cannabisnews.com: Pot Touted To Calm Denver Rallies










  Pot Touted To Calm Denver Rallies

Posted by CN Staff on September 03, 2007 at 07:03:32 PT
By Valerie Richardson, The Washington Times 
Source: Washington Times 

Denver, CO -- Activists here are moving to liberalize the city's marijuana-possession laws in time for next year's Democratic National Convention. The Denver City Council voted 13-0 last week to place a measure on the Nov. 6 ballot that would make prosecuting adults with an ounce or less of marijuana "the city's lowest law-enforcement priority."
Not that the council had much choice. Activists with Citizens for a Safer Denver gathered almost 6,000 signatures to back the proposal, forcing the council to place it on the ballot or approve an identical ordinance. Mason Tvert, the group's executive director, said the petition was undertaken with an eye to the Democrats' Aug. 24-28 convention. Encouraging the anticipated throng of protesters to choose marijuana over alcohol would ensure a calmer atmosphere, he said. Groups such as the Recreate 68 Alliance, named after the 1968 Democratic Party convention in Chicago known for clashes between protesters and police, plan massive demonstrations and civil disobedience. "Tens of thousands of people are going to come here to protest and rally," Mr. Tvert said. "If we allow alcohol use to be at the center, we're asking for trouble. But if we allow protesters to use marijuana, then maybe they'll be less inclined to use alcohol and cause problems." Before the vote, Mr. Tvert offered to make a deal with the council: The group would withdraw the petition if the mayor and council agreed to place a moratorium on adult marijuana arrests during the Democratic convention. "Visitors and city residents should not face the threat of arrest for simply making the rational, safer choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol, if that is what they prefer," Mr. Tvert said. It was an offer city officials could refuse, and did. What's more, the council excoriated Citizens for a Safer Denver for abusing the trust of voters who signed the petition. "At that point I ... said, 'What kind of game is this where an organization thinks they can negotiate with the will of the voters?' " council member Judy Montero said. "I was appalled." Rachel Gordon, spokeswoman for the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, declined to comment on the issue. Denver already boasts the most liberal marijuana law in the nation. Two years ago, voters approved a ballot initiative making it legal for adults to possess an ounce or less of marijuana. But that ordinance was superseded by state law, which bans marijuana possession of any kind. Council member Carol Boigon said any real effort to reform the city's drug laws would have to go through the state legislature. "If you're serious, go to the state," she said. A dozen U.S. cities, including Santa Barbara and San Francisco, have enacted laws placing adult possession of small amounts of marijuana at the bottom of their law-enforcement priorities. In Seattle, city officials reported that there was "no evidence of adverse effect" from the ordinance. "Seattle is proud to serve as an example of a city that has established a more sensible marijuana policy that is safe, effective, and inexpensive," two Seattle City Council members, Nick Licata and Tom Rasmussen, said in a letter to the Denver council. Their assurances failed to sway Denver council members, almost all of whom declared their intention to oppose the measure in November. "I want people to understand that there were some real shenanigans with this initiative," council President Michael Hancock said. "There's no way I would vote yes on this, and I'll do everything I can to let the public know." Source: Washington Times (DC)Author: Valerie Richardson, The Washington TimesPublished: September 3, 2007 Copyright: 2007 News World Communications, Inc.Contact: letters washingtontimes.comWebsite: http://www.washingtontimes.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Safer Denverhttp://www.saferdenver.com/City Council Puts Pot Issue on Ballothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23289.shtmlReport: Hick, 4 Council Members Smoked Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23288.shtml 

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Comment #30 posted by Toker00 on September 04, 2007 at 12:59:38 PT
Ot : 9-11 inside job poll...
They say change begins to happen at 75%. If we convinced the unknowing 5.4% to wake up, that would be 71.4. Getting uncomfortable, Fascists?Votes: 88,951Yes: 66%No: 28%Don't know: 5.4%Toke.
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Comment #29 posted by whig on September 04, 2007 at 09:10:01 PT
Hope
Loretta Nall is a hero too.
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Comment #28 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on September 04, 2007 at 07:57:02 PT
Hope, I agree!
Loretta Nall has shown such great courage.Her home is raided for writing a pro-legalization LTE, so she runs for governor.They won't let her on the ballot, so she runs a write-in campaign.They won't count her thousands of votes, so she starts Alabamians for Compassionate Care.No matter what, she keeps speaking out and working for change.Whoever thought they could shut her up by busting her, sure made a big mistake!
nallforgovernor.com
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Comment #27 posted by Hope on September 04, 2007 at 07:10:31 PT
Loretta Nall
I think she is a wonderful, amazing woman. What a go-getter!
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Comment #26 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on September 04, 2007 at 06:29:18 PT
Leave marijuana smokers alone - LTE
Tuscaloosa News, Published Tuesday, September 4, 2007Loretta Nall, Alexander CityDear Editor: I want to thank Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb for her efforts to ease prison overcrowding and address drug addiction with a more compassionate approach. It is so important for society to realize that addiction is an illness that can be treated and not a crime that needs punishing.Many of you know me as a voice for drug policy and prison reform in Alabama and as a candidate for governor in 2006. I am also a family member who has witnessed the devastating impact that drugs and alcohol can have. I have two brothers, one in prison and one who just overdosed for the ninth time on methadone provided to him by the Veterans Administration. I know for a fact locking them in prison does not work.While I am happy to see drug courts expand in Alabama, I fear that they will simply round up pot smokers to fill their treatment beds. Marijuana should be exempt from all criminal sanctions, police involvement and court oversight when used responsibly by adults. We all know it is safer than alcohol and not addictive to the degree that anyone actually suffers withdrawals if they quit. I say unless people who smoke pot are doing something to endanger others, there is no reason for the police or the courts to be involved. Taking responsible, adult pot smokers out of the drug court equation will greatly enable the drug courts to better help the people that really need it.
Leave marijuana smokers alone - TuscaloosaNews.com
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Comment #25 posted by Hope on September 04, 2007 at 05:02:23 PT
Through a Scanner Darkly
Corinthians 13:12 KJV For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
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Comment #24 posted by The GCW on September 03, 2007 at 21:52:30 PT
Hearts 
Hearts of Tour de France cyclists bigger than normalTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
September 3, 2007VIENNA, Austria - Riding the grueling Tour de France bike race takes strength, stamina - and perhaps a heart nearly 40 percent bigger than normal.CONT.Bove said that in athletes with bigger hearts, doping could prove potentially more dangerous than for normal people.Athletes with bigger hearts have more red blood cells, which deliver oxygen around the body. These cells are thicker than normal cells. So if athletes decide to use an illegal agent like the blood-booster EPO, they run the risk of making their blood too thick. That puts them in danger of a clot, stroke, or heart attack."These athletes already have hearts that have increased in volume to adapt to their training workload," Bove said. "If they then go and use drugs, that could potentially erase the natural advantage they already have."http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20070903/SPORTS/109030067
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Comment #23 posted by Taylor121 on September 03, 2007 at 21:28:22 PT
Support NORML, SAFER, MPP
Just a friendly reminder to everyone that if you aren't contributing money to organizations like the MPP, NORML, and SAFER, you should be if you want to see these laws change. Many of you are worried about having your money go into lobbying, so I suggest donating to the education funds which are tax deductible. That way you know your money is going towards non lobbying related activity.http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3443
http://tinyurl.com/3a83bb
http://www.saferchoice.org/content/view/14/29/
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Comment #22 posted by afterburner on September 03, 2007 at 21:26:02 PT
A Scanner Darkly
Speaking of therapists with a conflict of interest, supporting Prohibition, I recommend A Scanner Darkly.I saw A Scanner Darkly on DVD yesterday again. I previously had seen the movie with my daughter in the theatre. In case you haven't seen it yet, it is based on a novel by Philip K. Dick. One revealed truth in the story is about therapists growing an addictive drug, for which they then get paid to help people to kick the habit.A Scanner Darkly (2006)[FILM]. "A Scanner Darkly on IMDb: Movies, TV, Celebs, and more..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Scanner_Darkly_(film)A Scanner Darkly - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[BOOK]. "A Scanner Darkly is a 1977 science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick. The semi-autobiographical story was set in a dystopian Orange County, California" 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Scanner_Darkly
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Comment #21 posted by whig on September 03, 2007 at 21:24:20 PT
Denver convention
I think that cannabis won't be permitted in public during the convention, there will be state police and federal officers all over the place.Of course I hope I'm wrong.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on September 03, 2007 at 19:34:31 PT
BGreen
I don't want people lobbying for anything I'm interested in because I don't think my ideas would be represented. I find it's better to do something yourself or forget about it. I don't want someone speaking for me is what I'm trying to say.
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Comment #19 posted by BGreen on September 03, 2007 at 18:57:31 PT
Sickening Hypocrisy from Judy Montero
"At that point I ... said, 'What kind of game is this where an organization thinks they can negotiate with the will of the voters?' " council member Judy Montero said. "I was appalled."I'm appalled at the game organizations play when they hire former lawmakers to "lobby" for them, trying to subvert the will of the voters through private negotiations using who knows what kind of cash and other favors.Judy Montero knows her whole life revolves around this very game she disingenuously finds appalling concerning cannabis.Judy Montero is a hypocrite, just like the beer purveying mayor of Denver, and just like so many other politicians and law enforcement that care more about job security and wealth for themselves at the expense of truth and justice.No, FoM, lobbyists are the antithesis of democracy, and they completely destroy the representation we're guaranteed as voters and citizens of the United States.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #18 posted by Hope on September 03, 2007 at 17:41:50 PT
It is ironic. Isn't it, Mayan?
Comment 15
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on September 03, 2007 at 17:40:59 PT
BGreen
I have a very strong dislike for Lobbyists in general. It reminds me of how the Mafia works. We need a favor type thing. You owe us now. Gotcha kind of politics. Dirty pool or whatever anyone would call it.
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Comment #16 posted by BGreen on September 03, 2007 at 17:27:07 PT
Oh, yeah?
"At that point I ... said, 'What kind of game is this where an organization thinks they can negotiate with the will of the voters?' " council member Judy Montero said. "I was appalled."Well, Judy Montero, your husband, a former state representative, is a PRINCIPAL LOBBYIST FOR CAPITAL SUCCESS!Now, who might the husband of Judy H. Montero get paid to lobby for:Nolbert D. Chavez is a Principal with Capitol Success Group, a government affairs and lobbying firm based in Denver, Colorado. Nolbert has a variety of clients, they include Denver Options; the Mental Health Center of Denver; Valley-Wide Community Health Systems; and the Colorado Association of Alcohol & Drug Service Providers; Adams State College; Ameristar Casinos; Colorado West Regional Mental Health Center; and Peer Assistance Services.http://www.capitolsuccess.com/principals.htmlJudy H. Montero needs to be called out for this glaring conflict of interest, refusing to confront the wealthy beer peddling mayor of Denver (alcohol being the most abuse drug in this country,) while lying to continue the cash cow of "drug treatment" for cannabis, something her husband gets greatly rewarded financially for perpetuating.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #15 posted by mayan on September 03, 2007 at 16:55:48 PT
Mega-Barf
"At that point I ... said, 'What kind of game is this where an organization thinks they can negotiate with the will of the voters?' " council member Judy Montero said. "I was appalled."The glaring irony of that statement will not be lost on Denver's disenfranchised voters. I imagine Judy Montero is not very popular right now.THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...LIVE VOTE! Do you believe any of the conspiracy theories suggesting the U.S. government was somehow involved in 9/11? 66% say yes!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/147277209/11 Truth: MIT Engineer Jeff King Says WTC Demolished (video):
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/september2007/030907King.htmOn September 11, 2007, 911Truth.org Supports US Rediscovery of the General Strike:
http://www.prweb.com//releases/2007/9/prweb550757.htmHITTING THE STREETS: 
http://www.surfingtheapocalypse.net/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=187388Four Signatories of the Kennebunkport Warning say the Document was "altered" after they Signe:
http://911blogger.com/node/109979/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL:
http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on September 03, 2007 at 16:34:58 PT
Richard
You're very welcome. I got to see the concert two times last summer and Chicago always sent a chill up my spine. 
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Comment #13 posted by Richard Zuckerman on September 03, 2007 at 16:08:37 PT:
FOM: YOUR CROSBY, STILLS, NASH, YOUNG CLIP WORKS!
It sounded fine, FOM! Thanks!
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on September 03, 2007 at 16:01:01 PT
CSNY: Chicago
This is a song recorded live last summer in Toronto at the Freedom of Speech Tour. It immortalized the Democratic National Convention in 1968. History might repeat itself. I hope the link works.http://www.4waysite.com/download/mp3/csny2006/31%204waysite.com%20Chicago.mp3
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Comment #11 posted by Richard Zuckerman on September 03, 2007 at 15:45:02 PT:
"KORN EVOLUTION" VIDEO
Please watch the "Korn Evolution" video for the most amusing educational video of our time?
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on September 03, 2007 at 15:19:57 PT
Threatening....
Of course they would call it "Warning".
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Comment #9 posted by Hope on September 03, 2007 at 15:19:28 PT
Threats...
can be very thinly veiled...or not so thinly veiled.There is even the passive/aggressive threat, historically, a "Tool", not overlooked by representatives of those organizations, of which I spoke in my last comment on this thread. Some of the organizations come from within government and some, presumably, without, such as social organizations that benefit from anti-drug government grants. Yes, they very well could be threatening the council members.
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on September 03, 2007 at 15:13:36 PT
OverwhelmSam
You're right! I hadn't thought about that possibility in this case. They are quite likely being pressured by representatives of organizations within, and sponsored by, government, that depend a great deal on the illegality of cannabis.
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Comment #7 posted by OverwhelmSam on September 03, 2007 at 15:05:28 PT
It's Not The Denver Council
State, County and Municipal government councils like Denver's are the direct target of high ranking DEA agents who make policical promises and threats if the vote doesn't go the federal government's way. This is the worst kind of coercion against the will of the people. Even huge journalists and news organizations as well as huge corporations like Microsoft and Capitol One are contacted regularly and forced to toe the line on marijuana policy or else.
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Comment #6 posted by afterburner on September 03, 2007 at 10:36:28 PT
Cost-Benefit Analysis
CN BC: PUB LTE: Marijuana Prohibition Expensive Waste of Energy, Nanaimo News Bulletin, (30 Aug 2007) http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v07/n1019/a05.html?176Re: Editorial: Police blowing smoke with PR effort, Aug. 25. Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n993/a08.html
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Comment #5 posted by mykeyb420 on September 03, 2007 at 10:07:14 PT
bull 
council President Michael Hancock said. "There's no way I would vote yes on this, and I'll do everything I can to let the public know."if he ran for any office in San Francisco,,there is no way anyone would vote for him,,,not even for dog catcher
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Comment #4 posted by afterburner on September 03, 2007 at 10:06:28 PT
Are You Kidding?
"At that point I ... said, 'What kind of game is this where an organization thinks they can negotiate with the will of the voters?' " council member Judy Montero said. "I was appalled." Does the city council respect the will of the voters, who passed a city initiative to remove criminal sanctions against Denver cannabis aficionados? Does the Denver city council instruct the Denver police to enforce the city ordinance, or do they allow the Denver city police to enforce the Colorado state law? I continue to be appalled!
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Comment #3 posted by NikoKun on September 03, 2007 at 09:27:27 PT
lol Wayne
Boy I hope these idiots are voted out next time around... Clearly they don't represent Denver's public very well. I just hope Denver's population is smart enough to vote out bad reps, since they oppose things the public wants.And with this very public issue, I'm sure people will begin to see, what horrible representatives they voted for.The future does not look good for them. XD
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Comment #2 posted by Wayne on September 03, 2007 at 08:52:21 PT
'shenanigans' is a funny word, don't you think?
"'What kind of game is this where an organization thinks they can negotiate with the will of the voters?' council member Judy Montero said."Indeed, madame, what kind of game is it? Why, it's called politics. If you don't like it, too bad...hey, that's politics for ya. Your kind have been playing that game forever, but it tastes rather bitter when it's shoved down your own throat, doesn't it?"A shenanigan is a deceitful confidence trick, or mischief causing discomfort or annoyance. The term is usually used in the plural, shenanigans. However, in some regions, shenanigans can merely refer to harmless mischievous play, especially by children. The origin of the word is unknown but possibly originates from the Irish 'sionnachuighim', meaning 'I play the fox.'"Harmless mischievous play by children, indeed, until someone gets killed, or hurt, or thrown in jail...at which point is ceases being a game. Write that down.
Shenanigans (Wikipedia)
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Comment #1 posted by RevRayGreen on September 03, 2007 at 07:16:48 PT

"there were some real shenanigans"
council President Michael Hancock said. "There's no way I would vote yes on this, and I'll do everything I can to let the public know." ^^^^^^^and so will we.

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