cannabisnews.com: Why The Drug War Isn't An Issue - But Should Be Why The Drug War Isn't An Issue - But Should Be Posted by CN Staff on July 27, 2004 at 13:22:05 PT By Alan Heymann, AlterNet Source: AlterNet Drugs have been an easy target for politicians wanting to appear 'tough on crime,' even though many believe the drug war has failed. It's been more than 33 years since President Richard Nixon declared war on illegal drugs and called drug abuse "public enemy number one in the United States." Hundreds of billions of dollars later, with hundreds of thousands of Americans behind bars, we are no closer to Nixon's dream of a drug-free nation than we were in 1971. As with alcohol Prohibition in the 1930s, drug prohibition has brought us far more problems than it has solved. You won't hear John Kerry or George W. Bush talking much about it this fall, but the producers of the upcoming "American Candidate" series on Showtime have made drugs a key issue of this televised campaign – and for good reason. As former Gov. Gary Johnson (R-N.M.) once said, the drug war is "the most important social issue in America today that has an easy, politically possible solution."Regardless of political background, many agree that government should not be in the business of punishing its citizens for what they choose to put into their own bodies. Unfortunately, drug users have provided an easy target for politicians (of both parties) who want to appear "tough on crime." Here are just a few examples of the abuses this has caused:* Last year, nearly 700,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession.* Armed federal agents continue to antagonize AIDS, cancer and MS patients who use medical marijuana legally under state law. The vast majority of Americans want these patients left alone.* A college student can lose her student loans and her food stamp benefits if she's convicted of a drug offense. No other crime, including rape or murder, bars Americans from borrowing money to go to college or receiving public assistance. * In the name of "protecting the children," the federal government insists on an abstinence-only drug education program that completely ignores a simple fact: some kids will use drugs. Encouraging kids not to use drugs is fine, but if they do, failing to make sure they have enough information at their disposal can be deadly. * Instead of an honest dialogue among students, parents and teachers, the federal government is pushing a drug testing policy that requires children to urinate in front of strangers. Yet it remains easier for kids to buy marijuana than cigarettes.* The drug war unfairly targets people of color. Of those in prison on drug charges in New York State, 93 percent are African American or Latino. A person convicted of selling five grams of "crack," which is stereotypically associated with low-income minority communities, receives a five-year federal mandatory minimum sentence. The same sentence applies for selling 500 grams of powder cocaine.Despite all the wasted lives and dollars, the tide seems to be turning against the drug war. This fall, the Supreme Court will hear a landmark medical marijuana case that could end the federal government's harassment of patients and caregivers once and for all. The author of the student loan ban for drug offenders has acknowledged that his legislation goes too far. And across the country, school districts are deciding against random student drug testing because it's expensive, intrusive and doesn't stop kids from using drugs.Politicians won't take up this issue – or any issue – unless they hear from their constituents in large numbers. Keep the positive momentum going by taking action against the war on drugs. Alan Heymann is the web content manager of Drug Policy Alliance. -- http://www.drugpolicy.org/Complete Title: Why The Drug War Isn't an Issue In This Fall's Election – But Should BeSource: AlterNet (US)Author: Alan Heymann, AlterNetPublished: July 27, 2004Copyright: 2004 Independent Media InstituteContact: letters alternet.org Website: http://www.alternet.org/DL: http://alternet.org/drugreporter/19371/Related Articles & Web Site:Raich v. Ashcroft Newshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/raich.htmThis Is The Time To Hold Nothing Backhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19232.shtmlKerry: End Medical Marijuana Prosecutionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18114.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #45 posted by FoM on August 01, 2004 at 15:21:14 PT gloovins Thank You Like I said the other day we all are on the same side. That's the important thing. The way to solve problems might be different but that isn't really important. We need to do what we feel we must do. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by gloovins on August 01, 2004 at 15:09:47 PT good vs evil First, I don't try to ever hurt so my apologies however words only hurt if you let them. stay strong for you are in your convictions and seeing your visions come to fruition. Evil things are the WAMM raids, the (illegal) Invasion of Irag, prior 9/11 knowledge (Note Bush was not in the air at the time, Mayor of SF, Solomen Rushdie, VIP's of the international world -- they knew not to fly that day), the fact that there even is a Raich v Ashcroft -- these FoM are evil to me only of course, only -- how you view them is up to you, thats the beauty of thought -- it differs. How you think you voted and it's consequences are something you'll only know after you've done the act. So, again -- do what ya gotta...! :)Stay strong and well, must run! Aloha [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by FoM on August 01, 2004 at 14:16:08 PT gloovins Think about this a minute. Do you see if you or anyone calls Kerry evil that the person who wants to vote for him feel that they are being called evil too? Evil is a word that Bush abused and a word that I won't use because it is so condemning. I won't even call Bush evil. I would call Bush a misdirected man. See how words can hurt without even thinking about it? [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by FoM on August 01, 2004 at 14:01:05 PT gloovins I think Kucinich will teach Kerry a thing or two. Dennis Kucinich is a good man. Maybe Kerry would make Dennis Drug Czar. He'd be a great Drug Czar because he is compassionate. I do think Kerry has an open mind. I watched a documentary on Kerry about Vietnam. He went from fighting in the war to protesting it. I like a person who can figure out that they were wrong and then try to correct it. I don't think that's politcal but a deep heart conviction. I don't know about a mail in vote. I've only voted a couple times in my life. I have registered thru Rock The Vote that I found on Michael Moore's web site. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by gloovins on August 01, 2004 at 13:49:20 PT The protesters will be far away if allowed into NYC at all, this year because of the sitting party is president, I'm sure. I love it Kucinich was at an airport a while back where they were seaching him needlessly and he said,.."I running against Bush, of course I'll be searched..!" Gotta love that...anyway FoM your spot on the issues of the day but Kerry is simply the lesser of two evils...I don't vote evil ever...sorry. Please don't think I am calling you or your vote evil, just Kerry is such a flip-flop say/do-anything-to-get elected robot puppet, that I can't do it.You do what ya gotta though & oh yes, can't you do a mail-in ballot in your state ? Just curious...stay true, not blue ! Laters [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on August 01, 2004 at 11:30:25 PT Off Topic: A Question Is this new terror alert in New York a way to try to keep protesters out of the city? I sure hope they allow people to protest if they want when the RNC is happening. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on August 01, 2004 at 09:45:13 PT gloovins This is how I see it. I've been trying to put my thoughts in words but it's hard because my mind goes faster then I can type. I believe we are on a path that can't really be stopped. The world has become so complex certain things become inevitable. If we concern ourselves too much with who is in power we can't do anything to help with issues that are solvable. People thought things about Reagan and he's dead now. I see issues that are important like our issue. I see issues that are important like clean air, healthy food, medicine for the sick that is affordable etc. There was an expression in christian circles that I always thought was good. This is what was said. We can become so heavenly minded that we aren't any earthly good. I believe the world could blow up and we'd all be gone in a split second but I won't dwell on it. I want to make the world a better place as much as I have the ability to do that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by gloovins on July 31, 2004 at 23:40:35 PT FoM Yes I understand completely but remember he is skull n bones, Illuminate, etc..he wont stop the raids I don't think -- Both will say anything to get elected at this point imhotake care all [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 22:58:14 PT BGreen I wanted to mention that as much as I like Neil Young the end of the movie would have been better with We Won't Be Fooled Again ( I think that's the title) rather then Rockin In The Free World. I think the soundtrack will also be good. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 22:45:49 PT BGreen I can't wait to get the DVD too. Ron Reagan interviewed Stephen Stills on MSNBC at the DNC and he mentioned something was in the works for October. Ron Reagan asked if a CSNY reunion might happen and he said Neil is a Canadian but he is getting anxious to do something. Not in those words though.Without assuming too much maybe it means CSNY will perform at a concert for the DNC. It could be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by BGreen on July 30, 2004 at 22:22:45 PT No More Years for gwb I can't wait to see what Michael Moore includes as extra features on the Fahrenheit 9/11 DVD.I have a feeling there won't be a bunch of movie trailers and other fillers. The deleted scenes and blooper reel are going to be hilarious and really embarrass gwb.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 22:18:03 PT Heads Up: TV Preview: 'American Candidate' TV Preview: 'American Candidate': A Vote With the Remote By Ann Gerhart, Washington Post Staff WriterSaturday, July 31, 2004; Page C01 The premise of "American Candidate" is that reality-TV junkies, having developed a tolerance for gay male home invaders, surgical makeover artists, blind-daters and spouse-swappers, need a new fix. But can it come from watching "ordinary people" take a walk on the wonk side? In the latest dose of the popular genre, Showtime pulls together 10 contestants for a parallel presidential campaign. Over the next 10 weeks, starting tomorrow at 9 p.m., they will run around doing what the big boys do -- give lofty addresses on the war against terror, pump hands, tweak their ads, pray for positive media coverage, agonize with strategists, eat rubber chicken. (They don't have to kiss up to big-money donors, and frankly that's a relief.) The winner, after two rounds of public voting at series' end, gets $200,000 and the chance to deliver an acceptance speech trumpeting the civic convictions most important to him or her. And boy, do these people have convictions. If these contestants are exhibitionists, which is a standard requirement for the reality-TV contestant, they are ideological exhibitionists. Far from being regular folks, they're organizers and agitators. Most refreshingly, in a nation supposedly calcified into partisanship, they are not so easily categorized. Bruce Friedrich is "director for vegan outreach" for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Former county sheriff Richard Mack is the author of "From My Cold Dead Fingers: Why America Needs Guns" -- and a proponent of legalizing marijuana. Middle school teacher Park Gillespie wants to wipe abortion from the face of the Earth. He also does refugee work in Africa and lectures on racial reconciliation. Malia Lazu works on increasing voter participation among urban youth. "I'm black, Puerto Rican, Italian and from Hawaii!" she says by way of introduction, her tongue stud flashing in her mouth. She listened to Rush Limbaugh with her Republican grandparents and read "Soul on Ice" when her mother bought it for her. SnipComplete Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29119-2004Jul30.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 22:04:15 PT gloovins I'll check out the links. I heard Michael Moore on the news today announce that he will having cameras rolling election day and I think it will be in Florida. He is going to document voting issues. I'm sure we'll hear more details on the news. We are unique here. I must vote for Kerry. I want Bush to go. I can't risk doing anything else. If this wasn't such an important election I wouldn't be upset to write in someone and maybe throw the vote to the other major person. I made up my mind when we invaded Iraq. That's really the only reason I feel I must vote even though I'm not into this at all. I hope you understand. Getting Bush out is important to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by gloovins on July 30, 2004 at 21:43:54 PT I find this fascinating... if you look at this link, http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/2000presgeresults.htm at the bottom of the pg you see the miscellaneous candidates vote count and the states, SC,HI,SD,LA,NV,NM!,NE and OK that do not allow? Why do you think this is,....I don't know?If you look someone, ONE person, wrote-in a a candidate in WV!6 people did in Calif where I live mostly, pt time Mich, but this happened in NY : 138,216 Miscellaneous write-in, blank and void votes were compiled as one total. This figure is not included in Total Votes Cast.That alot of votes! 2000 was crazy upside down, it sucks you have to go though such a mess to vote FoM, think about writing in Johnson/Ventura in '04 & keep up the good work here at cannabisnews. -- you do an excellent job and I am very informned form all contributors especially -- we are a special group of unique individuals who aren't afraid to speak their minds I think.This link is cool too... http://www.usconstitution.net/elections.htmlWho knew George Clinton was VP under Jefferson and Madison?! HaaaLook at those totals for President/VP over the years..most were close Also notice how the Democratic and Republicans were once the same party...still is sadly,...and Johnson IS technically a Republican so am I contradicting myself? I saw a speech by him though on pot-tv in Vancouver and it totally sold me on him because he specifically says we should LEGALIZE MARIJUANA!...only Republican/Dem who says this currently so,...he also is from a state that does not allow write-in's though so what do I know? Ahhh, irony...natures way of saying life is stupid and serious all at once, I guess... [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 20:10:14 PT A Few Songs I don't know how many people know who Steve Earle is but I was doing some surfing and found these three songs from his new album called The Revolution Starts Now.I believe Steve Earle will be in the tour in October but I'm not sure since they are keeping it all very quiet. Here's the links.Michael Moore has licensed the title song for inclusion in the DVD of “Fahrenheit 911.http://www.steveearle.com/http://www.artemisrecords.com/media/SteveEarle-FTheCC.ramhttp://www.artemisrecords.com/media/SteveEarle-RichMansWar.ramhttp://www.artemisrecords.com/media/SteveEarle-TheRevolutionStartsNow.ram [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 11:37:21 PT MSNBC Poll Live Vote If the presidential election were held this week, who would you vote for? Current Results: * 239882 responses George W. Bush -- 35% John Kerry -- 63% Ralph Nader -- 2% Vote Here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5488972/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on July 30, 2004 at 10:45:32 PT Just For Fun: The Party Party David Crosby and Graham Nash Announce Their Candidacy for Joint Presidency of the United States of America; The Venerable Pair Are Running on the Party Party Ticket SHELBURNE, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2004--David Crosby and Graham Nash have thrown their respective hats into the ring for the Presidency of the United States, entering an already crowded and diverse field with their bid on the Party Party ticket. What distinguishes the Crosby/Nash candidacy is that theirs is a campaign for a "Joint Presidency," where the two will share responsibilities on an alternate day basis. When asked who would be named their Vice President, Graham Nash replied there was no need for one--"We'll have two presidents, and between us we have vice covered." Crosby and Nash caught members of the media off guard at a press event earlier this month that was expected to be an official announcement of the release of their first album together as a duo in almost three decades. Instead, the spotlight turned to their run for Joint Presidency 2004. Among other things, the co-candidates discussed the imminent launch of their barn-storming tour across America in the official Crosby-Nash campaign airstream trailer, and their national television advertising campaign scheduled to begin airing July 26. Recently, David Crosby told an assembled crowd that, if elected, one of their first acts would be the cleaning out of Area 51 to address the illegal alien issue." Other campaign promises include free money, and a night in the Lincoln Bedroom to anyone who antes up $200,000. The renamed "Social Insecurity" and "Medicareless" agencies will be overhauled, and the candidates are researching fixing the electronic voting machine situation. "Remember," they say, "it's not the people who vote that change things, it's the people that count the votes that change things." Though new as co-Presidential contenders, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers David Crosby and Graham Nash are a longtime team whose official collaboration began with 1969's self-titled Crosby, Stills & Nash album debut. Since that landmark work, they have continued to record and tour in various configurations together--in tandem, and with CSN and CSNY--in addition to their solo projects. Crosby and Nash are taking time out of a packed summer schedule to pursue their Joint Presidency, but they feel their country needs them. Currently, they're touring coast-to-coast with Crosby, Stills & Nash (through September 22), and no doubt the Party Party platform will be integrated into their on-the-road message. And, on August 10, Sanctuary Records will release their fourth studio album as a duo--and their first-ever double album together--Crosby-Nash, recorded in L.A. in early 2004. All things considered, the move to the political forefront makes perfect sense. When asked how rock 'n' roll and campaigning measured up against each other, Crosby commented, "Well, 'I rock' is much better than Iraq." That notwithstanding, citing their opponents as bush-league, both David Crosby and Graham Nash personally and heartily approved their Party Party Joint Candidacy, and the race is on! For more information, log on to: http://www.crosbynash2004.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on July 29, 2004 at 21:28:16 PT gloovins I'm registered with the Party Party! LOL! That's what Nash and Crosby call it. I'm only kidding. I don't vote very often. I only am paying attention because of CNews and I feel I should be at least a little informed. I will vote now. My husband was worried because I said I wasn't going to vote today and he is happy that I said I would after hearing Kerry's speech. If I didn't do what I do I wouldn't care because politics are politics and issues are issues. We have to go way out on gravel roads and steep hills that are muddy in November. We have this tiny grange with a pot belly coal stove that heats it. I'll travel the icky roads if Kerry keeps going and gets us out of needing oil from Saudia Arabia. Hemp can help so we need to get fired up about Hemp once again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by gloovins on July 29, 2004 at 20:51:37 PT FoM "Now you want me to write in...." is how I shouldve started my last post...anyway...Kucinich I actually voted for, had to switch parties for the day (I'm reg'd Libertarian) but did so even though I loath Republicrats, he stood away from the fray, think he should've gotten the nom & Kerry the VP personallly, if Kerry HAD to be on it...just imho...just turned on TV (I wont pay for cable) and now on the west coast on the major networks there is nada, oh well...I think I'll live...though I hope to see some of Dennis' speech later on the majors...we'll see ...much love to all... [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 29, 2004 at 20:02:28 PT gloovins I'm glad it made you smile!I am watching the convention and Kucinich is on Kerry's right side! That's really nice to see! [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by gloovins on July 29, 2004 at 17:56:21 PT FoM -- Now you me to write-in Crosby/Nash?! Martha, WT?? (no F in accordance with stated no profanity clause) .. ;)Yes that did put a smile on my face. Hell I was LOL! I don't think I have ever typed that anytime ever, btw. Feel proud my dear ;)But...mmmm still want to see how many break rank in 2004 and write in Gary Johnson / Jesse Ventura...it'll make it interesting reseach material post Nov 2nd, at least. Also, I'll get to see (maybe) if anyone does the same...Oh yes and Max Flowers, you are preaching to the choir my brother. The 1st & 10th Amendment in this day & age is barely alive because of the bloated, broken u.s. federal government. I have a little faith for they (Supremeies) did acknowledge a written recommendation from a CA Doctor is protected free speech, so...I dunno...Hope it tilts in our favor. I too have contemplated a move to canada or europe however go to xe.com and tell me what looks better u.s. $ wise?Ok so yeah, I guess I'll leave on that because I see depression on the horizon yet nature has provided me with remedy...stay well n strong all... [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on July 29, 2004 at 16:10:35 PT I'd Vote For The Joint Presidency 2004 I needed to smile and I hope others appreciate the link too.http://www.crosbynash2004.com/blog/http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/lnk/avwebdsnjwin4277/commercial.wmv/play.asx [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on July 29, 2004 at 10:49:54 PT Just My Thoughts I want to comment about the DNC. I have done my very best to find something good in the convention but I really haven't been able to find anything seriously positive. I question how much voting will help. Bush and Kerry seen to want to keep the war going. As far as our issue we will win in the courts and I really am not sure if it will matter much who is president. I wanted to vote but I really don't care now. We have to go way out in no mans land to vote and I don't know if I'll bother. The ending of the war was what I wanted to see and didn't. I'm glad I am not young and just starting my adult life. I can't imagine how bad it could be in the future when young folks are my age. I feel like all I can do is pray. If we don't get anymore news I'll probably not watch the convention but watch a video tonight. That's really sad that I can't find hope after all this whole week of hoopla. We will win but who becomes president probably won't matter. That's how I see it and I hope I'm wrong. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by Max Flowers on July 29, 2004 at 10:29:50 PT Gloovins - For states that have Med MJ laws, the Raich v. Ashcroft decision will be pivotal -You can say that again... our cause is either going to be wonderfully advanced, or sent crashing and burning. I'm quite worried about it, and wondering whether I will be able to continue living here if the latter takes place, because it will mean that the Supreme Court is incapable of seeing right and wrong, not just in the moral sense but in the legal sense*, as the rejecting of federal power-grabbing should be an obvious slam dunk if the Constitution means *anything* in this country anymore.*something that their role in the stolen election of 2000 already has me 90% convinced of [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by gloovins on July 28, 2004 at 22:14:00 PT ck this page out Hope http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/2000presgeresults.htmLook at the bottom NOTES and there it distinguishes write-in's.Anyway, I couldn't help yawning at the Dems all week so far.Please realize neither party will help this country as far as real FEDERAL cannabis law reform is concerned. They are all in bed with the pharmo-alckie-tobacco-LEO web of addiction to the Drug War. For states that have Med MJ laws, the Raich v. Ashcroft decision will be pivotal, but I guess until then we all here in the USA have to hurry up and wait...take care all... [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on July 28, 2004 at 19:30:41 PT afterburner I really enjoyed Ron Reagan last night. He did say dopamine and it jumped out at me too. I also paid close attention to Teresa Kerry because a wife does have influence with her husband or they should. I think that Teresa Kerry would help keep John Kerry on track concerning polluting the earth which takes in a very broad area of concerns for us and other countries. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by afterburner on July 28, 2004 at 19:20:40 PT IMHO, Obama and Ron Reagan Jr. Gave the Best Speeches as of yesterday at the DNC. Barack Obama because he has the kind of transcendant vision that people who frequent this site have. And Ron Reagan Jr. because his stem cell speech mentioned the link between Parkinson's disease and a brain producing insufficient Dopamine. This related to the controversy about whether dopamine is involved in drug addiction, and of course, the NIDA/ONDCP lies about cannabis being "addictive" (NOT!). [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on July 28, 2004 at 10:51:30 PT Nuevo Mexican I agree with you about Michael Moore's new movie project. I saw a clip of how they put on a mock funeral. It was good and I guess that will be in the next movie. Michael Moore is doing good work. He touches on issues that no politician wants to discuss. Go Michael. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 28, 2004 at 10:48:48 PT Reason Magazine: a Moonie-owned right wing rag! Don't believe these guys FOM, they have an anti-Kerry agenda, read up!Who is Jon Berlau: An April 2002 Insight story goes to great lengths to try to paint the urban-legend busters at Snopes.com as biased against conservatives; the site had dismissed as false an earlier Insight claim that Hillary Clinton "played a significant role in defending Black Panthers accused of torturing and murdering Alex Rackley," but nothing writer John Berlau offers as evidence to contradict Snopes here specifically supports the magazine's claim to the contrary.Berlau is a paid shill for bush, look at google...Insight is owned by WorldNetDaily, owned by bushes buddy the Rev. Sun Young Moon, bushes biggest supporter. Don't believe ANYTHING you read in these rags please! That goes for you too E.J.!Bush Zeroing In On Budget Wastehttp://www.insightmag.com/news/2004/03/30/National/Bush-Zeroing.In.On.Budget.Waste-634431.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 28, 2004 at 10:31:42 PT Here's the transcript! http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=04/07/28/1335239Everywhere Moore has gone in Boston, massive crowds have followed him. In fact the Kerry campaign is probably quite happy that the filmmaker is leaving town today. Moore is actually heading into George W. Bush's backyard in Crawford Texas, where he will introduce a showing of his film Fahrenheit 9/11 at a football stadium. Moore says he has invited the film's star, President Bush, to attend the show. While Fahrenheit 9/11 has now topped the $100 million mark, no theater in Crawford or the surrounding towns would show the movie, until last week when it was picked up by a theater in Waco. That's why Moore decided to do his own screening near Bush's Crawford ranch. Yesterday, more than 2,000 people lined up in Cambridge to hear Michael Moore speak at a forum with Howard Dean. Only 500 or so were able to get in. Democracy Now! was thereGo Michael! Don't worry Kaptinemo, Moore will get the Drug War, his next movie, 'Sicko' will lead to the obvious conclusions! Cannabis is medicine, and the Government is at war with Cannabis users, and this leads to a fraudulent health care system. Get ready! [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 28, 2004 at 10:23:40 PT Find Democracy Now in your area! and listen to Amy Goodman if you want to preserve your sanity!Thanks for the heads-up on O'liely last night, my wife and I caught it, and he was great!!! Of course! Bill looked like the idiot he is! The house of cards is falling down!http://www.democracynow.org/this is radio you must listen to, and you can watch Amy, the FOM of preserving and rebirthing Democracy, through free speech, television and radio! And you can always listen to her show over the internet! Michael Moore is on at the Democratic convention, talking to 500 people of a 1000 who wanted to hear what he has to say to the bush licking/fearing media! To find listings in your area:http://www.democracynow.org/stations.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Hope on July 28, 2004 at 10:07:12 PT they still count every vote Gloovins, I'm not confident of that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on July 28, 2004 at 09:25:49 PT Article from Reason.com About John Kerry Here's an article about Kerry but since I think that Reason has an agenda I thought I should just post it here. I was sad when I realized that. I used to think they just leaned left but I guess I was wrong. Here's the article.http://www.reason.com/hod/jb072604.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by gloovins on July 28, 2004 at 00:53:15 PT Still writing in G. Johnson / J Ventura in 2004 Don't know if any of you rememeber my crusade to write-in (in those states that permit it) fmr Gov. of NM Gary Johnson for President this Nov. and fmr Gov. Jesse Ventura of MN for V-P but I still will. Hope some here will follow my suggestion and do something different for a change -- not just go Republicrat or Nadar or Libertarian. Just remember -- they still count every vote -- even in Florida!..;)Hope at least one reader here sees my point. BTW, would love to hear some feedback on this issue but I won't hold my breath....c-ya... [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on July 27, 2004 at 20:01:53 PT RasAric Yes I saw it! I was really happy how he cornered O'Reilly and he couldn't get him to say he would send his child to Iraq. Go Michael! [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by RasAric on July 27, 2004 at 19:59:08 PT Anyone see Michael Moore vs. Bill O'Reilley ? It's on fox 11 eastern and was on 8 Eastern too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by The GCW on July 27, 2004 at 18:42:36 PT (Jim is special) US NV: LTE: Reefer Madnesshttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1066/a13.html?397Author: Jim Gibbons, U.S. Rep. (Jim is special.)Note: The writer, a Republican, represents Nevada's 2nd Congressional District.REEFER MADNESS Despite Will of Nevada Voters, Silver State Congressman Won't Sanction Medical Marijuana To the editor: In response to your recent editorial, "Mr. Gibbons v. Constitution," on the vote in the U.S. House regarding medical marijuana: The conflict between states' rights and federal rights is one that has been fought throughout our history. My position has been and remains to guard the rights of states against federal incursions into those areas that are properly the jurisdiction of the states. I also respect our U.S. Constitution, which provides for the supremacy of the federal government in certain areas. In this situation, the Constitution is clear. Article 1, Section 8 lists among the various powers of Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. As an exercise of this power, the federal government enacted the 1970 Controlled Substances Act because "the improper use of controlled substances has a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and general welfare of the American people [and] a major portion of the traffic in controlled substances flows through interstate and foreign commerce." My recent vote to allow the federal government to continue enforcing the 1970 law upheld my constitutional duty as a congressman to support the laws of our country. Marijuana is listed as a Schedule 1 drug, defined in federal law as having "a high potential for abuse and no currently acceptable medical use." Over the past few years, some have taken the position that marijuana has a medicinal value and, therefore, should be legalized. People in states such as Nevada have even voted to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Yet these referendums do not change the federal law. I strongly believe that if a federal law is wrong, it should be changed. But a federal law cannot be changed through a state referendum. That is not the process specified in the U.S. Constitution. The process required to change the 1970 listing of marijuana as a controlled substance is described on the DEA Web site: "Proceedings to add, delete, or change the schedule of a drug or other substance may be initiated by the DEA, the Department of Health and Human Services, or by petition from any interested party, including the manufacturer of a drug, a medical society ... a public interest group ... or an individual citizen." To date, none of these processes has changed the classification of marijuana. Why? Because the scientific community remains quite divided as to marijuana's health effects. Research has found, however, that: Marijuana smoke contains 400 chemicals and 50 percent to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Marijuana smokers have a heightened risk of lung infection. Long-term use of marijuana may increase the risk of chronic cough, bronchitis and emphysema, as well as cancer of the head, neck and lungs. Research, however, has not conclusively found whether marijuana truly has any positive health effects. A component of marijuana -- THC -- has been approved in pill form by the FDA as Marinol and the doctors can prescribe this drug. Yet scientific evidence has not proven that smoked marijuana qualifies as medicine and that a change to current federal law is needed. Marijuana, whatever its value, is intoxicating, and it is no surprise that patients will report relief of their symptoms after smoking it. However, as Dr. Andrea Barthwell, a medical doctor with more than 20 years of experience, noted: "There is a difference between feeling better and actually getting better. It is the job of modern medicine to establish this distinction." We must remember the great rule of medicine: First, do no harm. Anyone proposing to make marijuana more freely available is violating that rule, and anyone who justifies such a policy as a public health measure is practicing bad medicine. Should the scientific community ever come to a conclusive agreement that smoking marijuana is effective to treat cancer, AIDS, glaucoma or another disease, the federal law can and should be adjusted to allow for the prescription of it. Until that occurs, the federal law remains in effect, and Congress has the duty to allow funds to be spent to enforce the law. As a congressman, I have a duty to uphold the law and cannot support efforts to help people obtain and use illegal drugs. And until federal law changes, marijuana remains an illegal drug. Rep. JIM GIBBONS WASHINGTON, D.C. The writer, a Republican, represents Nevada's 2nd Congressional District. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by kaptinemo on July 27, 2004 at 18:40:22 PT: Unrelated: Michael Moore's next film will be about the US health care system; it's going to be called "Sicko"http://www.canoe.ca/JamMovies/jul27_moore2-ap.htmlHey Mikey, you wan' some REAL meat? Ya wanna really tick some high-faluting jerks off? Point your camera at the DrugWar and let it rip... [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by E_Johnson on July 27, 2004 at 18:06:31 PT That's a nice wish "Ventura in 2008! It sure beats civil war. "Thank you for threatening us all with horrific violence. I always appreciate that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by mayan on July 27, 2004 at 17:37:38 PT It's Not On The Agenda The RepubliCrats won't allow the drug war to be an issue...ever. The two parties are one and decided long ago on the aganda that is being carried out today. Drug-law reform isn't on it. Did everyone notice how both parties brushed the 9/11 hoax under the rug? They have done the same thing to our causes here at Cannabis News and will continue to collaborate and conspire as long as they hold power. They will stage another "terror attack" before they surrender their sustenance(WOsD). The handlers of both parties will never allow a Dennis Kucinich or Gary Johnson to rise to the top. Our only hope is a third party or a total collapse of the system. I'll choose the third-party route.Ventura in 2008! It sure beats civil war. The way out is the way in...911 Probe? - The Joke's On Us - by John Kaminski http://rense.com/general54/911pprobe.htmWhat The 9/11 Commission Report Ignores: The CIA-Al Qaeda Connection: http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=7/27/2004&Cat=4&Num=020The 9/11 Commission Report is Full of Holes: http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=2061The Puzzling 9/11 Report - by Sibel Edmonds: http://www.antiwar.com/orig/s-edmonds.phpCritique Of 9/11 Commission Now Online: http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/archive/scoop/stories/c1/88/200407260016.bcaa5f33.htmlWhatever happened to the WTC HARD-DRIVE recoveries? http://www.the7thfire.com/Politics%20and%20History/9-11/whatever_happened_to_the_wtc_hard_drives.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by ekim on July 27, 2004 at 16:53:10 PT C-Span dir tv ch 350 Barack Obama will be the keynote speaker that will introduce Ron Regan Jr. tonight starting at 9:40pm as Ron Jr. will speak at 10:00pmI say this because we here have read much about the Up coming Sen. Race in IL. and Mr. Obama is what all the fuss is about. Please tune in and give the man a listen.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread19192.shtml http://www.minorml.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Hope on July 27, 2004 at 16:40:06 PT Howard Wooldridge Thank you, Howard Wooldridge, for your dedication and hard work. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by ekim on July 27, 2004 at 15:47:57 PT Howard Speaking non stop for proposal M in Detroit Howard spoke today at the Waverly Rotary, the Head of the Chamber of Commerce in MI.was there as well. All forty something of the Rotartairans in attendance seemed to agree with Mr. Wooldridge that the costly failed drug war should be ended. I urge all those who feel the same to write or call the Chamber and tell them Drug testing for Cannabis should stop. That good working people should not be jailed and forced to loose there jobs and children for failing a Cannabis test.Law Enforcement Against Prohibition: http://www.leap.cc/events/events.php Jul 27 04 Dearborn Fairlane Rotary 07:00 AM Howard Wooldridge Dearborn Michigan USA After cruising into town, Board Member Howard Wooldridge breakfasts with memebers of the Dearborn Fairlane Rotary to discuss the financial and social impact of the failed war on drugs.Jul 27 04 Delta-Waverly Rotary Club 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Lansing Michigan USA Members of the Delta-Waverly Rotary Club lunch with Board Member Howard Wooldridge to discuss alternatives to the failed war on drugs.Jul 27 04 New Boston / Huron Twp Rotary 06:30 PM Howard Wooldridge New Boston Michigan USA Board Member Howard Wooldridge meets with members of the New Boston / Huron Twp Rotary to discuss issues related to America's failed war on drugs.Jul 28 04 Woodhaven Rotary 07:30 AM Howard Wooldridge Woodhaven Michigan USA Board Member Howard Wooldridge breakfasts with members of the Woodhaven Rotary to explore viable alternatives to the failed war on drugs.Jul 28 04 Dearborn Heights Rotary 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Dearborn Heights Michigan USA Board Member Howard Wooldridge meets with members of the Dearborn Heights Rotary to discuss viable alternatives to the failed war on drugs.Jul 29 04 Lincoln Park (Metro Detroit) Rotary 12:00 PM Howard Wooldridge Lincoln Park Michigan USA Honest Abe would be proud of Board Member Howard Wooldridge as he tells the truth about the failed war on drugs to members of the Lincoln Park (Metro Detroit) Rotary. http://www.mmdetroit.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 27, 2004 at 13:50:19 PT Heads Up: Michael Moore on O'Reilly Tonight Tonight, "The O'Reilly Factor" is on...It’s the explosive interview you’ve been waiting for! Bill goes head-to-head with Michael Moore!http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,96207,00.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by ron on July 27, 2004 at 13:33:57 PT A shameful century of persecution over a plant. There should be an inquiry when it's over. I suggest the South African "Truth and Reconciliation" model. Walters, Bennett, Nahas, Ricaute and their ilk could escape jail only by confessing. Of course, we would shun them afterwards. (And cut off their pensions.) [ Post Comment ] Post Comment