cannabisnews.com: Plucking Weeds of Information from the Marketplace
Plucking Weeds of Information from the Marketplace
Posted by FoM on April 16, 2001 at 11:47:11 PT
By Joan Bellm
Source: Washington Times
I chuckled when I read the letter to the editor "Drug laws create youth drug market" (April 1). My goodness. That letter surely had some statements that defied logic, research and history. It is interesting that the author works for a foundation considered by many to be one of the biggest promoters of drug legalization. Just as there is a tobacco lobby that has misrepresented the hazards of tobacco cigarettes, there is a well-funded marijuana lobby working to place marijuana cigarettes on store shelves.
Everyone knows that smoking is hazardous to one´s health and that marijuana contains more carcinogens than tobacco.The use of marijuana goes up as the perception of harm goes down. Although the majority of the American people, medical doctors, researchers and lawmakers agree that marijuana should not be legalized, children pay close attention to the arguments of the legalizers. Many young people believe marijuana is harmless. It is not. It is a dangerous psychoactive weed with more than 450 different chemicals that can cause a myriad of physical and emotional problems. Weeds are not "medicine." People must quit confusing marijuana with its active ingredient, THC. Don´t be fooled by the simplistic arguments of drug legalizers, who tend not to let facts get in their way. It doesn´t take a rocket scientist to know that any policy making drugs more readily available will lead to increased drug use and increased tragedy and violence. Easing legal restrictions on marijuana could put millions of children at risk. Joan Bellm, Editor, Drug Watch World NewsFounder, Illinois Drug Education AllianceFounder, Drug Watch International -- http://www.drugwatch.org Carlinsville, Ill.Complete Title: Plucking Weeds of Information from the Marketplace of Ideas Source: Washington Times (DC)Author: Joan BellmPublished: April 15, 2001Copyright: 2001 News World Communications, Inc.Contact: letters washingtontimes.com Website: http://www.washingtontimes.com/Related Article:Drug Laws Create Youth Drug Markethttp://mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n578/a08.html CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #38 posted by Potlover on April 19, 2001 at 14:28:31 PT
America is a big Mixing Pot!
It would be great if us Potheads had a site called, "I hate Pot: The tales/stories/folklore/lies of the Modern Day Prohibitionists" Little Thubnail pictures of our "favorite" editors, writers, Politicians, Police Officials, Tv/movie stars, CEO's/COO;s and the likes, hosts of Talk shows...(on and on) Pages and pages of Writing underneath each thumbnail, respectively catergorized, of course. We have to make Postive change in the hearts and minds of the recreational Haters... Otherwise...we're going Nowhere, IMHO.
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Comment #37 posted by Afraid of White!!! on April 19, 2001 at 14:11:48 PT
This just In:
In only 5 more years, the Total African-American population will be Endangered: True Fact that "their science" won't go to the great length of Studying.
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Comment #36 posted by jAhn on April 19, 2001 at 14:08:45 PT
Sky-Diving is safer than Smoking Pot, to you? prob
Loyalty Engendered in its' Users: Similar to: Loyalty to Soccer(football-in Deutschland) Begets 50 people trampled upon...That's what's being said,"No?" OR: Similar to: Loyalty to American Nascar Begets a Fiery Wreck of a Death to the Boy/Girl who sponsors DuPont, Firestone, STP Oil (or whatever that crap is!), The Michelin Man, in the Next Race, "No?" Loyalty Engendered in its' users: That's pretty funny!That's like taking the platform of those Tv Execs who blame that the Viewer-Ship of the Howard Stern Show for the "Downturn in Morals in the late 20th Century!", "No?" Argue Argue Argue....It's something us POTHEADS have become Quite Accustomed to! Wouldn't You? If someone that jumps from cliffs for fun told you what YOU were about to do---is a threat to YOUR life? Give it Up! Give it Up!RESIST this System! Bush Needs a hard time!
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Comment #35 posted by jAHn on April 19, 2001 at 13:21:58 PT
Who needs to be intoxicated any other way?
Smoked for 7 years, almost every day, and NEVER had to consult the Re-hab to deal with not smokin' a joint. I was, however, sent to a Probate/rehab program after being busted with a couple gram bags of grass. I got along with the probation officer. She loved the fact that I enjoy reading, and would let her know about the books that I read. (not all on the basis of Pot, however the ones on Pot are the most entertaining because of the real-deal Jerry Springer-esque Genre its' been shrouded into- and the Arguments that are the result thereof) I smoked, continually, after completing the Probation (for expongement) because I'm afraid of the Dangers of Alcohol. I never get sick off of Grass, I never become "hung-over"Just puuuure Inspiration...And every High keeps Evolving as the Situations Grow MORE TENSE around the Herb. I love crafting New devices to smoke from. With a girlfriend who enjoys them just as much as I do! What more can a boy ask for? A bunch of friends to share it with, for one! For two, to present our artistry in an atmosphere that caters to the Herbalist Intoxicator! I vision Bars that are Way more fun than the ones that Already exist for the Alco-Addicts! What was that about Interdependecy and Drugs? Doesn't america do that already? With bars/saloons etc...? Stop being jealous of People that Really Do, plain and simply, Love Pot. We can ALL get along if we all just TRIED, for once!
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Comment #34 posted by Frustrated on April 18, 2001 at 17:57:28 PT
Thanks evryone for continuing my education!!! :)
I always enjoy the comments of readers here on CannabisNews. Not only do i learn more about politics, medicine, propaganda techiniques (though Uncle Sam is not very subtle), and other subjects, but my commitment to speaking out and writing to my legislators, both national and state, is renewed when i see how many other intelligent people feel the same way i do. thank you for helping me stand up for what i believe in--and teaching me more about political reform.sincerely, Frustrated
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Comment #33 posted by Anxamander on April 18, 2001 at 15:35:40 PT
science day at cannabis news
I am a rocket scientist, a Ph.D. physicist who has designed rockets of war for the U.S. government. That was never my main interest ( I like black holes and the expanding universe better ) but it was my job more than once. I know for a fact that despite the background checks, the pee tests, the loyalty oaths, the polygraphs, and the not-so-subtle political control, there is a quite sizeable portion of high level scientific personnel in government related jobs who detest the war on drugs as an anti-scientific hoax. We know all about critical thinking and have access to the technical literature on virtually every subject, chemistry being one of them, and - yes, we are an arrogant lot - with dictionary in hand, medicine is another. I can tell you that a lot of us are well read on the drug war and drugs and totally agree - quietly - with the "upset chemist". As seekers of the truth by disposition, a lot of us are very irritated with all the BS. The facts about drugs in general and marijuana in particular lead to one conclusion for those who study them: Drugs are harmless in comparison to the war on drugs. Drugs cause serious problems for a small minority of users while the war on drugs impoverishes our intellectual and financial economy and perverts our social structure. The manner in which false beliefs and artificial behavior are forced upon individuals and organizations threaten the integrity of U.S. science itself. Unless we halt the engineering of society and individuals by means of force and propaganda, we will one day find that the rockets no longer work, or that someone else's rockets work much better.
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Comment #32 posted by Silenced american. on April 18, 2001 at 14:12:55 PT
Thank You So Much, Observer, I Love You!
Well said statement that could Further Prove that Smoking Some God-Darned Grass isn't half as deadly as some of the activites that these State/Federal helicopter & airplane owners propagate! I suppose some people are still thinking to themselves, "that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.---What a threat to National Security!" Shame on them!
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Comment #31 posted by lookinside on April 18, 2001 at 05:19:40 PT:
sanity=willy
you said it willy....i quit using pot cuz i had an ALCOHOLproblem...8 years clean and sober...pot was never a problem,but work place pee testing sure is...
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Comment #30 posted by observer on April 17, 2001 at 19:01:46 PT
Perspective
Interesting arguments. Glad you think so! I think so, too. I always like reading the letters people post here. The one constant that marijuana brings to the debateGoodness! It sounds almost as if you've been studying "the debate" quite thoroughly over time to notice a "constant" in it! is the loyalty engendered in its users. I didn't see any of the arguments here based on loyality engendered in its users. Are you sure that's really a "constant" . . . or, is this just your way of denigrating "arguments" that you don't a snowball's chance in heck of answering? Even those who take the years it requires to free their bodies completely from this drug Oh my! I never knew that it took "years" for all cannabis metabolites to leave the body! (I don't think it does...) still have it in their personality. Perhaps it was the bitter Pill of Prohibiton that was stuck in their collective craw? Does not tyranny itself create its own opposition? In spite of the drug having driven them to seek drug counselling, "Them" who? Were you referring to an "argument" made here? they still defend it as "harmless". Yes, it is relatively harmless (compared to rock climbing, and sky-diving and skiing and hiking and camping, etc.). Of course, nothing is absolutely harmless, not even H2O. (see http://www.dhmo.org/ )see:Is marijuana really harmless, like everyone has been saying?http://www.marijuananews.com/cowan/is_marijuana_really_harmless.htmfor more on the deadly H2O, please seeBan Dihydrogen Monoxidehttp://www.circus.com/~nodhmo/Did you say, "Canadian"?I hope you vote next election. And when you do, be sure to vote for THE MARIJUANA PARTY!http://www.bcmarijuanaparty.ca/Please support the Marijuana Party. ;-)Thank you.
THC-TV #3 - More Canadian Bake'n
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Comment #29 posted by Willy on April 17, 2001 at 18:50:21 PT
K H Lane
I'm curious, can you support your contention that it takes years to free one's body from the effects of cannabis.I'd also like to see figures that demonstrate the number of people who were, or are, users of cannabis exclusively who have needed re-hab.Thanks
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Comment #28 posted by K. H. Lane on April 17, 2001 at 17:18:55 PT:
Canadian Perspective
Interesting arguments. The one constant that marijuana brings to the debate is the loyalty engendered in its users.Even those who take the years it requires to free their bodies completely from this drug still have it in their personality. In spite of the drug having driven them to seek drug counselling, they still defend it as "harmless".Go figure.
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Comment #27 posted by Sledhead on April 17, 2001 at 13:45:45 PT
Keep those letters flying
Here's mine.To the Editor:One thing, noticeably lacking concerning the drug policy issue, is afair, honest, and open debate, concerning this most dismal chapter inour nation's history. If those who oppose this directionlessdisaster, have no argument, and the facts are singularly the domain ofthose who profit most handsomely from this deadly charade, wouldn'topen, televised, public forums drive a stake through the heart of themisguided harm reduction movement, once and for all?There's little doubt that America's drug policy is based on thepork-barrel politics, which has allowed those with who preach thegospel of this bureaucratic disaster most vehemently, to cash in quitehandsomely. Through government propaganda and collusion with majormedia outlets, the anti-drug establishment has created a monstercalled the "War On Drugs". The lies and distortions about illegaldrugs and their purported harm have created an atmosphere, whereanyone who questions this farce, is labeled as a deranged heretic,much the same as during the "red scare" hysteria of the McCarthy era.The term "legalizer" is thrown around by those who have to protectthis cash cow, in much the same way "nigger" was used at another darktime in our nation's history. Another juvenile attempt to deflect theissue. I often wonder if those who invent such terms and support thisdeadly anomaly of U.S. history, believe in their cause so strongly,that they would do it for free, sans the billions of taxpayer assetsthey feast upon year after year, decade after decade, and probablycentury after century. Nevermind, I think we all know the answer.The drug war is singly responsible for most the things Joan Bellmsuggests are the results of drug use. Without prohibition and theresulting black market, violence would be a minor problem instead ofthe killing fields we see today. Our childrens' education ishi-jacked by the drug testing industry, D.A.R.E. and all manner ofdrug war devices, simply because America's leaders have created a"Frankenstein" called the "War On Drugs" and don't have guts enough todestroy the beast.The truth, always the first casualty of any war, can no longer beshielded behind the children or censored by the U.S. news media,thanks to the interconnectedness of our modern world and our FirstAmendment rights, which also have barely survived the onslaught of the"War On Drugs".I encourage Ms. Bellm to accept an invitation to debate one of these"legalizers", but, once again, nevermind, I think we all know heranswer. I also suggest that the Washington Times do someinvestigative reporting about just where our tax dollars go in supportof this policy gone awry. You might be surprised. Since Ms. Bellmcalls our attention to the money that funds the "legalizers", maybeit's time to look at the money on both sides, because no matter whomight fund the "legalizers", at least it's not my tax money. Shetalks money, so you can bet money is where you should look. Bit dogbarks, they say, so you can bet she's afraid of being bitten by afunding reduction."Easing legal restrictions on marijuana could put millions" of dollarsof income that Ms. Bellm relies on for her livelihood at risk. Ithink that's what actually concerns her.
The Drug Testing Clearinghouse
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Comment #26 posted by jAHn on April 17, 2001 at 12:38:22 PT
In a country where People are Separated...
...like Dirty Laundry, TokerOO, The people have an even harder time inspecting What's Really The Dirty of Dirty Laundry. Some of it appears to be clean, although it is not.Some of it appears to be dirty, although it is not. It's a shame, that in such a large country like America, which touts, "Equality, Freedom, and Humanity", The Cleansing Team is made up of MANY different entities which see the world through MANY varied filters (News: Tv or Paper). Some of them- Censored, some of them Seemingly so, and some of them- Not. It'll take a blindfold over the enemies eyes to sneak past them to set things on the right course. Right now, The Digital Blindfold is Perfect!!!I remember just trying to scan through the many pages of the many books (some Banned) on the subject of Cannabis/Hemp. Now that we have "The Great Book of Truth" making info more Readily available for the Freedom Fighters who will "set that right course." I think the name change, as you put it FoM, from Cannabis/Hemp to Freedom should occur! Rallies will be Waaay easier to hold, because they're not so blatant to the fidderales. Then instead of being "Cannabis/Hemp Supporters", we could just call ourselves "Freedom Supporters/Fighters!" In this Era of "The Bush Tsar"---People will Run for Freedom from Every Which Direction known to animals!!! Just as Nature had Intended...All Along!
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Comment #25 posted by upset chemist on April 17, 2001 at 11:33:17 PT
HUH?
First I would like to know what legitimate references you used in your statement "that marijuana contains more carcinogens than tobacco."??? AND I mean actual scientific journals; I'm a PhD chemist and have never found such information in the journals scientists actually publish work in. I have only come across that quote from opinions by uneducated people trying desperately to make a point in which there is no evidence. Next, the statement "It doesn´t take a rocket scientist to know that any policy making drugs more readily available will lead to increased drug use and increased tragedy and violence. Easing legal restrictions on marijuana could put millions of children at risk." This is absolute rubbish!! I may only be a chemist, not a rocket scientist, but I have read about prohibition in the twenties and saw how violence became a huge part of making alcohol illegal, and how re-legalizing alcohol killed the black market for it and thus killed the violence that went with the black market sales of alcohol. Where do you get the notion that making marijuana legal will increase violence, since the actual scientific and sociological studies have shown just the opposite? Are you aware that most violence in the streets of the US stem from the gangs trying to control the black market on drugs in their neighborhoods. Why in Denmark where marijuana is tolerated do less high school students use it than here in the US? BECAUSE they don't lie to their people by making up stories about marijuana such as you have done! They educate their people with facts, not opinions. IF you want to help, then get yourself a proper education and learn to tell the truth!!! OR maybe you're not confident enough in your ability to teach children to be responsible and thus need to turn to lies.
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Comment #24 posted by Ralph on April 16, 2001 at 22:40:20 PT
What is a weed?
What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on April 16, 2001 at 21:15:43 PT
Weeds are not medicine
More of my 2 cents. Yes Cannabis is a weed but it is also called an Herb.Herbal Hallhttp://www.herb.com/herbal.htm
Medical Marijuana Information Links
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Comment #22 posted by Rainbow on April 16, 2001 at 20:48:34 PT
Their website
FolksEven their website is an example of amateur endeavors. it is down right bad.These folks have nothing better to do than put their nose in our business.Well I know where they can stick it.CheersRainbow
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Comment #21 posted by lookinside on April 16, 2001 at 20:35:12 PT:
sanity?
we need more anti pot spokespeople like joan bellm...in abattle of wits, she truly showed up unarmed...i ALWAYS checkfurther anytime someone uses the term "everyone knows"...herlack of sources for her information was quiteimpressive...as was her lack of knowledge...
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 16, 2001 at 20:19:41 PT
Rant Away
Toker00 I understand. I know that many people in the trucking profession have stopped driving because of drug testing. It wasn't worth it to them too. When I think of the young, unexperienced, drug free drivers hauling freight around the USA I shudder sometimes. I don't mean these kids are bad but they have people doing work that only someone will many miles of safe driving under their belts should do and for what? Safety. I think not.
FreedomToExhale
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Comment #19 posted by Toker00 on April 16, 2001 at 20:09:31 PT
They still don't tell the whole truth...
I've watched the History channel's documentory a couple times. I watched very closely this time. They still don't tell anything about the competition to industries Cannabis would bring. It's so disturbing to know we are being governed by liars and decievers. They tell only what advances their interests and causes. The truth be dambed. They claim to be so righteous, but are nothing but demons. Still, the people elect these demons. How can truth be so powerful, yet so easily suppressed? How can those of us who hold this powerful truth, not be able to use it's power to change things? Most of us who post here spread the truth about Cannabis on a daily basis, but change takes place so slowly. And only partial change. Are lies stronger than truth? Or have we not fully learned how to use the truth? Ater reading all these articles by the anti's and then the responses by our posters, how do the lies still survive? Even though we speak with experience and wisdom, the anti's seem to not hear a word. They cling to the lies like we cling to the truth. Are we simply outnumbered and have to fight twice as hard? Even though truth is suppose to be the greater power? Even though wisdom and experience are things the smart claim to seek? Some would tell me it is money that matters. Isn't truth suppose to be more valuable than money? Isn't having a cleaner environment, less prisons, healthier people, equal competition, greater spirituality, better police/public relations more desirable than the alternative that is in place now? Why are the people who claim to be looking out for our best interest, so adamantly denying the truth? And embracing lies, instead? Is money more powerful than truth? Is insanity more powerful than wisdom? That's the only explanation I can come up with.Please excuse my rant. Since I have been forced to create my own business due to my refusal to take piss tests, I'm a bit depressed right now. Business is slow. But even if I am forced into a life of poverty, I will still cling to the truth and deny the anti's. God help us when the economy goes bust and we are all forced to scrounge for the almighty buck. Maybe if it gets bad enough, even the anti's will be forced to embrace the truth. And wisdom. Excuse me. I have to go make my peanut butter sandwich and get my glass of water.Peace. Realize, then Legalize.
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Comment #18 posted by jAHn on April 16, 2001 at 18:14:53 PT
NBC creator of NBC's "The West Wing"....
...has just been busted with some Hallucinogenic Mushies... The link...is here:http://dailynews.yahoo.com/htx/nm/20010416/en/people-sorkin_1.htmlEnjoy...! (because info. is like that!)
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Comment #17 posted by OLL-Head 1,000,007 on April 16, 2001 at 18:09:32 PT
OLL is my LIFE!
OLLis my information. Information is my OLL.
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Comment #16 posted by Ratchetjaw on April 16, 2001 at 17:44:39 PT
Let 'em eat cake?
Ms. Bellm reminds me of something.Remember how in school, they used to tell us about Mari Antoinette? How she looked down her nose at the sans cullottes? How she said, when she heard many were starving "Let them eat cake."?That kind of haughty, nose in the air stuff didn't sit well...with her eventual executioners.The blue bloods thought they were untouchable, and sneered at those less fortunate. They really thought that people who were beaten down deserved to be....and they literally lost their heads in the end. While the very people they spit on laughed when their aristocratic heads, with shocked looks on their faces, rolled in the basket.This anti is just as clueless as those French hotshots. They think they can look down at us and laugh. While state after state after state is going to MMJ.We will have the last laugh, in the end. So enjoy your contemptual treatment of us while you can. because even in your home town of DC, MMJ passed by 70%, and scared the antis so much they tried to keep the results of the vote secret. Such brave antis...like this one.
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Comment #15 posted by freedom fighter on April 16, 2001 at 17:37:40 PT
Kev. Keep on
posting your LTEs here..I have seen many articles that are based on the postings that many have posted here.. Every bit helps!As for that twithead who wrote the article above, she forgot to mention that we as Americans are putting human beings in prisons for growing plants like our good Observer would constantly remind us??In the name of freedomfree the plant and childrenff
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Comment #14 posted by MikeEEEEE on April 16, 2001 at 16:22:21 PT
Ahhhhhhhh!!!
I almost puked when I read this.The anti's are sounding off because they're losing.
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Comment #13 posted by ras james rsifwh on April 16, 2001 at 15:58:45 PT
plucking joan bellm
I chuckled when I read Joan Bellm's article. My goodass! That crap surley had some B.S. that defied logic, research, and history. It is interesting the author works for the Washington Times considered by many as a newspaper published in Washington. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what that means.Remember! Children pay close attention to adult hypocracy. Many adults believe marijuana is harmful. It is not. It is a healing herb wiith more than 450 different active ingredients that can cure a myrad of physical and emotional problems. Increasing legal restrictions on marijuana has put millions of children at risk of getting suckered into dangerous drugs like alcohol, tobacco, heroin, and cocaine.Now that's no joke.
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Comment #12 posted by jAHn on April 16, 2001 at 15:03:08 PT
I am urged to report to you...
...news from this link:http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA9EUAQMLC.html The story is about Scott McCollum's (Republican) son, Zach,19, who reportedly Kicked- repeatedly, a woman- age 17, while he was Intoxicated with the Legal "Holy Drink"- Alcohol/Liquer! I have to point out that the Associate Press didn't note Scott McCollum's Political Platform....Importantly enough, he's a Republican...I found out through a gov. site, just as any "stupid pot head" would do. To the Washington Times: Please Concentrate on your Crappy Journalists, they need to, uh? go back to school or somethin'!
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Comment #11 posted by jAHn on April 16, 2001 at 13:49:49 PT
Thanks for the Inspiration, Kev. Herb!
I felt TOO compelled to send them my Post that I posted here! (Under this Article) ha ha! Plus I added some extra commentary...Here's the LTE in its' entirety! Because Killing 5 year olds in Botched Raids... Just isn't violent enough for these Freedom-Squelching Prohibitionist Ideologues.This Press needs to do a re-examination on Who is writing for them. It seems to me that these "shock troops" are rallying around the town squares- trying to prove they've got the Greatest Points and Podiums to stand upon.At the same time that Studies(within America's History, not just Amerikkka's) Such as D.A.R.E. are being Derailed by Legit, and Legalized Scientists! (That are even on Amerikkka's side! ha ha haaha L'inMF'inAOOL!Simplistic...ha hah...Arguments...hee heeh... by ...AH HHAAAAAA...The LEGALIZERS!!! (Millions of us UNFAIRLY {and according to the U.S. Constitution Cruel and Unusually}are locked behind bars Longer than MURDERERS because, uhh....because..WHY? You ask, Young Kiddie???Because they choose to Be Intoxicated by a substance with an LD-50 %age that requires LESS CONSUMPTION than Alcohol/Liquer and is easier to make than Alcohol, PLUS...It helps ease Racial Tension and Provides Money for Inner-City Teens that Burger King, United Artists' Movie Theatres, Barnes & Nobles doesn't PROVIDE ENOUGH JOBS FOR!!!{Re: Have you been reading about the THOUSANDS of layoffs since "Dubya" had become the President Select in the U.S.?} Instead of Giving the Money to some Greedy White, Suit-Bearing Employer/Seller. Don't Sit around and Preach about Who needs to do what.This Society in America is a WRECK! NOONE gets along!Blame, Blame Blame....Keep it up, America.As your Mixing your Deadly Cock-tails in Bars with Rotten Toilets to sit upon.Go ahead America....Blame Blame. BLAME!Because your Living next to a Human who has the Right to Get into A 'Nascar", drive it 200+ Miles Per Hour, and SMASH it against a Concrete wall. This is not safe and your neighbor, Sure-As-F__K isn't going to Live from this Mess. (That's sponsored by DuPont, B.F. Goodwrench(rich-whatever), M.A.B. paints, phew...the list goes On and On and On...I doubt that you, The Stupid Attention-Spanless, Hemp Smoker have noticed all of the Sponsors that are embedded into the Nascar tradition {Not really, but that's what the article of the Washington Times would have you believe}Because a white man is going to Pit a Hispanic (DeLaHoya) against an African (Ali) and He's going to put on a show. It's a show that Enbeds Violence into the minds of the Spectators' who are onlooking upon the bloody mess. As the Puches are thrown, the teeth fall out, The brain becomes Discombobulate. (Ensuring that Mohammed Ali will have a hard time talking "Normally."}Blood flies in every direction. It spatters on the Mat of the ring. In the faces of the Referees. On the members of the crowd....The white men walk away- Smiling...With Millions from Ad Revenue....The Black, African American soul walks away a Defender of his Pride. His ability to Fight a Fight for the Right of the White...To make some money that begets him a house of his own...I ask, In America, The Land of the Free, Happily & Humane, How come this is LEGAL?And Louis Armstrong, Snoop Dogg, Black Sabbath, 311, Cypress Hill can't put a show on---hosted by Woody Harrelson--- without being Fined, Thrown in Jail and a PublicRelations environment that's equal to that which Jefferey Dahmer or Ted Bundy would receive?How could this possibly be?It's so...Cruel and, uh, to say the least, Unusual!!! This Drug War, Perpetuated by the Rich, is going to end sooner or later. War Crimes will NOT be left "outta sight!"Shame on the Rich for "Using People who use Drugs in the Mainstream." Example: Bob Marley for the Carribbean Tourist Commercials. Jimi Hendrix for Car Sales Commercials!?! (not like they used the Real Jimi's Music anyway, because the Hendrix Esatate REFUSES people like you-- Permission..) So, I leave you with the Invitation to continue to Journalize with such Biased Views, a Slacker Vocab. and .....(I don't think I'll tell you. I've used Pot before, therefor, my Brain is "Fried.") P.S. Your "Journalism" Sucks! Learn from someone like, well, uh, let's say, uh...Al Giordano....Then again, that's probably, "stooping low" for "editors" like yourself. P.S.S. Editors that Suck, such as yourself shouldn't be called Editors. You should be called Societal Leeches..Blah! Peace, Realize, Legalize!!!!
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Comment #10 posted by Juan Costo on April 16, 2001 at 13:43:30 PT
Good LTE Kevin
I like the comparison between marijuana prohibition and Al Capone. I've seen a few of your LTEs at http://www.mapinc.org. You've definitely got talent. If you don't mind a little constructive criticism, you might want to limit your LTEs to 200-250 words. I guarantee your hit rate will go up substantially. In general, the shorter the letter, the greater the chance it will be published. And when you do get more published -- and I know you will -- I for one would like to see them both here and at MAP.
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Comment #9 posted by Natrous on April 16, 2001 at 13:37:42 PT
off topic
Just to let people know, the History Channel is doing a week long series on illegal drugs. While the overall title, "Hooked," is an unfortunate one relaying improper ideas with the first episode about MJ, the History Channel often does not spout mindless info. Either way, it should be interesting to see. The description from the tv listings follows.There are 4 episodes, airing at 9PM and 1AM mon-thurs, and then all 4 in a row on sunday starting at 3PM.Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That WayMarijuana In a series tracing the history of drug use, we begin our trip tracing the rise of marijuana and synthetic amphetamines. Marijuana, from the Indian hemp plant, has been used worldwide as a source of rope, cloth, and paper; its medicinal qualities were first documented 4,000 years ago in China. But it's best-known as the drug of choice of the 1960s. WWII U.S. troops were given an estimated 200 million amphetamines to fight drowsiness and battle fatigue and they're still used to fight depression.TV PG
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Comment #8 posted by jAHn on April 16, 2001 at 13:25:11 PT
Because Killing 5 year olds in Botched Raids...
Just isn't violent enough for these Freedom-Squelching Prohibitionist Ideologues. This Press needs to do a re-examination on Who is writing for them. It seems to me that these "shock troops" are rallying around the town squares- trying to prove they've got the Greatest Points and Podiums to stand upon. At the same time that Studies(within America's History, not just Amerikkka's) Such as D.A.R.E. are being Derailed by Legit, and Legalized Scientists! (That are even on Amerikkka's side! ha ha haaha L'inMF'inAOOL! Simplistic...ha hah...Arguments...hee heeh... by ...AH HHAAAAAA...The LEGALIZERS!!! (Millions of us UNFAIRLY {and according to the U.S. Constitution Cruel and Unusually}are locked behind bars Longer than MURDERERS because, uhh....because..WHY? You ask, Young Kiddie??? Because they choose to Be Intoxicated by a substance with an LD-50 %age that requires LESS CONSUMPTION than Alcohol/Liquer and is easier to make than Alcohol, PLUS...It helps ease Racial Tension and Provides Money for Inner-City Teens that Burger King, United Artists' Movie Theatres, Barnes & Nobles doesn't PROVIDE ENOUGH JOBS FOR!!!{Re: Have you been reading about the THOUSANDS of layoffs since "Dubya" had become the President Select in the U.S.?} Instead of Giving the Money to some Greedy White, Suit-Bearing Employer/Seller. Don't Sit around and Preach about Who needs to do what.This Society in America is a WRECK! NOONE gets along! Blame, Blame Blame....Keep it up, America.As your Mixing your Deadly Cock-tails in Bars with Rotten Toilets to sit upon. Go ahead America....Blame Blame. BLAME!Because your Living next to a Human who has the Right to Get into A 'Nascar", drive it 200+ Miles Per Hour, and SMASH it against a Concrete wall. This is not safe and your neighbor, Sure-As-F__K isn't going to Live from this Mess. (That's sponsored by DuPont, B.F. Goodwrench(rich-whatever), M.A.B. paints, phew...the list goes On and On and On...I doubt that you, The Stupid Attention-Spanless, Hemp Smoker have noticed all of the Sponsors that are embedded into the Nascar tradition {Not really, but that's what the article of the Washington Times would have you believe} Because a white man is going to Pit a Hispanic (DeLaHoya) against an African (Ali) and He's going to put on a show. It's a show that Enbeds Violence into the minds of the Spectators' who are onlooking upon the bloody mess. As the Puches are thrown, the teeth fall out, The brain becomes Discombobulate. (Ensuring that Mohammed Ali will have a hard time talking "Normally."}Blood flies in every direction. It spatters on the Mat of the ring. In the faces of the Referees. On the members of the crowd.... The white men walk away- Smiling...With Millions from Ad Revenue.... The Black, African American soul walks away a Defender of his Pride. His ability to Fight a Fight for the Right of the White...To make some money that begets him a house of his own... I ask, In America, The Land of the Free, Happily & Humane, How come this is LEGAL? And Louis Armstrong, Snoop Dogg, Black Sabbath, 311, Cypress Hill can't put a show on---hosted by Woody Harrelson--- without being Fined, Thrown in Jail and a PublicRelations environment that's equal to that which Jefferey Dahmer or Ted Bundy would receive? How could this possibly be?It's so...Cruel and, uh, to say the least, Unusual!!!
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Comment #7 posted by Kevin Hebert on April 16, 2001 at 13:24:59 PT:
I had to write an LTE
This article was so bad, I had to pipe up to the Times directly. I write quite a few LTE's, probably a couple a day. I have to ask you: do you all mind if I post them here on cannabisnews.com? Most of the letters that I write are because I read an article here and I feel compelled to respond. I know that most of you know the factual information that I send already, but do you also want to see what I'm up to on this front? I'm just curious. Anyway, here's what I wrote:Dear Editor:I read Joan Bellm's "Plucking Weeds of Information from the Marketplace of Ideas" and was extremely unimpressed with the lack of factual information available in it.Ms. Bellm claims that legalizing marijuana will put millions of children at risk. Where is her research to back up this specious claim? The Netherlands have decriminalized cannabis and the children there use it at a much smaller rate than our children do in America.Extensive research, by private organizations, the U.S. Government, and foreign governments, has shown that marijuana use is relatively harmless and should not be criminalized. While alcohol and tobacco kill hundreds ofthousands of people -- including children -- every year, no one has ever died of a marijuana overdose.Every year, nearly half a million Americans are arrested for simple possession of marijuana. It costs many billions of dollars to enforce cannabis prohibition -- money that deserves to be used to fight real crimes.Our current marijuana laws are based on propaganda and outright lies. If cannabis were made legal today, it could be regulated like alcohol and tobacco are. Anyone who sells to children should go to jail. No one argues against that. However, it makes no sense to arrest otherwise law-abidingadults for doing something that is safer than legal alcohol and legal tobacco. Of course, perhaps Ms. Bellm prefers to leave marijuana regulation to the drug dealers. They don't care how old their customers are, and they know the odds that they will get caught are very small. So, if you support an unregulated market that actively and easily sells marijuana to children, then continue to support marijuana prohibition. If you really want to help the children, though, then stop jailing responsible adults for using anintoxicating substance of their own choice in the privacy of their own homes.Being for marijuana prohibition is like being for Al Capone's Prohibition-era Chicago. It wasn't a good idea then, and it certainly isn't a good idea now. Sincerely, Kevin M. Hebert
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Comment #6 posted by Kevin Hebert on April 16, 2001 at 12:57:25 PT:
Will THIS protect the children?
Lies upon lies? I know that what the author wrote is false, because I have smoked cannabis and I know that none of what she is saying has ever happened to me, or any of my many cannabis-smoking friends. Now, what happens when a 15-year old reads something like this, and then smokes cannabis with his or her friends? Answer: they realize they have been lied to. And then, what reason do they have to believe that the other "information" they have received about drugs is true? Answer: none. That is why prohibition is the world's most powerful gateway drug.
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Comment #5 posted by Dan Hillman on April 16, 2001 at 12:47:06 PT
Vintage Washington Times
If questioned under just the right circumstances, I imagine this writer would also have you believe that the Reverend Sun-Yung Moon is god's representative on earth. The Washington Times is Moon's mouthpiece.http://www.realjournalism.net/times.htmhttp://www.fair.org/extra/best-of-extra/washington-times.html
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Comment #4 posted by Cuzn Buzz on April 16, 2001 at 12:31:45 PT:
LEARNING DISABILITY NOTED.
Goodness.Me. Bellm seems blissfully unaware that there is nobody who smokes three packs of reefers a day, nor does she grasp the concept that children are not permitted to buy cigarettes and alcohol and no black market has sprung from this.Ms. Bellm seems to believe herself gifted with some psychic ability which she believes allows her to know the minds and opinions of "the majority of medical doctors". Perhaps Ms. Bellm is ignorant of the fact that weeds most certainly are medicine, as are trees, flowers, and fungi, or of the fact that the weed she is badmouthing has been recognized as a medicine for hundreds if not thousands of years.Though Rocket Scientists rarely do sociological research, a casual glimpse at available statistical evidence would suggest to any sort of scientist that legalization and regulation tend to reduce demand over time, and certainly does not endager children.I suggest to you that Ms. Bellm needs rest and observation, and quite possibly a well padded room.We are winning!
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Comment #3 posted by Charlie on April 16, 2001 at 12:31:33 PT
Sooo bad...
That was one of the worst arguments I ever read. So much more bullsh*t. Illinois Drug Education Alliance? Ms. Bellm is indeed in need of an education.
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Comment #2 posted by aocp on April 16, 2001 at 12:20:37 PT
Are you stupider than a monkey?
Anybody out there (he asked rhetorically) watch the Simpsons? Good. Always remember to place the lowest common denominator as generally accepting of your propoganda (sans documentation, bien sur) to get your point across:Everyone knows that smoking is hazardous to one´s health and that marijuana contains more carcinogens than tobacco.Everybody knows this? Are you, therefore, dumber than everybody? Of course you're not, therefore, you must agree with our soundbite. What rot.Further, they fail to judge themselves by the same criteria:It doesn´t take a rocket scientist to know that any policy making drugs more readily available will lead to increased drug use and increased tragedy and violence.I say that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that any policy making desirable drugs available only from criminals will lead to increased drug use (esp. by minors) and increased tragedy and violence. Man, the mirror sure stares back hard.
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Comment #1 posted by observer on April 16, 2001 at 12:18:16 PT
Swatting Gnats of Propaganda
I chuckled when I read the letter to the editor "Drug laws create youth drug market" (April 1). ``Indirect name calling is used when direct name calling would antagonize the audience. It is a label for the degree of attack between direct name calling and insinuation. Sarcasm and ridicule are employed with this technique.Propaganda Techniques, FM 33-1, apx I.http://www.mcad.edu/classrooms/POLITPROP/palace/library/proptech.html My goodness. That letter surely had some statements that defied logic, research and history. . .Great (?) Moments In the History of Prohibition -- ``. . .Now, never in my occupation as a Catholic clergyman have I found children drinking hard liquors. I have never found the youth, anywhere from fourteen years old to eighteen or nineteen that drank hard liquors. And now you see children drink. You see them drunk. I have seen them drunk myself. There were a few children last year found drunk in the schools of the towns, public schools, and had bottles of it in their pockets. . . .''(Father Francis Kasaczun, a Catholic priest who lived in Sugar Notch, Pennsylvania said to a Senate subcommittee [in the 1920's, concerning alcohol Prohibiton]; Kobler, John. Ardent Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. New York: Da Capo Press, 1973, quoted in http://cpcug.org/user/billb/prohibition.html ) It is interesting that the author works for a foundation considered by many to be one of the biggest promoters of drug legalization.see:logical fallacies: ad hominem fallacy (attacking the person)http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/attack.htmIt is interesting that the author works for a foundation considered by many to be one of the biggest promoters of drug legalization.Joan Bellm, Editor, Drug Watch World News Founder, Illinois Drug Education Alliance Founder, Drug Watch International -- http://www.drugwatch.org :``Drug Watch International strongly supports the adoption of the Model Drug Dealer Liability Act in each state so that clear civil legal consequences will be established for the act of distributing drugs in America's communities. . . Another political decision contributing to expansion of prison populations is the decision to include escalator clauses in drug laws. Because of hate propaganda promoted by politicians, the public became dissatisfied with fining a marijuana user $25 for misdemeanor possession. Such a penalty seemed insufficient for someone ostensibly threatening American society. Yet a harsh increase in penalty is difficult to achieve: If a $25 fine was sufficient penalty yesterday, how can the same offense carry a $10,000 fine plus ten years mandatory imprisonment today without lawmakers appearing to violate the ban on cruel and unusual punishment? The answer is to invent new offenses so that a single act can violate multiple laws. Through escalator clauses, a drug violation that starts as a misdemeanor can be transformed into a felony with lengthy mandatory imprisonment.For example, Missouri law says that possessing less than 35 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor, but under a bill considered by the legislature in 1994, anyone possessing more than 28 grams was defined as a dealer (a felony) if the person had failed to report such misdemeanor possession to state revenue authorities. Failure to pay a state tax on the misdemeanor amount was also classified as a felony.. . .Another escalator is dealer status. Drug dealing is always a felony, but typical "dealers" are users who share supplies with friends, sometimes for small reimbursement, sometimes for free. These felons are "drug dealers" in the sense that a tobacco smoker who hands a cigarette to someone is a tobacco dealer, or a beer drinker who shares a six-pack is a liquor dealer. . . .In addition to escalator clauses, double jeopardy helps concentrate drug users in prison by reincarcerating victims who have already served one sentence.Richard L Miller, Drug Warriors and their Prey, 1996, pgs.144-145http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0275950425/
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