Cannabis News The November Coalition
  It's Wrong To Make Drug War a Religion
Posted by CN Staff on December 10, 2006 at 20:30:41 PT
By William A. Collins 
Source: Greenwich Time  

justice Connecticut -- Cliff Thornton, the recent Green Party candidate for governor, is a man of commendable substance and character. One of his seminal comments during the campaign was, "We've got to understand that the drug war is meant to be waged, not won."

Others have said much the same about the war on terror, and all are right, but the election showed that the public might at least have caught the drift about terrorism. Not so about drugs. Voters still seem ready to punish politicians who seem to be "soft." This faulty faith in an incarceration ideology, promoted especially by the prison-industrial complex, is painfully damaging to society.

Take Hartford. New research has found that one child in six there has a parent in jail. Very few of these got sentenced for stock fraud or embezzlement. White-collar criminals are from the suburbs, and mostly they just get fines and probation. The heavy sentences are reserved for drugs and related crimes. Indeed, there exists a kind of puritanical belief that those of us who maintain freedom from such substances will vouchsafe a place for ourselves in heaven, as long as we persecute those who have fallen.

Fortunately, our own purity is not considered smirched by occasional recourse to alcohol. This distinction between the two substances was clarified during the great temperance reformation in the 1930s. That's when Prohibition was finally repealed.

But while the glass of wine and the martini have long been welcomed back into the Kingdom of Heaven, not so the joint. Not even if you're deathly ill and cannabis is the only pharmaceutical that can bring relief. It carries the stigma of Subsequent Sin. Even baptism by incarceration cannot fully erase its stain.

The cost to society of this anti-drug religion has been enormous. And not just to hopeless junkies either. It's racial too. Drug laws purposely are drawn to punish blacks and Latinos with especial harshness. Not coincidentally, we also tie in restrictions on their right to vote. In some states, there is a lifetime prohibition.

But for the rich, the rules are somewhat milder. The New York Times reports that in Manhattan that polite and well-groomed dealers will now deliver pleasantly packaged, high-quality marijuana to your door. No more murky street corners with lurking cops and bullets.

In Europe, this Reformation is much further along. Very few people over there go to jail for drugs these days. Users of pot are ignored, and addicts of the harder stuff are offered treatment. In some places, hopeless heroin victims even are given controlled amounts of it, often stabilizing them and sometimes straightening them out.

In this country, we're much more ideological. We deny pot to the desperately ill for fear it will "send the wrong message." We send mercenaries onto Afghan farms to tear out poppies, thereby fomenting a resurgence of the Taliban. We jail harmless drug users, isolating them from education, employment, family and treatment, thus driving more and more citizens onto welfare and into crime.

Yes, there have been improvements. While our state still over-punishes for cocaine possession, at least it's now equal for blacks and whites.

Penalties used to differ greatly for possession of crack cocaine (cheaper to buy) and the powder (expensive). Eleven states - not us - also allow medical marijuana use, though the feds are thrilled to jump in and arrest sufferers anyway. And California widely offers treatment instead of jail. Still, the drug war nationally continues to fuel crime syndicates, destroy families, and breed corruption here and in Mexico. That's a heavy price to pay for a false religion.

Syndicated columnist William A. Collins is a former state representative and a former mayor of Norwalk.

The piece was distributed by http://www.minutemanmedia.org/

Source: Greenwich Time (CT)
Author: William A. Collins
Published: December 10, 2006
Copyright: 2006, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.
Contact: mike.sweeney@scni.com
Website: http://www.greenwichtime.com/

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Comment #23 posted by FoM on December 11, 2006 at 13:12:07 PT
Hi Paul
You are so much more outspoken then I am. I hope all is well.

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Comment #22 posted by paulpeterson on December 11, 2006 at 12:07:56 PT
Violation of my Freedom of Religion
Good to see an article talking about the "Religion of the Drug War". You see, now that the Presbyterian Church USA has joined the medical marijuana fight (on the right side, quoting Jesus, about a matter of mercy)-6/30/06 or so, I went to a Presbyterian summer camp they called "synod school" at a Presbyterian college here in Storm Lake, Iowa.

I spoke up at a meeting to discuss the bold steps the church has and will take for medical marijuana issues-because I spoke with people about medical marijuana, the next day I was told TO LEAVE THE UNIVERSITY PROPERTY AND NEVER COME BACK. Wow, talking about a Presbyterian issue, at a Presbyterian conference, with Presbyterians, at a church affiliated institution of higher learning, in fact, I was barred because I was talking about mercy.

I complied, and stated in writing that I would comply, because I did not want to be fractious or divisive. Well, last Sunday, the local "Unitarians" were having their church service at the same university-they were talking about a favorite subject-the subject of whether the virgin mother was actually a virgin bride and mother at all.

I just had to go there to hear the talk and to speak up, in fact. Wonderful time, good people, good discussion. I did an editorial about it-entitled "Unitarians commit heresy, again". I gave a copy to the college's attorney I have gotten to know really well.

I delivered a copy to my counterparts at the local police station. The newspaper printed the editorial in Saturday's paper. Today, in fact, my friend, the new county attorney that I helped to get elected a few weeks ago (an independent beat the long-time Republican after police came out in droves to cajole the locals to put yard signs out for the bad guy-that was his death-knell), just told me that Unitarians are being interviewed for witnesses that I went onto college property-I will be arrested for trespassing or something, I understand!

Imagine, being arrested in the US of A for attending a church service where the newspaper noted that the "public is invited". Blatant violation of my Freedoms of Religion, Assembly, Speech & of course, Freedom of Press (because I did an editorial about the event).

And all because I spoke up in the first place at that college about a Presbyterian issue at a Presbyterian conference. Amazing just what these people will stoop to do merely to retaliate against me for my outspoken free speech activities. They are, of course, just itching to have a federal suit thrown at them for constitutional violations. And right when I am in contact with the carrier for the city of Storm Lake for their police perjuries-Two cops lied under oath at my trial 8/23 where the out of town judge threw out "interference with official acts" charge as soon as the now lame duck county attorney was through with his police lies.

If anybody wants a copy of my editorial, or if you people want me to post it here, let me know here, or via email to omegabeef@gmail.com. (So far the local paper has printed some 45 editorials, many about marijuana issues). Over and out, PAUL PETERSON

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #21 posted by whig on December 11, 2006 at 09:55:59 PT
Hope
The new light dawns first in the west, it appears.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #20 posted by Truth on December 11, 2006 at 09:46:50 PT
thanks
for the insight.



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Comment #19 posted by FoM on December 11, 2006 at 09:44:57 PT
Hope and Truth
Hope I do too. I feel sorry for him because I know how he will be treated if he runs by the right.

Truth, I don't like Mrs. Clinton either but I really like Obama.



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Comment #18 posted by nuevo mexican on December 11, 2006 at 09:36:17 PT
Jerry was one day off!
Jerry Garcia was born with the Moon in Aries, if he was born on the 2nd, he would've had a Taurus Moon too!

What is great about Jerrys' chart, is that he was born with a Jupiter/Venus conjunction, in Cancer, one of the best aspects one can be born with, a sign of excellent Karma, where love, music and optimism meet!

I'd still vote for Jerry for President though, if he were around!



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Comment #17 posted by Truth on December 11, 2006 at 09:36:00 PT
Obama
One thing that Obama has over Hilary is that a whole lot less people dislike him.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #16 posted by Hope on December 11, 2006 at 09:33:20 PT
FoM comment 11
I have a subtle excitement and a lot of hope growing about Obama.



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Comment #15 posted by Hope on December 11, 2006 at 09:29:21 PT
Hard, soft, limber, rubbery on crime....
Yuck.

Politicians. Leaders. Lawmakers. Law Enforcement. Policy makers. Speech Writers. Media of every form. Columnists. Reporters. Editors. Lawyers. Doctors. Indian Chiefs. Quit the *&^^%$% around and do the right thing. End the war on cannabis and hemp. End the war on people who desire or need to use cannabis or drugs.

Do the right thing.

When I see that happen...I'll know a new light is dawning on this land.

This article has a glimmer of daylight to it.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #14 posted by Truth on December 11, 2006 at 09:25:21 PT
nuevo mexican
"First, guess who has a similar horoscope to Bill Clinton? Yep! Obama! He is a Leo with a Taurus Moon (Mick Jagger, AND Monica Lewinsky too!)"

Would Jerry Garcia be part of this list with an August 1st birthday?



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Comment #13 posted by Hope on December 11, 2006 at 09:20:11 PT
William A. Collins
Thank you, Sir.

For being willing to stand up and tell the truth.

Thank you so much.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #12 posted by Hope on December 11, 2006 at 09:18:11 PT
Potpal comment comment 5
"If drug war is a religion, then it surely is a crusade."

Indeed, it has been.

It's ok to mistreat people in a crusade.

Crusade is a dirty word to me.

(FoM, E-mail still out of socket and blinky.)

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by FoM on December 11, 2006 at 09:03:50 PT
nuevo mexican
I sometimes feel like no one thinks like me. Senator Obama has such a fresh outlook on politics that he gives me hope that maybe we can be redeemed in the eyes of the world if he gets elected. I am so sick of our country being run by angry people. I want a little common sense to happen and that is very important to me. I believe that if we move out of the rut we have been in forever it seems we might get at least medical marijuana allowed and that could be for many states not just the few. I believe cannabis should be legal but I have always been capable mentally of taking little steps.

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Comment #10 posted by nuevo mexican on December 11, 2006 at 08:48:43 PT
Obama vs. Hillary! Obama wins!
Okay, here I go!

First, guess who has a similar horoscope to Bill Clinton? Yep! Obama! He is a Leo with a Taurus Moon (Mick Jagger, AND Monica Lewinsky too!)

Notice how blatantly supportive of Hillary the formerly MSM is, (no longer viable, the internet has destroyed the corporate media with this last election).

The ropugs know Hillary is BEATABLE, as she is divisive, flip-flopped from progressive to total bush supporter, and is most definitely 'reptilian'.

Obama has been against the occupation in Iraq, and this will make him President, as Hillary thought kissing bushes ass on Iraq would make her 'presidential', and 'pro-America, NOT!

The Clinton's represent the bush agenda well within the Democratic Party, the DLCers, (Bill sure is quiet), and Obama in not a white man of entitlement, as is Bill, a white male, who some mistake for a black man, since he is NOT a racist, though his NAFTA shaft job to the poor worldwide could be construed as such!

Regardless of being raised 'poor', somehow he was a Rhodes Scholar, and seems to have embraced the ways of the rich and powerful, NAFTA being his worst achievement, impoverishing millions worldwide, (but with little discussion of his role in its' passing).

Anyway, Pinochet is dead, put in office by a U.S. backed coup on 9/11/73, if you still don't believe bush/cheney and the Neo-cons, 'pulled it' off, and here we are, still living in a country whose leaders would sacrifice 3000 lives, and 600,000 to 800,000 Iraqis too!

So what is the big deal, bush will kill as many as it takes to hold power, though I see it being a done deal after December 19, the Sag New Moon with 6 planets in Sag, the sign of 'truth', and passing so close to the Galactic Center, the Heart Chakra of the Universe, that what we are seeing unfold at this time, where the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, will become the screensaver for humanities personal computer!

Now for a glimpse into the state of the world!

CHILE: PINOCHET DEATH DRAWS MASSIVE CROWDS TO STREETS http://www.tcgnews.com/santiagotimes/index.php?nav=story&story_id=12458&topic_id=15

Filmmaker's death in Mexico puts focus on region The death of an American filmmaker during recent protests in Oaxaca remains unsolved, and the case may be a test of authority for new Mexican President Felipe Calderón. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/16211533.htm

Thousands March in Oaxaca, Demand Release of Protesters http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-12-11-voa21.cfm

Princess Diana was being 'tracked' by the U.S., and she was upsetting the Land Mine Industrial Complex with her exposure of the situation, and thus, had to be taken out! Simple, don't go against the War Machine!

Assasination squads are the norm, this is how business is 'taken care of'.

Diana bugged by US http://people.monstersandcritics.com/royalwatch/news/article_1232013.php/Diana_bugged_by_US

Beirut protests reach new height

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators poured into the centre of Beirut yesterday as 10 days of protest for a national unity government in the country threatened to come to a head.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/syria/story/0,,1969171,00.html

The Lebanese People are done with bush, Iraq, Israel, being made to pay for the mess in the middle east, that our government has helped create, (if things were bad to begin with, we've made things a thousand times worse)!

This is all just the tip of the next Iceberg, the Iceberg the bushes Titanic has hit, and is sinking fast, along with the truth of his idiocy causing worldwide suffering is known to all!

Now, if the People of the United States continue to wake up, and decide they are done with the whole enchilada, which they are, the immediate future promises awesome changes for the better, with the NeoCon philosophy put in their graves!

Re-elected Chavez to take on big oil in Venezuela CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec 6 (Reuters) - After trouncing Venezuela's opposition in Sunday's presidential vote, re-elected leftist Hugo Chavez is preparing for a bigger battle in 2007 -- the fight with oil majors for control of the OPEC nation's crude fields. http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-12-08T172525Z_01_N06283868_RTRIDST_0_VENEZUELA-ELECTION-OIL.XML&rpc=66&type=qcna

And that the Good News for today!



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by OverwhelmSam on December 11, 2006 at 07:37:48 PT
mayan
It seems to me that several "hard on drugs" representatives were just sent packing in the last election. If anything else, the opposite of the "soft on drugs" mantra is true.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #8 posted by mayan on December 11, 2006 at 07:20:18 PT
"Soft"
Voters still seem ready to punish politicians who seem to be "soft."

I really beg to differ. Is there any evidence to back up that statement? Just who has been punished? As long as that false perception is continually,mindlessly regurgitated as fact then the media and politicians will fail to work for us and they will continue to have an excuse to work against us. The mainstream media may still parrot that "soft on drugs" crap, but being SMART on drugs is what will win votes.

Miscellaneous...

Christmas terror attack 'highly likely': http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/12/10/ureid110.xml

Impeachment rallies held coast to coast: http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Impeachment_rallies_held_coast_to_coast_1210.html

The Boston Tea Party for 9/11 Truth going viral: http://911blogger.com/node/4959

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #7 posted by FoM on December 11, 2006 at 06:50:39 PT
global_warming
I wanted to read your link about Senator Obama but it didn't work so I went and found it so others can see. I am hopeful that we might actually have someone who hasn't been all mixed up in politics all his life to run for President. Thanks. Make sure you say a little pray that he stays safe and decides to run in 08.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/10/AR2006121000167.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by MikeEEEEE on December 11, 2006 at 06:00:55 PT
drug war is born, part II
potpal is right,

After a while they realized they could profit from war, whatever form it takes. Before they initiated the Iraq war, a Bush family member invited big businesses to make contacts and likely deals. War used to be about power and real estate. They're still about that, but there is more focus on the money.

Any war today, whatever form it takes, is about profit$.

I don't expect it to change. The blind suck-ups will do anything to keep the system intact, a system they depend on. "Neo, the matrix has you..."



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #5 posted by potpal on December 11, 2006 at 05:41:52 PT
living with drug war
The same bonehead mentality that has US bogged down in Iraq and Afghanistan spreading 'freedom' and 'democracy'. All wars fought for the military/prison/industrial complex. The war on cannabis users, the majority American taxpaying citizens, is more of the same. A police state of mind.

If drug war is a religion, then it surely is a crusade.

To deprieve humanity the use of the cannabis plant for industry, food, medicine, safer alternative, agriculture, is a crime.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #4 posted by MikeEEEEE on December 11, 2006 at 05:11:37 PT
A drug war is born
The drug war was born out of racism and prejudice.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #3 posted by global_warming on December 11, 2006 at 05:06:21 PT
so true
i see more and more articles clearing the way for a serious debate about cannabis use, surely clear minded people will see that the cure is worse than the disease..

on a side note, Mr. Obama was in NH this weekend, looking good as ever...

Obama Takes First Steps in N.H. Crowds, Media Bolster Speculation On 2008 Ambitions

http://www.washingtonpost.com

http://tinyurl.com/ud2ya



[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #2 posted by kaptinemo on December 11, 2006 at 04:40:18 PT:

An important issue has been brought up
"Drug laws purposely are drawn to punish blacks and Latinos with especial harshness."

This is the first time I have seen this outside of a reformer website, in a media outlet, anywhere. It means that someobody has done their homework. I sincerely hope some rube DrugWarrior is foolish enough to challenge the author on his facts; bringing up the deliberately racist aspects of the DrugWar is the surest way to get this issue front-and-center in the public's consciousness.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by OverwhelmSam on December 10, 2006 at 21:50:10 PT
Amen
Unfortunately, the state and city law enforcement agencies have unwittingly become the enforcement arm of the DEA which kill, wound and damage more property than simple criminals ever could. They are in fact criminals themselves under color of law.

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