cannabisnews.com: For All the Oil in Colombia For All the Oil in Colombia Posted by FoM on February 14, 2001 at 10:49:26 PT Editorial Source: San Francisco Chronicle President Bush has inherited a $1.3 billion commitment to supply and train government troops to fight rebel forces who protect -- and profit from -- Colombian coca-growing peasants. Now he must decide whether to pursue a policy that has failed miserably and threatens to spread the 37-year-old Colombian civil war into Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. The first hopeful sign appeared last week, when President Andres Pastrana -- risking political support, as well as his life -- ventured into rebel- controlled territory and rekindled peace talks that had been dormant for months. For that brave and audacious gesture, however, U.S. military aid was unnecessary. Otherwise, the news from Colombia has been grim. Last year, paramilitary forces killed 60 labor leaders. Seven hundred peasants caught in the cross fire -- their crops and families fumigated by military helicopters -- fled to Panama last month. Colombian guerrilla forces have recently clashed with government troops in Ecuador. Why are we in Colombia? It may be that the country's huge oil reserves interest President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney -- both oil men from Texas -- more than coca leaves. Last year, Colombia's main export poured some $4.6 billion into its economy. But oil is not easy to procure there. Just days ago, leftist rebels bombed Colombia's second-largest crude export pipeline, which forced Los Angeles- based Occidental Petroleum Corp. to drastically reduce its production. Guerrilla groups, which view the above-ground pipeline as the most visible symbol of foreign corporate exploitation of Colombia's natural resources, bombed the 485-mile oil duct 98 times last year alone. So far this year, they have crippled the pipeline 13 times. When he campaigned for the presidency, Bush pledged to make Latin America his highest priority. In the region, he sees a unique opportunity to leave a distinguished foreign policy legacy. But what kind of legacy? Neither the drug war nor the civil war in Colombia can be won quickly or easily by military means. And if it is the flow of oil that Bush seeks to protect, he needs to make his case honestly and directly to the American people. Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)Published: Wednesday, February 14, 2001Copyright: 2001 San Francisco ChronicleAddress: 901 Mission St., San Francisco CA 94103Contact: letters sfchronicle.comWebsite: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/Forum: http://www.sfgate.com/conferences/Feedback: http://www.sfgate.com/select.feedback.htmlCannabisNews Articles - Colombiahttp://cannabisnews.com/thcgi/search.pl?K=colombia END SNIP --> Snipped Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #25 posted by dddd on February 16, 2001 at 02:16:56 PT some real doozies Toker00Here's a good one about your internet theory.A must read! http://www.pir.org/nocookie.htmlThese are all good for hours of dreadful glee.http://www.pir.org/ppost02.htmlhttp://www.pir.org/news16.htmlhttp://www.konformist.com/http://www.MT.net/~watcher/new.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by dddd on February 16, 2001 at 01:19:08 PT i_rule I think the content of your posts are outstanding,and inspirational.I know exactly what you mean about the strange attraction to thedark hobby of investigating the sordid world of obscured monsterscandals.I am,,,,, an intergalactic missionary,but I am not authorized to rescueanyone.I will post some dazzling,spooky,and controversial links for your perusalshortly..........................dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Toker00 on February 16, 2001 at 00:42:15 PT I'll have more, please... Thanks dddd. No, no more freaking out. Like the song says, THE FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST. I actually look forward to finding out more about this deceptive government. Because the more I find out, the less I'll be surprised. You know what would not surprise me? That the internet is being used to identify every illecit(sp) drug user, every anti-government particitpant, every one who chooses an alternative lifestyle, and everyone who has not been, or cannot be brainwashed by THEM, as possible. In other words, all free thinkers. Then a huge roundup, and off to the gas chambers. They wouldn't get us all, of course, but the numbers might be so small that it wouldn't take any time to convert, by force, those who remain. LOL. Sounds like they have turned me into a paranoid schitzo, huh? No way. I am just having fun at their expense. It happened once to a large group of people in the past, and I'm just saying it would not surprise me if it happened again. But boy, will I go kicking and screaming!! So, no, please keep me informed as often as you like about this crap. It's kinda funny, in a way, like a dark theatrical drama. (Sweeney Todd, the dastardly barber from fleet street, perhaps?) When Sweeney pulls the knife across his customers throats and blood squirts everywhere? (I built this set onstage once) The audience gasps out loud, then you can hear snickers and people prodding each other and saying how real it looks. Sweeney was a sick lad. So is our government. Sorry if I'm not making much sense. Just trying to point out how dastardly our government has become. So, until Jah makes an appearance, or we get rescued by intergalactic missionaries, I will never trust another figure of authority. I know I'm over dramatizing. I have plenty of hope for better times. I promise, shortly, the content of my posts will improve.Peace. Realize, then Legalize. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by dddd on February 15, 2001 at 22:27:52 PT Good Stuff I couldnt resist sharing these wonderfully disturbing articles.Be careful not to freak out Toker00.These are some goodies.http://www.consortiumnews.com/archive/lost12.htmlhttp://www.consortiumnews.com/archive/lost19.htmlhttp://www.consortiumnews.com/archive/story15.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Dan B on February 15, 2001 at 22:26:02 PT: NiftySplifty . . . . . . I'm glad you thought I was being gentle about it. I don't often correct people on Cannabis News, and I always feel awkward doing so. As I recall, the message was titled "You're Wrong, Nifty"--not exactly subtle.Anyway, I appreciate your comments here. One thing I have noticed is that the Cannabis News "family" is growing; we have more people commenting than we had a year ago. I suspect that this page is reaching many more people than we see posting here, as well. It's always good to hear from new voices. I know you've been here a while, Nifty, but I wanted to offer a big welcome to all the new folks who've found us here and have been gracious enough to offer their opinions, advice, and information.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by NiftySplifty on February 15, 2001 at 20:43:26 PT Uniformed comments are a learning tool. Recently, I posted something to the effect of "No monkey has ever smoked a joint." Then, I added to it by saying, "This is a fact because they don't have opposable thumbs." Dan B was kind enough to correct me, in the manner most here do. I think my problem is that I quickly react to something by cracking-wise (e.g. wise-cracking smart-ass) to make a joke. But, at least this kind of goof-up makes me pause a bit longer before cracking wise. I've said before, "While trying to be a smart-ass, I ended up looking like a dumb-ass." But, I don't think anyone minds.Nifty... [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Dan B on February 15, 2001 at 11:48:16 PT: What the CFR has planned for Brazil I believe kaptinemo and observer have both pointed out that the Council on Foreign Affairs is one of two groups (the other being the Trilateral Commission) that really runs things in the United States. I thought some of you--in particular Defenderoffreeworld--might be interested in their policies toward Brazil.Please understand that the Council on Foreign Relations is a Marxist organization intent on building a one-world government. They are the reason why there appears to be little difference anymore between the Republicans and the Democrats.Here's the link: Council on Foreign Affairs: Brazil Policy [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by dddd on February 15, 2001 at 10:13:46 PT Brazil Sorry to tell you Defender,,but your home will go down with the restof the dominoes.It will probably be one of the last to go since it's so big.I have decided to make Easter Island my homeland...I cant imagine theUS taking that over with "Plan Easter Island",,and the pagan statueerradication program....dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by kaptinemo on February 15, 2001 at 10:09:08 PT: Cross-pollination As Dan has correctly pointed out, I have spouted off, and sometimes more from my spleen than from my brainpan. And have often made mistakes because of it. But I am mindful of the results, so I take great care with the factual data that I can provide. But nearly everything I write here is spontaneous; I figure that while the muse is screaming in my ear, I had better make the most of the opportunity. Hence, the occasional spelling mistakes, which you've all been kind enough to ignore.And Dan is quite right about encouraging expression; take a look at the anti's websites and you realize one thing very quickly: how uniform they all are. Especially with their fraudulent 'facts'. And how demanding they are that all those in their camp adhere to their 'holy writ'.Or face excommunication for the heresy of speaking their mind without approval. As Thom Marshall in his Great Debate articles has proved actually happens; the anti who challenged him apparently got called on the carpet for not clearing it with his superiors. We, here, are a truly eclectic bunch: Libbers, Pagans, Ras Tafarians, teachers, soldiers, pacifists, you name it. We can agree to disagree, sometimes virulently, but yet...we still come back, time after time. Whereas, the antis...can't. They simply can't. Because to tolerate dissent, to argue, to debate...is to appear weak. This is the hallmark of what I call the ecology of fascism: a sure sign of the stagnation of any culture is when those in charge of it consider upholding the 'ritual' as being more important that the enquiry into the basis of the 'faith'. A trait the antis demonstrate every day. Particularly in their refusal to debate us; the very thought of having to 'stoop so low' as to debate their opponents smacks of losing the moral 'high ground' and acknowledging that maybe we have a valid argument. Hence the intellectually dishonest argument that one pol used when he said that he doesn't debate child molesters about the value of such molestation, so why should he debate drug policy with reformers?Like a field of flowers, a healthy degree of interaction, of cross-pollination, assures that things don't get stagnant or ossified. Yes, mistakes will be made, and occasionally tempers flare at viewpoints expressed...but we are a lot better as a result.I liken this forum as representing the future of society. We are the mammals to the anti's dinosaurs; quick, nimble-witted, able to run rings around the lumbering (but sadly, still powerfully dangerous in a ponderous way) lizards. We will survive because we can adapt, whereas they simply trudge apace towards history's junkheap of ideas whose time has come...and gone. Some of them know that, and are trying to change their direction by shunting off into a 'treatment' con game which will grant them a little more time. But they are doomed, nonetheless. Because people are starting to realize just how much time, money...and lives...have been wasted in this idiocy. They want answers. And the antis have none to give, but the same old parrot squawking. So they come to places like this for answers. Which is why the Web was targeted so blatantly in the Anti-Meth Bill; if the antis can't control the sole source of information about illicit drugs and drug law reform, they will try to destroy the alternative sources. As if information was a human being they could lock up or execute. Dinosaur thinking, remember? But they are just too slow. The future is indeed ours...if we are patient with each other and open-minded enough. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by defenderoffreeworld on February 15, 2001 at 10:02:54 PT: damn every time we talk about this colombian drug war, we get closer and closer to my home. do you really think that this will expand to brazil and other countries? i mean shit, what's it going to take for the world to start fighting back? i used to think: '' man, f--k it, even if things here are so damn scary and shady, i always have my home'. but check it, now i might not even have that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Dan B on February 15, 2001 at 07:32:08 PT: True, skeezix. Many of us feel the same way, but we sometimes want to express our ideas or feelings as we encounter them. I suppose we could all type our comments in Word, edit them, look at several web sites and books to create links and check facts, etc. Many of us do consult other texts when we are not merely expressing our opinions.Kaptinemo and observer have been known to express spontaneous opinions, just like the rest of us. I don't think anyone here plays fast and loose with the facts, but many of us express opinions or theories in order to open up discussion, or merely to express ourselves. I think all of these kinds of input are important, interesting to read, and often right on target.So, I hope that nobody feels the need to inhibit his or her responses to articles simply because he or she can't remember an exact statistic or does not remember where to find it. We're all becoming more informed as we continue to evaluate what we read here. I, for one, find everyone's comments useful.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by skeezix on February 15, 2001 at 06:58:39 PT mistaken "I'm glad I'm not the only one who makes mistakes. We all do (with, perhaps, the exceptions of kaptinemo and observer--at least, I haven't seen many mistakes by those two in writing!)"The only reason kappy,and the Observester seem to rarely make mistakes,or be wrong ,,,,is that they dont like to take chances with the facts.,,,, [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Dan B on February 15, 2001 at 06:14:37 PT: Uninformed Comments Just wanted to add my voice on the matter of uninformed comments, echoing what dddd said earlier. I have made many an uninformed comment in this forum (and made many a retraction), and I have to say that this group is great about pointing out where one might be wrong, but doing so gently. I have learned a lot--not only by making mistakes, but by listening to those who often know better than I.Thanks for your comments, Toker00 (and everyone else). I'm glad I'm not the only one who makes mistakes. We all do (with, perhaps, the exceptions of kaptinemo and observer--at least, I haven't seen many mistakes by those two in writing!) Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 14, 2001 at 19:43:11 PT Paranoia Paranoia. Oh the nasty word. When I got on line I had trouble sorting thru would would be nice to me and wanted to really be a friend and who was a trouble maker. That created paranoia. I haven't had problems with any government people but I sure had trouble with a person. Things are fine currently and you need to be watchful of who you pick as friends. I am a lot wiser now. We all get wiser the longer we are on line. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by dddd on February 14, 2001 at 19:24:25 PT paranoia ANTIANTIDRUG brings up an excellent point about time,and web research,(resurf).There is way too many things out there for one persons paranoia to handle.It's kinda like your better off in specializing.,,,,or,,it's better to be really paranoid about one thing,than to just be sorta paranoid about everything.?.....dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on February 14, 2001 at 19:07:55 PT A Story Hi Toker00, Let me tell you a little story. I've been on line since the fall of 96 and I still don't get why things act like they act. I haven't been able to get in Cannabis News for at least the last five hours and I'm not sure why. But I'm here now! Yippie! Your links look like they should work but it is possible that the links you posted are down temporarily. The Internet is like nothing we ever were prepared for in school. Thank God I took one year of typing but all I remembered when I got on line was: asdf jkl: Don't you just love it! Always take a deep breath and it's best to understand we all have problems and after a while we learn what they are and how we can fix them or yell for someone who can. We'll always help if you want us too.Peace, FoM! [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by ANTIANTIDRUG on February 14, 2001 at 19:00:32 PT Paranoia Paranoia is good at times. Keeps everyone on their toes while the war is being fought. Just got to know where to draw the line. I didn't go to any of those links because I've got enough things to be paranoid about and uncovering every possible shady world domination plan does take up a lot of time. Mind you Toker00 you got the alarm bells ringing when you posted that bones society info. The futures brightThe futures Orange Budz. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by dddd on February 14, 2001 at 18:38:26 PT Uninformed comments Dont be overly concerned about making uninformed comments Toker00.I do it all the time,and I think such comments are good in that they encourage discussion.You mentioned links that behave in strange ways,and I have experienced the same type things.I have a crackpot theory that I am becoming more and more convinced of.I will briefly explain it;With all the super trick,hi-tech software that governmental entities have to access and snoop around the internet,plus all the other website blocking programs availiable,,,I propose that it is quite likely that the government can easily obstruct access to certain web site,and cause people to get "File not found",error messages,,,etc.I am convinced that they already have the capacity to monitor the visits to any website. Am I just being an alarmist paranoic crackpot who is spouting forth ill informed,foolish theories,or does anyone out there think I could be sane?............................dddd [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Toker00 on February 14, 2001 at 18:08:18 PT Thanks, guys. I don't know why links that work at the site I get them from don't work at other places I post them. I encounter this a lot. Like I said, I am a puter newbie. Sometimes I get so riled up and upset, I don't think my thoughts through. I watched the Freemasons segment tonight and understand a bit more than before. Seems they caused a lot of crap in the past, and are now a not so bad thing. But I don't know. I confused the freemasons with the skull and bones society. I think the most upsetting thing to me is learning how little I know about things so important to us all. I'm gonna chill now and read things through from different angles before I blurt out uninformed opinions and make a fool of myself. Seems nothing I learned in high school is quite like I was taught. I feel like I am beginning my education all over again. Thanks for your patience and understanding.Peace. Realize, then Legalize. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by dddd on February 14, 2001 at 17:56:06 PT Masons My Uncle Vic was a Grand Potentate.He was a politician.He was a strange person.try this link for some good stuff.Let me know if you are interested in some more shockers.I've got some great scientology linksd d d d http://www.kassiber.de/cults.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Dan B on February 14, 2001 at 15:37:03 PT: Toker00 . . . The first and last of your three links don't work for me. Are you sure both are correct? Just checking.The second page is less than convincing to me, and I'm hoping to find more concrete evidence on the other two pages. My father-in-law is a Freemason (pretty high up the ladder), so this subject is of great interest to me.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Toker00 on February 14, 2001 at 15:08:12 PT oh yeah. the links. http://www.cri.net/masnsign.htmlhttp://www.cuttingedge.org/free11.htmlhttp://www.citizenbeware.com/mw1.htmlPeace. Realize, then Legalize. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Toker00 on February 14, 2001 at 15:05:17 PT Freemasons EXPOSED I'm sorry for being so late in discovering this crap. I'm sure most of you have known about this for years. I just have to post something, somewhere. Don't bother with these links if you know about them already. I just hope there are others who have not known. This is for them. There are many, many more links to this expose', but I will just give three. Thank God others have been doing this exposing before me. Satan is alive and well and roaming the earth. Our own leaders are a part of this crap. Sorry for rambling, I'm still not out of shock yet.Peace. Realize and Legalize. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by meagain on February 14, 2001 at 11:13:03 PT Hell no i won't go! As a veteran count me out I will not fight for this cause this is a police action another "vietnam" pay heed Mr Bush "back the ... up" . We don't need their oil refine hemp seed oil keep the money here !! We can also grow the cocoa plant here and provide maintenance doses to addicts and Save America ! #1 PRIORITY [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Duzt on February 14, 2001 at 11:01:08 PT Wow The truth come out. I had not even thought of this, but it is so obvious. We have nothing to gain from this coca/every plant distruction, ohh, but we do. This has to come out. Bush want Alaska, now Colombia. Two big oil men, big surprise. Good bye gov., the walls are coming down. 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