cannabisnews.com: Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Marijuana Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 11:05:31 PT By Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News Source: Anchorage Daily News A massive spending campaign by the fans of legalized marijuana in Alaska failed to convince voters.With more than 80 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, voters rejected by a crushing margin the notion that pot should be legal for adults 21 and older to possess, grow, buy or give away. Backers of Ballot Measure 2 spent huge sums making their case in print and broadcast media, vastly outspending foes. The proposal, which would have allowed for state regulation and taxation of pot, did not appear to be faring better than a similar but more ambitious initiative in 2000. People on both sides of the issue this year thought, or worried, Measure 2 had a fighting chance because it asked less of voters than the one in 2000. Alaska voters leaving the polls Tuesday cited everything from the state's substance abuse problems to fears about stoned drivers or sending a mixed message to kids as reasons they voted against the measure.David Finkelstein, treasurer of one of the main groups pushing for legalization, conceded defeat. He said the campaign had a lot of momentum until about mid-October, when federal officials, including a deputy White House drug czar, visited the state with an antidrug message."Then there was that horrific, gruesome murder story that was super depressing," he said, referring to the recent arrest in Anchorage of a 16-year-old who was charged with first-degree murder for killing his stepmother and dumping her in a freezer while high on marijuana. "It sort of derailed the message there for a while," Finkelstein said.Matthew Fagnani, chairman of the sole opposition group to Measure 2 and president of the local drug-testing firm WorkSafe Inc., said he was "very happy" about the results. "Today is a good day for the sake of the future of Alaska's children," he said.U.S. Attorney Tim Burgess said he was relieved and heartened that Alaskans took the issue seriously. "Substance abuse and drug addiction are a tremendous problem in Alaska," he said. "It is something that the law enforcement community realizes because they have to deal with it every day."Alaska voters had gone both ways in the past. They legalized marijuana for medical purposes in 1998. Two years later, 59 percent of voters turned down a proposition similar to Measure 2, though that initiative, which included retroactive amnesty and possible reparations for people convicted of pot crimes, didn't fail as miserably as some expected given its reach. About 41 percent of voters approved it. Snipped: Complete Article: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/voters.htmSource: Anchorage Daily News (AK)Author: Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily NewsPublished: November 3, 2004Copyright: 2004 The Anchorage Daily News Contact: letters adn.com Website: http://www.adn.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Yes on 2 Alaskahttp://www.yeson2alaska.com/A Drug-Abuse Researcher Says Vote Yes on 2 http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19743.shtmlMarijuana Initiative Heats Up Electionshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19741.shtmlAlaskans To Vote on Legalizing Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19738.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #41 posted by dr slider on November 04, 2004 at 10:20:46 PT: false idols Conformity is the method by which the masses are induced to idolize and seek to be among the "normal".Look at the idiotic fascination with polls, and the shovelling of horserace manure that is the method by which most of America gets "informed". No wonder that in this race both killing 100,000 Iraqi's to "liberate" them (worked for that group, likety split) and, keeping homosexuals(I detest the tag, human sexuality is not black and white either) from having the same civil rights as the rest, became moral imperatives.To force the normalization of a society the "others" must be identified and destroyed. "Enemies of Freedom" we'll call 'em. Yea...that's the ticket. Normal!? What the f*** kind of aspiration is that?I'll take 100% to the bone weird...every time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 22:19:49 PT runderwo No I think you misunderstood me about conformity. I was talking about not wanting to be a part of a political party I didn't think voting was a non conformist issue. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 22:15:35 PT runderwo I did vote this time but I never felt that voting made a difference. I was like most people raising a family and working to make the business we had successful. I did a lot of volunteer work with children and just didn't know anything about what was going on. I really never watched the news and we didn't have the Internet. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by runderwo on November 03, 2004 at 22:06:54 PT hmm FoM, when you are voting, you are not "conforming", you are simply expressing your preference as to which candidate of those available is most suitable to wield power over your life. If you don't vote, then your preference goes unheard by the system. Why would you do that? In a republic, your vote is the only voice you get against others taking control of you. Are you really okay with handing the reins of your life completely over to everyone else? [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 21:27:57 PT Sam I don't like to be made to conform. I always was a non comformist. My one teacher in school said that I think I'm different because I'm proud to be a non comformist and I thought right. He said but remember even a non comformist conforms to non comformity. It made my mind spin for a minute and then he smiled at me. He was a very nice Catholic Priest. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by Sam Adams on November 03, 2004 at 21:18:43 PT fitting in It's true, conformity is like an instinct. I don't have it either! When everyone is doing one thing, I have an urge to do the opposite. Speaking of Libertarians, this is how I end up considering a lot of their positions. For instance, could it be standardized public schooling that makes so many people want to conform? Hmmmm.... not that I don't want kids to be educated, but maybe a choice of all different types of schools would be better. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by afterburner on November 03, 2004 at 21:12:15 PT Kaptin I agree with you, but I also agree with FoM (kind of a dr. slider-esque duality, at once both/and and either/or). I see supporting Kerry as a "compromise," a baby step away from the mad-ness of Bush's bully ways. I see this election as the US version of religious war, fundies against moderates. I'm not at all surprised that you see cannabis as a "sacred medicine." We have after all been to the river together. I wish that the Dems had had the "cojones" to gamble that the cannabist support would not drive away other supporters. However, even in more progressive Canada the federal NDP party sent back a donation from the prince of pot (even after their leader Jack Layton had actually endorsed the idea of pot cafes). The problem is that the progressive parties let fear of their opponents keep them from embracing their true opportunity in both US and Canada. Now, we have "dull, dull, dull" Canadian leadership trying to suck up to George W. Bully's neo-convicts. Personally I took Virgil's advice to vote out all the incumbents. On CNN some pundit was asking who is the leader of the Democratic party now. The ensuing discussion agreed with your point that the Democratic Party has "lost its soul." They had a chance for a soul transplant but they blew it. As far as charity goes, a civilized society protects the weak, the sick, the powerless. However, if 10% of income is enough for God, then the government has no right to expect us to pay more than 10% to support secular order.AgaetisByrjun, I'd like to believe that Bush "will be more freewheeling and less authoritarian," but I don't think his handlers would allow it. Their influence has been a consistent game plan since day 1. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 21:06:40 PT Sam Thank you so much. Sometimes I feel so different then other people because I can't believe in something because I am told this is what to believe. A Party has to have a foundation and I've never fit in any of them. I'm out here in my own world. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by Sam Adams on November 03, 2004 at 20:59:02 PT FOM I understand completely! Are you kidding, all of us are feeling the same way right now. Most of all I feel horrified at the other Americans. Last election, I was kind of schocked that an idiot could get elected. This time, I just can't believe the other people I'm living with (in this country) would vote for him again! He seems like a petty thug to me. I just can't understand how any thinking person could vote for the guy.I think you're right about the party thing. I know my dad voted for Bush again this year, even though he's anti-war and also believes strongly in small government, less government spending etc. I tried to tell him Bush is terrible on both those counts, and he at some level he knows it, but ultimately he thinks it's un-manly to vote for a Democrat. I don't think he's ever voted for a Democrat in his life. It seems like the 1% elite use the party system to exploit people's sense of loyalty and belonging. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 20:32:43 PT Sam I'm not any party. I don't like any party platforms. I only voted for Kerry because I like him and don't like Bush. I won't be voting ever again. It's not worth it to me. I'm very independent and don't conform very well. I never have. I just don't like politics. I'm not having a pity party because I've always felt this way. I hope you understand. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by Sam Adams on November 03, 2004 at 20:21:47 PT Libertarians FOM - I'm a registered Libertarian and I believe the hungry should be fed, etc. I don't think Jesus ever intended for a bunch of scummy government bureaucrats to suck huge amounts of money out of working people as a commission for feeding the poor. I see the Libertarian party as a espousing a certain set of values, not a rigid set of precise policy actions. I also vote for the Greens. I don't think either party represents my views perfectly, but both are closer than the Dems or Republicans. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by unkat27 on November 03, 2004 at 20:01:17 PT Fear-mongers win, again I see the majority of Alaskan voters fell for the fear-mongering of the fascists. poor fools. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by MDG on November 03, 2004 at 19:28:29 PT Agreed, FoM. Life is way, way too short to be seething with hate; I don't know why some choose to live so, but they do unnecessarily.I just wish I could have enjoyed some of that sweet MidWest rain that passed through Ohio! When it rarely drizzles in SoCal, people wreck their cars. I'd just like to do like Hendrix sang about in "Rainy Day, Dream Away". [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 19:21:01 PT MDG It's good to see you and I think I understand. Most of my family are republicans but we only talk about politics just a little and spend our time sharing what we do believe in. Our values are really deeply personal and they make us unique. I am sad today but I am not sad with everything in my life just the election. I don't let politics get in the way of my happiness because what is truly out of my control is best to not put much energy in for me. Life goes by so fast that we can get caught up in issues that can take us away from some really good times and that seems like such a waste of precious time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by MDG on November 03, 2004 at 19:07:14 PT For what it's worth... I agree that it's untrue that Republicans and Libertarians care any less for other people than Democrats or Greens. The issue is how best to support people so they can live for themselves without your help, not whether to help or not. If Jesus wants you to help the needy, he wants YOU to help and show love by example, not forcibly confiscate other's income for anyone else's sense of duty. That's why people do charitable work of their own accord, and the IRS doesn't. It's also many times more effective and less expensive.Regarding the election, I don't think the world is going to hell in a handbasket because Bush was re-elected, though I used to. My paranoia abated when I realized that people aren't being spirited away for speaking out, and I honestly can't think of a single right I've lost due to the PATRIOT ACT (I used to call it the TRAITOR ACT) when I used to think I'd lost them all.I don't know of any Americans being dropped feet first into plastic shredders either, though people think Bush is a Stalinist (like Saddam Hussein), which is utter rubbish. It is my opinion that those opposed to the war in Iraq due to tragic civilian casualties forget about the ones who aren't having fingers chopped off, whole busses buried with children on parents' laps, gassed Kurds or girls being raped by thugs. I figured supporters of women's rights would be glad to see Ba'athist regimes ending, but that's just me. That is a much greater good, I believe, and the point of having better laser/GPS munitions is to limited civilian casualties, unlike a strategic nuke which no one advocates.Anyway, the division in this country is not due to anyone elected nor can it be "healed" by them, but is due to our interpretations of events and choices in dealing with fellow Americans. I'll be getting together with my friends from Mass. and Jersey this weekend and we'll enjoy each other's company among other things. They're in the dumps, I'm pretty thrilled. But we really like each other and don't need anyone else to tell us to get along; we talk about politics and mostly disagree, yet remain good friends.I must say, that thankfully the members of this site aren't off the deep end like those at DU. I've mentioned it many times here in years past that when I was in ill health/nutrition I sounded like them; overreacting to every perceived government intrusion as though it were doing all it could to stomp out my rights and the Constitution. I figured people were listening to my phone conversations, ratting me out for weed and all that crap.I look back at those times and the things I've said, now in embarassment. It was a great day when I took off my conspiracy theory helmet and realized that even though I might not agree with someone, it doesn't mean he is evil, some sort of "wannabe God", a false-Christian (Christians realize we're still sinners, BTW) or a fascist. Once I dropped the animus, everything cleared for me. But, that was just my experience. Maybe someone can glean something from it, maybe not. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by cannabliss on November 03, 2004 at 18:01:09 PT CP = BJ More lousy lazy journalism.First: "Backers of Ballot Measure 2 spent huge sums making their case in print and broadcast media, vastly outspending foes."But then: "federal officials, including a deputy White House drug czar, visited the state with an antidrug message...talk radio shows in the state and the Alaska State Medical Association...came out against legalization"How much is a 60-second spot on the radio worth? How about 2 hours of right-wing Rush-wannabee jabber about how bad pot is? How about the salaries, hotel, plane fare, etc. for visting federal officials? Who is outspending whom here?I hope that MPP and others learn a valuable lesson from this and Nevada. Anytime pot is close to being legalized, there WILL be horror stories about crazed negroes raping and killing white girls, or some such variation.How to combat this? Good question. Perhaps bombarding the airwaves with a series of "reefer madness" ads in the months prior to the election so that when the "real" (i.e. trumped up and sensationalized) story about psychotic potheads comes out, it will be indistinguishable from the previously-run ads.I came up with the idea a while ago that the only sure way to get pot legalized would be to have Michael Jordan (you can see how old the idea is hehe...) get killed by cops in a pot bust gone bad. People don't think, they feel. If a beloved celebrity tells them jump, they jump. If it requires exertion of intellectual effort, they balk.Look at the Iraq prison scandal. A handful of humiliated prisoners WITH pictures, and everyone is up in arms. Tens of thousands of dead innocents WITHOUT pictures, and people ho-hum it away...even to the point where they can say they voted for Bush for "moral reasons" despite his responsibility for these murders. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 17:51:11 PT Ohio Going for Bush I wanted to say something about Ohio. I don't consider myself an Ohioan. I don't watch news from Ohio or really pay much attention to what goes on in Ohio. I live in Ohio and have for many many years. I am a Pennsylvania person. I was raised in PA and my opinions come from back east. I love where I live in Ohio but my way of thinking is from back east. It's funny how transplanted people can't shake their roots. It seems our young years are deeply empeded into our brains. That's why I like the Internet so much. I can live in Ohio but talk to people from all around the world with different views and ideas on issues. That's really all I wanted to say. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 17:26:32 PT I Really Appreciate The Comments Kapt if anyone here knows me it's you. We have shared some heavy duty talks. We don't think the same in every area but have mutual respect for each other and that's a really good thing.westnyc you are very welcome and I understand the depression. My husband is sleeping. He said I shouldn't be sleeping but he was so depressed. I said sleep it off. We are like a dog that has been in a bad fight and we are licking our wounds. When the wounds heal the angry and energy returns. I call that righteous indignation.AgaetisByrjun I really appreciate your post. I'm going to read it again to make sure I'm absorbing it all. I am depressed but I do CNews so I have something I must do in my mind or I'd be crying in my beer except I don't drink beer or anything but diet coke! [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by AgaetisByrjun on November 03, 2004 at 17:10:13 PT I've heard that... Ashcroft and Rumsfeld may be on the outs (together with Colin Powell). From the eternal optimists, I've heard that Bush doesn't have to worry about energizing his conservative base anymore and will be more freewheeling and less authoritarian in order to build his legacy. This makes sense: ideally, I'd want to be remembered as someone who brought the country together and made us all proud to be American than a polarizing douchebag (I don't know if that word's too strong for these forums, but that's the way I feel) who drove the far right into a feeding frenzy while everyone else hated his guts. But again, this is probably all just wishful-thinking rationalization.In the back of my mind, I'm a bit scared that there might be some civil unrest coming. I'm confident that it won't happen, but I'm not even a Democrat and I was pretty depressed today. I couldn't even get out of bed for an hour after I woke up (although my election night near-all-nighter probably accounts for a lot of that!). I'm a Republican (the Buckley/Goldwater kind, or basically a more moderate Libertarian) who feels that George W. Bush is bad for America and bad for the GOP. He's about as conservative as Josef Stalin was liberal: yes, in theory, but he's betrayed the libertarian branch to appease his imperialist supporters. I'm nominally Episcopol but actually a cross between Unitarian and Quaker. Maybe it's just not in my belief system, but I can't see how George W. Bush is seen as the Godly candidate when he's anything but. It actually sort of scares me: admittedly, Quakers and Baptists are like fire and ice, but anyone who prays to an invisible man in the sky honestly believing that he's there and he'll guide everything you do is just... I don't like it. I believe that God is everywhere and everything and all you have to do to be Godly is to conduct yourself in a moral and ethical manner and make people happy. Quakers: hippies 300 years before their time?I live in middle-of-nowhere Virginia, in a county where 15% of adults have a college degree, 60% a high school diploma, and where they actually shut down the public school system for several years instead of integrate (Prince Edward, if you want to know). This is hardcore Bush country. I've been around "red-staters" my whole life and it makes me pretty angry to see people deride them as a bunch of stupid hicks. As a Virginian (from a family who moved to this state in 1665), I can say that many of them ARE stupid hicks, but that's beside the point. It's like saying that black people commit more crimes or that gays are, on average, more promiscuous than the rest of us. It's true, but does it really matter? Some of my best friends are stupid hicks. They can be beautiful people. I'm sorry to be on a soapbox like this, but I really wish everyone could just live and let live -- conservative AND liberal.I call myself a Republican even though I've voted almost exclusively Democrat. There is no registration by party in VA; I call myself conservative because I more closely follow old conservative beliefs (small government, personal freedom, strong and ready army (NOT an invading force, mind you -- strictly for defense) economic liberty, etc.). Again, George Bush is about as conservative as a bump on a log. I voted for John Kerry, and would have voted for Badnarik if I lived somewhere like Texas or Massachu-can't-spell-it-tts (Massachusetts seems right but that state has always given me trouble spelling it). I thought (wrongly) that Kerry had an outside shot at Virginia because of all the Democrats up north and because I thought that other paleoconservatives would be equally disgusted with the President. I was wrong.I'm really not afraid of a second Bush term. The man is a clueless putz and, surrounded by skillful advisors, could be a great president in the same way that Eisenhower was. It's just that his administration stars the unholy Trinity of Rove, Ashcroft, and Rumsfeld (I disagree with nearly everything Dick Cheney says, but -- this may get me shot -- I have enormous respect for him as a person. The evil three are scum through and through). Our neoconservative ways don't look to end anytime soon, and Congress could make serious trouble unopposed. Half of me says not to fear... but the other half says to be very, very afraid. Again, I'm legitimately scared of civil unrest in this country.It really goes without saying that the Supreme Court situation is looking absolutely dire. President Bush has come out and said that his favorite justices are Antonin Scalia and Clarence "Pubes" Thomas (in reference to the Anita Hill row, NOT his black-people hair). Rehnquist is done for, but that's replacing a far-right justice with a far-right justice. I'm confident that the other justices can hold on for four more years, with the significant exception of 84-year old liberal John Paul Stevens. If he were to be replaced, the Court's entire balance is thrown to the right. I pray that Stevens can hang on, but 88 is an awfully old age -- and with old age come health problems. Stevens is older than Rehnquist. And yes, I'm officially worried. Miguel Estrada would be a perfect excuse to pander to a minority group (Look! It's an Hispanic! None has ever served on the Supreme Court before: aren't we loving and diverse?) and stack the Court with far-right justices at the same time. In any event, I'm afraid that the future of legal cannabis is in extreme jeopardy, unless Stevens somehow cheats Father Time and stays in power (and everyone else bar Rehnquist stands pat). I'm crossing my fingers for another Borking or two, if it comes to that (surely not all sitting Republicans can be right-wing extremists -- can they?).I didn't mean to type this enormous rant, but it's nice to get it off my chest. In case you don't feel like reading the above:1) I'm a conservative for Kerry (NOT neocon); 2) Four more years of Bush isn't the end of the world; 3) I'm scared of "sore losers" (for lack of a better term; I'm as pained as anybody) causing trouble; 4) I'm terrified of the Supreme Court's future.P.S.: My biggest fear is that, with both the popular and electoral vote won by a good margin, Bush will take this as a mandate from the people to do what he's been doing, but more so. By the way: has anyone reminded the Republican leadership that "activist judges" have been an essential part of our country since the beginning? It's not that they "subvert democracy". They ARE democracy. Life appointments are given so that they won't toss and blow in the political winds for the sake of re-election, as Representatives (and Senators to a much lesser degree) do. Really, no one wanted racial integration. It was forced upon us by "activist judges", 1954-style. I don't think there's a single person who would go back on that sort of judicial tyranny. Many other good decisions were made against the will of the people, by septigenarian judges who have studied constitutional law their entire lives. I think they know better than any of us what laws should and shouldn't be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by kaptinemo on November 03, 2004 at 17:07:32 PT: FoM, If I've given offense, I apologize Perhaps I am being too critical...it's been less than 24 hours. But history is my forte, and I've been on the periphery of it when it was being made, and had the sense to know it, and to recognize its' patterns. Witchunts and pogroms have always followed behind religious hysteria and (exclusionary) political activism. Polarization sets in, and pretty soon, battle lines are drawn. It happened here before. It can happen again. There's been open and serious talk in some message boards I frequent about seccession being the only logical conclusion to reflect that polarization in the US. People are thinking dangerously crazy stuff. I don't want to see that happen here. Civil wars...ain't.Too many people think of the word compromise as being on par with 'decadent', failing to realize the only times humans have known peace is when compromise became the only other choice besides mutual extinction. The entire Cold War was a colossal compromise, with ugly battles being fought on the perripheries so the homelands wouldn't be destroyed. Stick is a survivor of one such extended battle.My point is that the Dems could have regained their base by reaching out to those who were marginalized...and who would have returned the gesture, *despite* decades of betrayal in voting for "I'm tough on drugs, too!" legislation that hurt millions of us. Instead, they sneeringly called us the 'doper vote'. Well, we've sat in the fascist stewpot for decades, and have grown used to the temperature; when the latest group comes tumbling in, their howls at not being used to the heat of the water they helped boil will hurt our ears. But not prick my sympathies. Not anymore. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by westnyc on November 03, 2004 at 16:50:30 PT Perhaps the next time! I, like everyone else am sitting around my apartment, depressed. I was really attempting to be optimistic that maybe things would change and the world would become a better place. America would set the example of how the rest of civilization should be. Democracy! Such a wonderful word. I hope everyone is doing well. Me, I'm just relaxing with a double martini listening to some really great 80's tunes remembering my college days. How I wish I could smoke some herb, it's been ten-years for me; but, I can't risk losing my job and ruining my great credit. Right now, I wish I could leave this country that I love. I do love America; but, I love the America that is supposed to be. Thank you FOM for this site, it means alot to me, especially tonight! God bless! [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 16:25:53 PT cloud7 Of course there are no hard feelings. I know we all are angry and sad and down right furious and our emotions get in the way. It's really ok. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by cloud7 on November 03, 2004 at 16:23:46 PT ... "I don't lie. That's not my nature."I know you are not a liar, I have read plenty of your posts. I just think it is unfair to generalize that broadly. No hard feelings. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 16:21:02 PT cloud7 I'm not any party and never will be. I voted for Kerry because I liked what he wanted to do. He seemed to think more like they do in Canada. I'm just saying how I feel and how I vote based on my beliefs. That should be ok. I know we have people on CNews who get assistance from the government and that's ok with me. If someone needs help they shouldn't be denied help in this rich country we live in is all I mean. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by cloud7 on November 03, 2004 at 16:15:08 PT ... "I don't think Republicans or Libertarians care about those things."This is not true. The difference is how they believe the end result should be achieved. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 16:11:55 PT cloud7 I don't lie. That's not my nature. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by cloud7 on November 03, 2004 at 16:09:34 PT ... "He said feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and all the good things he said in that sermon. I don't think Republicans or Libertarians care about those things."Im sorry, that's an outright lie. We dont believe it's right to steal from the income people worked hard to acquire and give it to someone else. Charity that is forced isnt charity at all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 16:02:06 PT kaptinemo Kerry didn't lose me or my husband because of the cannabis issue. I just talked to a friend from my NY Board about Kerry. They live in Arizona and their hearts are broken too. No party or person has all the answers. I make my judgment on the basis of what Jesus would have me to do. What would he want of me and how I should look at different issues. He said feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and all the good things he said in that sermon. I don't think Republicans or Libertarians care about those things. I think Greens care about the earth but miss out in other areas. All we can do is vote for a person that helps us to feel they will help us to do the right thing. I would never be any party because it's a person that I would vote for and never a party platform. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by kaptinemo on November 03, 2004 at 15:50:02 PT: Afterburner, a slight correction We didn't lose Kerry; he lost US. Lost every cannabist who takes voting seriously, having been spitted on the sharp end of the political stick for so long. He could have had MILLIONS of votes, if he had just had the balls to stick up for a constituency that numbers in those millions.Make no mistake, had Kerry shown strength of caharcter as well as political savvy, he'd be smiling right now. Instead, he showed us what every 'mainstream' pol has shown us since cannabis prohibition: his 'moons'. Only someone like Kucinich had the brains as well as the cojones to realize that those who are sick and tired of being victimized for our choice of sacred (should it surprise you if I hold such views?) medicine number in those aformentioned millions. As in those 'swing voters' that supposedly were courted so assiduously this election? But, nooooo, he's too 'radical' for the Dems; they settle on Mr. Moneypants as usual. And they wonder why their numbers are shrinking? Why they keep losing? Why Republicans are laughing so loudly?Statistical probability reaches 100% that some one attached to the power structure of the Dem hierarchy is or will read this. As Mr. Montel Williams is wont to do to make a point: "Hear this!" When the Dems embraced the marginalized of society, last century, it cost them the South. When it tried to embrace the rich at the expense of it's base, it lost something more: Its' SOUL. Now it has practically lost any real politcal power - at least for another two years. As we learned last year, it doesn't take much time to sink deep in quicksand, especially when you thrash about in panic and just sink deeper. We can still get out...but not if all you do is squirm. It also helps to know people who've 'been there; done that'. Who know the way out. We know the way out, Dems. But no more freebies, Dems. You helped put us in the poorhouse, remember? We can't afford to be charitable anymore... [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by global_warming on November 03, 2004 at 14:29:30 PT I forgot that shmuck Ashcroft He has to go, maybe he can find redemption without a job..gw [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by global_warming on November 03, 2004 at 14:27:19 PT re:#9..Very Nice Afterburner "Our issue did well over all. The war is still a major problem, but Bushie made the mess: let him clean it up. I doubt the rest of the world is celebrating Bush's so-called victory."Especially the part of "let him clean it up"...who knows, maybe George will clean house and fire some of those idiots that have been sucking up his ass, such as Rummy, Powell is outa here.. Wolfie and some of the other neo con-artists,...Let's hope,-gw [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 13:39:46 PT afterburner Yes we did well didn't we! Thanks I needed that! [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by afterburner on November 03, 2004 at 13:38:16 PT Cheer Up, FoM (when you can) Look at All We Gained We lost Kerry, but we won big in many initiatives. Look at the front page of Cannabis News:Marijuana Measures Pass Handily Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 12:44:34 PT By Dave Moore of the Tribune’s Staff Source: Columbia Daily Tribune Columbia voters did a dramatic about-face on marijuana yesterday, approving two measures that forbid police from arresting people for possessing small amounts of the drug. Two ballot measures, which mirror a similar measure that failed 10,461-7,629 in April 2003, easily passed during yesterday’s voting deluge. Proposition 1, which allows seriously ill adults to use marijuana with permission from their physicians, passed with 32,945, or 69 percent, of the votes, compared with 14,541 votes against. Read More... Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 11:05:31 PT By Tataboline Brant, Anchorage Daily News Source: Anchorage Daily News A massive spending campaign by the fans of legalized marijuana in Alaska failed to convince voters. With more than 80 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, voters rejected by a crushing margin the notion that pot should be legal for adults 21 and older to possess, grow, buy or give away. Backers of Ballot Measure 2 spent huge sums making their case in print and broadcast media, vastly outspending foes. Read More... (7 Comments) Both Pot Propositions Pass by a Large Margin Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 10:17:34 PT By Luke Distefano Source: Columbia Missourian With the passage of two marijuana-related initiatives Tuesday, Columbia voters have placed the city on the progressive edge of drug-law reform in the United States. With more than half the ballots tallied, voters were approving Proposition 1 69 percent to 31 percent as of press time. The measure makes it legal for chronically ill patients to possess and use marijuana with a doctor’s consent. Physicians who prescribe marijuana to patients will no longer face arrest and prosecution. Read More... Voters: Make Pot a Low Priority Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 09:06:48 PT By Heather MacDonald, Staff Writer Source: Oakland Tribune Oakland -- Voters on Tuesday laid the groundwork for the decriminalization of marijuana by voting overwhelmingly for Measure Z, which orders the Oakland Police Department to make private, adult use of pot its lowest priority. According to early unofficial returns, Measure Z received almost two-thirds of the vote, appearing to win decisively. Read More... (6 Comments) Medical Marijuana Approved Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 08:53:41 PT By Allison Farrell, Gazette State Bureau Source: Billings Gazette Helena -- Montanans suffering from certain medical conditions may be able to legally smoke marijuana to ease their symptoms come January 1. The Medical Marijuana Act passed by a 63 to 37 percent margin Tuesday with 375 of 881 precincts reporting. The new act will protect patients, their doctors and their caregivers from state and local arrest and prosecution for the medical use of marijuana. Read More... (8 Comments) Medical Marijuana Gets 74% Approval Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2004 at 08:32:28 PT By Tom Gantert, News Staff Reporter Source: Ann Arbor News Chuck Ream was grateful to Ann Arbor voters that the medicinal marijuana proposal was approved overwhelmingly on Tuesday. Voters approved Proposal C by a 74 percent margin, 39,806-13,763. It decriminalizes marijuana when recommended by a physician. Ream, the Scio Township resident who spearheaded a movement that collected 6,900 signatures to place the issue on the ballot, now hopes it isn't a short-lived victory. Read More... (1 Comment) Voters Support Ballot Questions on Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on November 02, 2004 at 22:13:35 PT By Brian Eastwood, News Staff Writer Source: Milford Daily News (MA) Area voters supported two nonbinding ballot questions instructing their legislators to support medical marijuana for ill patients and to decriminalize marijuana possession. Voters represented by state Rep. James Vallee, D-Franklin, approved a proposal to make marijuana possession a civil violation, like a traffic ticket, instead of a criminal offense. Read More... (28 Comments) Voters Pass Medical Marijuana Ballot Posted by CN Staff on November 02, 2004 at 21:11:14 PT By Susan Gallagher, Associated Press Source: Associated Press Helena -- Use of marijuana for medical reasons will be legal in Montana and tobacco users will see a tax increase, voters decided Tuesday in passing a pair of ballot measures Tuesday. Initiative 148 allows the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana, in limited amounts, for medical purposes. The initiative shields patients, their doctors and caregivers from arrest and prosecution. Read More... (5 Comments) Our issue did well over all. The war is still a major problem, but Bushie made the mess: let him clean it up. I doubt the rest of the world is celebrating Bush's so-called victory. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Sam Adams on November 03, 2004 at 13:05:41 PT A Good Day Matthew Fagnani, chairman of the sole opposition group to Measure 2 and president of the local drug-testing firm WorkSafe Inc., said he was "very happy" about the results. "Today is a good day for the sake of the future of Alaska's children," he said.It was a good day for cops, drug testers, parole officers, prison guards, hmm, anyone else?Nazi Germany was GREAT for these people also. I'm sure Hitler said he was great for children, too.Come to think of it, is there ANY good cause that uses sensationalism with children? I can't think of any. We should be talking about kids when we talk about environmental protection, global warming, government deficits, higher education cost, etc, etc. Strange. Perhaps one only invokes the children when they know their position is morally wrong? [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 12:48:29 PT runruff Oh I didn't mean to make you cry. I feel like someone died today in my heart. We all are feeling terrible. We know the future and it is overwhelming.afterburner yes I did see it and thank you. It's very hard to be upbeat about anything for me today except for all of the good people here on CNews. I gain strength from all of you. Good luck to you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by afterburner on November 03, 2004 at 12:39:12 PT In Case You Missed It Kerry or Bush http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread19759.shtml#25 [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by runruff on November 03, 2004 at 12:34:43 PT: I'm crying. Four dead in Ohio. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 12:22:20 PT Hope Music is good for the soul. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Hope on November 03, 2004 at 12:20:40 PT Music That sounds like a good idea, FoM. Think I'll turn on Sirius or something. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 12:17:42 PT Ohio I turned off the news and put on the music that we have on Direct TV and of all songs Ohio is playing. I just wanted to share this. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 12:07:26 PT Bush's Moral Victory Nov. 3, 2004 (National Review Online) This column from National Review Online was written by Bill Bennett.Well, it wasn't the Clinton economy we longed for; and it wasn't just the war on terrorism that occupied us. Ethics and moral values were ascendant last night -- on voters minds, in Americans' hearts. To be sure, every anthropologist loves his own tribe, and I have long advocated a stronger tie between politics and the virtues. Last night it was evident that the American people agree. Ohio, which may very well have lost more jobs than any other state, delivered President Bush his electoral victory. West Virginia looks much the same. Alaska, a relatively libertarian state, voted against decriminalizing marijuana -- despite the proposition to do so vastly out-funding the movement to keep it criminalized. And the eleven state proposals to ban the redefinition of marriage all succeeded overwhelmingly. Complete Article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/03/opinion/main653483.shtml [ Post Comment ] Post Comment