cannabisnews.com: WeHo Demonstrators Protest Pot Raids





WeHo Demonstrators Protest Pot Raids
Posted by CN Staff on January 18, 2007 at 12:06:31 PT
By Tami Abdollah, Times Staff Writer
Source: Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles -- About 100 people demonstrated outside West Hollywood City Hall this morning, protesting a series of federal raids that shut 11 outlets for medical marijuana in the county.According to William Dolphin, a spokesman for Americans for Safe Access, the demonstration began about 8:30 a.m. and lasted for some 30 minutes.
Federal agents Wednesday raided the 11 medical marijuana outlets in Los Angeles County, seizing several thousand pounds of processed drug, hundreds of marijuana plants, an array of guns and bagfuls of cash.The simultaneous raids, part of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, were the largest such operation in the county in recent memory. Five dispensaries in West Hollywood were raided with the other six in Venice, Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Woodland Hills. The action by federal agents angered some local officials and was taken despite a state law permitting possession and cultivation of marijuana for qualified medical patients.Officials said that more than 20 people were detained for questioning but no charges have been filed. Authorities would not release information about any other people possibly detained at the dispensaries.Sarah Pullen, spokeswoman for the DEA's Los Angeles field division, said agents seized large quantities of marijuana-laced edibles that included "anything from ice cream bars to lollipops to cookies to candies and candy bars." In West Hollywood, agents in bulletproof vests, sunglasses, gloves and face masks piled out of the stores — four of which were on Santa Monica Boulevard — with boxes and black trash bags full of seized evidence while protesters booed and shouted, "State's rights!" and "DEA go away!" among other slogans. At the Farmacy, agents loaded three cars with bags as amateur documentary filmmakers and medical marijuana users pushed against police tape. The raid and protest clogged traffic, and motorists honked their horns to show support for the demonstrators.In all, Pullen said, agents seized more than 100 boxes of evidence and continued their work past 10 p.m.West Hollywood officials said they were taken by surprise, only learning of the raids as they occurred. West Hollywood has a "long-standing commitment" to the use of medical marijuana for people with such catastrophic illnesses as HIV and AIDS, city spokeswoman Helen Goss said. "We've been fighting to support the access of medicinal marijuana for many, many years and there's just a great disconnect between the federal government and communities like West Hollywood," Councilman Jeffrey Prang said. "Medicinal marijuana provides comfort and relief to people who are seriously ill and seemingly they view those people as drug addicts who belong in jail as opposed to people who deserve compassion and assistance."The West Hollywood sheriff's station was notified of the impending raids about 1:30 p.m., one hour before they began, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. David Smith said. Deputies moved in to help control about 50 protesters who gathered in the 7800 block of Santa Monica Boulevard near three of the stores.California voters approved Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act, in 1996, which made marijuana available by prescription for medicinal uses. SB 420, which took effect in 2004, clarified Proposition 215, and taken together legalized possession and cultivation of marijuana for qualified medical patients. Snipped:Complete Article: http://tinyurl.com/2nc5oeSource: Los Angeles Times (CA)Author:  Tami Abdollah, Times Staff WriterPublished: January 18, 2007 Copyright: 2007 Los Angeles TimesContact: letters latimes.comWebsite: http://www.latimes.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Americans For Safe Accesshttp://www.safeaccessnow.org/ DEA Raids 11 Pot Clubshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22532.shtmlDEA Raids 11 Marijuana Outletshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22528.shtmlChief Wants Medical-Pot Moratoriumhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22523.shtml 
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Comment #17 posted by afterburner on January 19, 2007 at 21:28:18 PT
OverwhelmSam #16
"I remained surprised that the fathers and mothers of the men and women sent to jail for cannabis remain silent."They have been brainwashed by 70 years of propaganda so that they are afraid and ashamed. Keep spreading the truth and they will eventually come around.
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Comment #16 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 19, 2007 at 06:51:35 PT
The More People That DEA Busts
The more people whose lives are affected, their families, spouses, children and friends, the more people will fight to put an end to prohibition. I remained surprised that the fathers and mothers of the men and women sent to jail for cannabis remain silent.
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Comment #15 posted by The GCW on January 18, 2007 at 18:55:35 PT
About the face masks in #2.
Those Feds need the masks.Well over 50% of the population voted for medicinal use of cannabis.They are lonely in the minority.Further, their actions are disgraceful and they know it. Soon they will have lost and the possabilty of them being on pictures for years after they loose the farce of taking away an herb that honestly helps sick people is frightening.Imagine one of them getting captured in an image that tells a million words for all the world to see for years after the farce ends.Imagine an image so detestful that it helps the farce end over night.They know they are hated. They know they are hurtful.The Feds are ugly.Fugly.For that, use 3 masks; -One for Your victim.-One for Your family, neighbors & country.-One for God.And believe and pretend the one for God works.---The Green Collar Worker
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 18:46:24 PT
Pot Dealers Peddle Sugar High
Pictures of some of the products from the raids.http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/badguys/070118/pot_dealers_peddle_sugar_high.htm
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 18:02:16 PT
My 2 Cents
I am very sure that many here aren't into Obama but I am. I really like him. I like Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul too. At least we have some good choices for 08. It will be interesting. I like Obama's style and I like the way he presents himself. The most important thing is that we don't get so into one person that we become critical of others. That doesn't help anyone feel better. What I mean is we shouldn't get upset with each other if we don't like the same person that is running for president because we all have good taste.
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Comment #12 posted by mayan on January 18, 2007 at 17:48:12 PT
2008
Dennis Kucinich Vs. Ron Paul.Now, that would be a race! Those are abouot the only two RepubliCrats I would even consider voting for.
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Comment #11 posted by Max Flowers on January 18, 2007 at 17:36:49 PT
Ron Paul
Hey ZuckermanRon Paul is a great example of the fact that not 100% of the time is it the case that Republicans are evil.He could singlehandedly restore a good measure of nobility back to that sinking party (not to mention the entire nation) if he were elected.If he could stay alive, that is.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 16:34:00 PT
Heads Up: ASA On O'Reilly Tonight
DPFCA: ASA Executive Director on O'Reilly Factor Today ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer will be on the O'Reilly Factor today discussing yesterday's federal raids in Los Angeles and West Hollywood. This is expected to be a big show since Comedy Central's controversial Steven Cobert is also appearing. Check the program web site below for your local cable schedule:http://www.billoreilly.com/show?action=viewTVShow&showID=1168#3---75 protesters gathered for a rally and press conference at West Hollywood City Hall this morning. Former CA Assemblyman Paul Koretz criticized the Bush administration for targeting medical cannabis patients and providers. Protesters waived signs and chanted "DEA go away" on Santa Monica Blvd., vowing to turn out en masse on Monday at the Los Angeles federal building to demand an end to DEA raids.The protest in Los Angeles coincides with similar protests at federal buildings nationwide. The local demonstration will be at 255 East Temple St. in downtown Los Angeles at 12:00 PM on Monday, January 22. Advocates are encouraged to bring signs and banners. Visit http://www.ASAaction.org to download a master copy of the event flyer. You can print, copy, cut, and distribute this flyer right away. Be sure to click the "refresh" button to see the updated page.-- Don Duncan, Southern California Coordinator Americans for Safe Access http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org (323) 464-7719 * don SafeAccessNow.org
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Comment #9 posted by George Baily on January 18, 2007 at 16:13:05 PT:
regarding comment 3
Thanks
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Comment #8 posted by Toker00 on January 18, 2007 at 15:37:05 PT
And if you like your Dems a little on the sassy
side:Greetings James,As we prepare for the upcoming March on Washington and Citizens Lobby
Day at the end of the month, we'd like to share some timely
information with you now:In this weeks Podcast Tony Trupiano visits with PDA Ohio State
Coordinators, Michael and Patrick Carano and State Coordinating
Commitee team member Mary Nichols-Rhodes as they provide some history
and a framework for why PDA has been the answer for the passionate
Progressives in Ohio. If you are looking for a path to grow or to
start a PDA chapter in your area, this is an interview that you
cannot miss. Again, your feedback is welcome by sending an e-mail to
tony pdamerica.org {mailto:tony pdamerica.org}. This is the latest
episode of Voices from Progressive Democrats of America. Podcast - Tony Trupiano visits with PDA Ohio State Coordinators
{http://blog.pdamerica.org/?p=958} 
iTunes Link
{http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=212420612} 
January 27-29 March and Events in Washington DC Jan. 27 - Our outside strategy to Stop Funding War is gathering
steam as momentum builds for the 'March on Washington'! Please make
plans to join us in the march in Washington DC on Jan. 27. Learn more
about it! {http://www.unitedforpeace.org/article.php?id=3436} Jan. 28 -Citizen Advocacy Training Day
{http://pdamerica.org/articles/news/2007-01-10-10-42-32-news.php}.
From 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., we're hosting a hospitality suite for a
PDA Meet and Greet with PDA Advisory Board and staff members. Please,
let us know if you're attending {mailto:Sherry pdamerica.org}. We hope
to see you there! Jan. 29 - Monday brings our inside strategy to the halls of Congress
for Citizens Lobbying Day
{http://www.unitedforpeace.org/modinput4.php?modin=121}. Please sign
up at UFPJ! Fund Raising Update It is PDA's 1st quarter goal to increase our sustainer base by 100
monthly sustainers! Twenty-five new sustainers have already stepped
up during January. That means that we've reached 25 percent of our
goal! Won't you help us complete the remaining challenge by
committing today to become a PDA sustainer?
https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php
{https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php} Grassroots members like you that pledge $10, $20, $50, or $100 per
month provide the backbone of PDA's operating funds. Without your
support, we cannot continue our vital work to reclaim our Democratic
Party and to champion the progressive values that we all hold so
dear. Without your support, national PDA cannot provide the support
and services to our grassroots organizers that we know you need and
deserve. Please pledge today. https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php
{https://www.pdamerica.org/donate.php} Help us fulfill our 1st
quarter goal of 100 new sustainers! Please mark your calendars for Thursday, February 10, for our 1st
grassroots fundraising conference call. This will be an excellent
opportunity for us to talk about working collectively to increase our
sustainer base and to explore fun and community building fundraising
possibilities. We'll talk about fundraising ideas for PDA nationally
and locally. The call will be at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Mark your
calendars now and watch for details to follow. Thanks, Tim Carpenter, Executive Director, Progressive Democrats of America.AAAAANNNNNNDDDDDDD by the way, did anyone see the ad by moveon.org with Bush and McCain? Does Greed look like Sex? They sure looked in Lust if it does. Toke.
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Comment #7 posted by Toker00 on January 18, 2007 at 15:30:09 PT
Hey, Richard.
We know all that. We are working with what we have until we have something better to work with. Stop shouting. You or we or nobody else is gonna get the world out of this nightmare overnight. Stop discouraging exploratory activism and start doing what you CAN, not hoping for some immediate miracle. We intend to explore many things between now and '08. That includes Politicians. That includes criminal investigations. We are not as close minded as you fear. Just calm down.Toke. 
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Comment #6 posted by Richard Zuckerman on January 18, 2007 at 15:15:31 PT:
YOU AND YOUR PARENTS VOTE FOR DEA!!
You and your parents vote for Democrats and Republicans vote for the Freemasons and other globalists to slowly eliminate our individual freedoms!! You get what you vote for, people! You can cry out as loud as you want, write as many letters to Congress and State Legislatures as you can. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT UNTIL YOU PEOPLE VOTE FOR 3RD PARTY POLITICAL CANDIDATES, PRIMARILY LIBERTARIAN PARTY, SECONDARILY GREEN PARTY, YOUR FREEDOMS WILL SLOWLY BE EXTINGUISHED! YOU PEOPLE MUST THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX ABOUT GOVERNMENT, ESPECIALLY THE IDEA THAT PUBLIC SCHOOLS MAKE YOU SMART AND "EDUCATED", THAT POLICE ARE YOUR FRIENDS AND ARE THERE TO PROTECT YOU. THE SAD FACT IS THAT AMONG YOUR WORST ENEMY IS THE GOVERNMENT, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THE MOST, STATE GOVERNMENT THE SECOND WORST ENEMY, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT YOUR THIRD WORST ENEMY. YOUR WORST ENEMY IS YOURSELVES, BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THE HYPE FROM CORPORATE GOVERNMENT MANIPULATED MEDIA AND "EDUCATION." PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NOTHING MORE THAN GLORIFIED BABY SITTERS. www.johntaylorgatto.com; www.lp.org; www.greenparty.org; etc. YOU DESERVE WHAT YOUR PARENTS AND YOU VOTE FOR, PEOPLE!!!!
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Comment #5 posted by Toker00 on January 18, 2007 at 14:45:49 PT
OT: Iraq Veterans Memorial--Live Online March 19
Dear friends, activists, and colleagues,As the country finds itself in the midst of a terrible battle over the 
outrageous efforts to send more troops to Iraq, the four year 
anniversary of the war is fast approaching on March 19th. We all hoped that 
after the election, this anniversary would herald a withdrawal -- a 
beginning of the end of this tragedy. That is not happening, and it will 
take all of our efforts to make it happen.In thinking of how we at Brave New Films can contribute, and inspired 
by the AIDS Quilt, the Vietnam memorial, and the New York Times 
biographies of the 9/11 victims, we decided to create a living online memorial 
to U.S. soldiers killed during the Iraq War.The Iraq Veterans Memorial will bear witness with the 60-second video 
testimonies of family, friends, co-workers, and military colleagues of 
those killed. Memories and anecdotes that will always remind us of the 
impact their lives had on those who loved them. The memorial will be unveiled on March 19th all across the internet.Jim Miller at the Brave New Foundation in partnership with Gold Star 
Families Speak Out, Military Families Speak Out, Iraq Veterans Against 
the War, North Texas Vets, Veterans for Peace, Soldiers of Today and 
Yesterday, GI Special, and United for Peace and Justice will organize all 
this. We need your help in two ways:1. 60 second videos. If you knew a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq, please 
send us your video testimonial. Or forward this email to someone who 
did, and encourage them to participate.Details are here: http://iraqmemorial.org/2. Commit to hosting the memorial on your blog, website, or MySpace on 
March 19th. This will be the big unveiling, and it needs to be all 
over the internet to have a big impact. Sign up here: http://iraqmemorial.org/host.phpMarch 19th was the terrible day this unnecessary war began, and each 
year the country seems to be searching for ways to recongize this day. 
Working together we can create a profoundly important and personal 
memorial that will bear witness to the human toll that the war has taken. We 
hope that you will help us spread the word.  Thank you for your amazing work last year in making Iraq for Sale 
become an issue and subject that the whole country and the elected officals 
are focused on.
 
We will be in touch in a few weeks with a discussion of our plans for 
the year ahead.Robert Greenwald
and everyone at Brave New Films & FoundationP.S. Jan 27th in Washington DC will be massive end-the-war 
demonstrations. BE SURE TO GO IF YOU CAN, and we'll have folks in the area filming 
testimonials.WHEN: Saturday, January 27th 11am
WHERE: UFPJ march on Washington
On the Mall at the corner of 3rd street
More details on the march are at unitedforpeace.orgWHEN: Sunday, January 28th 11am-3pm
WHERE: Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School
4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland----~~~~~----~~~~---Toke.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 14:15:58 PT
AP: O'Reilly, Colbert Trade Appearances 
This should be interesting to see. I don't often watch Colbert and don't watch O'Reilly but I will tonight. January 18, 2007 Associated Press NEW YORK -- It may feel like looking into the mirror for Bill O'Reilly and Stephen Colbert tonight.The Fox News Channel host and Colbert, who has essentially based his comic character every evening on Comedy Central on him, will trade appearances on each other's programs."I'm really looking forward to speaking to a man who owes his entire career to me," O'Reilly said.On "The Colbert Report," Colbert portrays a self-involved talk-show host who has tried to bring "truthiness" to the world.His character owes an obvious debt to O'Reilly, who holds court in the "no-spin zone" each evening.On "The O'Reilly Factor," O'Reilly portrays a . . . um, he hosts the top-rated program in cable news."I look forward to the evening," Colbert said. "It is an honor to speak face-to-face with a broadcasting legend, and I feel the same way about Mr. O'Reilly."On the Net:http://www.comedycentral.comhttp://www.fox.com/home.htmCopyright: 2007 News-Journal Corporation http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Entertainment/Headlines/entTV02011807.htm
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Comment #3 posted by museman on January 18, 2007 at 12:43:56 PT
Listen up DEA thugs!
Kharma WILL get you in the end. See "Ballad of Virgil Knight."The code you live by is the resulting conclusion of your life.Your moments of false glory are fading into nothing as I write.You act, frequent, and play in the company of demons and monsters...what kind of eternity do you hope for?Your 'authority' is false. Not given by the consent of the people, and in direct violation of our constitution which declares that the government HAS NO RIGHT TO MAKE WAR ON IT'S CITIZENS- look it up.You aren't getting away with anything, and if you persist in willing and knowing error - you know because you have been told, and denial is useless - everything that you think you have, including your own soul, will be taken in an instant, and all the hot air that is the essence of your being will dissipate into the atmosphere- and you will not be missed.Guaranteed.
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Comment #2 posted by dongenero on January 18, 2007 at 12:42:19 PT
face masks?
What does it tell you when federal agents are compelled to wear dark glasses and face masks as they enforce "the law" in order to hide their identity?Where does law enforcement end and terrorism begin?
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 12:09:13 PT
Video and Pictures on Link from the LA Times
Complete Article: http://tinyurl.com/2nc5oe
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