cannabisnews.com: Nick and Mary Jane Nick and Mary Jane Posted by FoM on March 08, 2001 at 06:03:57 PT By John McCaslin, Nationally Syndicated Columnist Source: Washington Times The last time we wrote about Nicholas Thimmesch II, the then-communications director to Rep. Steve Largent, Oklahoma Republican, was voicing bewilderment that a candlelight vigil was scheduled on the U.S. Capitol Lower Terrace, with the explicit instructions: "Note: NO candles." "What's a candlelight vigil with no candles?" he wondered. Now we're pleased (we think) to report that Mr. Thimmesch, son of the late Los Angeles Times Syndicate columnist Nick Thimmesch, has become communications director for NORML, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Particularly intriguing, given he began his career in the Reagan White House, served on the 1992 Bush-Quayle campaign, ditto on the 1996 Dole-Kemp campaign, and huddled with conservative moralist Bill Bennett at Empower America, among other duties in 15-plus years. And what would Ronald Reagan say if he knew Mr. Thimmesch was peddling marijuana decriminalization? "I think the Gipper was always for people following their hearts and voting with their feet, and by coming to NORML I'm adhering to the Reagan dictum of voting with my feet," says Mr. Thimmesch, who says he's delighted with the election victory of George W. Bush. "More than anything, I hope to open dialogue between traditional conservatives and the drug reform movement in this country," Mr. Thimmesch says, adding he could "no longer idly sit on the sidelines while the nearly 30-year so-called 'war on drugs' continues to devastate American freedoms and constitutionally guaranteed rights. "For too long it's been libertarian Republicans who've gone to bat on this issue. I think the more traditional conservatives and Republicans look at the cost effectiveness of the drug war, the damage to our civil rights, the essence of freedom that this is all about, the more they will be convinced they should change their policies."John McCaslin, a nationally syndicated columnist, can be reached at 202/636-3284 or by e-mail: mccasl twtmail.comSource: Washington Times (DC)Author: John McCaslin, a Nationally Syndicated ColumnistPublished: March 8, 2001Copyright: 2001 News World Communications, Inc.Contact: letters washtimes.comWebsite: http://www.washtimes.com/NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by fivepounder on March 08, 2001 at 07:01:28 PT Norml's April Conference I'll be there. Who else?? I hope to meet you Dr. Russo. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Dan B on March 08, 2001 at 06:47:30 PT: This is a major event I, too, am pleased that Mr. Thimmesch has agreed to become the communications director for NORML. We now have a powerful, yet conservative Rebulican on our side with influence inside the Washington D.C. beltway. For decades, most conservatives would not listen to Mr. Stroup because they view him as simply a radical who wants to lee-gull-ahze mary-jew-wanna! Now, one of their own has stepped up to the plate, and I believe he can do a great deal to further our cause. The tide has officially turned, thanks to brave Republican folks like Governor Gary Johnson, Chairman of the Republican Party in New Mexico John Dendahl, and a whole new crop of others, as well as many brave Democrats, like Senator Barney Frank. Now, we can add Nick Themmisch to our long list of heroes.Let's not forget those who have been martyred for the cause: Peter McWilliams, we're winning this war for you.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on March 08, 2001 at 06:41:56 PT: Good News Welcome to Mr. Thimmesch and best of luck.On the subject of NORML, I am hoping to see many cannabisnews.com regulars at the conference in DC next month. I'd sure like to meet the people behind the wit. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: