cannabisnews.com: Drug Czar Should Go

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  Drug Czar Should Go

Posted by CN Staff on February 05, 2010 at 09:49:08 PT
By Timothy Lynch 
Source: Washington Times 

Washington, D.C. -- Voters are disgusted by the reckless spending of politicians in Washington. The backlash is coming, so policymakers are now scrambling to do something, or at least be seen as doing something, about the enormous federal debt. Now is a good time for Congress to abolish government agencies that are outdated, dysfunctional or just unnecessary.A prime candidate for abolition is the office of the so-called "drug czar."
The position of the drug czar was created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act in 1988. It was a time of drug war hysteria. Former first lady Nancy Reagan called casual drug users "accomplices to murder." President George H.W. Bush vowed to make the war one of his top priorities. During his inaugural address, he said, "Take my word for it. This scourge will stop." The conservative firebrand William Bennett became the first czar and made headlines with brash talk of beheading drug dealers. The nation's capital was declared to be a "high intensity drug-trafficking" zone. There were raids and arrests - including the notorious trial of then-Mayor Marion Barry.In theory, the drug czar's office was supposed to develop a long-term strategy to win the drug war and bring about a "drug-free society." Each year, the czar would call for more governmental efforts to "reduce demand" and to "disrupt the supply" of narcotics. Instead of millions, the government started to spend billions.The bureaucracy flourished as more agents were hired and more high-tech equipment was purchased. The criminal justice system expanded to handle the influx of cases. More prosecutors. More judges. More prison guards.And yet, millions and millions of Americans continued using drugs.We now know that Presidents Obama and Clinton were among them. Indeed, nowadays, police agencies like the FBI can only recruit young people if the agencies are willing to overlook past drug use.The goal of "disrupting supply" has been proved farcical. Drugs are as widely available as ever. Indeed, Washington remains a city with thriving drug traffic. There are open-air drug markets in many neighborhoods. More than a decade after the drug czar went into business, a commission on federal law enforcement practices gave this blunt assessment: "Despite a record number of seizures and a flood of legislation, this Commission is not aware of any evidence that the flow of narcotics into the United States has been reduced." No one thinks that hiring more Border Patrol agents will make a dent.The violence and destabilization have become most acute at our southern border. According to the Los Angeles Times' ongoing project on the drug war in Mexico, more than 9,900 people have been slain in Mexican drug-related violence since January 2007. The kidnappings and killings that have become commonplace across the border are now spilling into the American Southwest. Government efforts in Colombia have already cost U.S. taxpayers more than $5 billion, and Mexico is slated to receive about $1.4 billion. Meanwhile, the killings continue at a rate that has prompted the State Department to issue travel advisories to Americans traveling to our southern neighbor.The drug czar has also meddled in local politics. Some states, for example, have moved to change their laws to allow marijuana to be used by certain patients in consultation with doctors. Whenever a state has a referendum about medical marijuana on the ballot, the federal drug czar typically comes in to lobby against the measure. Since the czar was created to oversee federal policies, such politicking at the local level is outside his sphere - and is thus an abuse of power.The office of the drug czar issues an annual report regarding the efficacy of drug policies. Scholars are skeptical of those reports because the bureaucrats invariably prepare reports that come to the defense of existing policy and "spin" the data to find good news and "progress." An independent analysis of the drug office in 2007 found "overwhelming evidence of consistently false and dishonest claims."Perversely, Congress tends to reward government agencies that perform poorly. When the drug czar's office was created in 1990, its budget was $12 million; this year, the office will cost more than $400 million.If Congress wants to take a serious step to curb reckless and wasteful spending, it ought to admit the futility of the drug war in the same way we came to realize that alcohol prohibition was misguided. If Congress is only ready to abolish some of its very worst mistakes, it should get rid of our drug czar.Timothy Lynch is director of the libertarian Cato Institute's Project on Criminal Justice.Source: Washington Times (DC)Author: Timothy LynchPublished: Saturday, February 6, 2010Copyright: 2010 The Washington Times, LLC Website: http://www.washtimes.com/Contact: letters washingtontimes.comURL: http://drugsense.org/url/RGLQoDECCannabisNews Justice Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/justice.shtml

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Comment #82 posted by rchandar on February 09, 2010 at 07:50:44 PT:
Paint with Light
Thanks. I will say this to all of you on the message board: we won't get Barack to state that he's for legalization, probably ever. There are too many pressing matters, and he has to be careful about the crime "card" in view of offending families, which are still one of his strongest bases...This being said, remember Russia? Perestroika? Well Obama's stance amounts to a kind of "perestroika". We could ruin it with our good intentions, or grow it, no pun intended! What I foresee is Obama quietly allowing the WoD to recede, supporting decrim and law measures to favor depenalization and more liberal parole/probation management, while MMJ goes basically unopposed by his office. There isn't a strong chance of any kind of real moral outrage for two reasons: one, we are in a recession; and two, the Republicans haven't come up with any kind of game plan for restoring America's prosperity.Back in '94, the whole thing was a slam-dunk. Gingrich unveiled the "contract with America" and for the rest of the Clinton Presidency, this "contract" competed with the Clinton Administration for the credit for America's prosperity. What the Republicans are doing these days? Pretty sad, ineffective, poorly thought-out grandstanding with no substance. The whole "Tea Party" think is irksome and unfriendly, and lacks any real kind of agenda other than defaming Barack. People should know this, even if they're grumbling at home because they've bills to pay.But on our issue, we've a unique opportunity. Struggling economies require measures that include drug liberalization simply because people gotta eat. This is an important year, and I hope we rack up some victories--especially on the state gov side of things.--rchandar
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Comment #81 posted by FoM on February 09, 2010 at 05:26:54 PT
Paint with Light 
Thank you. We have fun taking pictures of the dogs. Stick might take 50 pictures and I'll find a couple of them that we like. We use little treats to get them to pay attention.My husky dog is 8 years old and she has gotten very fat and I'm trying to get some weight off her but it's hard.This picture was one we just got really lucky to get. He only has one foot on the ground.http://ourrott.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=65225624
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Comment #80 posted by Paint with light on February 08, 2010 at 22:52:48 PT
comment 79
Great shot of both dogs.I read somewhere that you can get a dog to always be looking at the camera by putting a piece of bacon on the top of the lens.By the look of the size of your Rottweiler's jaws, that doesn't sound like a good idea. At least not for a stranger to do.Stay warm and safe.Equal with alcohol.
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Comment #79 posted by FoM on February 08, 2010 at 14:03:46 PT
 herbdoc215 
I am having more pain but I am stopping my pain medicine and collecting snow to make water has been hard. We just got our power back on but another storm is on the way. Hopefully they got everything fixed that broke. I am proud of Stick and me. We never got angry but just went with it. I'm sure many people were at each others throat. I can't wait to get the water hot and shower! Here's a picture of my two dogs.http://ourrott.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=69122026
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Comment #78 posted by herbdoc215 on February 08, 2010 at 11:53:07 PT
I hate when I do that
Dang links!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOeRanSf3cg
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Comment #77 posted by herbdoc215 on February 08, 2010 at 11:52:03 PT
FoM, keep those fingers and toes warm :)
Best wishes and I hope this cold ain't making your pain any worse, but it sure looks pretty and rotties love snow more than just about any dogs I've seen that weren't bred for it...it always amazed me enough to want to run an iditolrod(sp?)race in Alaska with a team of them someday just to show the world what wonderful animals they are! Here is a cheerful song for you when you get power! peace, steve
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOeRanSf3cg
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Comment #76 posted by FoM on February 08, 2010 at 09:00:38 PT
Hope
This is our electric company. It will tell how it's going in our area. This new storm could put us into a worse mess then it is now. I sure miss eating food other then poptarts. LOL!http://www.gmenergy.com/
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Comment #75 posted by herbdoc215 on February 08, 2010 at 07:25:49 PT
Brandon. 
If you think tobacco is easier to grow then cannabis you obviously haven't ever grown either? I have grown both my entire life and I can assure you that the horticulture is MUCH more simple to grow good tobacco and the processing isn't even close? The way it's regulated and lands are given tobacco base has always intrigued me as the model for cannabis control AFTER legalization...real legalization not the half measure being proposed by the greedsterdamers in Oakie-dam whom wrote that initiative just for themselves and said screw the patients which is EXACTLY what will happen after Nov passes here in Cali...mark my words just so i can say i told you so! peace, Steve Tuck 
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Comment #74 posted by FoM on February 08, 2010 at 07:23:20 PT
Hope
They have 7 extra crews from out of state working on getting our power back on but they still say Wednesday night. With another storm coming it could get worse before it gets better. I am turning off the computer to save the gas in the generator. At least we are warm with our woodstove. 
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Comment #73 posted by Hope on February 08, 2010 at 07:14:21 PT
Brrrr...
Indeed!
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Comment #72 posted by FoM on February 08, 2010 at 06:54:37 PT

Just an Update
I can't find any news to post so far. We are using a generator that's how the computer is on. Another storm is heading our way so I really have no idea when we will get our power back on. It's 2 below zero. Burrrr!
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Comment #71 posted by Brandon Perera on February 08, 2010 at 00:44:23 PT:

Alcohol is okay /
I enjoy socially drinking but it always goes to sumthing wrong or good you hope! Why is tobacco legal? Because its harder to grow!
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Comment #70 posted by Canis420 on February 07, 2010 at 21:56:24 PT:

legalize it all
Im with you hope...this is not working. i can visualize a country without drug dealers (gangs)shootin up the streets. This will not happen till it is all legalized
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Comment #69 posted by Paint with light on February 07, 2010 at 21:12:27 PT

comments
I like rchandra's patience with Obama.Things are making progress state by state and in the sphere of public opinion.I am also for making any drug a public health issue rather than a public justice issue.If you look at legal narcotics you see the false divide that exists between those that get their oxy on the street and those that get it from the pharmacy.I worry about those who lose control of their use of anything.I just think there ought to be some way of dealing with any problems without locking people up, ruining their lives, or in some cases killing them.By incarcerating people who have not directly harmed anyone, we are creating generations of people with a deep seated hatred of the system. They have not been treated fairly and they, their friends, and their family know it.Legal like alcohol. 
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Comment #68 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 18:11:31 PT

Lol!
Every time I say she won't be online for a while... she pops up almost immediately.:0)
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Comment #67 posted by FoM on February 07, 2010 at 17:39:05 PT

Hello Hello Hello
I talked to Hope and told her the generator wouldn't work. We taped it because it was vibrating the cord loose but I'm turning off the computer so if it goes out it won't hurt my computer. We will try to watch a little of the Superbowl. We won't have power until Wednesday so talk amongst yourselves! LOL!Love you guys! PS: Get marijuana legalized while I'm gone! Please! LOL!Bye Bye!
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Comment #66 posted by John Tyler on February 07, 2010 at 17:36:17 PT

re #61
With regard to comment #61… A legal cannabis industry would be its’ own economic stimulus package that would cost the Fed nothing and reap huge benefits for everyone. Why aren’t more people realizing this? 
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Comment #65 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 16:29:04 PT

FoM just called.
She won't be back online anytime soon, like she hoped. The generator they got keeps kicking off and she's afraid to risk her computer to it. The electric company is still forecasting Wednesday before they get the power going again.As an aside, I just have to say, she sounds so much better, in every way, since she's had that surgery. I think she did get that new lease on life. I'm very happy about that.
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Comment #64 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 16:23:58 PT

Hello, and thank you, dear friend.
I appreciate knowing that.The War on Drugs isn't keeping drugs of any kind away from anyone. It just makes the whole situation hideously more dangerous for everyone, even the completely innocent.It's one thing when a drunken fool causes a death or injury of an innocent with a stupid accident. It's entirely another when agents of the government kill and injure innocents with violence, rage, bombs, and bullets.
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Comment #63 posted by Dankhank on February 07, 2010 at 15:44:14 PT

Drug War ...
Hope ... I am in complete agreement with you.
I want the Drug War to END fior all substances a human wants to consume. The government has NO business deciding who can have what.Take the drug war money and use "some" of it to bolster services to help all who want to manage their consumption responsibly. Wow ... a jobs initiative that doesn't enrich fatcats?Whutta concept .....
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Comment #62 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 15:02:24 PT

FoM
I wish she'd just use this down time to rest and heal. But that's not her way. She's going to get her some electricity!
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Comment #61 posted by The GCW on February 07, 2010 at 15:02:21 PT

Denver Post
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14350677Pot-dispensary boom has affiliated businesses buzzingUntil a few months ago, J.B. Woods was your standard-issue insurance agent. Auto, home, life. Would you like flood coverage with that?Then, in the middle of 2009, his phone rang: "I need insurance for my medical-marijuana dispensary," the caller said. And since that moment, few of the policies Woods has set up for clients have been standard-issue.Instead, Woods has become the guru of ganja insurance. Property insurance, theft insurance, liability insurance. Woods is now even offering crop insurance, in case a medical-marijuana harvest isn't as bountiful as expected."They needed an insurance agent who specializes in this area because of all the complexities involved," Woods said."We just realized that the market was unserved in many ways," said Woods' wife, Mary.The Woodses aren't the only ones. Across Colorado, as the medical-marijuana industry has boomed, so too have the businesses providing services to it. And as state lawmakers look to regulate the dispensary business, that outward economic ripple has resulted in a widening ring of people watching to see what happens to an industry they are connected to.Real estate agents scout locations for dispensaries. Contractors do remodeling work. Security companies install cameras and locks. From insurance companies and law firms to growing-supply stores and ventilation companies, thousands of business owners and employees have jumped into the medical-marijuana economic vortex, Denver lawyer Warren Edson said.Cont.
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Comment #60 posted by HempWorld on February 07, 2010 at 14:48:28 PT

Amanpour
was pretty good. Hard to believe that was broadcast by CNN.FoM I hope you are Ok!
Legalise it now!
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Comment #59 posted by ekim on February 07, 2010 at 14:06:20 PT

CNN show repetes now
the Amanpour show is on now and will be talking about the drug war in mexico in the next section.
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Comment #58 posted by The GCW on February 07, 2010 at 12:55:10 PT

ekim,
I'd like to also point out,?how can you have a war on cannabis and have millions of citizens that demand having access to it? -- it makes no sense.

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Comment #57 posted by FoM on February 07, 2010 at 12:38:12 PT

Hello
I can't stay on but we are renting a generator and need to go get gas. We got plowed out but I got to go. 
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Comment #56 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 12:28:58 PT

RChandar Comment 52
Many people, including you and FoM, disagree with me about this. But, I do hate the entire War on Drugs system as it is. I want it all changed. I do want "hard" drugs made "legal" and safer for the people that wish to use them. And safer for all of us, whether we use them or not, than it is, the way things are now.I don't approve or disapprove of adults using those drugs. I do disapprove of the way we've handled it and made prison and persecution and outrageous tactics a part of it all. I don't "approve" of sky diving and racing cars, and I think lots of things are dangerous and crazy, but making these risks criminal is just wrong. Complete prohibition and heavy handed, violent tactics aimed at people that aren't directly harming other people doesn't work and it's caused more harm, in general, to everyone, society and civilization included, than having these drugs legal and regulated in some way.That said, taking one step, or leap, at a time... the prohibition of cannabis, recreational, and medicinal is absolutely the most egregiously outrageous of all and it's got to stop. It's got to.
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Comment #55 posted by ekim on February 07, 2010 at 12:12:15 PT

just on CNN Amanpour
talking about the recent deaths in Mexico.a former foreign minister Jorge Castaneda said that makingCannabis legal would go a long way to lessen the violence.As reports on cartels are getting 60% of the money from Cannabis.He went on to say how can you have a war at the border 
in CA. and have thousands of Med Cannabis clubs -- it makes no sense.
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Comment #54 posted by rchandar on February 07, 2010 at 11:56:54 PT:

Ginnie
We should try again. That's a crossover state, and they've been known to be repressive. We should try again.
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Comment #53 posted by rchandar on February 07, 2010 at 11:55:44 PT:

Key For Us
Is continued support of Congressional Democrats. Nothing inflamed the WoD more than the "Contract With America": for the rest of his presidency, Clinton was chasing approval by arresting more and more people.But we won't lose so easily, this time.
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Comment #52 posted by rchandar on February 07, 2010 at 11:53:34 PT:

FoM
True, but we do not support the legalization of cocaine, heroin, or crystal meth. I still like Obama, and I think our side can work with him.We haven't yet come to the point when we should press for another "answer" from our President. The MMJ issue is proceeding well, with the states making executive decisions. The key to building a strong hand is tact: we don't want to force Obama's hand. Our support for the other aspects of his Presidency counts a lot.--rchandar
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Comment #51 posted by John Tyler on February 07, 2010 at 10:17:55 PT

Meanwhile in ol’ Virginny
The Virginia state legislature rejected a cannabis decriminalization bill.

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Comment #50 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 10:08:14 PT

FoM
said if anyone finds any news while she's out, please post the link in the comments.
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Comment #49 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 10:03:31 PT

Runruff
Do you think they are going to arrest you at your hearing?I hate to even ask it. I'm scared, very scared, for you and Linda... and us. When you were in prison a piece of my heart was always there with you. I did not like it. I so dread the thought that this outrageous injustice might take you back there again.
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Comment #48 posted by Hope on February 07, 2010 at 09:46:26 PT

More Off Topic. Sorry, Keydet46 
FoM just called. They have no power and may not have any until Tuesday.She, Stick, and the pups, are safe and warm. 
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Comment #47 posted by runruff on February 07, 2010 at 06:59:10 PT

"His father is a retired chief of police."
Good story. Too bad his father was instermental in keeping so many others from the same "good feeling"!I just love to hear about old LEOs getting relief!-[just to be clear, this comment is dripping with sacastic vitriol in disguise]Peace, love and pot, ya'll!
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Comment #46 posted by goneposthole on February 07, 2010 at 06:35:26 PT

Can the drug czar
Hello, FoMI good friend of mine has a ninety-plus year old father who has ailments and some health problems that are becoming more difficult.My friend provided some marijuana to him and told him if he doesn't like it or doesn't even want to try it, fine, but it is there if he wants it. It turns out he liked smoking the pot because it makes him feel much better.His father is a retired chief of police.
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Comment #45 posted by Canis420 on February 07, 2010 at 02:21:30 PT:

go easy
Go easy keydet46...we are all frustrated with the state of the union regarding cannabis...there are people here that have connections beyond the issue...peace
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Comment #44 posted by BGreen on February 07, 2010 at 00:36:11 PT

Well, keydet46, since you asked so nicely
These posts have as much the hell to do with the subject as your post did, but we do have discussions that stray from the subject because that's just the way we communicate.You're welcome to post on-topic if you have anything to add or stick around and be nice to people and maybe some of us will want to talk to you, too.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #43 posted by Paint with light on February 06, 2010 at 20:17:31 PT

Friends 
Friends have conversations.What is the purpose in your question?Legal like alcohol.
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Comment #42 posted by Keydet46 on February 06, 2010 at 18:03:42 PT:

What the hell
what the hell does any of these comments have to do with the subject?
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Comment #41 posted by Paint with light on February 06, 2010 at 13:44:34 PT

FoM and snow
Be careful in that snow.We don't want you to fall down and slow the healing.I love the shot of the backyard. Wet snows without much wind can make for the best pictures.Snow extends the tonal range so that blacks(wet) are blacker and whites are more dominant.Cameras want to make everything 18% grey so a little tweaking on the exposure compensation is usually in order.Looks like yours is doing a good job though.I recently started teaching some photography classes and it is so much easier with digital cameras.One good thing for me is that cameras now are so complex that a course is almost necessary if you want to use all the cameras capabilities.Before, people had to take your word on what changes different adjustments would do.Now, you can take a picture, adjust it immediately, and keep adjusting until you get it right.Enjoy the snow, just be careful.Legal like alcohol.
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Comment #40 posted by charmed quark on February 06, 2010 at 12:50:22 PT

30 - Gravitas
I think the rotti looks "noble" even when he's being silly
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Comment #39 posted by Hope on February 06, 2010 at 11:21:06 PT

Comment 30
Lol!What a funny picture.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 10:57:46 PT

charmed quark
I just made coffee and we can heat it up on our wood stove. We've had this wood stove for 30 years and it still is in good shape. I've made eggs and soup on the stove. When you live in no man's land like we do you stay prepared. The wood stove is all we use for heat but you can always count on it even when you are seriously snowed in like we are. We keep losing power so I might need to turn my computer off since that isn't good for my machine. 
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Comment #37 posted by charmed quark on February 06, 2010 at 10:31:38 PT

coffee soup
With our gas cooktop, I can make manual drip coffee even without power. But I do have a large thermal pot of coffee and am just finishing making about 1/2 gallon of vegetable beef soup. And I got some good books and candles. 
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 10:11:39 PT

charmed quark 
He is a big boy. I love big dogs. I never was a poodle type person! LOL!
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 10:09:50 PT

charmed quark
He's a nice size. I remember you said he was a Dingo dog. They look like great dogs. Stay safe in this weather. Maybe we should make some coffee just in case. I would really miss my coffee.
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Comment #34 posted by charmed quark on February 06, 2010 at 10:07:23 PT

I mean 26 inches
he's a little taller towards his front shoulder - slopes a little. Looks like a coyote to me. About the same size.
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Comment #33 posted by charmed quark on February 06, 2010 at 10:04:54 PT

rescue dingo dog
he's 22" at his rear back. But very skinny. I think (hope) he won't get any bigger, but will probably fill out. We still have power, but I have a big pot of coffee and soup ready, candles, and a number of books.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 10:00:55 PT

charmed quark 
Your dog must be very big. Mine is 28 inches tall at his back and 118 pounds when he was weighed at the Vets recently. He's 21 months old.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 09:58:38 PT

charmed quark 
It is wet snow. The temperature is going down and will be in the single digits tonight. We keep having the power go on and off so we are getting ready with flashlights, candles and water just in case. 
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 09:52:44 PT

charmed quark 
Here's one of him having a ball. It's hard to get good pictures as long as the snow is falling but we had fun.http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/eyes.jpg
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Comment #29 posted by charmed quark on February 06, 2010 at 09:34:14 PT

FoM - looks like wet snow
Our snow is on the damp side, too, Sticking to the trees and really building up in them.Our dog disappeared into the snow drifts and wouldn't come to the surface until I rattled some treats at him. What an idiot puppy. About the same size as your dogs, but 10 months old.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 08:39:17 PT

Charmed quark and Everyone
We went outside and took pictures. Here's one of our back yard.http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/febsnow.jpg
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Comment #27 posted by ekim on February 06, 2010 at 07:47:39 PT

Temple Grandin HBO 8pm Sat 
have listened to her being interviewed on NPR she istruly inspiring. Has the gift of being able to think and feel the needs of many animals, then offer solutions as to 
helping them 
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Comment #26 posted by The GCW on February 06, 2010 at 07:38:56 PT

What do US drug laws say?
It's good to know what the message is.What's the message the US gives to other people around the world???Banned Commercials http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUEkOVdUjHc&feature=related
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 07:33:43 PT

charmed quark
My rottie was up past his elbows in the backyard this morning. We have lived here over 30 years and this is one of the largest snow falls I have ever seen. We heat with wood and can cook on the woodstove so if the power goes out we will be fine. We are going out to take pictures in a little while. 
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Comment #24 posted by charmed quark on February 06, 2010 at 07:23:49 PT

drug czar not going anywhere this weekend
Hooo - what a storm. I see on TV it is even worst in DC. Here in NJ it's white-out conditions and the snow drifts are past the window ledges of my house. I've never seen the backyard completely disappear under a giant mound of snow.Good thing we have a gas range top and a large, warm dog in case the power goes.

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Comment #23 posted by runruff on February 06, 2010 at 07:22:12 PT

GCW
I just lost a lot of my steam over Obama!He is now saying that jobs is number one. Could it be that he is afraid to treat the ONDCP the way it should be treated according to his own policy standard. To cut back or do away wit bureaus that aren't performing?Well hello! Is there a bigger more costly failure than the ONDCP?Can we total the cost of supporting the DEA and weigh it against it's effectiveness? And this is still discussing things on their own terms. The reality behind the double speak is the DEA is pretty much the same thing to the Uncle Sam that the Praetorian Guard was to Caesar.But on a less conspiratorial note, what about the jobs?What are you going to do with about one million unemployed lugheads who will have the marketable skills equal to Ugandan sheep herder.That would not help his political goals at this time now would it?
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Comment #22 posted by The GCW on February 06, 2010 at 07:20:20 PT

The czar and the budget too needs to go.
From the link in comment #20; "The public relations holiday that followed Obama's improved policy on medical marijuana is officially over and the reluctant support he enjoyed from so many reformers in 2008 will be hard to come by if the drug war is uglier in 2012 than it is today."-0-While flushing, hold the handle down.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 06, 2010 at 07:09:27 PT

Obama Wants More Money for the Failed Drug War?
February 5, 2010URL: http://www.alternet.org/drugs/145563/
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Comment #20 posted by The GCW on February 06, 2010 at 06:34:08 PT

News
Progressive Laws in Vancouver Make Next Month's Winter Games the Pot OlympicsBy Nathaniel Vinton, New York Daily News - Thursday, February 4 2010 http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2010/02/04/Progressive-Laws-Vancouver-Make-Next-Months-Winter-Games-Pot-Olympics-0-Obama's Drug War Budget Destroys the Myth of ChangeBy Scott Morgan, Stop the Drug War - Thursday, February 4 2010 http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2010/02/04/Obamas-Drug-War-Budget-Destroys-Myth-Change-0-'Marijuana Meatball' Cop FiredBy Jose Martinez, New York Daily News - Friday, February 5 2010 http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/content/2010/02/05/Marijuana-Meatball-Cop-Fired
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Comment #19 posted by runruff on February 05, 2010 at 23:38:23 PT

The outlaw Panda........
walks into a saloon, eats shoots and leaves!
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Comment #18 posted by runruff on February 05, 2010 at 23:32:42 PT

I deleted that video,
It had too many rookie mistakes.I'll post a better one.
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Comment #17 posted by runruff on February 05, 2010 at 18:11:10 PT

It looks like the Drug Bazaro missed one!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4nBH9MjTyI
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on February 05, 2010 at 13:46:49 PT

WA: Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

By Michelle Dupler, Herald Staff Writer February 5, 2010Olympia -- The state Senate today passed a bill 37-11 that adds physician assistants, advanced registered nurse practitioners and naturopaths to the list of people who can give medical marijuana patients documentation that they might benefit from the drug's use as a medicine.Senate Bill 5798 was introduced by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, during the 2009 legislative session and was passed by the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee, but didn't make it to a full vote of the Senate.Supporters testified at a committee hearing in February 2009 that expanding the list of health care providers who can give medical marijuana documentation will help rural patients who may only have access to a nurse practitioner. Current law requires that documentation be signed by a doctor. URL: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/945/story/890692.html
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on February 05, 2010 at 13:35:53 PT

Washington State News
WA Senate Allows More To OK Medical MarijuanaFebruary 5, 2010OLYMPIA, Wash. — More medical professionals will be allowed to authorize the use of medical marijuana for qualified patients under a measure approved by the Washington state Senate.On a 37-11 vote Friday, the Senate passed a bill that adds physician assistants, naturopaths and others to the list of those who can officially recommend marijuana for patients under the state's medical marijuana law. Under current law, only physicians are allowed to write the recommendation.The measure now heads to the House for further consideration.---The medical marijuana measure is Senate Bill 5798.---On the Net:Washington state Legislature: http://www.leg.wa.govCopyright: 2010 Associated PressURL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010992094_apwaxgrmedicalmarijuana.html
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on February 05, 2010 at 13:25:22 PT

Dylan Ratigan
Yesterday he talked about China and how we soon will not have much to say about our own energy policy. China is way ahead of us. We complain about the cost of developing alternative energy and China pulls on ahead of us. We need to deal with this issue among others before we don't have any say in anything. What if China says pay up? 
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on February 05, 2010 at 13:07:35 PT

This article.
Dynamite.

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Comment #12 posted by Hope on February 05, 2010 at 13:04:52 PT

So true, Sam!
"800,000 arrests on a Chinese Visa card!"That's so disgusting. And we're forced to be signed on to be responsible for payment.It makes me feel unclean to think of it.
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Comment #11 posted by dongenero on February 05, 2010 at 12:25:30 PT

Daily Kos/Research 2000 Poll - Republicans
I think that these Republicans polled are simply individuals easily manipulated by the most base appeals such as fear. Fear of change, fear of cannabis, fear of gays, fear of people who are of different skin color, fear of other religions, fear of immigrants, fear of new ideas, fear of things they have no understanding of but are told by someone that they should fear.I don't know that you call that clinically insane but, the poll certainly points to deficiency in critical thought and seems to me to indicates a lower level of intellectual function.These fears are fomented and whipped up by those who would wish to coerce these gullible individuals; various republican party organizations, special interests, lobbyists, politicians and certain right wing "news entertainment" agencies.In my "elite liberal" opinion. 
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Comment #10 posted by ekim on February 05, 2010 at 12:00:13 PT

speaking of the budget
 
wonder if alt therapy for autistisum is gaining funding from the pres. budget.http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_page/D2097Desperate to save a life.
the med cannabis story of autistic boy
see the mom and son in picture. look at the archive and see that
the med cannabis story is talked about.if anyone wants they can order the transcripts of the Feb.1 The Drs Show.
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Comment #9 posted by Hope on February 05, 2010 at 11:58:54 PT

Hempworld
You said, "William Bennett is addicted to gambling, among other things."It's funny. It's seems like there's bound to be something else, just watching and listening to him.He doesn't just reek "Virtue" to me. Well he does... but not like he has a lot.:0)

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Comment #8 posted by HempWorld on February 05, 2010 at 11:46:26 PT

George H.W. Bush 
was dealing cocaine straight out of the White House and was capo di tutti capi as CIA director and then after that; vice president under Reagan. Marion Barry was a crack cocaine smoking mayor and William Bennett is addicted to gambling, among other things.The blind leading the blind? Or a more sinister plot, with being 'tough of drugs' so that they could keep their prices up and make even more illegal money. And by the way, President Clinton was the biggest cocaine dealer of all time, the money made was used to make him president. All the evidence and proof is here:
USA Is a Narco State, just like Mexico.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on February 05, 2010 at 11:33:07 PT

Sam
One thing that I don't think I have ever heard from a Republican was complaining about the cost of wars.
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Comment #6 posted by Sam Adams on February 05, 2010 at 11:26:31 PT

repubs
that poll is very scary, what will we do with all the ignorant fools in this country? I saw this in today's paper, the Repubs are against deficit spending now, but they approved it all for 8 years under "Bush the Dumber".Great news! The feds are borrowing 40 cents of every dollar they spend! yippee, 800,000 arrests on a Chinese Visa card!http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2010/02/05/house_approves_19_trillion_increase_in_us_debt/excerpt:WASHINGTON - The House voted yesterday to allow the government to add $1.9 trillion of debt - an increase of about $6,000 for every US resident and a vivid election-year reminder of the nation’s troubled financial condition.The huge debt increase, approved 217 to 212, is only enough to keep the government afloat for about another year as it borrows more than 40 cents of every dollar it spends on programs such as defense, health care, feeding the poor, and protecting the environment. The budget tops $3.7 trillion this year, with the deficit approaching $1.6 trillion.Thirty-seven Democrats, mostly from GOP-leaning districts, voted against the measure. So did every Republican, even though they routinely supported previous increases in the borrowing cap when their party controlled Congress or when Republican George W. Bush was president. All of the representatives from Massachusetts joined McGovern in voting for the new deficit ceiling.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on February 05, 2010 at 11:20:10 PT

The GCW
It has been very strange for me to try to figure out their logic. I believe in logic, common sense, fairness and that the whole world doesn't revolve around my views.
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Comment #4 posted by The GCW on February 05, 2010 at 11:01:33 PT

FoM,
It is an interesting observation.I can not understand the Repulican mind and those results of The 2010 Comprehensive Daily Kos/Research 2000 Poll of Self- Identified Republicans which shows they may well be insane, helps identify why.Republicans are not simply stupid, selfish, greedy, etc., they are INSANE. 
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 05, 2010 at 10:42:31 PT

The GCW
Very interesting article. I do agree with it.
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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on February 05, 2010 at 10:23:15 PT

abolish all the czars!
excellent broadside from the libertarians!Here is some tough news, look at the comments of these DAs in Colorado, you can see their callous attitude on display in the face of some poor kid with epilepsy....really the persecution is almost biblical...we need another Jesus to come with his vat of canna-oil....http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=132165&catid=339
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Comment #1 posted by The GCW on February 05, 2010 at 10:14:31 PT

Progress
Flush the toilet; flush the "drug czar." Flush it twice. Flush the Florida "drug czar." too.-0-Republicans are insane http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-1517-republicans-are-insane.html
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