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Legalize Drugs
Posted by CN Staff on July 23, 2006 at 22:21:33 PT
By Terry Michael, Columnist
Source: Washington Times
Washington, DC -- An open letter to Sen. Orrin Hatch: stop reefer madness here, as well as in Dubai. Mr. Hatch, you have demonstrated willingness to act beyond ideology, when a practical approach makes more sense than "conservative" or "liberal" purity.   You did so recently, for an American victim of draconian drug penalties of the United Arab Emirates. This is an appeal for your leadership to stop the equally devastating American "War on Drugs."
Many officials admit behind closed doors that our drug policy needs radical revision. Few will say so publicly. This "third rail" of politics is exacerbated by the collusion of mainstream media, suspending usual rules of journalistic practice, publishing government propaganda without quoting critics of drug-war policy.   Our policies result in tremendous harm creation, about which much has been written, but I'll summarize here:   Denial of liberty. Our drug war constitutes an assault on individual liberty, privacy and choice, from both the left and right. Liberals fight for a woman's right to abortion and conservatives go to the ramparts to defend gun owners, but both agree to throw into prison an adult who smokes dried, leafy vegetation. With impunity, we can drink ourselves stupid and destroy our lungs with tobacco. But using a recreational substance as old as wine will get us jailed.   Waste of treasury. When our resources should be directed at lawful attempts to keep dangerous politicized religious fanatics from entering our country, we spend tens of billions futilely trying to interdict chemicals, most of which, in moderation, are demonstrably no more harmful to the body than alcohol and tobacco.   Government-created violent black market. Alcohol did not create Al Capone. Prohibition created Al Capone, with the mayhem, official corruption and murder that accompanied the 18th Amendment. And cocaine does not create drug cartels. America's War on Drugs creates drug cartels.   Government violence against its own people. With guns blazing, law enforcement agencies not only deny life, liberty and property to those who work in the government stimulated black market; they rack up untold "collateral damage," maiming and killing innocent bystanders, in countless stings gone bad.   Promoting disrespect for the rule of law. With millions of Americans scoffing at the China-like oppressiveness of the War on Drugs, our policies undermine respect for the rule of law and our democratic policy-making institutions. As the drug warriors clog our courts and fill our jails, we disrupt the lives of the poor and the powerless, who can't afford crafty lawyers and have no political connections.   Health harm creation. Perhaps most important, our policy is creating untold health harm to millions, particularly the young. We educate them about the responsible use of two potentially very dangerous, but legal, substances, but we try our best to keep them ignorant of the real effects, and side effects, of other psychoactives. While hundreds of thousands die each year from the short- and long-term health damage of alcohol and tobacco, no one succumbs to marijuana, and remarkably few die from other illegal drugs.   None of that argues for use of psychoactives of any kind, legal or currently illegal, particularly by young people with unformed intellectual and emotional lives. But it makes a powerful case for bringing other substances out of the shadows with decriminalization and legalization, and for spending some of those wasted billions on education, harm reduction, and, when needed, addiction treatment. The obsession of drug warriors with cutting off supplies of softer drugs has pushed thousands to try the bathtub gin of Neo-Prohibitionism, crystal methamphetamine. So, Mr. Hatch, I am hopeful your efforts to save an American being abused in Dubai will cause you to re examine the drug-war abuse millions of Americans face here everyday.   I understand how difficult it will be to return to drug policy sanity. I had jury duty this summer and was sent out on a panel for a case of marijuana possession with intent to distribute. I wasn't chosen for the jury, but it made me realize how much the Drug War Industrial Complex has to lose if we change our laws. Probably a third of the jobs in that courthouse would disappear. Thousands of lawyers, prosecutors, DEA agents, and prison guards would have to find productive employment. Local law enforcement offices would lose much of their federal funding for high-tech toys.   But America would be a less violent and healthier nation. Billions fewer tax dollars would be disbursed as welfare to the legal industries formed around the drug war. And official corruption, stimulated by the lucrative black market we have created with our policies, would diminish, not just in Colombia, Mexico and Afghanistan, but right here in America.   Senator, it will take courage to lead in the battle to stop this war on America and its founding principles. But you have shown the wisdom to change your mind before.   Several decades ago, my Baby Boom generation laughed at "Reefer Madness." Then we made it public policy. It's time to stop the madness.     Terry Michael runs a program to teach college journalism students about politics, and writes at his "libertarian Democrat" blog, http://www.terrymichael.netSource: Washington Times (DC)Author: Terry Michael, ColumnistPublished: July 24, 2006 Copyright: 2006 News World Communications, Inc. Website: http://www.washtimes.com/Contact: letters washingtontimes.comCannabisNews Justice Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/justice.shtml
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Comment #33 posted by rchandar on July 31, 2006 at 16:07:18 PT:
observer
putting a person addicted to drugs in jail for five to ten years...will basically kill him. Did Volkow really say what he said? Sounds to me like way-off-the mark PC conversation about real issues of social policy. Very guarded, insincere, distant. Relapsing? Will the poor f #$ker starve first or die from his first beating? I think these NIDA people are a #sholes. It apparently doesn't require much considerate thinking or "compassion" to blurb your way into one of the most challenging human and health rights issues of today's society.He gets paid! And I sit at home wondering about it all!--rchandar
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Comment #32 posted by afterburner on July 25, 2006 at 23:14:39 PT
FDA #23 
Looks like they are feeling the heat. Keep up the good work, 'Chihuahuas'!
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Comment #31 posted by whig on July 25, 2006 at 22:00:34 PT
John Tyler
They are reluctant to admit it because present-day Zoroastrians are like present-day Christians -- cannabis was suppressed and hidden and made illegal and they have grown up without knowing that it was ever part of their faith, indeed that it was ever the foundation of the religious experience -- so they have no true understanding at all, no experience of their own except for indoctrination. And then they pass along this indoctrination as if it were the genuine article.
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Comment #30 posted by John Tyler on July 25, 2006 at 19:24:24 PT
religious people
I don’t worry about what so called regular religious people say. If they agree with me fine. If they don’t that is fine too. We can still be friends. Most all of them just “talk the talk”, but have never actually “walked the walk”. I think each person has to find his or her own path to enlightenment. I’m not getting there too fast, but at least I’m pointed in the correct direction. Maya is holding me back. We have many, many lifetimes to get it right. Be excellent to other along the way. Madame Blavatski’s guru said that you can count the trees or you can taste the fruit. Religious people count the trees. Spiritual people taste the fruit. I prefer tasting the fruit. How about you? By the by, every history book I have ever read about the Zoroastrian said they used Soma. They wouldn’t have found God without it. Why are they reluctant to admit it? 
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Comment #29 posted by ekim on July 25, 2006 at 07:28:25 PT
more info on booking Leap speakers 
Just a mention that now on NPR -Sen Byain Dorgan from ND is saying we must have more jobs here in USA i just sent email to the Diane Rhem show asking if Dorgan supports letting the farmers grow Hemp in ND and asking him if he su[pports the ND hemp bill. We pay $7.50 per engagement set up by the person--this will increase in the
next 6 months...I will personally train people on how this is done...very
easy work and can be done at any time of the day...late at night, early
morning, doesn't matter...emails can be sent at any time of the day to orgs
across the US and Canada...
MikeMike Smithson
Speakers Bureau Coordinator
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
131 Flint Path, Syracuse, New York 13219-3403
speakers leap.cc  http://www.leap.cc
Cell: 315-243-5844  Fax: 315-488-3630"First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist, so I said
nothing. Then they came for the Social Democrats, but I was not a Social
Democrat, so I did nothing. Then came the trade unionists, but I was not a
trade unionist. And then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew, so I
did little. Then when they came for me, there was no one left to stand up
for me." German Protestant Pastor Martin Niemöller 1892-1984
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on July 25, 2006 at 06:48:11 PT
BGreen
You better be good sonny boy! LOL! Seriously thank you! Bye bye bye bye!
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Comment #27 posted by BGreen on July 25, 2006 at 01:08:37 PT
Good luck, MoM ... I mean FoM! LOL
We'll hold down the fort while you're gone. :)The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 24, 2006 at 22:28:16 PT
One More Time I'll Mention This
I am getting ready to turn off the computer. If I don't get back to post an article tomorrow it will be because of the need for us to move my computer's satellite dish on our house so we can finish getting the siding on. I hope it goes smoothly but it might not. I hope to see you all tomorrow. Good night for now.
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on July 24, 2006 at 22:23:45 PT
Wayne
I agree they are just a tool. Just a means to an end. I don't trust the FDA either.
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Comment #24 posted by Wayne on July 24, 2006 at 22:08:07 PT
Re: FoM
Here's what I have to say about the FDA:The FDA can strengthen its rules, but we all know it won't do a damn bit of good. They still won't follow them.. I mean, why would they kick out the people with the money and the clout? Makes no sense."...advisory committees help guide the FDA on issues of safety and effectiveness of the prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA regulates."Isn't that the FDA's sole purpose? I think that by now, the FDA should have good enough directions on where to go with the issues, the advisors don't need to hold their hand."The FDA can waive conflict-of-interest prohibitions and appoint committee members who may have financial relationships with commercial interests."Then what is the point of strengthening the rules? Sounds more like a 'signing statement' to me. Bush is rubbing off on people, oh no!After the whole debacle with Vioxx, I will never again trust these people. It is painfully obvious that they are nothing more than a government mouthpiece, and they could give two sh**s about the health and safety of the rest of us. And we're stil supposed to take whatever they say as scripture? Please... I think that little announcement that they made on 4/20 just put an exclamation point on all of it. They're a TOOL, pure and simple.
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on July 24, 2006 at 21:26:09 PT
Off Topic: FDA To Revise Rules For Advisory Panels
By Tony PughMcClatchy NewspapersJuly 24, 2006WASHINGTON - Stung by recent criticism that some of its advisory board members have undisclosed financial ties to drug makers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday plans to strengthen and clarify its rules about who can sit on the consulting panels.Composed of outside experts and scientists, advisory committees help guide the FDA on issues of safety and effectiveness of the prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA regulates. The panels' recommendations on matters such as drug approvals have considerable influence in the industry and within the FDA.The FDA can waive conflict-of-interest prohibitions and appoint committee members who may have financial relationships with commercial interests. However, critics say such appointments undermine public trust and could affect the impartiality of committee recommendations.Congress is considering legislation to stop the FDA from appointing people with financial ties to industries or companies that are affected by the panels. A top FDA official argued Monday that it's nearly impossible to find qualified panel members without such ties and argued that ending the waivers would result in less-qualified advisory panels.Instead, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the FDA's deputy commissioner for medical and scientific affairs, outlined measures to help identify when a committee member has a conflict of interest. The measures also address when a conflict-of-interest waiver should be granted and what waiver information should be disclosed to the public, he told a discussion hosted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group.Gottlieb said the FDA also will issue rules on when committee briefing materials can be made public, increase mailings to provide better advanced notice of committee activities, and streamline the appointment process for FDA drug-related committees.In June, the House of Representatives passed a measure by Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., a frequent FDA critic, that would prevent the FDA from spending any money on waivers for advisory committees, which would end the practice of appointing scientists with financial ties to industry.Similar concerns have been raised about advisory committees for the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Academies.A separate study released Monday by the center found that 56 of the 320 professionals on 21 committees within the academies, or 18 percent, had financial ties to companies or industries in their committees' areas. The study also found at least 66 scientists "whose employment, long-term financial relationships, published writings, think-tank membership or courtroom testimony demonstrated pro-industry positions."Copyright: 2006, McClatchy-Tribune Information Serviceshttp://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/politics/15112530.htm
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on July 24, 2006 at 19:07:39 PT
Thanks Mayan and Observer
 Marijuana Church Claims Offend Believers: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22017.shtml
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Comment #21 posted by whig on July 24, 2006 at 18:44:13 PT
Zoroastrian Pharisees
There are pharisees in every religion, people who claim that they are authorized to say who is or who is not entitled to practice their faith and according to what set of rules.True faith does not depend upon anyone's permission, but is between the individual and God, by whatever name they may call him or how they may choose to practice.Someone could say that the Quaintances do not practice modern Zoroastrianism as defined by the pharisees, and by the same token many of us do not practice the same form of Christianity that is preached by the Pat Robertsons and the other Satanic corruptors of our faith.And by the same token, Jesus (or Ye'shua) did not practice the same form of Judaism as the temple priests.In every time and in every generation it is for each of us to find the path that is right for ourselves, and if it does not fit the idea that others may have of our faith, there is little that can be said except that freedom of religion and conscience guarantees the Quaintances the right to believe and practice in their own way. The only legal question that can be asked is whether they evidence a genuine belief in the sacramental use of cannabis. If so, and they surely do, then they must be respected under the first amendment and the RFRA.
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Comment #20 posted by ekim on July 24, 2006 at 18:38:59 PT
something you can do that will help 
Drug WarRant
by Pete Guither 
 Monday, July 24, 2006 
http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/A Drug WarRant Challenge: Opening Eyes to the Damage Caused by the Drug War - The DEA Targets America
www.drugwarrant.net 
 By now, most of you know about the extraordinarily offensive DEA exhibit that uses pieces of wreckage from the World Trade Center with children's toys mixed in as a means of promoting the DEA 
As Newsday reported on the exhibit when it was in New York: Like many anti-drug campaigns before it, this one rests on shaky evidence and throws a fast emotional punch. [..]
To hammer it home, there's a prominent display of World Trade Center debris accompanied by an audio sound track reliving Sept. 11 and tying it straight to the drug trade. "Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause" will be opening at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on August 11 and running until December 3.
http://www.drugwarrant.com
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Comment #19 posted by observer on July 24, 2006 at 18:31:28 PT
Haoma evidence ... cannabis
re: Marijuana church claims offend believers: http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2006/07/24/local_news/news04.txt
One of the crucial aspects of the Zoroastrian religion is that members are fire-worshippers and are forbidden to even light a cigarette, much less use drugs, Zoroastrian Association of Arizona secretary Parizad Patel-Pascuicco said.“It’s just such a hoax to me to label our Zoroastrian religion into their little marijuana (church),” Patel-Pascuicco, a Chandler resident, said. ...“Firstly, we do not know for a fact what species the haoma plant belonged to,” the council states. “There is absolutely no factual evidence that haoma plant belonged to genus Canna (Cannabis). It is pure speculation.”
I do wish Mr Parizad would learn a bit more about his own religion. 
"archaeological evidence emerged from Russian excavations in the Kara Kum desert of Turkmenistan ... known to the ancients as Margiana," writes researcher Richard Rudgley, in The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances, (Little, Brown and Company, 1998).  In one of these private rooms were found three ceramic bowls. Analysis of samples found in these vessels by Professor Mayer-Melikyan revealed the traces of both cannabis and Ephedra. Clearly both these psychoactive substances had been used in conjunction in the making of hallucinogenic drinks. In the adjoining room of the same inner sanctum were found ten ceramic pot-stands which appear to have been used in conjunction with strainers designed to separate the juices from the twigs, stems and leaves of the plants. In another room at the other end of the shrine a basin containing remains of a considerable quantity of cannabis was discovered, as well as a number of pottery stands and strainers that have also been associated with making psychoactive beverages... [T]he discovery in the shrines of the remains of opium, cannabis and Ephedra in ritual vessels that are dated between 2000-1000 BC show that soma in its Iranian form haoma may be considered as a composite psychoactive substance comprising of cannabis and Ephedra in one instance and opium and Ephedra in another.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haoma
``Haoma may be considered as a composite psychoactive substance comprising of cannabis and Ephedra.''Why? Cannabis preparatons have already been found in the ancient Zoroastrian city of Margiana (Merv). 
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Comment #18 posted by mayan on July 24, 2006 at 18:18:55 PT
Tree of Life
Marijuana church claims offend believers:
http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2006/07/24/local_news/news04.txtTHE WAY OUT...Kevin Barrett Story Headlines The Capital Times:
http://www.911blogger.com/2006/07/kevin-barrett-story-headlines-capital.htmlForemost 9/11 Whistleblower Discusses Possibility Attack Was Inside Job:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/july2006/240706insidejob.htmFirefighter Interviewed By Loose Change's Dylan Avery:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7186061015080818639New David Ray Grifin Book - Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0664231179/sr=8-3/qid=1153786287/ref=pd_bbs_3/002-3598627-9207250?redirect=true&ie=UTF8
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Comment #17 posted by kaptinemo on July 24, 2006 at 18:09:00 PT:
Another article critical of NOT JUST the DrugWar
but it's biggest supporters/beneficiaries (besides illicit drug dealers, of course). Another finger points at the ugly truth that only those who benefit the most from the DrugWar are it's biggest supporters while everyone with 3 brains cells to click togetrher has realized how much of a sham it is.Let's see if DEA chief Tandy will answer this one, as it's shown up in the most influential paper for die-hard Administration supporters, right in her own backyard. You couldn't have made a bigger stink if you tried.
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Comment #16 posted by unkat27 on July 24, 2006 at 17:01:00 PT
Global_Warming
"... for the disease of mentally ill prohibitionists can be treated, with a good dose of Love and reading deeply the American Constitution."But can it cure the vampires and vultures that disguise themselves as humans while sucking our life-blood away and picking our bones after the DEA and local narcs have rendered us helpless?
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Comment #15 posted by b4daylight on July 24, 2006 at 16:45:55 PT
Nice
go Marcgood article in the times. 
I am going to use this as my new flyer. 
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Comment #14 posted by global_warming on July 24, 2006 at 16:24:20 PT
Funny and Sad
How this forum can mix in so many wonderful ways,From the foot of the Cross of the bloodied Christ,To that That Little Darling,Who Broke My Heart,Let us not forget the business of the bloated state,Even Ceaser would vomit his guts,There is a core understandingIn this universe, it is in our genetic makeup,Cannabis can heal you,Do not be afraid,The Medicine of tried and tested old ways, is friend and companion in our troubled world, best you catch a glimpse of eternity, that is if you inhaled, if you have not yet tried this experience, you can bow, you understand your ownership, your secular existince, is enough for you, but, not me.There is in my heartbeat a clearer understanding, a subtle breath that has not forgotten the blood that ran from that cross, that simple carpenter, who was taken on that day, his words, his Faith, is my strength, as I walk in the shadows of death, I can reach out and touch my world, for the substance of this real universe, is but a slug, some commen insect, some commen fool. who has yet to open eyes.
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Comment #13 posted by global_warming on July 24, 2006 at 15:35:35 PT
Just Wondering
THE DOVELLS lyrics - "Bristol Stomp"	
www.OldieLyrics.com(Kal Mann and Dave Appell)The kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol
When they do the Bristol Stomp
Really somethin when they join in jumpin
When they do the Bristol StompWhoa, whoa they start spinnin every Friday night
They dance the greatest and they do it right
Well, it's the latest it's the greatest sight to seeThe kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol
(Whoa, oh, oh)
When they do the Bristol Stomp
(Whoa, oh, oh)
Really somethin when they join in jumpin
(Ah-ah-ah, whoa)
When they do the Bristol StompWhoa, whoa it started in Bristol at a dee jay hop
They hollered and whistled never wanted to stop
We pony and twisted and we rocked with Daddy GThe kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol
When they do the Bristol Stomp
(Whoa, oh, oh)
Really somethin when they join in jumpin
(Ah-ah-ah)
When they do the Bristol Stomp(Duh-duh-doo)
It's got that groovy beat
That makes you stomp your feet
Come along and try
Gonna feel fine
And once you dance with me
You'll fall in love you see
The Bristol Stomp will make you mine
All mineThe stars are spinnin every Friday night
They dance the greatest if they do it right
But it's the latest it's the greatest sight to seeThe kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol
When they do the Bristol Stomp
(Whoa, oh, oh)
Really somethin when they join in jumpin
When they do the Bristol StompIt started in Bristol at a dee jay hop
They hollered and whistled
Never wanted to stop
We pony and twisted
And we rocked with Daddy GThe kids in Bristol are sharp as a pistol
When they do the Bristol Stomp
(Whoa)
Really somethin when they join in jumpin
(Ah-ah-ah)
When they do the Bristol StompFeel so fine
Oh, got to say, please, mine
I'm talkin (when they do the Bristol Stomp)
Mine baby (kids in Bristol...)
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Comment #12 posted by global_warming on July 24, 2006 at 15:31:53 PT
Some thoughts, from the past
(Del Shannon/Max Crook)As I walk along I wonder
What went wrong with our love
A love so rare and strongAnd as I walk along , I think of
The times we had together
While our hearts were youngI'm a walkin' in the rain
Tears are fallin', I feel the pain
Wishin' you were here by me
To end this misery and I wonder
I wa wa wa wonder
Why, why why why why why she ran away
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway, a run run run run runawayI'm walkin' in the rain
Tears are fallin' and I feel the pain
Wishin' you were here by me
To end this misery and I wonder
I wa wa wa wonder
Why, why why why why why she ran away
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway, a run run run run runaway
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Comment #11 posted by Global_Warming on July 24, 2006 at 14:59:14 PT
Politics and the Spirit
"Many officials admit behind closed doors that our drug policy needs radical revision. Few will say so publicly. This "third rail" of politics is exacerbated by the collusion of mainstream media, suspending usual rules of journalistic practice, publishing government propaganda without quoting critics of drug-war policy."In the meantime, the Modern Day Al Capones are holding all of us hostages in this modern day corruption called the war on drugs, it can end and it will end, for the disease of mentally ill prohibitionists can be treated, with a good dose of Love and reading deeply the American Constitution.
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Comment #10 posted by observer on July 24, 2006 at 10:27:11 PT
Today's Fascist Jail Bait-n-Switch
I'm impressed that the Wash Times printed this token OPED allowing the writer to mention people are jailed for using drugs. In response today, prohibitionists trotted out Bush regime appointee as NIDA's chief Bozo, Nora Volkow for a dog and pony show for the press. Bozo then issues forth a mealymouthed request that:
"Putting a person who is addicted to drugs in jail for five or 10 years and thinking that will cure him with no treatment, ...
The likelihood of that person relapsing is very high."
Who the heck is she taking to? Is she addressing congress? is she taking to her neocon bosses i.e. Cheney/Bush cabal who trotted her out on command, like some show-horse?Drug experts urge better prison treatment (7/24)
http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/article/belleville6634.htm etc.At least prohibitionists have been forced to talk about "jail" and "prison" -- (we'll hold their feet to the fire on this one.) -- if only to disappear into clouds of obfuscation and confusion and ink. Let's get a few things straight. The Volkow Bozo's bosses are the Cheney/Bush neocon cabal, and they are rabid prohibitionists. Bush could pardon every non-violent pot user as fast as he can sign a cheque or push the button if he wanted to. Notice, he ain't doing that. Prohibitionists, and their coterie of lying propagandists, want you to think that few if any pot smokers are jailed just for smoking pot. They hum and haw and twist and turn and generally avoid the fact that pot smokers are jailed in huge numbers, simply for using pot. Pot smokers are jailed, especially in the fascist U.S.A., and that's a fact. Prohibitionists can trot out Volkow Bozos all day long, and until pot smokers are not jailed for smoking pot, they will continue to be jailed. That aspect of pot prohibition is brutally simple. 
breaking drug news, about 800 articles per day
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Comment #9 posted by Max Flowers on July 24, 2006 at 10:18:51 PT
Killer THC gumballs = disinformation
The hysterical claim in that "news" article about the cannabis gumballs that they contain enough THC to kill a small child is ridiculous and easily impeached.In the 1800s and early 1900s cannabis medicines (manufactured by major well-known pharmaceutical companies) were commonplace and were given to small children when they had various conditions like whooping cough, etc. These medicines were cannabis extracts suspended in elixirs, tinctures or other solutions. They were made from HASH OIL basically, as that is what "cannabis extract" is. Now if thousands of kids were given medicines containing cannabis extract without any record of fatalities, how is a gram of whole unextracted cannabis going to kill anyone? Answer: it won't. It's a lie. But will this idiotic lie be recanted? No, because the web is now a free-for-all of disinformation and lies.I would also like to point out that a gram of cannabis takes up enough volume that there would not be any room for the gum (unless the gumball was as big as a ping pong ball!), so I don't believe the "gram" claim for a second anyway.
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Comment #8 posted by potpal on July 24, 2006 at 10:09:35 PT
'nuff said
Thanks you Terry Michael for your eloquence and guts to broach the subject.
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Comment #7 posted by Truth on July 24, 2006 at 09:39:41 PT
Marc
Congrats to Marc and his new wife. Hopefully it's the begining of only all good things for Marc.Marc is definately one of my favorite folks to smoke with.
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Comment #6 posted by Wayne on July 24, 2006 at 06:39:27 PT
some NORML articles from today worth reading
THE REAL REASON BEHIND OVERCROWDING IN PRISONShttp://www.mapinc.org/norml/v06/n961/a03.htm---'WE'RE WINNING' AGAINST METH, U.S. DRUG CZAR SAYShttp://www.mapinc.org/norml/v06/n962/a10.htm
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Comment #5 posted by unkat27 on July 24, 2006 at 06:31:58 PT
Good luck with letter, but Hatch will never break
"As the drug warriors clog our courts and fill our jails, we disrupt the lives of the poor and the powerless, who can't afford crafty lawyers and have no political connections."This, I believe, is the secret rationale behind the prohibitionists that support the current drug war policy. It's a class war, it helps cut down a load of competition coming up from the lower and middle classes. They like it that way. Doesn't matter to them if its unamerican or undemocratic, it is an effective method of weeding out a large majority of the competition that they would otherwise have to worry about more seriously in the "equal opportunity, free-market system" (HA!).
Keeping the Working-Class Divided
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 24, 2006 at 06:07:55 PT
Emery
I was surprised that he married a girl so very young. I thought he was marrying a woman who he lived with for a number of years. I really don't know anything about Emery so it was only an assumption on my part.  I wish them the best though.
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Comment #3 posted by Wayne on July 24, 2006 at 05:51:03 PT
excellent article
Wonderfully written. I only hope that Mr. Hatch cares enough to read the whole thing. But at least it's getting printed...
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Comment #2 posted by mayan on July 24, 2006 at 03:32:48 PT
Emery Married!
'Prince of Pot' ties the knot:
http://tinyurl.com/ervshKiller Gumballs...Maryland Police Find Marijuana Gumballs in Schools:
http://www.axcessnews.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=10547THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Controversial Instructor Speaks About His 9/11 Views, UW Course:
http://www.channel3000.com/news/9560741/detail.htmlConspiracy Theories 101:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/23/opinion/23fish.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&oref=sloginKevin Barrett Responds to NY Times Op-Ed "Conspiracy Theories 101":
http://mujca.com/nytimesoped.htm911podcasts.com presents Kevin Barrett Appears On 'For The Record': 
http://www.911podcasts.com/display.php?vid=142
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Comment #1 posted by Global_Warming on July 24, 2006 at 03:21:09 PT
Great article and to the point
Congratulations Marc..
'Prince of Pot' ties the knot
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