cannabisnews.com: Pro-Pot Advocates: Radio Ad Misrepresents Question





Pro-Pot Advocates: Radio Ad Misrepresents Question
Posted by CN Staff on October 10, 2008 at 05:57:01 PT
By Lyle Moran, Sun Correspondent
Source: Lowell Sun 
Boston, MA -- The group fighting to reduce penalties for marijuana possession in Massachusetts charged yesterday that opponents are misrepresenting their ballot question as a referendum on legalizing marijuana, rather than its intent to reduce penalties for small amounts of pot. Whitney Taylor, campaign manager of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, said a radio ad this week misrepresented the referendum question.
"This ad goes beyond misstatements, spin or opinion and blatantly lies about what Question 2 would do if passed," Taylor said. "The opponents of Question 2 are trying to dupe the voters of Massachusetts into thinking that Question 2 is something it's not." Question 2, a voter referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot, would decriminalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana, instead imposing a fine. Vote No on Question Two, a collection of law enforcement and civic organizations, purchased the ad that said "legalizing marijuana will have a disastrous impact on thousands of families living in Massachusetts." William Breault, the voice in the ad and chairman of Main South Alliance for Public Safety, a Worcester public-safety advocacy organization leading the fight against the question, said he had no qualms about the ad's language. "If legalize helps us to get the public's attention, we will use it," Breault said. "We have not told (supporters of Question 2) what to do, so they shouldn't tell us what to do." Breault said he felt comfortable about the language in the ad, because he believes that the pro-marijuana committee, which received $400,000 from billionaire George Soros in 2007, ultimately wants marijuana users to face no penalties. "Soros is the sugar daddy of the legalization movement," Breault said. "Question 2 supporters are a carefully camouflaged, highly intelligent elitist group with the goal of legalization." Taylor, however, said Breault's claims are a further distortion of facts, saying Soros has never embraced legalization. "Soros contributed money so that this issue would be discussed and debated based on facts," Taylor said. "Unfortunately, our opponents just want to bring up red herrings rather than debate the actual issues." Financial support for the ad in question came from Save Our Society From Drugs, a non-profit organization against lenient drug policies based in St. Petersburg, Fla. Calvina Fay, the group's executive director, said that Massachusetts citizens have asked for support in fighting Question 2 and believes the ad was accurate. "When you decriminalize drugs you are essentially legalizing them," Fay said. This is not the first time the pro-marijuana committee has accused their opposition of breaking the rules. In September, Question 2 supporters filed complaints with Attorney General Martha Coakley's office, charging that the Massachusetts District Attorney's Association distributed false statements about the ballot question on its Web site. Taylor's group also filed complaints with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance charging the Coalition for Safe Streets, another opposition group, with campaign-finance violations. The AG's office threw out the charges made against the district attorney's association, but no decision has been released on the campaign-finance charges.Source: Lowell Sun (MA)Author: Lyle Moran, Sun CorrespondentPublished: October 10, 2008Copyright: 2008 MediaNews Group, Inc.Contact: letters lowellsun.comWebsite: http://www.lowellsun.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policyhttp://www.sensiblemarijuanapolicy.org/DA Speaks Out Against Marijuana Decriminalizationhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24214.shtmlA Responsible Change To An Unfair Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24210.shtml
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Comment #22 posted by museman on October 12, 2008 at 11:07:51 PT
afterburner
Yes. coming from Islam, that is interesting.However, Islam has the same basic roots a xtianity and Judaism, so its not surprising that the concept is there.Yes, when I said "make" a miracle, I certainly did not mean to infer that the miraculous could occur without the agreement, backup, and participation of the Sacred Spirit, but that 'miracles' like all of creation and the life within are part of a 'partnership with God and creation.' That 'co-participation' is one of the 'features' of sacred worship that has been deliberately left out of xtian doctrine.This is our world, a gift not from random combinations of chemicals and sunlight, but intricately designed, ordered, and (originally) balanced between the physical and the 'spiritual.'The word 'Providence' was originally exclusively associated with creation and all that it provides us. Another feature of creation. A feature that has been ripped off, co-opted, and then sold back to us for profit.As I said before, the truly 'miraculous' is creation, and life itself, one need look no further than their own breath, or the nearest tree.The 'need' for the miraclulous is a statement that reveals the true lack of faith necessary to actually experience one.Yashua said something like this concerning 'miracles' "Oh faithless generation, why do you look for signs and wonders to tell you what is before your eyes?"The Roman Catholic church defined the parameters of what those signs and wonders were, even as they claimed to know the meaning of Yashuas words (even though no one could read the bible -except chosen hiearchical members of the church, and the royal households until Martin Luther and Gutenberg). Signs and wonders - a definition of miracles is a measuring rod of the church to decide the worthiness of a dead man to be a saint. Its no wonder most wasps and their related 'religilosity' haven't a clue as to what a miracle really is.I've had some truly miraclulous happenings in my life. Some of the most inspiring and eye-opening just happened without a conscious 'plan.' But I am convinced that there were a couple that would not have happened had some preparation not been made. Of course most of the 'preparation' involved in 'invoking' miracles has to do with consciousnes, faith, belief, and a certain focus of the intellect.Lets not get confused though, the performing of rite and ritual is sorcery and witchcraft -when done in the intent of influencing events, or minds. The miraculous is part 'ready-to-receive-the-gift' (in terms of 'preparation') and the giving of the gift, from the Spirit.Even the most 'unexpected' miraculous events that I've witnessed/participated in involved a certain willingness and openness on the part of at least one of those involved.One of the most profound experiences I've ever had involved an old tobacco can. Hows that for the beginning of an unbelievable story?I'm not going to tell it here, that would be inviting a host of disbelief and distraction -just because the event is just so unbelievable. Fortunately I had a sober (I was sober as well) witness who now works within the police dept in a well-know city in Oregon as the citizens oversight chairperson - she investigates the cops. Her 'credentials' are unquestionable by the status quo. Should I ever need backup to the happening of that incredulous event, I'm pretty sure her memory is good.There are a couple of milestone events in my life that I consider 'miraculous' that might not have happened had I not the 'intention' to enter into the miraculous. I will say this; you may prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the miraculous. but if you attempt to control, define, or otherwise believe that 'you' are the source of the miracle, and that it somehow is going to conform to your wishes, you are not only unlikely to actually get the experience at all, but you are just as likely to 'open pandoras box'. Any time you see an old permafried 'acid-tripper' it is highly likely that they opened that box and couldn't close it again.FREE PLANT OF RENOWN FOR EVERYONE
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Comment #21 posted by afterburner on October 12, 2008 at 09:44:03 PT
museman #16
"I'd rather help 'make' miracle"Me too. Even mainstream Islam has a concept like that: "Man proposes, Allah disposes." I discovered this saying years ago when I was researching world religions, long before al qaeda-style terrorist extremism became a global concern.{
It doesn't matter how insignificant our gifts and talents may appear to be - we don't know how significant they are in Allah's eyes, or what possible outcomes they may bring about. "Man proposes, Allah disposes." There are numerous organizations and programs that have been established - locally, nationally and internationally - to help the world's children. There are programs that address hunger and homelessness, abuse and violence prevention, illiteracy and inadequate schooling…Take an inventory of the gifts that Allah has bestowed upon you that you can apply to help someone less fortunate, and then find a program in your area that can match your talent with the need for it. As mentioned in the last 52 Ways article, there are immense rewards to be earned in serving others.
}
--Islam Online- Society Section
http://www.islamonline.net/english/Society/2001/06/article3.shtmlI am not promoting Islam, or any religion that uses coercion to maintain its power over its followers. I just find it interesting that although the above commentary sees the solution in social obedience, the spark starts with each "man" or woman. "Man proposes, Allah disposes." 
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Comment #20 posted by museman on October 11, 2008 at 19:16:25 PT
Hope #17
You may have mail...
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on October 11, 2008 at 16:30:07 PT
A "Colita" sounds like it might be some 
sort, or kind, of miracle.:0)
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Comment #18 posted by Hope on October 11, 2008 at 16:27:45 PT
Colitas?
That sounds pretty irresistible!Sounds good to me.I love your new "by lines", by the way.Good slogans. Might as well.:0)
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on October 11, 2008 at 15:29:50 PT
Museman
Miracles happen everywhere I guess, whether they are ever seen by human eyes or not. Just being is a miracle. It's rather extraordinarily miraculous. But the miracles I'm thinking of usually, but not always, happen to humans in very busy situations... so folding ones hands and sitting down and waiting might not be the best way to see the incredible.The kind of miracles, the incredible, that I'm thinking about... I don't think people can make them. They may happen by many an amazing circumstance... and they are incredible. That's part of what makes them a miracle. I think.You've had mail for days. Is the e-mail I have of yours no good anymore, I wonder?
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Comment #16 posted by museman on October 11, 2008 at 11:55:52 PT
Hope- miracles
Yes they do 'happen' all the time. I'd rather help 'make' miracle, than wait for one though. There are few people who experience a miracle by waiting."What do you do while waiting for a miracle?""Why, make a religion, what else!"I guess if you can't see how to make a miracle, the only thing left is to make a religion, build a 
temple, and re-invent the old tales to put in a book and back up the religion, put the book in the temple, call it something like; "The One And Only Truth." Then you make everyone afraid to disagree with the book, punishable by various means of torture and death, and found a dynasty of 'Divine Right Of Rule' so that you can write LAW to make sure that people abide by the book, which at some point in the establishment of the religion defines without any flexibilities the exact conditions that must be met before a 'miracle' can happen.A man comes a long and performs a miracle, in broad daylight, without meeting the proscribed conditions of the Book, the Religion, and the LAW, and he is murdered for it.*****Miracles do happen all the time, but they don't happen on TV, or on camera. They don't happen within the accepted parameters of 'scientific proof' they only happen within the parameters of Faith and Belief -outside the boxes of religion and dogma, and in the living essence of being here now, without the constraint of idiotic conditions and mythical limits.I have witnessed and participated in numerous miraculous occurrences, with the only 'proof' being the other participants and witnesses. Is their 'testimony' a valid qualifier of the true happenings? According to current status quo standards of 'acceptable authority' no. Unless they took pictures, can 'prove' it with some kind of conveniently finite, mathematical formula, or publish a book about it, according to the parameters of 'acceptable "fact"'their experience, testimony, and the miracle itself are deemed 'invalid' 'untrue' and then often the non-witnesses get into judgement, and false accusation, followed by some kind of establishment sanctioned suffering on the part of those who dared to share their experience.Cannabis itself is a miracle. Unseen by those who do not understand what a 'miracle' truly is, who are convinced that miracles are similar to the various hollywood productions, like The Ten Commandments. Life and Creation is a miracle beyond understanding, yet there are many foolish 'scientists' and the like, who -dissecting the dead parts of reality- think they have exclusive insight into everything, when all they are seeing is the shadows of life and creation.Everyday is a miracle, to be able to experience and witness the eternal dance of the wind in the trees, to feel the warm rain on your face, to see the majesty and magic of the rainbow. To see that new life coming forth from the mysterious place that is was before it came alive, and breathed its first breath as you hold its tiny form in your hands. Those are miracles of the highest kind, available for anyone who takes the time away from the distractions of a society gone mad to see, feel, experience, and witness.Miracles do happen, and they are not determined by 'special' people, they are a universal gift to all who would find enough humility to see. Such a transformational miracle as we all wish for will happen eventually, but it will happen much faster, when all the limits and conditioning of an erroneous and failed system are thrown out into the garbage heap where they belong. When people stop believing in bullshit, the bullshit will go away.FREE COLITAS FOR EVERTYONE
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on October 11, 2008 at 09:01:39 PT
Afterburner, "Miracles"
I was thinking about miracles this morning. They do happen. I've seen them, experienced quite a few personally, and know of many more. They happened and they happen. 
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Comment #14 posted by afterburner on October 11, 2008 at 00:05:14 PT
Waiting to Exhale
Bruce Cockburn - Waiting For A Miracle lyrics
http://lyrics.dainutekstai.lt/820932/bruce-cockburn-waiting-for-a-miracle.htmBruce Cockburn - Waiting For A Miracle - Yahoo Videos - YouTube MySpace Video - Noolmusic.com
http://noolmusic.com/yahoo_videos/bruce_cockburn_-_waiting_for_a_miracle.php
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Comment #13 posted by afterburner on October 10, 2008 at 14:31:47 PT
museman #12 Full Moon Fever
"'the crazies are out' in force."The day of the Canadian federal election is Tuesday, Oct.14.2008, the day of a full moon (and the day after Canadian Thanksgiving, Monday, Oct.13.2008). I hope we have more to be thankful for after the election.
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Comment #12 posted by museman on October 10, 2008 at 10:52:49 PT
the crazies
Insanity is a social disease. Its onset usually begins at the point when a human realizes that the 'state' is a monster that is so far out of control, the only hope is to convince oneself that the monster is actually some kind of benevolent beast, like a 'big brother' that hands out favors to those who serve it well. There are many ways to do this.Getting a thourough 'college' education 'proves' to the officers that control the allocation of resource and position to those entering the fray, that one has sufficiently contained their natural tendencies, constrained their consciousness to fit inside the proscribed parameters of the 'socio/politically correct' box. Such an 'education' also demonstrates (depending on the 'degree' and academic category) the willingness of the programmee to compromise with the status quo (the hand that feeds them) on a daily basis. The fact that the niche-style function of this system allows advancement based on 'who you know' instead of 'what you know' is one of the facts left out of the edu-doctrination.Becoming a 'good worker.' Those who are unable (usually because of lack of opportunity and resource) to go the academic distance, and thus rise into the ranks of the favored 'professionals' are expected to commit themsleves, their time, and their body to about 30+ years of mindless service to routines that are about the same as the day they started the 'job.' Some people just have more mind than they can safely suppress, which leads to imbalance in the mind. One either convinces themselves like their academic 'betters' to 'follow' the proscribed course, or suffers the imbalance. Of course those who convince themselves in the substance of the emperors transparency, sooner or later go bonkers, but favorable towards their masters, kind of like a retard dog that humps everybody all the time. These are the ones who stand out in the street waving flags and yelling at people to 'vote' for their masters, and their masters agenda's. These are the ones who repeat the lies of their masters, and often attack those who disagree. The definition of 'right' in their dictionary, has to be cleared from their 'authorities' before they actually, know what a 'right' is."You have the right to remain silent." That one they understand."You have the right to bash, mock, deride, make false accusation, and make life as miserable as possible" for those who do not agree with the narrow corrupted way of the status quo. This one might as well be the first ammendment, because apparently it is a 'right' exercised all the way up the ranks to the top.Becoming a 'religious' icon, or guru. This is probably the easiest way for someone to achieve a comfortable life, without ever really doing anything. Some people who aren't quite mindless, find their niche in insanity by wrapping their mind around finite cycles of antiquated thought, and using the old technique of claiming 'truth' is absolutely contained and limited to a book, thereby easily dismissing any thought or idea -not-in-the-book as 'heresy' or 'evil' or 'witchcraft' etc., etc. What a scam! Up til now you wouldn't even have had to pay taxes.Insanity is defined (erroneously of course) not by a dictionary, but by the state of the actual mental health of a society -in relation to how it treats its weakest and most unfortunate people, because true sanity has to do with finding ways to be helpful and generous, not how to 'get' as much as you can, no matter what is destroyed, or who suffers in the process. Compromises with the 'i'm gonna get mine' mentality produces mental imbalance of immeasurable degree -especially since the so-called 'professionals' who claim to understand the psyche and the mind are well indoctrinated into believing in the status quo religion, and their 'treatments' all have to do with reprogramming the mind to accept the contrivances of society. They of course are the looniest of the looniest.Yup. 'the crazies are out' in force. When a boil or cyst is about to burst, all the gross stuff rises to the surface.There are a lot of economic, social boils coming to a head. Expect more and more insanity. especially when it appears that sanity might be making a comeback.FREE BUDS FOR EVERYONE
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 10, 2008 at 09:59:59 PT
Sam
We won't repeat history. That won't happen in my opinion. We have instant communication and organizational abilities that weren't available way back then.Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up Live In Dortmund, Germanyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7iXcKKpdx0
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on October 10, 2008 at 09:57:59 PT
Breault pants ought to be about to combust.
"William Breault, the voice in the ad and chairman of Main South Alliance for Public Safety, a Worcester public-safety advocacy organization leading the fight against the question, said he had no qualms about the ad's language."If legalize helps us to get the public's attention, we will use it," Breault said. "We have not told (supporters of Question 2) what to do, so they shouldn't tell us what to do." "
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on October 10, 2008 at 09:29:51 PT
What Will Happen as Our Economy Collapses? 
Sam, I think everything will work out ok in time. I don't even know what a portfolio is. What I think it means is bragging about some obscure wealth but it's only paper. Real products will still be made and sold. 
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on October 10, 2008 at 09:29:44 PT
Comment 5  Sam
Exactly.
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on October 10, 2008 at 09:28:20 PT
Soros
seems heroic to me. He's using his wealth to come to the rescue and give voice to the little people that have not got the kind of money it takes to compete with the empire that we're up against.I thank God for George Soros efforts. He's helped... and I hope, is still helping.
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Comment #6 posted by Hope on October 10, 2008 at 09:25:42 PT
Calvina Fay, "outside agitator"
Some letters to some editors to point that out would be an excellent idea.
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Comment #5 posted by Sam Adams on October 10, 2008 at 09:24:21 PT
Soros
I think the constant criticism of George Soros is very revealing about the state of the USA. They never mention WHY Soros funds his political campaigns. It's because he and his family lived through the cruel totalitarian Nazi regime. He got rich and decided to fight against that ever happening again.He should be revered like the Founding Fathers of the US. So disturbing that many American leaders aren't afraid to be openly evil these days.What will happen as our economy collapses? I really don't know. It's quite possible that the response could be to become a totally militarized war machine, with compulsory draft and the government taking over industries and turning them into defense contractors. This is how Germany responded to the economic disaster of the late 20's and 30's.
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Comment #4 posted by afterburner on October 10, 2008 at 07:52:01 PT
Calvina Fay, "outside agitator"
Calvina Fay, executive director, Save Our Society From Drugs, St. Petersburg, Fla.
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Comment #3 posted by dongenero on October 10, 2008 at 07:43:14 PT
These peole are nuts.
I find it amazing that the spokesman for the opposition states that they have no qualms about lying and deception if it will help achieve their goals. Amazing. This idiot is absurd. Nice message for the kids there William Breault. And people wonder why our society has lost its moral compass.
I predict these ding-a-lings are going down.And Calvina Fay chimes in with; "When you decriminalize drugs you are essentially legalizing them," Fay said. 
No Calvina, when you decriminalize, you are essentially decriminalizing. Truly. If you were legalizing, then you would call it legalization. It's tough but give it some thought.The crazies are coming out in full force these days. I certainly hope they prove to be the minority. For the sake of the entire election and for the sake of America.
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Comment #2 posted by OverwhelmSam on October 10, 2008 at 07:25:53 PT
ONDCP
ONDCP provides donations and funding to most of these anti-marijuana organizations. The general public does not support them, but some rich delusional individuals support anti-legalization policies. Some of these fat cats are the likes of Sembler who feed off of drug rehabilitation or prison complex shareholders. The result as we see it everyday is this forced warped reality in Society.
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Comment #1 posted by Storm Crow on October 10, 2008 at 06:23:20 PT
Funny........
I frequently hear about Mr. Soros donating money to pro marijuana causes (as if spending his money in a way he wants to is somehow wrong!).......but we NEVER hear who is "bankrolling" the anti-cannabis forces! Who are the "dark shadowy and figures" in the prohib movement? Shouldn't they and their organizations be as open as Mr. Soros? We often hear Ms Fay's name as director, but who is she getting her paycheck from? The "Save Our Society From Drugs, a non-profit organization against lenient drug policies", but I wonder who is really paying the bills? Who is THEIR Soros? 
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