cannabisnews.com: Committee Rejects Medical Marijuana Proposal Committee Rejects Medical Marijuana Proposal Posted by CN Staff on February 17, 2005 at 10:50:59 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press Springfield, Ill. -- An Illinois House committee rejected a proposal to legalize medical marijuana, but not without one activist who testified before the committee being detained by police Thursday.Irvin Rosenfeld of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., brought 300 marijuana cigarettes to the hearing. Afterward, he was held until police verified that Rosenfeld is authorized by the federal government to use the marijuana. Rosenfeld told the House Human Services Committee that the marijuana helps him cope with the pain of bone tumors. He urged the committee to legalize it for medical uses in Illinois."We're tired of making criminals out of our sick patients," said Rosenfeld, 51.The new U.S. drug czar, John Walters, also spoke at the hearing. He told the committee that legalizing marijuana would create safety and law-enforcement problems."I don't think this is simply about medicine," he said.The legislation failed on a committee vote of 4-7.The bill is HB407.On the Net: http://www.ilga.govComplete Title: Committee Rejects Medical Marijuana Proposal; Activist DetainedSource: Associated Press (Wire)Published: February 17, 2005Copyright: 2005 The Associated Press Related Articles & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmShould This Woman Be Arrested?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20249.shtmlFighting for Your Life Shouldn't Be a Crimehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20239.shtmlBill Would Allow Ill Illinoisans To Use Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20235.shtmlLies Cloud Medical Marijuana Debate http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20230.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #28 posted by CorvallisEric on February 17, 2005 at 21:58:06 PT Mr. Invisible The new U.S. drug czar, John Walters, also spoke at the hearing.It's good to know John Walters is so obscure that the reporter thinks he's the NEW drug czar. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by CorvallisEric on February 17, 2005 at 21:47:36 PT Republican and Democrat votes (comment 26) Even with incomplete data it looks like a clear trend. If the party (R) that talks the most about reducing government interference into peoples' lives would mean what it says or simply butt out, we would win - probably much more than just Illinois.I think there's a useful principle: whatever people most insistently and repeatedly say about themselves, you're better off betting on the opposite. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Pete Guither on February 17, 2005 at 19:34:28 PT: The Hearing and votes Mayan, Actually, your list helps me out. I was trying to write down the votes as they happened, but the clerk was mumbling and I was scrawling in my notes and half of the names made no sense to me when I went back to read them. So:Chairperson : William Delgado D - YesRepublican Spokesperson : Patricia R. Bellock R - NoMember: Michelle Chavez D - Not PresentMember: Annazette Collins DMember: Elizabeth Coulson R - NoMember: Shane Cultra R - NoMember: Joe Dunn R - NoMember: Mary E. Flowers D - YesMember: Constance A. Howard D - YesMember: Naomi D. Jakobsson D - NoMember: Roger Jenisch R - NoVice-Chairperson : Robert Rita D - YesI can't be positive about Chavez and Collins, but I'm pretty sure one was a no and the other wasn't there. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by mayan on February 17, 2005 at 18:19:01 PT Thanks, Pete! From what you stated, this is what I can piece so far...Chairperson : William Delgado D - YesRepublican Spokesperson : Patricia R. Bellock R - No Member: Michelle Chavez D Member: Annazette Collins D Member: Elizabeth Coulson R - NoMember: Shane Cultra R - NoMember: Joe Dunn R Member: Mary E. Flowers D - YesMember: Constance A. Howard D - YesMember: Naomi D. Jakobsson D Member: Roger Jenisch R - NoVice-Chairperson : Robert Rita DRemember these "No" voters! Show them the door the next time they are up for re-election! [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by dongenero on February 17, 2005 at 16:34:37 PT thanks Pete Thanks for that great report on your site Pete. I was wondering about the specifics of how it all went down. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Pete Guither on February 17, 2005 at 16:05:50 PT: The Hearing and votes I've given my report on the hearing at my site, but the question was raised here about the specific votes, which I had not covered.Chairman Delgado, Howard, Flowers and McKeon were the ones who voted in favor.Jenisch was a real problem -- going after tons of nit-picky stuff, including some stuff that wasn't even in the bill (the Chairman had to correct him once). Bellock was also a real pain -- kept trying to push the notion that 12 plants was a lot. Coulson was negative, but might be a potential conversion in the future -- she spoke positively about the proponents' testimony, but was not swayed regarding some of the details of the bill. Cultra was an odd bird -- I couldn't really read him at all -- he didn't ask many questions, and when the vote came, he hesitated and then said "no."McKeon seemed to feel that the White House had placed some strong pressure on the Republicans on the committee (and maybe even some of the Democrats). It did feel like there's room for movement in the committee and a real feeling overall that they are in favor of it if they can find the right "fit." Drug WarRant [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 15:11:34 PT Sukoi What a bad day to catch up on things though. I guess tomorrow is another day. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Sukoi on February 17, 2005 at 15:09:54 PT FoM Thanks, it's good to be back home where I can keep up with things! [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 15:06:55 PT Sukoi Thanks for the link. It's good to see you! [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Sukoi on February 17, 2005 at 14:37:09 PT Off Topic: Kampia Interview I've been away for the past couple of weeks so this may have already been posted:DRCNet Interview: Marijuana Policy Project Director Rob Kampiahttp://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/374/robkampia.shtmlWith regard to the article, I sure would have liked to hear Walters explain why the feds supply cannabis to some but jail all others, that would have been interesting! [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 14:36:15 PT Related News from NORML Dear Friends:You should have recently received a letter from NORML alerting you that a medical marijuana bill, HB 407, was being debated in the Illinois Legislature. We are writing today with the unfortunate news that the bill was struck down in the Legislature's Human Services Committee by a vote of 7-4, effectively killing the bill for this legislative session.While NORML had high hopes that medical marijuana legislation would pass this year, the federal government launched an unprecedented campaign against House Bill 407. Former Deputy Drug Czar Andrea Barthwell spent the past month traversing Illinois on a lecture tour designed to "educate" legislators and the press about why they should oppose medical marijuana. Even worse, at the hearing this morning, Drug Czar John Walters himself appeared to testify against the medical marijuana bill!While NORML is disappointed by the defeat of House Bill 407, we are confident that the bill will be reintroduced when the legislature reconvenes next year. The fact that medical marijuana was seriously considered in the legislature has rejuvenated the efforts of local activists who will be ready to fight for the bill's passage next year. In particular, NORML would like to recognize the efforts and support of Illinois NORML, IDEAL, the Marijuana Policy Project, Rep. Larry McKeon, and Montel Williams, who opined this week in favor of HB 407 in the Chicago Tribune.NORML would like to thank all of you who took the time to write your elected officials in support of HB 407. Without your support, this bill undoubtedly would not have gone as far as it did this year. We hope you will continue to support medical marijuana and NORML's efforts in Illinois over the coming years.To help support NORML's state legislative efforts, please donate today at: https://secure.norml.org/join/Thank you for your support.Sincerely,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 14:21:24 PT More Information from Drug War Rant http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 13:16:21 PT The Government's Medical Marijuana Farm http://gallery.marihemp.com/albums/public_domain_free/miss2.jpg [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 13:13:10 PT This Part Got To Me Irvin Rosenfeld of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., brought 300 marijuana cigarettes to the hearing. Afterward, he was held until police verified that Rosenfeld is authorized by the federal government to use the marijuana. Can't even the police see that this is a double standard? [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by dongenero on February 17, 2005 at 13:06:36 PT illinois referendum process I'm trying to figure this out. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can help me out here. I believe Illinois does not allow voter initiatives. I think though, that with 10% of regsitered voters signing a petition, Iliinois voters can place a non-binding referendum on state ballots. The legislature would probably ignore that as well.Legislators can propose a Legislative Referendum. This is where a legislator, let's say Larry McKeon sponsor of HB407, would have a referendum put on the Illinois State ballots in order to allow voters to decide.I'm not sure how these things are technically initiated but, for the state of Illinois it may be the only way for the majority of The People to wrest control from these legislators that prefer to dodge the issue. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by mayan on February 17, 2005 at 12:44:01 PT Sickening It's a shame that the 80% of Illinoians that support medical cannabis had their will stifled by 7 out of the 11 people on this HHS committee. So much for representation! Sickening.I'm trying to find out who voted which way on this committee. The Illinois General Assembly site lists their names but doesn't tell how they voted. They're probably too ashamed...Bill status of HB407: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=407&GAID=8&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=14741&SessionID=50&GA=94Here's an interesting article regarding proposals to dismantle the 9th Circuit...Judge doubts need to split 9th Circuit: http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/02/17/d1.cr.judge.0217.htmlTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...What We Don't Know About 9/11 Hurts Us: http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20050217110314204A 'redaction': In the 9/11 commission we (once) trust(ed) http://911citizenswatch.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=473&mode=thread&order=0&thold=09/11 Was an Inside Job - A Call to All True Patriots: http://www.911sharethetruth.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 12:21:37 PT The GCW What a nice post. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 12:09:24 PT Taylor I sure hope MPP and NORML will be back next year. What would we do without them but beat our heads against the wall. Any organization that is fighting to change these laws against Cannabis are needed in my book. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 12:02:02 PT dongenero What do you mean? It sounds good but can you explain it to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Taylor121 on February 17, 2005 at 12:02:00 PT Some good things The good thing about it is there was alot of news articles on the subject, many of them would qualify as good. I think that the public has to be supportative of medical marijuana here. MPP will be back next year I'm sure. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by The GCW on February 17, 2005 at 12:01:46 PT FoM, I'm not upset.The Illinois House committee like other politicians are on record failing to support citizens on the issue; nothing new.Where this has happened before the people have shown at the ballot box to support cannabis and thus go over their heads...The majority of politicians have the spirit of stupor -see Romans 11:8.That You so easily see the truth is a blessing and it is a blessing that since the spirit of error (see 1 John 4) exists, You can so easily see it and that is also a creation of Christ God Our Father.Welcome it. It is one of Your gifts from Christ God Our Father.The Spirit of truth exposes those politicians as people that don't get it spiriutally and it sticks out.It's way it sticks out is Christ God Our Father's creation. Those who have the deluding influence ( see 2 Thessalonians 2:11), have it because they were given it because the are spiritually absent; they don't have the spirit of truth to protect them...Also see the "self-condemned" in Titus 3:11.The Bible makes this point over and over again.Those who do not obey Christ God Our Father and love one another will become easy to recognize and it will become easier and easier because more and more they will stick out.Our Truth, smiles and love take Us forward, their ignorance takes them backwards; spiritually.420This following link has some of My attention right now and is explaining a bit on a different facet that is the same facet. http://2012.com.au/Photon_belt.html (Filter it through Your spirit of truth.)I just don't see Christ God Our Father putting up with it much longer.The truth is so good for Us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by dongenero on February 17, 2005 at 11:59:28 PT bunch of wimps Time to petition for a binding voter referendum.If the legislators are to worried about supporting change, then let's ask The People. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 11:40:40 PT Taylor Yes it is. I am upset. After Montel wrote that wonderful article I thought Illinois had a chance. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Taylor121 on February 17, 2005 at 11:37:00 PT Darn Kinda disappointing. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 11:20:57 PT Two Helpful Links http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6435 [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 11:16:47 PT Sam I agree with you. I was thinking the same thing. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on February 17, 2005 at 11:13:54 PT Too bad Still very good work by all those people that testified, organized, lobbied, etc. It's interesting that the feds are really focussing on Indiana. They didn't work nearly as hard on NY, VT, RI, CT, MA. I wonder if the feds consider the midwest to be "their turf". Seems like the media in Chicago is consistenly neutral or against the feds. I guess Çhicago is probably the least liberal city out of the big 3: LA, NY, and Chicago. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 10:52:25 PT I'm Very Upset When will it stop! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment