cannabisnews.com: Protesters Say Store is Promoting Drug Use





Protesters Say Store is Promoting Drug Use
Posted by CN Staff on June 08, 2002 at 08:10:15 PT
By Phil Foley, Special To The Detroit News
Source: Detroit News 
Since early May, three Livingston County women have been waging what they consider a holy war against a Brighton Township business that they claim is promoting drug use among local youth. Howell resident Mary Haan is leading the protest against the Dream Factory Boutique at 10610 E. Grand River.  Bruce Clute, who has owned the store for 19 of the 25 years it's been open, counters that he sells pipes and tobacco products. Livingston County Sheriff's Department officials say they have no evidence he's breaking any laws. 
Clute, an Oakland County resident, said that while his product line includes body piercing jewelry, lotions, candles and incense, the bulk of his sales are adult novelties for bachelor and bachelorette parties.  "It's a thankless job, but somebody's got to do it," he said.  While the Friday afternoon pickets haven't harmed his business, "I'm offended they're saying things that just aren't true," Clute said.  The protesters say the pipes are designed to be used for smoking illegal drugs such as marijuana or hashish -- not just tobacco. However, it is not illegal for Clute to sell the pipes at his store. Although minors can legally buy the pipes, Clute said he doesn't let them in the store unless they are accompanied by an adult.  Sheriff's spokeswoman Lt. Karen Nowacki said a search of the sheriff's computer turned up no records of violations at the store. The records go back to 1996.  Candi Pamplin, who lives in the Lakeland-Pinckney area and has volunteered at the Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake for the past five years, vowed, "We'll be here until they close their doors."  Pamplin and her fellow protesters have contacted area churches to broaden support for their efforts. She said people who frequent the store are "spiritually lost."  Clute said he wishes the trio would get lost.  "We have no problem with (the women) as long as they leave our customers alone," he said.  He said the pickets, who arrive like clockwork at 3 p.m. every Friday, have harassed his customers to the point that he's been forced to sit outside his store to remind the women that they can't come on his property.  Haan said her group has the support of Livingston County Commissioner Dave Domas and Brighton Township Clerk Chris Ward.  "I'm upset that a place like this could exist," said Domas, but the county commissioners "don't have any authority to close the place down."  Ward said the township manager is researching what the community might do, but there's nothing slated for board action any time soon.  "Ours is a godly picket," Haan said. "We are not going to break any rules. We're just holding signs that say 'Jesus heals and forgives.' " What's Next:    * Protesters Mary Haan, Candi Pamplin and Joan Johnson vow to picket Brighton Township's Dream Factory Boutique from 3-5 p.m. every Friday until the store closes.  * Owner Bruce Clute says he's considering a slander suit against the trio if they don't leave him and his customers alone.   Note: Sheriff finds novelties offered are not illegal.Phil Foley is a Metro Detroit free-lance writer. Source: Detroit News (MI)Author: Phil Foley, Special To The Detroit NewsPublished: June 7, 2002Copyright: 2002, The Detroit NewsWebsite: http://detnews.com/Contact: letters detnews.comCannabisNews Articles - Paraphernaliahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/paraphernalia.shtml
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Comment #7 posted by MDG on June 10, 2002 at 15:53:10 PT
They should be sure to pickett the bars...
and any place that sells "shot glasses". I don't own any, but couldn't imagine drinking milk out of one...I'd have to make too many trips to the fridge. But, I guess shot glasses don't encourage drug use...oh no.
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Comment #6 posted by el_toonces on June 08, 2002 at 22:53:47 PT:
On the way home....
..from a statewide meeintg about reform here in Michigan, the few of us in my car thought we might stop in Howell to 'edumincate' Ms. Haan a bit better, but we decided better it would be wasted effort and the stereo sounded too good and the day too nice to encounter someone so ugly:)
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Comment #5 posted by ekim on June 08, 2002 at 21:14:27 PT
Free Markets---not
did anyone hear that the Pres. signed a ex-order to hand over the air traffic controlers jobs to the highest bidders. Or should I say con--tributorrrrrrr. I see on PBS that a Doc. says that Vitam C can be mixed with Palm oil for intro into cell system via fat sul instead of water sul method. What would happen if Hemp oil was used instead of Palm. This new beefed up V.C. also is usefull for skin app. for restoring the ill effects of to much of the suns rays. Hey Paul P. we here in MI. had a Med Bill to that is why Ann Arbor has a ticket law on the books for over 30 years now. Maybe someone from there can assist you in up dating the States that have had sucess with such laws that have been let laps. 
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Comment #4 posted by Lema on June 08, 2002 at 15:31:04 PT
Wait a minute
I'm a Christian, but I have this notion that God likes it when we toke up. In fact, I think Christians who believe the opposite have just been brainwashed by the 70 years of demonization of marijuana and other illegal drugs.Keep up the good fight Bruce.
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Comment #3 posted by aocp on June 08, 2002 at 09:29:04 PT
fond memories
I'm giving props to the Dream Factory since they stand for what is right and i also happen to have bought my first bong there. Ahhhh, the good ole days. Why don't these hags get a real hobby like watching the Wings this afternoon? Should be a good one.
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Comment #2 posted by goneposthole on June 08, 2002 at 09:26:00 PT
Keep it up GCW
What you write is all good. 
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Comment #1 posted by The GCW on June 08, 2002 at 09:02:32 PT
These are not people that follow the example
of Christ. Our Father said He gave Us and all animals, all green seed bearing plants.These people say something else.Our Father said these plants were blessings.These people will tell you it is poison.My word is: Do not let these who have fallen from the faith, to direct You away from Truth. If OUr Father says plants including cannabis is good, then those who say it is not, are leading the flock astray with stumbling blocks.All Truth. Can you imagine Christ, looking at these people and asking them what they are doing to their brother?As a Christian living with My Father, I pray that these children will learn better.The GCWPamplin and her fellow protesters have contacted area churches to broaden support for their efforts. She said people who frequent the store are "spiritually lost." "Ours is a godly picket," Haan said. "We are not going to break any rules. We're just holding signs that say 'Jesus heals and forgives.' " 
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