cannabisnews.com: Military Sees Drug Use Rise Despite Tests Military Sees Drug Use Rise Despite Tests Posted by CN Staff on July 29, 2002 at 12:25:21 PT By James W. Crawley, Union-Tribune Staff Writer Source: Union Tribune The Pentagon's battle to keep illicit drugs out of the barracks and off warships has faltered during the past few years as more servicemen and women have failed drug tests and been discharged. Drug use has increased after a 20-year decline, and 17,000 people have been kicked out of the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps since 1999, according to statistics compiled by The San Diego Union-Tribune. Some critics worry that a higher incidence of substance abuse may weaken preparedness in a military at war. The Pentagon argues that its drug problem remains small compared with the civilian world. Yet military authorities acknowledge that repeated warnings about the penalties for drug use – and frequent random testing – are failing to deter some troops. Making things tougher, illegal substances are easily available in San Diego County, where military and civilian youths commonly mingle at parties and there are the enticements of an international border. "Ecstasy, raves, Mexico and 9/11 – that's going to continue to make stresses that may cause sailors to use drugs," said John Schultz, the civilian manager of the Navy's West Coast PREVENT drug education program. Some fear rising drug use shows the military is becoming lax – a claim the services flatly reject. "We've taken our eye off the ball," said Robert Maginnis, vice president of policy for the Family Research Council, a Washington think tank. "We're supposed to have zero tolerance toward drugs." Military data requested by the Union-Tribune show: Last year, the Navy discharged more people for drug use than the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps combined – 3,407 sailors, up 47 percent from 1999. The Marine Corps, the smallest and the most frequently drug-tested service, lost about 1 percent of its forces to drug offenses last year – the largest percentage in the military. Urinalysis samples revealed that drug test failures rose 82 percent for the Air Force between 1999 and last year. The Air Force tests less often than the other military branches. Drug testing by the Army increased 3 percent since 1999; the number of soldiers who failed increased 32 percent. Military anti-drug experts contend the increases are modest in a force of nearly 1.4 million men and women. "All the indicators are telling us the numbers are going up," said Col. Craig Smith, chief of the Air Force military justice division. "But, there wasn't the sense of the sky was falling." Military officials say they have generally made great progress. "By almost any measure, we're light-years ahead of where we were 20 years ago and even 10 years ago," said Air Force Col. Peter Durand, the service's substance abuse program manager. Even so, the Navy and Marines have been embarrassed by several high-profile drug cases recently. Recently, the Navy held the first of two courts-martial from a May crackdown on drug distribution and use aboard the San Diego-based aircraft carrier Nimitz. Both individuals were found guilty and sentenced to the brig. In all, seven sailors aboard the warship were charged with drug violations and await trial. Ten more sailors aboard two destroyers in San Diego also have been punished and are being discharged after failing random urinalysis tests. And, earlier this month, the Marine Corps announced a two-year drug investigation at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in which 82 Marines and sailors have been convicted and $1.4 million worth of drugs was confiscated. Offenses involved distribution and use of designer or club drugs such as Ecstasy, ketamine and GHB. Thousands of others who test positive for drug use remain in the military because some commanders, granted wide discretion, give first-time offenders second chances. Last year, for example, 8,948 Army soldiers tested positive, but only 1,262 were removed. With the nation fighting terrorism, drug abuse poses a readiness issue, some military and defense experts say. Troops using drugs are more likely to make mistakes, react slowly in combat and be vulnerable to blackmail. "We don't want anything that would detract from performance," Smith said. The problem is also expensive. Training for many military jobs, such as tank drivers or jet mechanics, costs more than $100,000. Pilot training is an even greater investment. That money is wasted if a service member is discharged or court-martialed for drug use. The military's internal battle against drugs has been a long one. The Vietnam War was marked by pervasive drug use throughout the largely conscript military. The social upheaval of an unpopular conflict – combined with a permissive attitude toward drugs at home and easy access to opiates and marijuana in Vietnam – produced a major military drug problem in the 1960s and '70s. Even when an all-volunteer force replaced draftees, drug use continued to interfere. It wasn't until random drug-testing began in 1981 that the Pentagon dramatically cut usage from an estimated 40 percent for marijuana to less than 2 percent today, according to surveys. Zero-tolerance policies, first instituted during the Reagan administration, and more accurate tests further reduced use. Slightly more than 1.5 percent of the military tested positive last year for drug use. "If in a normal society you achieved these (military) levels, it would be considered a success," said civilian drug control expert Wilkie Wilson. "I can't get worked up about this." A federal survey of civilian 18-to 25-year-olds in 2000 indicated that 16 percent had used drugs during the previous month. The military tests for marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines (including Ecstasy), amphetamines, opiates, LSD and PCP. Most military branches randomly test about 10 percent of personnel each month. The Marines administer nearly four tests per capita each year. The Air Force tests the least in a year, fewer than one test per service member. The Navy and Marines also do unit-wide drug tests at least once a year. And last year, a San Diego admiral doubled the drug tests for sailors on many ships. Complete Title: Military Sees Drug Use Rise Despite Tests and Warnings Snipped: Complete Article: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20020729-9999_1n29mildrug.htmlNewshawk: Nicholas Thimmesch - http://www.norml.org/Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)Author: James W. Crawley, Union-Tribune Staff WriterPublished: July 29, 2002 Copyright: 2002 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.Contact: letters uniontrib.comWebsite: http://www.uniontrib.com/Related Articles:Eighty Marines and Sailors Convicted of Drug Usehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13287.shtmlIsle Drug Program Best in Armyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11141.shtmlCannabisNews Drug Testing Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/drug_testing.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #54 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2002 at 13:29:49 PT: Sorry, but you've insulted Marines everywhere Depending upon who uses it, the term 'jarhead' is either a compliment or an insult...to a Marine. But Barry was Army I am ashamed to say.When I was in the Army, we had a term for people like McCaffrey: ate up. As in "Son, you is just ate up with ignorance, aintcha?". Since ignorance seems to be his stock in trade, I find this most fitting.McCaffrey, you're the most ate up person ever to have a leadership position in the Yoo-nited States Army. You couldn't lead people with Crohn's Disease to the s-house. [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by xxdr_zombiexx on July 30, 2002 at 08:49:40 PT Namecalling McCaffery, late in the show, under fire, losing ground, left only with quoting NIDA and invoking the name of the FDA, used the term "pothead" in an apparently pejorative manner directed towards Mark Leno and Mr.Scott (of the Nevada Referendum). After contemplating this for awhile, I have decided that I must call McCaffery a name back. I regret this is necessary.JARHEAD!God I love Freedom Of Speech.now back to your regularly scheduled commentary [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2002 at 07:08:36 PT: The gloves came off - on a level playing field I hope some kind soul has a stream somewhere, for, being amongst the minority of the un-Tubed, I missed the fight. And it sounds like it was, if not the 'whole nine yards', at least 8 of them. But your comments have led me to make this observation:Barry and the antis have just committed agonizingly slow suicide. They should never have debated us, because now the viewing audience can see the naked, decayed, pustule-ridden ugliness of the antis' ideology in all it's glory. For it was Barry's attitude - which made it abundantly clear as to what antis are like, inside - which has been made public. An attitude that has shown all those sheep out there that Barry couldn't care less about their kids; he just wants them locked up and sodomized in prison to teach them a lesson. So much for 'compassionate conservatism'. One last thing: Barry's slander of Governor Johnson may well cost him far more than debating points; personal attacks may work in the short term, but leave the attacker open to reciprocation...and there's plenty to reciprocate. The jury is still out on the matter of Barry's ONDCP being snookered by those ad execs for the overpayment ONDCP made to them for those wonderfully effective ads. Barry has forgotten the old adage about people who live in glass houses. His mansion ain't made of neutronium...and there's plenty of people he's hurt who have a s-load of rocks, just waiting... [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by BGreen on July 30, 2002 at 03:13:39 PT If it wasn't 5 A.M. I would have said "Mel Schacher and Don Brewer are laying down the foundation as solid as ever." [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by BGreen on July 30, 2002 at 03:12:03 PT Good memory, dddd Mark Farner isn't with the group anymore. Bruce Kulick, formerly of KISS, is their guitarist, Max Carl sings lead and plays rhythm guitar, and Tim Cashion is the keyboardist on this tour. Mel Schacher and Don Brewer are laying down the foundation as strong as ever. [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by Zero_G on July 30, 2002 at 02:53:57 PT Imagine If all you needed to do was smoke a joint to get out of goin' to 'Nam... I Got a letter from LBJIt said this is your lucky dayIts time to put your khaki trousers onWe've got a job for you to doDean Rusk has caught the Asian fluand we are sending you to Viet Nam...Lyndon Johnson told the nationHave no fear of escalationWe are trying everyone to pleaseThough it isn't really warWe are sending 50 thousand moreTo help save Viet NamFrom the Viet NameseTom Paxton Silent Soldiers on the silver screen Framed in fantasy and drugged in dreamsUnpaid actors in the mysteryand What's this got to do with me?!I Declare, "War is Over"...Phil Ochs How many times must the cannonball flyBefore it is forever banned.The answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind.Bob DylanWe're comin' to your townWe'll help you party it downWe're an American BandGrand Funk RairoadEverybody smoke pot, Everybody smoke pot...Lennon McCartneyPuff Puff PassSnoop DoggSay It LOUD! Otis ReddingI Am Cannabian, Zero G [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by qqqq on July 30, 2002 at 02:50:21 PT ..if my memory serves me well.. ..the original members of Grand Funk,,were Mark Farner,,Mel Schacher,,and Don Brewer....I remember covering several songs off their first album;"On Time"....."Into the Sun","High on a Horse",,and "T.N.U.C."...I will guesstimate the year as 1970.(?)......now I will look for verification... I love music trivia memory challenges! .It's a good test for marbles of remaining memory from my drug soaked gray matter.... perhaps an argument could be made,,that in the absence of drugs,,my memory may well have been diminished.[?].... [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by E_Johnson on July 30, 2002 at 00:44:08 PT How silly given history If the US armed forces discharged people for alcohol consumption during WWII, Hitler sure would have been happy. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by E_Johnson on July 30, 2002 at 00:38:50 PT My poor dog When I yell profanities at the TV, she thinks I mean her! [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 23:41:53 PT Even the single caller they put on the air dissed McCaffrey big time. Nobody shared his hysteria, but nobody mentioned his financial involvement in that online treatment website. He's the only person with anything to gain financially from the status quo. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 23:40:20 PT One More Thing This is something that I've never understood. You can go to a good health food store and buy different herbs. You can buy in bulk amounts if you want. Some are mind altering and are even water soluble which Cannabis isn't. Why isn't Cannabis considered an herb and fall under the laws that are set for herbal medicine?I'm calling it a day. It was a great show! [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 23:24:15 PT Yup, Those California Pot Heads Are At It Again! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 29, 2002 at 23:20:29 PT Treatment for marijuana users is bogus.... according to Gary Johnson! He made his point quite clear, and you could see Gen. Mccaf-freak! Red-faced, vein-popping, beady eyed, venomous old fart in every way! Thank you Barry for making people who agree with you look so bad! Mark Leno did make his points quickly and overpoweringly (in a good way)! Barry was mad he looked better than Tom Cruise! 'whats a clean cut smart looking guy like you talking about the city of San Francisco growing pot! Super condescendly as well! Hats off to all these people who blew a chunk out of prohibitions wall! Phil gets my vote! e-mail msnbc! [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by Robbie on July 29, 2002 at 23:17:29 PT Donahue and the military Too bad Phil didn't have this story to present to Mr. McCaffery. "Yes, and your vaunted military record, would you advocate this? Quote: "Drug testing by the Army increased 3 percent since 1999; the number of soldiers who failed increased 32 percent" endquote. Are you so against drugs that you won't see the forest for the trees? Your War against these things is a dismal failure"He did call him on the original focus of the drug war (war against free-market recreation) which was that prices would go up, and no one could buy. Uh... 30 years after the grand incursion into civil liberties, you've produced no positive results, unless you ask the prison industry, who love the business.McCaffrey was toast. A lot of people who watched the show know that his debate didn't stand up. A positive television event, thanks to Phil.I think it's also good at a time like this to show people that drug use can't be kept out of our military. I MEAN...! The patriotest of patriotism helping terrorists! So, our military won't stop doing drugs, our law-enforcement can't keep drugs out of the prisons. Why should anyone expect that free citizens will not do these things, and want to do them. This country was founded on differing viewpoints. This isn't a war on drugs, it's a war on people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 23:12:38 PT Grand Funk Railroad When I looked at the crowd, I had an epiphany. These people were mostly older than me, and most of them weren't bikers or hippies. These people were acting like teenagers, and they need to know that it still is the pot they used to smoke. It's still as much fun, as harmless, as social as it was when they split the cellophane and carefully removed that LP, and heard "American Band" for the first time.Their minds can be changed, and most of them WOULD anonymously vote for cannabis legalization, but like me, they might have trepidations about signing their name and address on a petition to be turned into the local authorities.Nevada had over 74,000 people risk their asses to publicly come out for cannabis. How many more, especially professionals who have their careers to lose, will say "Hell Yes" in the voting booth?The tidal wave will roll after that. Other states will have fed-up people standing up, encouraged that it CAN be done.BTW, Grand Funk Railroad still rocks. I don't know how many original members they have, but they're all really good. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 23:09:33 PT BGreen Grand Funk Railroad that's great! We worked (red cross type work ) a concert one time. We got to go back stage with the groups and eat with them. The groups were Peter Frampton, Black Oak Arkansas, J Geils Band and Ambriosia. The Doctor was cool when we had to take someone to the medical tent. I thought we had a lot of people that day and he said this is fine last weeks concert they dispatched 8 ambulances!Don't miss the program. I figured out over the last few days of serious trouble shooting what's wrong with my satellite. We have to drop a couple big trees. They grew and the heat makes them stand even higher. I am using my old isp when I can't connect with the satellite. They haven't disconnected it yet. Hopefully I will get those big trees taken down in a few days. One of our friends does that for a living and he'll get to it fairly quickly because he knows it's important to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 29, 2002 at 22:59:19 PT BGreeen....can't wait! I just sa live footage/video for 'we're an American band on VH1-classics with recent footage as well (huge U.S, flag in background) and remembered his Christian conversion. Started out a great band, but quickly went 'redneck rock' it seems! Is this still true, I loved their 1st two albums! Don't forget tommorrow on ABC! [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:58:09 PT thalidomide McCaffrey mentioned that along with peach pits, but thalidomide has recently been reapproved by the FDA, in spite of the hundreds of thousands deformed babies it caused in the 50's and 60's.He makes my blood boil. He insulted Gov. Johnson with a gall that I can't believe, but NOBODY personally insulted McCaffrey. Gov. Johnson said "damn," but that's as upset as he got. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:46:29 PT FoM I saw Grand Funk Railroad last night. I've got something to say, but I want to finish Donahue. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 22:43:03 PT Donahue's Age I got curious as to how old Donahue is and he was born in December of 35 if anyone was curious too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 22:40:13 PT freedom fighter Oh My thank you. If I have been able to do just a pinch of what you said I'd be happy. One time a few years ago I went into an avitar (sp) chat and you could pick different characters to be. I picked a butterfly. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:37:48 PT I mean McCaffrey He's a liar! [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:34:23 PT Arrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!! Idiot! [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by p4me on July 29, 2002 at 22:34:08 PT msnbc.com, Donahue, and chat room I was wondering if they had a chat room or comment section for Donahue at msnbc.com. They have last weeks transcripts up so maybe it will not be long until we get to read them.There is a little program you have to download to get in the chat room. Then you just type in your birth year and a name to use while you are there and then you can chat. That is if it is open. Here is a copy of the closed message: "We’re sorry but MSNBC is closed. Our hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 7AM to 11PM ET and Friday, 7 AM to 10PM ET. All other times the MSNBC chat is dark. Please come back while we are open and discuss the news on MSNBC"I sure hope people comment on the show and I must say I really enjoyed the little flat earth discussion of xxdrzombie_xx. No one has exactly set the stage as far as how everyone was introduced and who was there. Tell it like it was so those of us that did not see it can feel the joy.1,2 [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:24:07 PT Slammed oops [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:22:56 PT I'm watching Donahue on tape McCaffrey just personally slamed Gov. Johnson, and has a smugness you just want to slap off. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by BGreen on July 29, 2002 at 22:13:23 PT The great Phil Hartman did Donahue I miss him. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by freedom fighter on July 29, 2002 at 22:11:31 PT Tis is a truly Amazing site! My dear, FoM... I want you to know...There were times when I weep openly.. There were times when I shout out so loudly.. There were times when I smile to myself.. There were times when I pray for hope.. There were times when I were so angry.. There were times when I were so happy..I'm talking about the site you created..I don't know if you knew. But you have, my dear, FoM, created something beautiful. With your tireless effort, the World seems more colorful and full with feelings, Hope and Love. If you and your site did not exist, I cannot even begin to imagine what the World would be like.When I see a big beautiful butterfly floating by, I think of you, my dear, FoM. I am unable to catch that butterfly because I do not want to. As it float by, it creates dreams in me and hopefully for many others. You and your site is like a book that is written but not done yet.I don't know what words to use to just say thank you for what you have done. ff [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Sam Adams on July 29, 2002 at 21:59:27 PT great show Donahue is classic, he's like the grandfather of the modern day talk show, he invented the whole genre. He just skewered McAffrey, the producers had to call him off halfway through! I was cracking up when he made the comment about the cops finding a roach in the ashtray. Also the way he kept joking about Gov. Johnson and his spartan lifestyle.."he's BONE dry", etc. Some guy on SNL used to do a skit where he imitated Phil, it was hilarious.What the hell was Mcaffrey talking about? I think at one point, he responded to Mark Leno by accusing him of looking like Tom Cruise.....so? Is that supposed to be a slam? Tom Cruise? ooooh, that does it!I've never seen McAffrey in person before - one minute he seems like a nice old fellow - then he's got veins bulging out of his neck and jeering "potheads in California". Pretty scary. I can't picture the guy working with Bill Clinton. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by p4me on July 29, 2002 at 21:52:10 PT We have a celebrity among us Has anyone noticed any recent postings by frankdiscussion here at Cnews. He is responsible for the design and wording of the "I AM CANNABIAN" tee shirts sold in Canada during the million man march this year. Here is the link to his latest comment: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread12960.shtml#6Here is the link to the website: http://frankdiscussion.netfirms.com/Here is the link to a picture of the tee shirt: http://frankdiscussion.netfirms.com/tshirts.htmlHere are the words on the "I AM CANNABIAN" tee shirt: I am not a burnout or a loser, I don't shoot heroin, and I don't own a crack pipe. I am a person who prefers marijuana over alcohol. I am your friend, your relative, or someone you work with.I believe in scientific research, not propaganda and hysteria. I believe in the concept of no victim, no crime. I believe in tolerance, not a U.S. style drug war; I believe in harm reduction, not people destruction.Cannabis is not addictive, not a gateway drug, and no one has ever died from smoking it. It's much less harmful than either alcohol or tobacco. The real harm to a person is caused by the laws against it.It's time to legalize marijuana and end the hypocrisy, It's time to stop wasting taxpayer money and police resources. It's time for the government to listen to public opinion. It's time for all pot smokers to speak out and proudly declare... I AM CANNABIAN !!!frankdiscussion is doing fine work and I hope we here more from him. Hey franky, do I get a free tee-shirt for the plug. You know I don't have a job. How about half off?1,2 [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 29, 2002 at 21:41:05 PT Mark Leno kicked butt, Gary shut Barry down.... and it was great! Thanks to everyone here that contributes as it is working! Remember August 11, 1999, when Gary Johnson announced his legalize cannabis campaign? That was only 3 years ago and it looks like an avalanche is about to be unleased! War is over-Lennon [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by goneposthole on July 29, 2002 at 21:35:56 PT Increased drug use If you were a member of the armed services, don't you think that you would like to relax just a little bit, a smidgeon?Way back when during the Viet Nam War a member of the armed services returned home. He deserted and came back with some mary-joo-wanna. He made a few sales, got a few people stoned, and tripped off to Canada. He skidaddled. He was having none of it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 21:08:13 PT About The Donahue Program I wanted to comment on the program and I know some people are watching it now on the west coast so I waited. It covered many important issues. I don't think I have ever seen a program on marijuana in general that covered so much in such a short time. It was truly diverse. I'm impressed. Hope to find some articles about the show to post and I will post the transcripts when they are posted. That might be a day or two though. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by The GCW on July 29, 2002 at 19:50:35 PT You want out, smoke this plant... Get out of the army free card,,, to get caught with cannabis. Wasn't the hard drug problem in Nam, a problem because they clamped down on cannabis? Just like DC, etc. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-No tube, but I hear what Your saying. It sounds like some of the wall was crumbled. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by xxdr_zombiexx on July 29, 2002 at 19:07:52 PT Back when the earth was still flat when people still held the convential view of Flatness, those arguing for roundness had an uphill stuggle (despite said flatness).'If the mass media had been around then, there uphill battle to get media coverage of roundness tolerance. Phil would have had the Minster of Flatness on, thrown to the wolves of roundness becaue much of the people who view that mass media, and consume the finacial services, sleep aids, pain relievers, and general consumer goods advertised on it, have a pretty developed idea that the Earth may indeed be round.Barry's Job is to defend to the end the value of Flat. He is a True Believer and globality is beyond his comprehension. (if we go back even further in time, barry's job would be to tell fish not to go on land.."you'll get lost and die. Its flat by the way..." he yells.)Those that want to freely view and discuss the world's roundness in the mass media argue they want to do so and not be fearful of arrest and harrassment and stuff.The fact that the Earth is indeed round leaves barry no choice but to evade questions, fall back on and reinforce the Facade of Governmentbodies of Flatness Directive Administration and National Institute for Flatness Science, both of which are known to be politically corrupt, recieving funds from huge real esate companies that profit from land prohibition.Anyway..Mr. Leno of San Franciso ROCKS, I think. He said the things I wanted to hear said, even though they were relagated to the last 150 seconds.Im gonna send a detailed e-mail to them telling them it was a good program, detial a few things , like taking on the issue why must we preface every single statement with some reference to "this doesn't mean its ok for children"? They must have said that 20 times. Its insane. Thats the work of your $5 Billion a year in propaganda and advertising. Twas fun watching Barry taking fire from all sides... people will complain that was unfair, but taking fire from all sides is barrys natural habitat. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by ekim on July 29, 2002 at 18:32:11 PT ex drug czar on ropes but panel failed to TKO him With the addmission that the Fed.Gov't. is giving and growing Med.Cannabis the panel failed to equate 20 plus years of this MMJ study when ex kept saying that we must have med. studies. Ex must be asked why no study has taken place with the Fed. Med. Cannabis program now in effect. I loved it when ex was cryen about never having been so outgunned as on Donahue.He is use to what billions can buy in the form of misinformation. When Dick Cowan says the only reason that Cannabis in not regulated is bad journalism. Well Donahue has only been on for a few weeks and allready has done more for the debate than anyone else. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by mayan on July 29, 2002 at 18:07:16 PT McCaffreak... I missed the first part of Donahue but what I've seen is great! McCaffrey is a case for legalization. That man needs to smoke a big fat joint. It just might raise his I.Q. from 32 to 36! What a babbling idiot!unrelated -U.S. government to borrow another $76 billion! http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2002/07/29/financial1647EDT0254.DTL [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 18:03:19 PT Oh My! The Pot Heads from California are at it again! [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 17:32:02 PT Just a Comment I'm a very peaceful, non violent person but does anyone have any darts! LOL!http://www.cannabisnews.com/images/mccaffreysm.jpg [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 17:10:21 PT overtoke Can't wait!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by overtoke on July 29, 2002 at 17:08:36 PT: Donahue Dont forget about DonahueMSNBC now. Thanks :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by xxdr_zombiexx on July 29, 2002 at 16:34:27 PT Drugs and the Military What about the killing of 4 wives within 6 weeks at one military based heavily used for the Afghanistan troop staging?# of 4 had come back from "active duty". We have/I have heard numerous reports of various pharmaceuticles being used to canacel the ned for sleep & improve alertness... Who knows what else?paranoid old me, THAT was the first thing I thought about when I heard the news. Then I really felt justified when the Army called it "an anomaly" - just a coincidence...Move along Citizen. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 16:15:48 PT Update: MPP's Nevada Init. on National TV Monday, July 29, 2002The state of the "War on Drugs," and particularly the war on marijuana users, will get major attention on national television this week.Tonight at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. EDT, MPP's Billy Rogers will appear on MSNBC's Phil Donahue show to discuss the initiative on Nevada's November ballot that would end the war on marijuana users by removing all penalties for the possession and use of marijuana by adults. (To support the Nevada initiative, please see: http://www.NRLE.org Other guests will include former Drug Czar Gen. Barry McCaffrey, New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, former Reagan and Nixon aide and medical marijuana supporter Lyn Nofziger, and San Francisco city Supervisor Mark Leno. Leno has proposed that the city consider growing and distributing medical marijuana for seriously ill patients; this historic proposal will be on San Francisco's November ballot.Tomorrow (Tuesday, July 30) at 10:00 p.m. EDT, ABC News will air "War on Drugs, A War on Ourselves With John Stossel." The prime-time investigation questions whether the drug war causes more problems than the drugs themselves.======================================================================HOW TO SUPPORT THE MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECTMPP is funded by the contributions of dues-paying members nationwide. To support MPP's work and receive the quarterly newsletter "Marijuana Policy Report," please send $25.00 annual dues to:Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) P.O. Box 77492 Capitol Hill Washington, D.C. 20013 202-232-0442 FAXBecause MPP devotes 100% of its efforts toward influencing public policy, contributions are not tax-deductible. However, donations to MPP Foundation, MPP's educational branch, are tax-deductible and can be made on-line at: http://www.mpp.org/join-mpp.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Zero_G on July 29, 2002 at 16:11:17 PT As my bong gently burbles And my guitar gently weeps...every day,for us all.Regardless,You got it!!!!!!!!!!!!(Best Roy Orbison voice) [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 15:46:51 PT Robbie & Everyone I'm running around making sure I have all my housework done before 8 tonight. I don't want to miss a minute. I'm taping it for my husband. I checked out Donahue's web site and the coal miners will be on too. That will draw more viewers I believe. My mom was a coal miner's daughter. All of her 7 brothers were coal miners in WV. Barry McCaffrey and his very grumpy way doesn't stand a chance against Donahue. I expect to hear this a lot out of McCaffrey's mouth. WELL he says WELL this and WELL that and WELL whatever. LOL! I don't know Billy Rogers or Lyn Nofziger or Mark Leno except their names. This should be very interesting. I like the way they've been advertising the promo. Should marijuana be legalized for medicine or all together?It sounds like an either - or type question to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Robbie on July 29, 2002 at 15:32:56 PT DONAHUE: can't emphasize it enough This should be good. Dem Drug Czar and Legalization Republican Governor with Phil directing traffic.This oughtta be good! ! ! ! ! !MSNBC 8PM EDT [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by John Tyler on July 29, 2002 at 14:11:46 PT Drinking The military is a drinking lifestyle. There is the base offer's club and the NCO club where you go to get drunk, and the near by but off base bars where you go to get drunk. Then there are all of the parties and celebrations where you can get drunk. A lot of the military get drunk a lot. According to the military it is better to get stinking, fall down drunk than to puff on one clean jay. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by krutch on July 29, 2002 at 13:35:04 PT: We're supposed to have zero tolerance toward drugs Somebody better tell the pharmaceutical industry. We are pill popping culture. We have dope for every malady, real and imagined. I am not complaining, just pointing out the hypocrisy. It took the medical industry a long time to stop prescribing antibiotics for viruses, to spite the vocal warnings from microbiologists about resistant organisms. If Robert Maginnis wants to lecture about zero tolerance, perhaps he should do it in his local bar or doctor's office.Dr. Russo makes an excellent point about alcohol. The morning after effects are far worst with booze than with pot. Also the stupid drug testing has taken the benign drug out of the mix. You are far less likely to get popped on a drug test taking MDA or heroin than cannabis. drug testing leads to hard drugs. It is a dumb policy that we should get rid of. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 29, 2002 at 13:22:11 PT Heads Up on Donahue and Stossel Programs Guests on tonight's show include Billy Rogers of Nevadans for Responsible Law Enforcement, who will discuss the marijuana initiative that will appear on the Nevada ballot in November, and Mark Leno, San Francisco City Supervisor who is proposing a ballot initiative that would allow the city to grow marijuana to provide to seriously ill people who have no safe source of medicine because of the ongoing DEA raids against medical marijuana dispensaries in California.And ... this just in ... former drug czar Barry McCaffrey, New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, and Lyn Nofziger (former White House Press Secretary and political consultant to Reagan and Nixon) will also be appearing.The show is on at 8:00 p.m. ET on MSNBC and the entire show will be devoted to marijuana policy.Let the games begin!http://www.nrle.org/http://www.mpp.org/A War on Ourselves?Stossel: The Unintended Consequences of Drug ProhibitionHow many wars can America fight? Now that we've launched a war on terrorism, can we afford to fight drug wars in Colombia and against millions of our own people? In an hourlong special, ABC's John Stossel asks whether some of the world's biggest problems stem not from the drugs themselves, but from the prohibition of drugs. What do you think? Should some drugs be legalized? Is it wise to fight on two fronts? Watch Stossel's report Tuesday, July 30, at 10 p.m. ET and share your thoughts below. http://boards.abcnews.go.com/cgi/abcnews/request.dll?LIST&room=stossel [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by john wayne on July 29, 2002 at 13:11:20 PT test 'em? hell, SCORE from 'em Preceeding story on CN was about using military for police.As my bong gently burbles, I think of the possibility of numerous military cops in town, many of whom regularly travel outside the country and KNOW where to get the good stuff.Bring it on! [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Ethan Russo MD on July 29, 2002 at 12:43:14 PT: Another Experiment I should see if NIDA will let me test the GI's. Any bets? [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Ethan Russo MD on July 29, 2002 at 12:41:20 PT: You Choose "Some critics worry that a higher incidence of substance abuse may weaken preparedness in a military at war."Who is going to be more combat ready "the day after," the GI who had a few tokes or the one who had a few drinks the night before? Let's test them medically to ascertain. I doubt that Feds really care to do this experiment. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on July 29, 2002 at 12:32:57 PT That's right You're willing to risk having your ass shot off by some crazed Arab 4000 miles from home, on top of a freezing mountain, but this guy won't even let you smoke a joint on weekend furlough:"We've taken our eye off the ball," said Robert Maginnis, vice president of policy for the Family Research Council, a Washington think tank. "We're supposed to have zero tolerance toward drugs." [ Post Comment ] Post Comment