cannabisnews.com: Sanity In Chicago

Sanity In Chicago

Posted by CN Staff on September 29, 2004 at 14:12:45 PT
By Stephen Young, DrugSense Weekly
Source: AlterNet

A major American city proposed marijuana decriminalization and no one expressed serious opposition. Not even the federal drug czar himself. Did the drug war slack off a little last week in Chicago? Was it just too tired to fight? Demoralized by Montel Williams?I thought Montel's show about medical marijuana, in which he confronted and shamed former deputy drug czar Andrea Barthwell, would be the big news of the week. But while the former czarina stuck to the cruel party line that Montel shouldn't be smoking weed to stop his pain, something else happened.
A major American city proposed marijuana decriminalization, and no one expressed serious opposition. Not even the federal freakin' drug czar himself.Maybe things will get back to normal next week, and maybe this proposal isn't as good as it seems, but Chicago's leaders want to stop arresting pot smokers for possessing small amounts. Instead, tickets would be issued. Chicago officials insist they are not talking about decriminalization. It's really a way to get tough on marijuana.OK guys. Whatever you say. Semantics can be important, and the term decriminalization carries varied meanings and connotations that can confound listeners. But if this was 1978, everyone would be using the language of decrim.Of course, it's not 1978 and the proposal isn't ideal. Among other problems, the fines as discussed are too high, but from a reformer's perspective, it still looks like a step in the right direction.It all started last Monday when the Chicago Sun-Times released details on a police sergeant's memo suggesting that fines would be more appropriate than arrest. He argued that judges were dismissing cases for the vast majority of suspects arrested with 2.5 grams or less.An unstated but central question floated beneath language of bureaucracy: Why spend money arresting potheads, when you can make money fining potheads?It was a relatively rational idea, but the drug war's central function is to aggressively smash down rationality wherever it rears its confusing head. While other counties and cities have similar schemes in place, American prohibitionists go insane and froth at the mouth whenever they discuss Canadian decrim proposals. I assumed that we would hear little more about the subject in Chicago.The next day, the chief of police said it was an idea worth consideration. Then Mayor Daley said he didn't have a problem with it. In Chicago, that's all that really matters. Both the Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune endorsed the idea.And then two holes within the space time continuum apparently aligned momentarily and we entered some kind of alternate dimension. I'm talking mystical signs of biblical proportions; lambs lying down with lions and that type of thing. John Walters, the federal drug czar, told the Sun-Times he does not have a problem with Chicago's plan to stop arresting marijuana smokers! He didn't endorse it, but he wouldn't criticize it. The federal freakin' drug czar!The reporter was polite and/or ignorant enough not to ask the federal freakin' drug czar why it's OK for Chicago but not for Canada.Federal hypocrisy aside, Chicago's fines for pot plan sounds OK, but regulation and a mild tax would be much better. Government shouldn't have to depend on people breaking the law to generate revenue when it could depend on people obeying the law to generate revenue.Better policies, however, will come around in the future. When Chicago fails to fall apart because marijuana smokers are no longer being arrested, more significant reforms will arrive in the Windy City and elsewhere, particularly if the reforms offer broader revenue streams and decreased costs for local government.At the very least some obscured truth seems to be ripe for mass recognition across the United States: Using the limited resources of law enforcement to arrest our way toward a pot-free America is a stupid, short-sighted waste. Even the federal freakin' drug czar understands marijuana arrests are a malicious luxury he can no longer afford to demand. Stephen Young is an editor at DrugSense Weekly -- http://www.drugsense.org/current.htm -- and the author of Maximizing Harm. -- http://www.maximizingharm.com/Source: AlterNet (US)Author: Stephen Young, DrugSense WeeklyPublished: September 29, 2004Copyright: 2004 Independent Media InstituteContact: letters alternet.org Website: http://www.alternet.org/DL: http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/20032/Related Articles:Chicago Wants Laissez-Faire Approach To MJhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19554.shtmlListen Up, Mr. President: Montel Williamshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19541.shtmlRegulation Increases Control Over Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19540.shtml Transcript: Montel Williams on Medical Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19519.shtml

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Comment #44 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 13:24:53 PT
A Comment About America
I know most of the people everywhere will be watching this debate tonight. I am proud to be an American today. The issues that surround this election are very difficult ones but only in America would we have 2 men work so hard to try to win the support of the people. I am proud because even though we have serious problems we still are given a chance to vote. It's not that way in all countries. I'll even go one step further. May the best man win tonight.
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 10:59:26 PT
A Little Inspiration
"DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN" http://boss.streamos.com/real/geffen/john_fogerty/audio/deja_vu_all_over_again/deja_vu_all_over_again/00_lo.ram
John Fogerty
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 10:15:04 PT
Hope
That means so much to me. Thank you!
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 10:14:05 PT
dongenero
Ever since this year started about who should be president I've tried to let people vent and push and I've been quiet. We are where we are with 2 men and one will be our president for 4 more years. Tonight is so important that it's hard to not say something. I just don't want " I hate everybody comments" because they are counter productive and really depress me and I'm sure many folks. We must all be depressed to a degree over what has happened to us in the last 4 years. Everyone has to know that our world is a mess now. Tonight over 55,000,000 people will watch this debate. This is very important.
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Comment #40 posted by Hope on September 30, 2004 at 10:12:35 PT
Dongenero wrote, "I'm with you FoM."
Me, too.
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Comment #39 posted by dongenero on September 30, 2004 at 10:04:57 PT
political comment but....
I'm with you FoM. I think the last 4 years have caused problems that could take mant Presidential terms to fix. Another 4 years of the same could likely make our current affairs look like a light preface.I'm holding out hope for the inteligence and savvy of the American public that you and I are not the only ones. I don't buy the polls. I am hoping these debates go very well for Kerry.My political rant for the day. Thanks for indulging me.
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Comment #38 posted by Hope on September 30, 2004 at 10:04:32 PT
I have a feeling
that maybe it was Jackie's very close friend, Gary Storck, who might have been the one that spoke to Kerry for Jackie.Gary, if it was you, I would like to hear what you thought about his reply, including his demeanor and body language.
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Comment #37 posted by dididadadidit on September 30, 2004 at 10:00:11 PT
Johnny Pee Not Objecting???
Johnny Pee Not Objecting???I can only think of two reasons why this might be.1. Johnny was roaring drunk when caught up with for a comment, or - - -2. The federales plan to get their hands on the list on finees and deal harshly with these dope smokin' terrorists with new minimum mandatories (at least) to outright dissapearance after some new enabling legislation out of the likes of Souder (R_Ind) and Senselessbrainer (R_Wis).Perhaps the "urban" language bandied about by Senselessbrainer suggests targeting inner city Democratic voters for felony federal drug records to get them off the voting rolls, like business as usual.Cheers?
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 09:56:36 PT

Hope
There is a difference. Kerry isn't Clinton though. Kerry has signed on to allow growing of medicinal cannabis in Mass. with Senator Kennedy. Clinton didn't do anything. Kerry already has. That's why I must not lose hope.
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 09:53:09 PT

dongenero
I'm so glad I'm not alone voting for Kerry. I have no faith in Bush. I know a World War could happen if Bush gets 4 more years since he seems to really like war and killing.
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Comment #34 posted by Hope on September 30, 2004 at 09:52:55 PT

Kerry's response to Jackie's question
It meant a lot to me, too, Dongenero. A lot!But it also reminds me of a time that Clinton was running and he told Jackie to her face that he would help, too.It's like having to feel your way through a large dark forest. It looks like a point of light to head towards, though. Clinton taught me not to trust anyone. But...we have to head in some direction.FoM...please, Dear sister, don't let it make you sick. You can take my "agreement" with you to put before Him in your prayers. Please do, in fact.
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Comment #33 posted by dongenero on September 30, 2004 at 09:37:16 PT

thanks Hope
Thanks Hope for relating Kerry's comment.reply to your friend's question about Medical Mar. access. That is a reassuring response. I'm far more inclined to believe that Kerry could a understand and support the issue than could the current administration.I also find it curious how low profile Walters has been on the Chicago decrim issue. It looks to me like the current admin. are going into "compassiontae conservative" mode, preparing for the debates and election. I did'nt buy that BS spin in 2000 and now that I've seen them in action, one would have to be a fool to buy it now.It gives me more confidence of my choices to hear Kerry's support for Medical Marijuana. That's awesome Hope!

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Comment #32 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 09:11:12 PT

Hope and Everyone
I think I'm going to register tomorrow instead of today. The roofers are here and the well driller is working too so I'll go tomorrow after my husband gets his chest x-ray that the doctor ordered. Check out this web site. I appreciate the good words about us here on CNews.http://www.decrimwatch.com
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on September 30, 2004 at 08:55:33 PT

Oh Hope
Oh my I am so worried. I wish I wasn't concerned as much as I am. I think it's time for me to do some praying.
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Comment #30 posted by Hope on September 30, 2004 at 08:48:39 PT

Sheep suit decision
Probably the decision by the ONDCP to put on their "sheep" suits was made as they studied the faces in the audience that Montel had on that day when about twenty million bricks fell out of their wall.
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Comment #29 posted by Hope on September 30, 2004 at 08:44:02 PT

Letter from Immly
This morning a got a post from Immly's Jackie Rickert.An excerpt from the post reads, "I attended his recent rally at the Alliant Energy Center and while my wheelchair prevented me from meeting him, a friend did and he asked Kerry when patients like me would receive legal access to
medical marijuana. Kerry replied, "When I'm president."
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Comment #28 posted by siege on September 30, 2004 at 08:32:36 PT

E_J
jesse ventura for PresidentCould former Minnesota Governor and WWE superstar Jesse "The Body" Ventura throw his hat into the ring for the 2008 Presidential elections? http://www.iwrestling.com/2004/03/jesse_ventura_f.html
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Comment #27 posted by Hope on September 30, 2004 at 08:31:42 PT

Kaptinemo, comment #22
I was thinking the same thing yesterday. The reason he the "FFDC" didn't freak about the Chicago idea is that they are merely trying to play their cards close to the chest until after the election.
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Comment #26 posted by kaptinemo on September 30, 2004 at 06:48:56 PT:

To some extent, we do have power
The silence from the antis about the Montel Williams program has been nothing short of deafening. As has been stated here, the antis are absolutely terrified of this eloquent and passionate African-American throwing their lies back in their teeth as he has so successfully - and so PUBLICLY - done. Think about it: for the first time, THE ANTIS WERE LITERALLY DUMBSTRUCK on his program. They were shut down at every attempt to spout their canned bilge. Mr. William's righteous wrath echoed that of every MMJ patient in America. It wasn't just our factual information being heard on that program; it was our pain and suffering, too. Pain and suffering caused by these wrongheaded (ostensible) do-gooders intent on helping us into early graves.But if the media doesn't push ever harder, the matter will once again slide back down into the back folders of the average person's mental filing cabinet and be forgotten by other issues.It is no accident that after many of us had made the clarion call to visit the Kerry website and make our opinions known - and to offer our support - the volume on his website jumped literally exponentially, with the cannabists providing the greatest numbers of new posters. Mr. Kerry's minions know - even if Mr. Kerry himself doesn't - that we are here. They know of our VAST numbers, and the political clout that those numbers could wield in any close election. But they refrain from associating with their fellow Americans.Any change, as usual, is going to have to come from the (no pun intended; I'm serious as a heart attack) 'grass roots level'. From those who watch such programs as Mr. Williams's. And from people like the canabists reading this.
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Comment #25 posted by E_Johnson on September 30, 2004 at 06:19:26 PT

There is no more normality IMO
This is a turning point. Nobody knows what to say about drug policy in either party because the drug reform movement has made so many inroads on both sides.What will happen in 2008?I think it will be Arnold vs. Hillary, frankly, and I think they will offer competing plans for drug reform.
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Comment #24 posted by goneposthole on September 30, 2004 at 06:12:43 PT

normality?
Normality is what?A drugwar that never ends?Invading countries that are weak and defenseless?Taxing people until they are dirt poor and need a handout?Garnering millions of dollars for yourself and chastising others for being lazy and shiftless? "You're a deadbeat no good bastard, you filthy swine." Chastising people with no hope who turn to drugs because of some traumatic incident that left them psychologically diffused? That's normality, too.I love 'social Darwinism', for the weak are always a burden and the strong have a reason to be strong, i.e. to wreak havoc upon the weak. They have the money to make them strong.That's 'normality'. It sounds more like bluster than just plain living.Time for the drugwar to come crashing down. Time for the American economy to come crashing down. It is devoid of sound economic principles. It's essence is greed and avarice, not need. The American Empire is trying to gain the whole world and is losing its soul in the process. The 'normality' of it is quite insane.I doubt if I'll even bother to vote this year. The War Party needs to come crashing down. I'll wait for it to fall on its own sword. It's our only hope.
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Comment #23 posted by E_Johnson on September 30, 2004 at 05:48:19 PT

We seem to have a little power, kaptinemo
Remember the 2000 election? Medical marijuana bashing was an important part of the campaign on both sides.Now they seem to be afraid to mention marijuana at all.
W
Wow, I am enjoying this moment of seeing both candidates afraid to rile the potheads too much before the election.
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Comment #22 posted by kaptinemo on September 30, 2004 at 04:41:57 PT:

We can expect a return to 'normality' soon
'Normality' being the return to foaming histrionics from the ONDCP office.It's an election year, and things are 'close'. The Bonesman Kerry is 'running against' the Bonesman Bush, so the Punch & Judy show has to be maintained for a bit longer. But in the process of this faux 'election', the Powers-That-be can't afford to ruffle any MidWestern sensibilities, so I suspect the ONDCP has been given orders to keep quiet, hence it's seeming volteface on the matter of decrim in Chicago.You can expect the rabidity to return after November...
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 23:28:15 PT

Thanks again
and yes...I too worry about that registration possibility.I've got to get some sleep, too. Goodnight and rest well.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on September 29, 2004 at 23:25:46 PT

Hope
You're welcome. Just An American Boy has Copperhead road on it. It has a song about the coal miners that were trapped in Pa. He talks about sqaure headed people named Otto. I laughed when he said that. I never heard of a square headed person named Otto. LOL! I'm done for the day. I have to go register tomorrow afternoon since Rock the Vote registration hasn't been processed yet. I know close to a million people registered using Rock the Vote. I hope others don't take it for granted because they might not get registered and won't be able to vote.
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 23:17:34 PT

Thanks FoM
I'm planning on ordering at least one of those tomorrow.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on September 29, 2004 at 23:11:01 PT

Hope
I think I would Get Just An American Boy and Jerusalem and The Revolution Starts Now. I think the first one I mentioned is the best. It is a two disc set. That was my first CD of his that I bought. I only know of those three but he has a lot more music to choose from. Ashes To Ashes ( about the twin towers ) is a really good song.
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 23:00:28 PT

Got to get me some of that music
What do you suggest I purchase first?
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on September 29, 2004 at 22:57:34 PT

Hope
Copperhead Road is a really good jammin' song. Steve Earle must be popular with many people. You just don't hear his music on the radio. He's a different type musician and not afraid to say and sing what he feels. F The CC is one of those songs.
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 22:45:51 PT

the other day
I was talking to my son about Steve Earle. He was already far more familiar with him than I. He mentioned Copperhead Road.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on September 29, 2004 at 22:37:00 PT

Hope
No I didn't see a link to the article about Steve Earle. I listened to his musc all day today. ( Of course a little Neil Young Too LOL! )We are moving things from my father in laws house and some of the guys my husband knows are helping with the moving. I had on The Revolution Starts Now and he said Steve Earle! I wish I had Copperhead Road. I made him two different CDs of Steve Earles music and he was so happy. Steve Earle is a very good musician and sings from his heart. Thanks for telling me about it.
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 22:19:28 PT

EJohnson and FoM
EJohnson, I can see what you are talking about.FoM, did you notice this was at the bottom of the page EJ posted the link to? http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19981/
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Comment #12 posted by E_Johnson on September 29, 2004 at 20:04:29 PT

I really do not understand
How can the American left obsess endlessly about tax cuts and poverty, when there are a half million human beings locked in cages like animals for no really good reason?I suppose this does illustrate something important abouit socialist ideology -- it's about seductively easy soltuions to real hard problems.It's easy to hate the rich and want to take their money.It's hard to do anything meaningful about drug addiction and the emotional illnesses that cause it.Guess who flaps his lips endlessly about the easy things and forgets about the human casualties of our inability to deal with the hard ones?
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Comment #11 posted by E_Johnson on September 29, 2004 at 19:26:39 PT

I have something to say about Cornel West
http://www.alternet.org/story/20017/I am no longer scared by the evil capoatlist boogeyman.Where was the freaking left when America incarcerated the underclass in the Drug War?The American left was enjoying how well the Drug War fit into America's version of socialism, that's what the left was doing. Socialists can be as puritan as Christians. This is how we got into the mess we're in now. The socialist-Christian cabal.I used to be proud to associate myself with people like Cornel West, now I have so much anger about this horrible harmful war that I could almost spit on him with frustration.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on September 29, 2004 at 19:26:30 PT

EJ Check Out the Time Stamp

We're on the same wavelength! Cool!September 29, 2004 at 19:18:47
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on September 29, 2004 at 19:23:09 PT

Thanks EJ
I just got it posted.British, French Drug Firms Lead on Marijuana Tests: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread19570.shtml
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Comment #8 posted by E_Johnson on September 29, 2004 at 19:18:19 PT

Hey here's something
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=571&ncid=751&e=3&u=/nm/20040930/hl_nm/health_marijuana_conference_dcBritish, French Drug Firms Lead on Marijuana TestsBy Leonard AndersonSAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - British and French pharmaceutical companies are racing ahead of their U.S. counterparts to develop new drugs containing marijuana to relieve pain and treat a wide range of illnesses because marijuana is illegal in the United States, scientific researchers said on Wednesday.

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Comment #7 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 18:31:02 PT

Barthwell
Barthwell is a federal freakin slave to the ONDCP. She obviously dares not think. If she did she'd show some sign that she had a conscience.Sold and bought for a hundred thousand dollars a year...or whatever her salary is or was or might be someday.

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Comment #6 posted by Hope on September 29, 2004 at 18:25:34 PT

"the federal freakin' drug czar"
A really good article.I really liked the term "the federal freakin' drug czar".It expresses the kind of disbelief I had at his not going beserk on the idea.
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Comment #5 posted by Truth on September 29, 2004 at 16:51:17 PT

mythBARFFFFFwell
mythBARFFFFFwell
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Comment #4 posted by global_warming on September 29, 2004 at 15:34:17 PT

Chicago
Is not this city the center of the underworld, Al Capone and all those Untouchable??Maybe this city was built on the core of corruption that was ignited by the first blind prohibition, maybe a lot of good people were dragged into bottomless promises that still endure to this day. Maybe a lot of good names owe much to the drug lords that gained so much control during that period, that even 80 years later, favors and promises are still owed.However one chooses to see this world, one may slowly percieve, the current drug lords who bask in power due to the current prohibition, will some day be the big names that we hear about today.Informed people can make informed decisions, and while there is still some semblance of democracy and a freedom to hold an election in this good ol'e USA, let us all vote, vote for the man or women that has been least touched by the greed and corruption that stinks all the way to heaven.Get ready..register..vote.
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Comment #3 posted by JustGetnBy on September 29, 2004 at 14:42:24 PT

A. Barthwell

How could you or I give the performance Barthwell gave,wheather on national TV, or in your own living room while entertaing friends and ever look into another mirror without slapping yourself along side the head.