that there's a stat somewhere. There must be about 50-60,000 of these federal "possession" cases that likely only involve a person who, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, had a few joints and was charged by the Feds. There should be no such discretionary power for a federal official--in practice, he should only be enforcing large-scale trafficking of at least upwards of a few pounds. The legal precedent for this Federal law comes from the Tax Act passed in 1937. It is no longer truly operative--all states have laws that distinguish between personal use and dealing/trafficking. Many of these laws, too, are out of date. But there is no justification for a SWAT raid on small-time possessors or small-time dealers. Such examples feed the police-state theory and deprive us of a "sensible" approach to enforcement, should we still need such a thing.Joke for the day: A ship of aliens came down to Planet Earth. They introduced their leader.Human: What do you think of our planet?Alien: I have two questions for you.Human: Okay.Alien: Why do all your women have blue skin?Human: Oh, those are their clothes. That's how they dress.Alien: And why do you have these stupid laws about drugs?Human: We think they're bad for people's health.Alien: That's stupid! I want to smoke some ganja, get a rock band together and...Human: We think that people who use drugs may commit crimes.Alien 2: But don't your people say, "In America, you are innocent until proven guilty?"Human: Yes, that's what we say.Alien 2: Then, why is that because you may commit a crime, you have to be charged as if you already committed the crime??
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Comment #31 posted by Hope on March 25, 2008 at 08:20:17 PT
:0)
Bet a lot of people have to repress a smile when they are first introduced to the young man.I hope his parents didn't do that on purpose.
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Comment #30 posted by E_Johnson on March 24, 2008 at 22:56:13 PT
Bush and Blunt back together
Bush's daughter Barbara appears to be back with her old boyfriend, whose name is Jay Blount, pronounced "Blunt."
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Comment #29 posted by ekim on March 24, 2008 at 20:32:17 PT
great Rev
i know nothing about Brian Leininger but i will read up on him soon.i hope you gain much information and mybe even get leap a event near you,i just sent email to diane rehm show asking them to have on a leap speaker..
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Comment #28 posted by ekim on March 24, 2008 at 20:21:17 PT
NORML Legal Counsel Keith Stroup
please try to have someone sit in on this event in DC.i have been sending info on Leap to the Diane Rehm show (NPR National Public Radio)which is in the Am U asking her to have on a Leap speaker i only hope that someone from the show will hear about Howards visit and learn something about what former LEOs have to say about the drug war.American University Howard Wooldridge Washington DC Presentation: "Cops Say Legalize Drugs. Ask Me Why." 400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW http://www.american.edu/index1.html 
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Comment #27 posted by RevRayGreen on March 24, 2008 at 20:15:17 PT
I'm going
3/26/08 Drake University Olmstead Center 8 PM L.E.A.P.
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Comment #26 posted by ekim on March 24, 2008 at 20:12:22 PT
paul - a leap event in iowa
upcomming Leap events 
Mar 26 08 Drake University Brian Leininger Des Moines Iowa Olmstead Center Bulldog Theater 29th Street and University Ave 
Mar 27 08 American University Howard Wooldridge Washington DC Presentation: "Cops Say Legalize Drugs. Ask Me Why." 400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW http://www.american.edu/index1.html Mar 27 08 Keene State College Rick Van Wickler Keene NH Presentation: "Cops Say Legalize Drugs. Ask Me Why." Mountain View Room, Student Center 229 Main Street http://www.keene.edu/ http://www.leap.cc 
http://www.leap.cc
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Comment #25 posted by RevRayGreen on March 24, 2008 at 19:55:34 PT
Just in............
"March 24, 2008 -- ALBANY - Gov. Paterson, who confessed to repeated infidelities last week, admitted tonight that he used cocaine and marijuana when he was in his 20s. Paterson, 53, the former lieutenant governor who succeeded disgraced Gov. Spitzer last week, claimed on NY1 that he had only used cocaine "a couple of times" when he was "22 or 23" years of age. He said he had only used marijuana "probably when I was about 20," adding, "I don't think I've touched marijuana since the late 70s." when ? 1979 :)
DIGG-New York Governer Admits to Using Cocaine and Marijuana
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Comment #24 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 24, 2008 at 18:50:11 PT:
Southern Cal Activists Voice Their Opinions 
Tomorrow Morning!For Immediate Release: March 24th, 2008Victims of DEA Raids to Testify at LA City Council Meeting Tuesday at 10amMedical marijuana patients, providers and advocates to rally at DEA offices at 11amLos Angeles, CA -- At least three medical marijuana dispensary operators, who have been forced to close as a result of raids by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will testify before the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday at 10am, during the public comment period. Afterwards, they will march with advocates to the DEA offices downtown for an 11am rally. Virgil Grant, who's medical marijuana dispensaries were raided by the DEA last Thursday, will call on the City Council to end federal interference. Grant will be joined by Lisa Sawoya and Michael Levitt, who are both former dispensary operators that were raided in July 2007. Grant, Sawoya and Levitt all paid tens of thousands of dollars in sales tax to the state.What: Raided medical marijuana dispensary operators testify before LA City Council followed by a rally at DEA officesWhen: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 -- LA City Council meeting at 10am; Rally at DEA offices at 11am
  
Where: City Council meeting at 200 N. Spring St., Room 340; Rally at DEA offices at 255 E. Temple St. in downtown LA
  Why: To call for an end to DEA tactics aimed at undermining state law
  Who: Testimony will be heard from Los Angeles dispensary operators Virgil Grant (recently raided), Lisa Sawoya and Michael Levitt 
More info from Safe Access
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 18:09:59 PT
NORML Press Release
Breaking News: Rep. Barney Frank and NORML Team Up on Federal Decriminalization Legislation March 24, 2008 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: US Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) has announced that he will shortly introduce legislation in Congress to strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible cannabis consumers. Representative Frank made the announcement Friday on the nationally syndicated television show, "Real Time With Bill Maher."“It's time for the politicians to catch up with the public on this [issue],” Frank said. "The notion that you lock people up for smoking marijuana is pretty silly."Frank's pending bill seeks to eliminate all federal penalties prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) of marijuana. Under this measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine. The bill also eliminates all penalties prohibiting the not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of pot. NORML Legal Counsel Keith Stroup, who worked closely with Frank's staff to draft this legislation, said, "If passed by Congress, this legislation would legalize the possession, use, and non-profit transfer of marijuana by adults for the first time since 1937." The bill incorporates the basic recommendation of the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse (also known as the Shafer Commission).Currently, 12 states have enacted various versions of marijuana decriminalization, eliminating criminal penalties for minor pot violations. Passage of these laws has not led to increased marijuana use.In fact, the only U.S. government study ever commissioned to assess whether the enforcement of strict legal penalties positively impacts marijuana use found, "Overall, the preponderance of the evidence which we have gathered and examined points to the conclusion that decriminalization has had virtually no effect either on the marijuana use or on related attitudes and beliefs about marijuana use among American young people."Similar statewide legislation is pending in New Hampshire and Vermont. Additionally, Massachusetts voters will decide on a statewide decriminalization measure this November.According to a nationwide CNN/Time Magazine poll, more than three-quarters of American adults favor decriminalizing marijuana.For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500.http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7561
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 17:06:02 PT
Paul
It's good to see you. I did a google search and couldn't find any contact information for him. 
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Comment #21 posted by paulpeterson on March 24, 2008 at 16:25:27 PT
pancreatic cancer & THC
Patrick Swayze has pancreatic cancer. Does anyone have an address or way to contact this great actor?Somehow, someone should let him know that in 2006, Spanish researchers established that THC selectively kills just pancreatic cancer cells, via two "stress related" genes, which cause the internal scaffolding to collapse, causing the cancer cells to become limp and then dissolve.Apparently he is treating through Stanford U, and recall, that the Marinol pill, with THC in it, is Class 3, meaning this could be a totally LEGAL ROUTE TO KILL PANCREATIC CANCER NOW. Merely dissolving the gel-caps, and drawing the goo into a syringe, and injecting it into the tumor site (with imaging machine support, that is), could do the trick.I would suggest making a "conjugate" with either Omega 3 (which would help to bind it with membrane chemicals), AND/OR PROPOFOL, which might increase efficacy of the treatment "magic bullet", and then watch it shrink and the patient improve hope. It also decreases metatastic processes.By the way, the "CB-1 & CB-2" receptor sites, should be renamed the "LIPID" RECEPTOR SITES, which might increase generalized knowledge about this system and remove the "voo-doo" association, but who is listening to me, eh?PAUL PETERSON, Midwest Researcher and advocate.Good luck helping spread the news, eh?
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 15:51:51 PT
Related Article From Salem-News.com
Congressman Frank To Introduce Federal Marijuana Decriminalization Bill***March 24, 2008CSMP Applauds Effort and Symmetry with Proposed Statewide Ballot Initiative.(BOSTON, Mass.) - The Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy today applauded U.S. Representative Barney Frank's (D-4th MA) announcement that he would introduce federal marijuana decriminalization legislation that parallels CSMP's statewide effort to create sound marijuana policies.Frank announced his bill to reform smalltime marijuana penalties – a position shared by the majority of Massachusetts voters – during his appearance on HBO’s "Real Time with Bill Maher" over the weekend."The Massachusetts Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy is proud to be moving forward on the state level to create a sound marijuana policy while Congressman Frank tackles this issue in the nation’s capital," said Whitney A. Taylor, CSMP campaign manager. "The people of Massachusetts are ready for a proven, practical marijuana policy, which is reflected in the efforts of both Congressman Frank and CSMP."By creating a civil penalty system for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, CSMP's initiative will greatly reduce the human and financial costs of current laws. According to Harvard economist Dr. Jeff Miron, Massachusetts’ taxpayers spend $29.5 million a year just to arrest and book offenders who possess an ounce or less of marijuana.This arrest can result in up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, but more costly is the creation of a criminal record — or CORI — for these offenders. A CORI can essentially mean a lifetime of punishment, making an individual ineligible for student loans, creating barriers to employment, and banning smalltime marijuana violators from many housing opportunities, Taylor said.Last year, over 7,500 Bay Staters received a CORI and endless barriers to a successful life for personal possession of an ounce or less of marijuana."This commonsense approach to marijuana possession will create huge savings, both human and financial," Taylor said. "Thousands of individuals will be able to move on to lead productive lives, while over $29 million a year can stay in local community coffers — it is a win-win for Massachusetts." Copyright: 2008 Salem-News.comhttp://www.salem-news.com/articles/march242008/barney_pot_3-24-08.php
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on March 24, 2008 at 15:32:07 PT
The Gentleman from Massachusetts....
I don't know why I keep thinking "New York".Aaargh.
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Comment #18 posted by observer on March 24, 2008 at 12:04:50 PT
more dangerous drug than heroin
"They say they while not everyone who smokes pot will end up shooting heroin, almost no heroin addicts begin with the more dangerous drug."
"I am surprised to learn that certain police officers have been inclined to minimize the effects of the use of marihuana. 
These officers should review some of the cases that are reported to the Bureau. They would, I am sure, be convinced that the 
drug is adhering to its old world traditions of murder, assault, rape, physical demoralization and mental breakdown. A study 
of the effects of marihuana shows clearly that it is a dangerous drug, and Bureau records prove that its use is associated 
with insanity and crime. Therefore, from the standpoint of police work, it is a more dangerous drug than heroin or cocaine." 
(J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI,
WESTERN CITY – May 1938,
Pub. By the League of Calif. Municipalities, 
- 448 S. Hill St. Los Angeles.,
“Santa Barbara Police Investigate and Report of Marihuana”)
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 08:45:58 PT
Barney Frank on The Bill Maher Show 
This clip is very good. I posted it on the wrong thread so here it is on this thread.Rep. Barney Frank - Make Room For The Serious Criminals Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ5okcvl7zE 
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 08:38:03 PT
Video From The WSJ Blog
Barney Frank in "Waiting to Inhale" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMI5XuNPx7M
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 08:35:32 PT
From The Wall Street Journal's Blog
Mass. Rep. Frank Moves To Legalize Personal Pot UseMarch 24, 2008http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/03/24/mass-rep-frank-moves-to-legalize-personal-pot-use/?mod=WSJBlog
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 07:04:25 PT
LaGuardia 
I know that political spin drives me up a wall and I have seen more then I have ever wanted to see this year. I don't think we will be able to wave a magic wand and marijuana will be freed but I do feel hope. The closer we get the more positive I feel. The video of Obama in Oregon said a lot to me too. He was smiling mostly thru the marijuana issue. He mentioned about growing pot but he said he hadn't seen what Oregon's Initiative said. He wants to honor state's rights and yet said something about changing Federal law. I look into the heart of the matter and that is how I come to the conclusions that I do.
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Comment #13 posted by LaGuardia on March 24, 2008 at 06:32:01 PT
FoM
Prof. Miron may be correct for the time being (my non-pot smoking friends who say "but I think that it should be legal" seems to agree with him), but public opinion can and will change based on how the media treats the issue. Most people just form their opinions based on the latest media coverage.Take the run-up to the Iraq war as an example: In 2002-03, most media outlets ran stories that could be summed up as "Saddam Hussein: Threat or Menace?" (or "Saddam Hussein: Al-Qaeda Terrorist or Freelance Terrorist?") i.e., they presented a very biased perspective/false choice that convinced enough people to support the war for the neo-cons to get the Congressional force authorization that they needed; despite the fact that a significant minority (almost 50% of Americans, I think) were not convinced.Right now we are dealing with about $18 billion a year in propaganda from the ONDCP, much of it targeted at marijuana, and a media that still gives credence in reporting to supposed law enforcement drug "experts" who say things like "generally, in my experience, marijuana leads to the harder stuff," groups like Massachusetts-DARE (whose message has been dissected well by other posters), and mothers who have lost a child to a heroin overdose who say things like "legalizing marijuana, that's just crazy!"Once the media gives greater scrutiny to and debunks the clearly bogus reasons given for marijuana prohibition, public opinion will swing in the direction necessary for reform. Just wait until we start seeing media stories with messages like: "Marijuana Prohibition: Bad Policy or Social Injustice?" It may take a while (and ONDCP may need to be defunded first in order to level the playing field by eliminating the primary source for anti-marijuana propaganda. . . I am sure that we could use a spare $18 billion for something like health care) but once the issue starts receiving anti-prohibition media coverage there will be sufficient "political will" for Barney's bill and other, more sweeping reforms. 
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 24, 2008 at 05:36:37 PT
Just a Comment
When I watched the Barney Frank video I felt good and hopeful but then a Jeffrey Miron said that it will die because there isn't any political will. That really bothered me and I was confused by his statement. I think there are a lot of people who are fired up and in tune and are very anxious for reforming marijuana laws. I did a search and found out he isn't a Democrat and I thought maybe in his circles he is correct but not necessarily correct if you are coming from another political angle. That's all for now. Just my 2 cents.***Excerpt: The topic is one of state and nation-wide discussion. Jeffrey Miron lectures in economics at Harvard University. He thinks that franks proposal will spark an important discussion, but will die -- almost immediately -- on the house floor: Jeffrey Miron:“There's not a political will right now for anything like this...even this baby step I don't think there's will for. “
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Comment #11 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on March 24, 2008 at 00:08:17 PT
They (prohibs) screw up again.....
"They (critics, including the head of the anti-drug education group DARE-Massachusetts [apparently THEY all say the same thing]) say they (they even say 'they' instead of 'that', lol) while not everyone who smokes pot will end up shooting heroin, almost no heroin addicts begin with the more dangerous drug."So, if heroin is the more dangerous drug, why do they want marijuana to continue to be classified with it? Why lock up the people who use the less dangerous drug with the people who use the more dangerous drug? Doesn't this send the message to children that using heroin is no bigger deal than using marijuana?Once again, the prohibitionists have forgotten which lie they were arguing. No wonder THEY didn't want to be specifically quoted by name.(I'm sure THEY meant to say that marijuana is MORE dangerous than heroin, because it leads to more dangerous drugs like heroin.)And, of course, EVERY HEROIN addict began their addiction to HEROIN by using HEROIN, and the drugs that chemically lead to heroin are legal synthetic and natural opiates.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on March 23, 2008 at 21:13:08 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Thank you. That was good. He said something about needing to change the law on the Federal Level. 
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Comment #9 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 23, 2008 at 20:54:11 PT:
Nice Video Rev
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad9whO0VwKkHere is that recent interview with Barack Obama where he discusses medical marijuana. He says more in the video than he did in the little piece I posted earlier today. He again said that he doesn't like the idea of people growing their own. But at least he said he was "not going to be using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this issue."
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on March 23, 2008 at 20:31:32 PT
Video About Barney Frank's New Bill
http://www.necn.com/Boston/Nation/Barney-Franks-marijuana-bill/1206321427.html
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Comment #7 posted by observer on March 23, 2008 at 18:57:32 PT
Jail Adults Because ... Kids Might be Mistaken
they oppose decriminalizing any amount of marijuana because it could send a signal to children that smoking pot is no big deal.Why should adults be jailed to cater to the incorrect impressions of children? In what other instance are adults jailed because kids can't understand the subtleties of this or that? We teach children. We don't jail adults because kids get it wrong. it could send a signal to children that...What utter, complete twaddle. 
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Comment #6 posted by RevRayGreen on March 23, 2008 at 17:50:02 PT
Iowa Global Marijuana March 2008 promo
pass it around..........
DSM IOWA GMM 2008
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Comment #5 posted by The GCW on March 23, 2008 at 16:13:43 PT
DARE is more dangerous than cannabis.
I think DARE is even afraid to use the respected word cannabis because it would not be as useful at helping induce fear etc. -0-DARE & MASS.US MA: PUB LTE: DARE Does More Harm Than Goodhttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n102/a05.html?261525Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jan 2008Source: Patriot Ledger, The (Quincy, MA)Dear editor,Nearly every study, including government studies, show even the revamped model of DARE is a failure and may be causing more drug use than no anti-drug education at all. The Jan. 19 editorial, "Give Yourself A Chance To Grow Up," is proof DARE doesn't work. XXXReferenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n070/a08.html-0-MORE cannabis MASS,US MA: PUB LTE: It's Time to Stop Treating Marijuana Use As CrimePubdate: Tue, 4 Mar 2008
Source: Sun Chronicle (Attleboro, MA)http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n271/a08.html?261525-0-The DARE mentality problem is not new...US MA: PUB LTE: DARE Program Is FailingPubdate: Mon, 12 Aug 2002
Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA)http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1510/a11.html?262594
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Comment #4 posted by runruff on March 23, 2008 at 15:58:39 PT:
A litte repeat.
I think the message prohibition sends to the young people is that hypocrisy is normal and ok. That it is normal for government to lie and create a false issue in order to instill more controll over people. That lying is accepable if profit is your goal and that government can be dangerously wrong conerning important issues.
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Comment #3 posted by unkat27 on March 23, 2008 at 15:39:51 PT
Frank Right, DARE-MASS Way-Wrong!!!!
"Critics, including the head of the anti-drug education group DARE-Massachusetts, say they oppose decriminalizing any amount of marijuana because it could send a signal to children that smoking pot is no big deal."Get your head out of your arse, you DARE-scare vampires, if message-sending to children were the real issue, alcohol wouldn't be legal either. Furthermore, sending messages to kids is no excuse for collectively-punishing entire groups of apparently "free" adult citizens who exercise their constitutional and civil rights to simply consume substances while that action has no adverse effects upon anyone, including themselves! Get REAL JOBS, you control-freaks, and stop pretending that your draconian policies and punishments of nonviolent drug-offenders actually serves a functional purpose! Idiots!
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on March 23, 2008 at 15:17:47 PT
Gov. Deval Patrick 
I believe if Barney Frank's Bill is simple and to the point the Governor will get behind it. 
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 23, 2008 at 14:14:29 PT
I Agree
Excerpt: "Do you really think people should be prosecuted for smoking marijuana? I don’t think most people agree with that. It’s one area where the public is ahead of the elected officials," Frank said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It does not appear to me to be a law that society is serious about."
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