Wow, he is so right! We have plenty of cancer drugs, we don't need another! And why develop oral diabetes meds, after all we have injectable insulin!
What a moron.

70% in favor of medical marijuana!?!

Guess what politicians! The war is lost! In cases where your side has been dessimated, it is usually best to concede defeat and move on. Sitting in your pillboxes and continuing to shoot ensures your rapid political death.

In exactly the same way, the federal government's intractable and cruel stance on medical marijuana reveals to everyone the truth that its "drug-free" crusade is one of bigotry and national self-destruction.

McCarthy rapidly grew more strident and absurd and took to carrying a 45 revolver, presumably to protect himself from subversives. After his formal censure by the Senate in 1954 by a vote of 67-32 he took to heavy drinking and died of cirrohis in 1957.

Consider that the numbers would be very different if the question was, "Do you think that people should be imprisoned for smoking marijuana?" or better yet, "Do you believe that all marijuana smokers deserve prison sentences?" If these questions were asked, we would see a very different outcome, indeed.

I believe that most Americans are genuinely in favor of at least decriminalizing certain drugs, but their voices are not heard because the pollsters are asking the wrong questions. Granted, decriminalization does not go far enough, but it is a step in the right direction.

The bare facts are these: we tried legalization once . . . for thousands of years before the 1914 Harrison Act. At that time, it worked to allow people to make their own decisions about the substances they should or should not put into their bodies. Most "drug addiction" at the turn of the century was caused by lack of information about correct usage, not from an abundant availability of these drugs. Still, there were fewer drug addicts per capita then than there are now, after over 80 years of ever-increasing opporession.

If legalization could work better even without our modern understanding of proper use, think how much better it could work if we implemented legalization now, combined with an information campaign telling the truth about proper dosages and safety precautions, and with the added benefit of a regulated market where we would not have the wide fluctuations in quality that have led to so many overdose deaths under prohibition and the black market.

Fortunately, we have increasingly achieved a voice with which to air such ideas, which is why the tide is turning. And quickly. We've gained 3 percentage points in just one year, after a slow creep up of six points over a longer period of time.

But these statistics, in the scheme of things, really don't matter much. As was already duly noted, over 70% of Americans believe that marijuana should be legal for medical purposes, yet the politicians--who (as was also duly noted) work not for the people, but for the corporations--refuse to budge on even that issue, which is firmly settled in the minds of the vast majority of Americans, even at the height of the government's anti-medical-marijuana propaganda.

In the end, perhaps our votes are the loudest voices we have.

Dan B

You know how the right wing conservatives apply their litmus test on the prolife issue? I can assure our elected officials that I will be applying a litmus test to them in every election until marijuana is legalized. I see it as a freedom issue because itis a freedom issue. I want my freedoms restored to me and I want to see some pragmatism instead of dogmatism.

"Sending a message" is their favorite excuse to destroy pot smokers and others ...

[...]e defended Dugger, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Wade Beach prosecuted the case. "We want to send a message to drug dealers that we are not going to tolerate it in Lonoke County," McCastlain said. ( US AR: Meth Charge Leads To 60-Year Sentence, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Thu, 01 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n367/a06.html )

[...]ent will not tolerate people who make a living out of the drug trade. "These proposed measures send a very strong message to the Mr Bigs in drug trafficking that their life times liberty is seriously at risk if they [...] ( Australia: Web: Victorian Govt Propose Life, , Thu, 01 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n369/a10.html )

[...]ying, that it's normal for us all to be drunk," James, a 16-year-old junior, said. "We hope to send a message to people that most teens don't use drugs," 17-year-old junior Ashley said. The students said [...] ( US OH: 'We Don't Use Drugs,' Teens Shout On, Chris Seper, Plain Dealer Reporter, Thu, 01 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n366/a10.html )

[...]s harmful, even addictive. They worry that legalizing marijuana, even for medical purposes, is sending a mixed message to teen-agers. They call on parents once again to rise up in defense of their children, just l[...] ( US TX: Joint Effort, Mark Donald, Wed, 21 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n495/a07.html )

[...] is clearly identified with the counterculture" ( not exactly untrue ) and that legalizing it "sends the wrong message" about marijuana. The FRC also opposes medical marijuana. ( US: What's Your Anti-Drug, Steven Wishnia, Mon, 16 Apr 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n517/a02.html )

[...]his resolution," Hammett said. "Their success has been greater than we ever imagined. They are sending a message to people using and dealing illegal drugs that Covington County is not a place for them to be.[...] ( US AL: State Commends Drug Task Force, Michael Willard, Sat, 24 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n517/a07.html )

[...]ated he supports the bill. Many supporters outside the Statehouse think tougher standards will send the right message to methamphetamine users and manufacturers. "When they start seeing people going down, they'll[...] ( US IN: Lawmakers Take On The Meth Labs, Jennifer Wagner, Sun, 25 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n523/a06.html )

[...]e a hard line on drugs is appropriate, or do not wish to be seen as soft on crime. "I think it sends out a very negative message to the public at large," said Connecticut state Rep. Ronald San Angelo, a Republican who oppos[...] ( US CT: Census: War On Drugs Hit Blacks, Diane Scarponi, The Associated Press, Sat, 7 Jul 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1212/a05.html )

[...] the UI to develop a strain of hemp with zero THC, but Ryan said signing the bill would still "send a mixed message to the youth of our state." Antidrug advocates were overjoyed by the news. "We are thrilled," exclaimed Judy Kreamer of Educating Voices, a group that had lobbied hard against the bill. "Industrial hemp poses law enforcement problems, and it sends the wrong message to kids, and it really holds out a false hope to farmers." . . . ( US IL: Ryan Vetoes Ui Bill To Study Industrial Hemp, Kate Clements, Sat, 04 Aug 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1432/a07.html )

[...]ny drug- dealing conviction. Prosecutor George Leal said he was pleased with the sentence. "It sends a message if you're dealing or distributing drugs, citizens of the county are tired of that, and they wi[...] ( US TX: Jury Sentences Slaton Woman To Life In Prison, Jesus Arenas, Sat, 11 Aug 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1476/a05.html )

[...]nst drug abuse. "The reality is if you get the message out early to young people ... they will send that message to their friends, to people they don't even know, and we will be able to see a change in patte[...] ( US IN: Governor Names Anti-Drug Czar, , Thu, 08 Feb 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n270/a09.html )

[...] as a mislabeled drug. His prosecution in U.S. District Court in Roanoke, Va., was intended to send a message to other sellers that abuse of the gas is both dangerous and a crime. The gas, commonly used w[...] ( US AZ: Laughing Gas Death Leads to Prison, Jon Kamman, Tue, 06 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n406/a04.html )

[...]pers or seen on the news. What was the one thing that they had in common? Drugs and drug users. ( US NM: LTE: Don't Send Wrong Message To Kids About, Rick M. Anglada Vice President N.M. State Police Association, Sat, 10 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n425/a02.html )

[...]tate seeking alternatives that actually persuade drug users to quit, it cannot afford to begin sending a message that drug abuse is anything less than a crime that menaces society. Illegal drugs cause harm. Even the drug users who are not themselves violent are implicitly connected with the violence and harm that accompanies the drug from its manufacture to the moment it reaches their hands. This harm ranges from the poverty that spreads through Third World countries, where cartels force farmland to be used for drug-related crops rather than food, to the violent gang culture that invades many U.S. cities. In addition, the drugs cause irreparable harm to their users, and these often are young people enticed with lies. To decriminalize such a scourge would be an outrage. The same could be said for anything that sends a message to potential users that the crime carries no real punishment. ( US UT: Editorial: Ridding Society Of Drug Abuse, , Mon, 09 Apr 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n629/a04.html )

[...]n local anti-crime effort, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership and send a message to criminals that neighbors are fighting back. . . . ( US NC: Law Enforcement Officials Preparing For National Night, Jillian McCartney, Sat, 4 Aug 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1431/a12.html )

[...]ecutor Capt. Michael Friemann asked the judge to sentence Pouncey to five years in prison, to "send a message" to the cadets and the regular Air Force. "It needs to be strong enough so they'll think twice[...] ( US CO: Cadet Sentenced For Drug Use, Dick Foster, Wed, 31 Jan 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n184/a10.html )

[...]message for our children is quite simple: If we allow our President and national leadership to send a permissive drug message, drug use goes up drastically. ( US AK: OPED: Drugs Attack Society's Moral Fiber, Wevley Shea, Wed, 16 May 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n878/a07.html )

The decision sends the message that the nation's highest court is not going to be misled by junk-science. There is no credibl[...] ( US GA: Editorial: Pot Deservedly KO'd, , Thu, 17 May 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n885/a07.html )

Even worse, it would send a strong message to our young people that they can find refuge from their problems and reality through artifici[...] ( US NY: Editorial: Casualties Of The Drug War, , Sat, 17 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n468/a07.html )

[...]juana, and she can see through the disinformation campaign used to support that position. That sends her the wrong message. ( US CA: PUB LTE: Unjust Drug Laws Send Wrong Message To Kids, Malcolm Menged, Thu, 17 May 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n879/a06.html )

[...]rmacy student, should have known the dangers of OxyContin. She wanted the youths prosecuted to send a message to drug dealers. The young men are not the first to be prosecuted. Last year, a Florida doctor[...] ( US FL: FL Takes Drugs Prosecutions FurtherManslaughter If User, Vickie Chachere (Associated Press), Mon, 04 Jun 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1038/a09.html )

[...]abuse issues." Parmenter said the group will try to persuade Ryan that signing the bill "would send the wrong message to children" about drugs. The group also will seek to block funding for the study. ( US IL: Illinois Bill To Set Up Study Of Hemp, Kevin McDermott, Post-Dispatch Springfield Bureau, Wed, 10 Jan 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n054/a05.html )

[...]ously misguided notion about drug use. Needle-exchange programs "are simply wrong because they send a mixed message to our youth about the dangers of drugs," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn. "Neith[...] ( US CA: Needle-Exchange Plan Hits Wall In San Diego, Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times, Wed, 31 Jan 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n184/a05.html )

[...]ry forces and police officers ever turned their backs on this country and gave up on any fight. ( US NM: LTE: Don't Send Wrong Message To Kids About, Rick M. Anglada Vice President N.M. State Police Association, Sat, 10 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n425/a02.html )

[...] Prichard, Minnesota Family Council president, told the subcommittee legal marijuana use would send the wrong message to children and that it is associated with several health risks, including cancer. Prichard al[...] ( US MN: New Minn. Bill To Allocate $100,000 For Medicinal, Scott Vander Heiden, Thu, 05 Apr 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n610/a06.html )

[...] Nebraska on Hemp's Side" ), State Sen. Ed Schrock stated that Legislative Bill 273 "is mainly sending a message to the DEA ( Drug Enforcement Administration )." Actually, this bill to legalize the growing of marijuana hemp in Nebraska is sending an even louder message to our children. LB 273 is telling Nebraska's young people that marijuana is OK. The marijuana[...] ( US NE: LTE: Hemp Bill Is Wrong, Susie Dugan, Omaha Executive Director,, Wed, 18 Apr 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n680/a07.html )

[...]on or one ounce or less of marijuana from a felony to a misdemeanor. "I'm concerned that we're sending the wrong message," she said. "We're telling them it's OK to have a little bit because it's not a big deal." ( US NV: Nevada Lawmakers Hear Case for Medical, , Mon, 07 May 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n812/a11.html )

[...]ittee on Moral Concerns, said the reclassification "leads young people down the wrong road" by sending a relaxed message about marijuana. ( US CA: Bill Lessens Penalty for Smoking Marijuana, Kevin Yamamura, Scripps-McClatchy Western Service, Tue, 08 May 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n819/a07.html )

[...]gn trail in Atlanta, the pledge was crystal clear. "If I'm entrusted with the Presidency, I'll send a strong message to every American child: Drugs are wrong, drugs can kill you. I'll lead a national crusade to [...] ( US: Editorial: Still Walters, , Mon, 14 May 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n856/a04.html )

[...]a's focus is consistently on the point of view of the opposition. For teens and pre-teens this sends the message that marijuana use may be OK and that the government is being unreasonable. For nearly 20 year[...] ( US FL: LTE: Mixed Messages Encourage Drug Abuse, Peggy B. Sapp, Fri, 06 Jul 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1211/a01.html )

[...]e conference: "Miami reminds those who claim to reduce harm while promoting drug use that they send complex, confusing, and erroneous message [sic]." Beneath an ominous "Welcome to Miami, we'll be watching out for you" was an anti-rave [...] ( US FL: Raver Madness, Brett Sokol, Sat, 9 Nov 2000, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1692/a10.html )

[...]tion or liberalizing drug laws would increase both drug acceptance and accessibility. It would send the wrong message to young people. Alcohol and tobacco both provide examples of substances that are legal and re[...] ( CN BC: LTE: Legalizing Drugs Isn't The Answer, Dr. Colin Mangham, Thu, 01 Feb 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n224/a07.html )

[...]y, Martinez said he opposes Johnson's proposals because: - - Marijuana decriminalization would send a negative message to children and the rest of the nation regarding the use of drugs; - Decriminalization would[...] ( US NM: Drug Bills Opposed By DAs, Jeremy Pawloskim, Journal Staff Writer, Thu, 15 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n462/a04.html )

[...] for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that suggesting legalizing drugs "sends the wrong message to our children." "While some of the gang violence may be mitigated, the bad consequences of d[...] ( Mexico: Wire: Fox Talks Drug Legalization, John Rice, Associated Press Writer, Mon, 19 Mar 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n484/a03.html )

[...]ing this is a bad experience I had when I was 15, and I'm not going to do it again, or if they send a bad message that it didn't bother me, in fact, you know, I thought it was cool to do, as Bill Clinton did in college, I think that that adds credibility to the argument that we ought to change drug policy, and that's a bad message for our kids. ( US: Transcript: CNN CrossFire: Should Marijuana Be, , Fri, 20 Apr 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n716/a07.html )

[...] 52,000 lives in drug-related deaths and $160.7-billion in societal costs. We must continue to send clear and consistent messages about the dangers of drug use and empower parents to keep their children drug-free. The Ameri[...] ( US FL: LTE: Keep the Message Clear, Consistent, Edward H Jurith, Mon, 13 Aug 2001, http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1494/a09.html )

That one got me too ... it isn't like every time they spend more money to take away more traditional freedoms, to throw more adults in jail as pushers under 'conspiracy' laws for simply using a plant ... it isn't like they are mumbling something about "the message" they are sending out by doing so. Oh no.

The Prince was reported to have been under the influence of cocaine, and unhappy with his family’s opposition to his choice of brides. Whatever the truth of that bizarre story may be, I am grateful to Mr. Pietri for giving us this insight into the mess in that unhappy little kingdom.