cannabisnews.com: Police Brace for Mickstock










  Police Brace for Mickstock

Posted by CN Staff on July 15, 2003 at 08:41:09 PT
By Colin Freeze 
Source: Globe and Mail  

For reasons now legendary, the Rolling Stones were once regarded as satanic majesties of sorts. In 1969, the band employed Hells Angels with weapons and short tempers to work as security guards -- a decision that had lethal results. A decade later, Toronto Police caught lead guitarist Keith Richards with 22 grams of heroin.But times change. And now that SARS-afflicted Toronto has successfully pleaded for the Stones to come and burnish the city's reputation as a fun -- and safe -- place, more than 1,200 police officers are set to work security for a massive concert the band will headline July 30.
Provided everyone adheres to the rules -- and there are many -- Toronto Police say they are happy to take charge of security. The force's chief goes so far as to say that last year's visit by the Pope was a "template" for this year's event, with its disciples who can recite verses like catechism."I think the Rolling Stones, from what I understand, are very responsible and they're very conscientious about why this concert is happening," said Police Chief Julian Fantino yesterday. "I know they would want to see whatever happens is an upbeat, positive event . . . I hope the audience is likewise committed to it."Yet, leaving nothing to chance, the chief laid out the commandments yesterday for an anticipated half-million fans -- enough people, he said, to render the Downsview Park site a city within a city.Basically, those planning to attend the all-day event are advised to leave home everything but the clothes on their backs. Non-prescription drugs are banned, as is booze. Fans can bring a maximum of two sealed bottles of water. But coolers, lawn chairs and umbrellas will not get past security checkpoints, police say.What Stones lovers can take is public transit. There will be no parking anywhere near the site. Bringing small children along might be difficult because while blankets may lend youngsters a sense of security, police feel quite differently."Tossing people up in the air -- there's been all kinds of things done with blankets that are totally unsafe and we don't want to provide any undue opportunities for things to go wrong," Chief Fantino said."The last thing we want is to see Toronto in a chaotic situation caused by unruly, difficult people," he said.Chaos once typified Rolling Stones performances -- none more so than the infamous 1969 concert in Altamont, Calif. In return for kegs of beer, Hells Angels security guards were asked to keep the hippies in check.After one biker fatally stabbed a fan, gang leader Sonny Barger stuck a gun in Mr. Richards's ribs and told him to keep playing. The guitarist obliged. And the show went on.On July 30, however, it is hoped that the Stones can help people forget tragedy. Forty people have died of severe acute respiratory syndrome in Ontario, thousands of workers in the hotel and tourism industry have been laid off -- and droves of potential tourists have been scared away.Toronto politicians enticed the band to headline the all-day concert. It was thought that only a marquee name such as the Rolling Stones could take the spotlight off SARS.Overpriced concessions, a hot day, and overcrowding led to riots at a similar event in Woodstock, N.Y., three years ago. But Chief Fantino said he doesn't anticipate similar problems -- and, in any case, he said, police are prepared for any problems.Still, traffic snarls and road closings are a certainty, given that the event takes place on a weekday. Police from around Toronto are prepared to help out the Toronto force, and will lend helicopters.Chief Fantino said Molson's, the brewery sponsoring the event, will help defray some of the policing costs -- but the concert will result in an unanticipated budget hit.Chief Fantino was asked about marijuana yesterday -- a fixture at rock concerts."Our intent is to enforce the laws of the land . . . and our officers will deal with that as circumstances require," Chief Fantino said.Last month, he issued a statement saying his officers would continue to confiscate the drug when they find it.One of the groups that helped popularize illicit substances, the Stones have faced their share of drug problems.But now, in Toronto at least, their bad-boy reputations have been surpassed by their incarnations as goodwill ambassadors.Downsview road closingsDuring the Rolling Stones' Downsview concert some city streets will be closed off. Following is a list of closing and opening times for those streets.ROADS TO CLOSE:SHEPPARD AVE.Eastbound:Dufferin to Wilson Hts.9:30 p.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31.Westbound:12:01 a.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31.WILSON AVE.Eastbound: Dufferin to Wilson Hts.9:30 p.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31.Westbound:12:01 a.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31.ALLEN RD.North:401 to Kennard Ave.12:01 a.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31.South:Steeprock Dr. to 401.12:01 a.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31.TRANSIT RD.North and Southbound:(Allen to Wilson)12:01 a.m. July 30 to 5 a.m. July 31. Note: There are many rules for the fans on day Stones will create their own city.Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)Author: Colin FreezePublished: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 - Page A17Copyright: 2003 The Globe and Mail CompanyContact: letters globeandmail.caWebsite: http://www.globeandmail.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:Mick Jaggerhttp://www.mickjagger.com/Rolling Stoneshttp://www.rollingstones.com/Countercultural Canada http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16760.shtmlWelcome To The Summer of Love, Babyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16691.shtml

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Comment #30 posted by FoM on July 18, 2003 at 20:03:44 PT
afterburner
I guess when I am not looking for news or doing something around home I just turn on the Discovery Channel and try to learn something about something! LOL! Right now I've been looking for natural treatment for fleas. I am so against using chemicals on my dog that it's great to have the Internet to be able to find an answer to even a question about fleas! I found what I needed!We watched a documentary on NWI tonight about women from Vancouver who were murdered. They were addicts and prostitutes and no one cared until a sister of a woman that went missing got involved and pushed it. I cried. Why I cried was because of the way the documentary showed compassion. You would never see anything like that down here. Canada has summer camps for children of gay couples and one for children who have had major surgery and needed a colostomy. You have a good country. You have a good country because there is genuine concern for those less fortunate. The more I learn about how Canadians think the more impressed I become.
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Comment #29 posted by afterburner on July 18, 2003 at 17:10:30 PT:
FoM - I Know You Have Plenty to Read with News
Much of my time is similarly absorbed with computers and home repairs. I finished most of The Secret of Shambhala on my trip to Williamsburg and Jamestown, VA. The part about people who want to use technology to control other people was particularly relevant as I cruised through Maryland and along the Beltway in Washington, D.C. In one of the earlier books James Redfield speaks of the "control dramas" that some people use in their relationships to dominate others. ego transcendence follows ego destruction, build up your prayer-field and use it to send love to those around you.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on July 18, 2003 at 12:49:15 PT
Thanks afterburner
I'll remember the title. My problem with reading is finding the time. When I went on the road with my husband I read a book every few days. So much to do and so little time. 
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Comment #27 posted by afterburner on July 18, 2003 at 12:27:50 PT:
FoM - You May Enjoy Reading Jas. Redfield trilogy:
1. The Celestine Prophecy2. The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision3. The Secret of Shambala: In Search of the Eleventh InsightThey are spiritual fiction, best read in sequence. The issue of control is one running theme, but there is also great joy and insight.Enjoy!
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 18, 2003 at 11:57:51 PT
afterburner
Thank you! Until it's over it could be as big as the Pope's visit. Even if it isn't I know it will be huge! I'm not going but I guess you figured that. I will try to go to Farm-Aid down here in September. I loved Neil Young but it was because I refused to let anything make me not enjoy it. Now that I have come down from how much I enjoyed the concert both my husband and I admit that we were very uncomfortable. I can't put my finger on it. A young couple stood up and danced and that was nice. People were just so controlled and can I use the word boring?
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Comment #25 posted by afterburner on July 18, 2003 at 11:49:07 PT:
No, FoM
The recent visit to Toronto by the Pope was 800,000 for last year's World Youth Day. However, the Rolling Stones and others SARS-relief concert will be the largest concert held in Canada to date. ego transcendence follows ego destruction, keep on pushing for your rights, I will be there, anyone else going?
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on July 18, 2003 at 11:10:21 PT
Thanks afterburner
I'd like to know if this could be the biggest event that has ever happened in Toronto. Do you know?
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Comment #23 posted by afterburner on July 18, 2003 at 11:04:51 PT:
Daily Stones Update
Stones rules: You get what you need
Jul. 18, 2003. 09:02 AMBeach towels and sleeping bags are in. Skateboards and cameras are out. Promoters have revised their do's and don'ts for fans at the July 30 concert featuring the Rolling Stones, easing restrictions that would have made pop cans and snack food contraband at the Downsview Park concert grounds. Gavin Taylor has the details, plus some bad news about tourism.  [Full Story] 
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1058479813435&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on July 17, 2003 at 16:07:34 PT
CorvallisEric
I believe you are right. It's such a shame that drinking has become so popular. 
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Comment #21 posted by CorvallisEric on July 17, 2003 at 15:35:33 PT
FoM (comment #13)
Back in my time if a person did drugs they didn't drink alcohol. If a person drank alcohol they didn't do drugs.I remember much the same as a young adult in the late 60's and early 70's. The jocks and future salesmen and future preachers and neurotics and winos got drunk. Pot (and occasionally other drugs) was used by hippies and liberal-arts students - I was a bit of each while working in tech jobs which were not yet either fashionable or "turned on".Why the later conflation of pot and alcohol? I think some of it is due to ever younger people simply doing anything forbidden, or anything to escape, and the promotion of this phenomenon in the media. The suppression of psychedelic culture, which became deadly serious and efficient in the mid-80's, also suppressed the thoughtful subtleties of an earlier generation (am I getting a little too nostalgic?). As for the new "killer weed" having anything to do with it, in my experience most of the improvement was already in place by the mid 70's.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on July 17, 2003 at 12:40:25 PT
afterburner
That's good news. The restrictions that were planned could have caused a riot. I'm glad they came to their senses!
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Comment #19 posted by afterburner on July 17, 2003 at 12:26:30 PT:
Stones Update
Jul. 17, 2003. 03:00 PM Organizers soften rules for Stones concert http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1058438697171&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968705899037
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on July 17, 2003 at 10:18:57 PT
Jose
Thank you! I showed it to our friend. 
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Comment #17 posted by Jose Melendez on July 17, 2003 at 09:54:03 PT
grin
"It aint like speedy Gonzalez was driving’ around in a cartoon van selling’
speakers and smoking’ pot. Good lord it’sa fricken cartoon lighten up! "- Larry The Cable Guy 
Banning Speedy Gonzalez 
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Comment #16 posted by Jose Melendez on July 17, 2003 at 09:33:37 PT
Arriba: how high is "up"?
"Andale, Andale!"-Speedy Gonzalesfrom: http://toolooney.toonzone.net/speedy.htmThe Speedy cartoons took no prisoners. Mexican stereotypes were everywhere, and they were wonderful fun. Many people in today's world choose to look at the stereotypes in a negative light, but the more one pays attention and watches each of the Speedy films, it becomes evident that only the villains are portrayed as 'stereotyped' or 'racist', and even these are quite tame. In fact, Speedy is actually a virtuous, caring and heroic character, a mouse superhero of sorts who uses his speed to help others. Perhaps he was even ahead of his time. Speedy himself is never seen smoking, and only two cartoons show characters consuming alcohol, and in both of these Speedy cuts them off and, in one, the Academy Award-nominated Robert McKimson classic, "Tabasco Road", escorts them home.       When I grew up watching "Looney Tunes on Nickelodeon", Speedy was one of the main characters shown . I always enjoyed him. I hope that future generations will have the opportunity to do the same. Anyhow, the character has an interesting history:      Beginning with a cartoon entitled "Cat-Tails for Two," (directed by Robert McKimson, 1953) Speedy Gonzales was always a target of cats. Of course, the cats did not seem to realize that Speedy had supersonic speed. This Speedy prototype looked quite different from the Speedy we recognize today. He had big, buck teeth and a gold tooth in front, with a very stereotypical Mexican look to him. But the character was in there. With his trademark call of "Arriba! Arriba! Andale! Andale! YEEHAH!" the little rodent ran circles around the two cats of the cartoon (caricatures of George and Lennie from Steinbeck's "Of Mice And Men.")Also, from:http://arriba.ee/eng/logo.html"Arriba" means in Spanish "up", "upside", "above", which shows that we are always moving up. 
Matthew Hunter's Unofficial Speedy Gonzales Page
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on July 17, 2003 at 08:20:36 PT
afterburner and Everyone
Good Morning! I can't find any news to post so far and we are getting surprise out of state company coming and I might be running a little late getting news posted today. He is on his way to the races out here. I love his name. It's Speedy! LOL! He was our best man at our wedding and a life long friend. I'll get back to work as soon as I can! Have a great day!
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Comment #14 posted by afterburner on July 17, 2003 at 07:39:03 PT:
Stones Concert Update
Get yer ya-ya's out, and other clichés
It's Only Rock 'n' Roll But I Like It. And as for Mick Jagger, I Just Want To See His Face. Honest I Do. Ain't Too Proud to Beg. So Mercy, Mercy. Doncha Bother Me. Time Is On My Side. Even though You Can't Always Get What You Want. Feature writer Bill Taylor keeps this going longer than you'd think. Jul. 17, 2003. 06:46 AM
[Full Story] http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1058393418946&call_pageid=968332188492Blanket restriction harsh: Councillors (July 16)
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1058307010143
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on July 16, 2003 at 18:19:11 PT

BigDawg and afterburner
Reading the comments from the Toronto Star shows the problems that all these controls could cause. I know that if it rains it would make clean up harder but that really should be expected with a half a million people. Since I am not a person who goes to concerts I only have a couple to compare. If a person went to Woodstock it was to party and do drugs but not drink. That's what made it peaceful. Since the 70s when we worked at the one concert and then just recently seeing Neil Young the contrast is remarkable. Our job at the concert we worked was to make sure no one was having medical problems. Under no circumstances were we to interfer with any person. When a man had a seisure we did what we knew to do and got him to the doctor quickly but no condemnation. The young man had mixed too many drugs and when he started to come out of it and when he saw us he thanked us. I didn't find that same way of thinking at the Neil Young Concert. It's like a part of something important was missing.Back in my time if a person did drugs they didn't drink alcohol. If a person drank alcohol they didn't do drugs. A song said: We don't smoke Marijuana in Muskokee (sp) We don't take our trips on LSD.That's all I can remember but it was true. The two didn't mix.
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Comment #12 posted by afterburner on July 16, 2003 at 17:31:10 PT:

Voices: Sympathy for the concert-goer 
Jul. 16, 2003. 05:01 PM 
 
Voices: Sympathy for the concert-goerTHE STAR.COM STAFF"No blankets on the Downsview tarmac. No coolers for frosty drinks. No umbrellas on a summer day. Massive projected TTC delays. A long, long walk home. With officials warning that the July 30th Rolling Stones concert could turn into an all-day and all-night odyssey for 500,000 expected fans, are you as excited about the benefit concert today as you were a couple of weeks ago? Here's what you had to say." 
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1058350779762&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968705899037
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Comment #11 posted by BigDawg on July 16, 2003 at 05:59:26 PT

As far as I know
there were no sales of alcohol at the original Woodstock. No doubt that people attempted to bring some in... but the weight and bulk of carrying liquid would likely have discouraged most people carrying it.I don't recall seeing a single word mentioning alcohol in my research. LOL - Don't remember SEEING alcohol in the movie.Somehow I don't see any way alcohol COULD have been there with SO many people and no violence.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on July 15, 2003 at 13:08:18 PT

Correction
The concert we worked didn't sell alcohol. You could take a cooler so I'm sure there was alcohol there but it wasn't really noticed. Plenty of party drugs though.
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on July 15, 2003 at 13:05:41 PT

BigDawg 
I have a question. Was there alcohol at the original Woodstock? I am not sure. I know that alcohol was in abundance at the Neil Young Concert. The concert we worked years ago didn't have alcohol. I know Farm Aid has alcohol sponsors. I didn't go to Woodstock but I was fascinated by any tv coverage it ever received.
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Comment #8 posted by BigDawg on July 15, 2003 at 12:54:47 PT

I wrote my High School Term Paper
on the original Woodstock event. I started with the mindset that it would be ridiculed by the teacher. But the fact that several hundred thousand people gathered in a field for 3 days, suffering from bad weather and minimal food/water/restrooms, with not one single incident of injury caused by violence could not be ignored.I was given a grade of A+.I have to credit the content rather than my writing skills.The whole idea of making a profit at the first Woodstock went out of the window within hrs of opening the gates. THAT is the big difference IMHO between the first and the last. As said before in this thread... they want to charge $12 for water from a captive crowd... and want to blame the concert goers for raising hell.
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Comment #7 posted by Kegan on July 15, 2003 at 11:22:00 PT

Woodstaock
in 1969, it was self-indulgent brats who changed the world by showing they could share a feild with half a million people and NOT go nuts.1999 was a new generation of self-indulgent brats, who decided they could have more fun tearing things down.What a PERFECT close to the 1990's. I laughed my ass off. Put 300,000 yuppie larvae on a tarmac, beat them into submission with heat, sun, and loud music, charge them $12 an OZ for WATER and $8 for a slice of pizza....... and then blame THEM for not behaving themselves.God, the 20th century was a joke! And the last decade was the biggest joke of all the decades within the century.I predict a big concert with no big deal. A few accidental heat deaths, and injury or two.... nothing to even make it memorable.Blah Blah blah...... 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 15, 2003 at 11:14:58 PT

Another Comment
The spirit of Woodstock was real. That was in 69. I never even met a real live hippie until 72. That's how important the spirit of Woodstock was in my opinion. I know the eyes of the world will be watching this upcoming concert very closely. 
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on July 15, 2003 at 10:56:09 PT

Rules for Having a Good Time
I know when we went to see Neil Young I though it was strange about the rules. No chairs, blankets, coolers etc. I was searched but didn't have any problem. They ask you a question and you say no and it was more of a few touch pats and that was all. When we worked a concert years ago it rained the whole day. I'll never forget looking at the field before we left and the blankets that were left and were sunk deep in the mud. It was going to require a bulldozer to clear the field. This Rolling Stones concert is very important. Woodstock was very important. I have always felt that Woodstock showed how our culture could fit in society and then when Altamont happened I felt it destroyed all the good that happened at Woodstock. I found this article that seems to think like I do. This concert could help bring what was lost back to us and that would be great.Violent 1969 Altamont Concert Crushed Flower Power
: http://www.therolling-stones.com/wwwboard/messages/1284.html
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Comment #4 posted by Virgil on July 15, 2003 at 10:38:54 PT

The question is
Will they fire one up on stage and pass it around. It may not make the nightly news, but it would be impossible to keep it a secret. They owe it to there fans. It all but calls for a special song. I wish they would roll out a big bong with a hundred foot hose that burns all night. Or is the situation different than when Marc Emory fired his Canuck bong at the Toronto Police station?The Stones need to get stoned. "Hey you, get on my cloud." And the crowd goes wild. 
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Comment #3 posted by afterburner on July 15, 2003 at 10:25:22 PT:

No chairs. No blankets. No umbrellas. No coolers. 
Rules to rock 'n' roll by
Jul. 15, 2003. 06:19 AMNo chairs. No blankets. No umbrellas. The same for coolers. There will even be a separate gate designated for people who take special medication. This is the security plan Toronto police announced at a news conference yesterday, one that will be in place when the Rolling Stones hit Downsview Park July 30.  [Full Story] http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1058220611427&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154
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Comment #2 posted by Jose Melendez on July 15, 2003 at 10:25:22 PT

flashback
from:http://www.drudgereport.com/stones.htmXXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN JAN 19, 2003 10:35:25 ET XXXXX NEW YORK CITY MAYOR FUMED OVER 'SMOKING' ON STAGE AT STONES CONCER**Exclusive**New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg is fuming mad over Rolling Stones members smoking on stage at Madison Square Garden during an nationally televised concert this weekend, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned."The mayor sent cops to issue summonses," one stage source told the DRUDGE REPORT late Saturday. "But the cops watched the show, off stage, by a monitor, instead of stopping the concert."MOREHBO cameras captured band members Keith Richards and Ron Wood smoking cigarettes while performing."The band raced out of the Garden after they finished their last number, avoiding the police," an insider said. "The music had not even finished playing; and they were in cars already, spinning away. They did not even go to their dressing rooms!" Madison Square Garden regulations state: there is no smoking permitted. "This policy is strictly enforced. Violation of this regulation is grounds for ejection." In December, ex-smoker Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a strict smoking ban in New York City.(Snipped)
What if YOUR drugs were illegal?
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Comment #1 posted by Virgil on July 15, 2003 at 09:24:10 PT

Stones for stoners
The 30th is two weeks from this Wednesday. Kind of strange that it is three years to the day when the Supreme Court said come up with a working MMJ program, with no outcry of failure. Failure to call failure. Failure to call bullshit. Failure to call for reason. Failure to call for pragmatism. Failure to recognize science. Failure to do what is best for the populace. Failure to come clean of the crimes against humanity. Failure by the courts to scorn the chickenshit approach presented by Health Canada. Failure to comfort the sick and dying. Failure to stop the lies. Failure to stop the arrest and imprisonment of cannabis users. Failure to recognize treason. Cannabis Prohibition is part of today's evolution of slavery. It is like the world is deaf, dumb, blind, and completely lost. The situation is obvious if you only use your senses.
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