cannabisnews.com: Just Say Nothing? The Parental Drug Talk Fades










  Just Say Nothing? The Parental Drug Talk Fades

Posted by CN Staff on March 08, 2005 at 10:42:38 PT
By Alexandra Marks, Staff Writer of The CSM 
Source: Christian Science Monitor  

New York -- Paul Turgeon, a corporate engineer and father, is a child of the Age of Aquarius - the 1960s and '70s when it was cool in many circles to get high, trip on mescaline, and experiment with hallucinatory mushrooms.In that, he is very much a member of his generation. But he is also an exception: He readily admits to his two teenagers that he tried drugs - indeed "just about everything under the sun" - at their age.
"I'm of the belief that if they can gain from my experience, all the better," he says. "But I also put that in context. I have had to make it very clear that a lot of the things that I did were viewed very differently then from the way they are today."Today's parents are more likely to have used drugs in adolescence than any other generation. Yet, unlike Mr. Turgeon, they're proving more reluctant to talk about it to their children.A new survey by the Partnership for a Drug Free America has found that 12 percent of today's parents have never talked to their kids about drugs and the risks they pose. That's twice as many as just six years ago. At the same time, parents are significantly underestimating their kids' use of and exposure to drugs in schools and communities.This phenomenon is raising alarms in the drug-prevention community, primarily because statistics show that kids whose parents talk with them regularly about drugs are 50 percent less likely to use them. But it's also because this generation of children is facing a new drug-abuse landscape, where once-hip drugs like marijuana are being complemented by a variety of pharmaceuticals - from cough suppressants to painkillers - many of which can be easily found in their parents' medicine cabinets."Today's parents see less risk in drug use, and they admit there's significantly less communication going on with their own teens," says Tom Hedrick of the Partnership, a nonprofit antidrug group. "Along with the changing drug threats ... that parents are simply unaware of, we have a very dangerous situation developing."Mr. Hedrick calls this group of parents "a very tough audience" because, like Turgeon, they came of age when drug use was at its peak and many used drugs to no apparent ill effect into adulthood.Thus, they have a lowered perception of risk. For instance, in 1998, 35 percent of parents surveyed saw slight or no risk in their children trying marijuana once or twice. By 2004, that number had jumped to 43 percent. Similarly, six years ago, 7 percent of parents saw slight or no risk in their children trying cocaine once or twice. That's now jumped to 12 percent.At the same time, most parents are like Valerie Flynn from Fairfield, Conn., who believes it's important to talk with her children about drug use. And most do, like Ms. Flynn, but sometimes without the in-depth, consistent conversations researchers believe can be an effective deterrent."I talk to them, but I feel like they know everything. They know more than me," she says. "And I assume they won't do anything. I trust them that they won't go near it."Ms. Flynn's 14-year old daughter, Audrey, says she has learned a lot about the dangers of drug use at school and has no desire to use them. "I've seen so many movies and clips - all these weird and disgusting things. I don't even want to try them," she says.Teen drug use has gone down over the past three years. At the same time, a gulf exists between what parents think their kids are exposed to and the reality of what gets passed around the schoolyard. For instance, only 20 percent of parents think their children have friends who smoke pot, but more than 60 percent of kids say their friends use the drug. And while only 18 percent of parents think their own teens have tried marijuana, 39 percent of teens admit to researchers that they have done so.Turgeon believes one reason parents are reluctant to talk openly about drug use and their own experiences is that the culture has changed so drastically. When he was in college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., drug use was an "entree into an opportunity to meet interesting new people. Now it's just the opposite." It's shifted from morally acceptable to morally wrong, he says, and that helps explain why parents are hesitant to be honest with their own kids."They don't talk to their kids in part because they don't want them to know they did anything wrong," he says. "So there's now a moral pall around drug use that stifles discussion, and I don't think it's a good thing whenever society stifles open discussion."Researchers say the lower perceptions of risk evident in this generation of drug-savvy parents also explain why parents are less willing to talk with their kids. Many of them got high, some regularly, and they're doing just fine. They assume their children will follow the same path.But experts say that may also be misleading. New research shows that adolescents' brains develop more slowly than once thought. While 18 has become the accepted age of consent for a variety of adult activities, a new study by the Treatment Research Institute (TRI) in Philadelphia has found that full development of certain mental processes - notably judgment - doesn't take place until about 24. To some, this accounts in part for teenagers' risk-taking and seeming sense of invincibility. "This is a call for parents to take more action to substitute their own judgment for their teens'," says the TRI's Thomas McLellan.To help parents bridge the gaps between their perceptions of drug use and their children's, the Partnership is launching a nationwide campaign to "pierce parental denial" about teen drug use. They believe their most effective tools are parents like Janet Pfaff, whose daughter Kristen died of an accidental heroin overdose in 1994.Kristen was the bass guitarist in Courtney Love's rock band. When she looked tired and thin on tour, Kristen told her mother it was just the demanding schedule. "I believed it because I wanted to. I was in denial," says Ms. Pfaff, who now travels around the country telling other parents about her experience and urging them to get more involved with their children."Kristen's friends told me she was a recreational drug user," she says. "When I hear that, I tell kids and parents there is no such thing."Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)Author: Alexandra Marks, Staff Writer of The Christian Science Monitor Published:  March 07, 2005 Edition Copyright: 2005 The Christian Science Publishing SocietyContact: oped csps.comWebsite: http://www.csmonitor.com/Related Articles:Silence Sends Wrong Signalhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20303.shtmlBush Gets Stoned By The World Mediahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20284.shtmlNew Tapes Say Bush May Have Smoked Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20266.shtml 

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Comment #44 posted by FoM on March 11, 2005 at 12:04:38 PT
TruBlu
Texas Decriminalization Hearing Rescheduled WHAT: Marijuana Decriminalization Bill To Receive Hearing Next Tuesday!WHERE: Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee State Capitol Room E2016 Austin TX 78768-2910WHEN: Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 2:00 PMAs we informed you yesterday, a hearing on House Bill 254, which would reduce penalties for possession of marijuana to a civil infraction, similar to a traffic ticket, was postponed earlier this week. NORML has just learned that the hearing will now take place on Tuesday, March 15 at 2:00 PM, before the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee.If you have not done so already, please take a moment today to write your Representative and tell him or her to support House Bill 254. Pre-written letters are available online from NORML at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=6847791&type=STIn addition, if your Representative serves on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, it is vital that you call him or her ASAP, and voice your support for marijuana decriminalization. The committee is expected to vote on this proposal immediately following the hearing.The following Representatives serve on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee:Representative Terry Keel (R-TX 47th), Chair - (512) 463-0652 Representative Debbie Riddle (R-TX 150th), Vice-Chair - (512) 463-0572 Representative Mary Denny (R-TX 63rd) - (512) 463-0688 Representative Elvira Reyna (R-TX 101st) - (512) 463-0464 Representative Aaron Pena (D-TX 40th) - (512) 463-0426 Representative Terri Hodge (D-TX 100th) - (512) 463-0586 Representative Paul C. Moreno (D-TX 77th) - (512) 463-0638 Representative Juan Escobar (D-TX 43rd) - (512) 463-0666 Representative Richard Raymond (D-TX 42nd) - (512) 463-0558The bill's sponsor has requested that supporters not show up in person the day of the hearing, other than those people who are approved to testify. However, if you would like to follow the proceedings, they will be broadcast live on the internet at: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/house/broadcast.htmTo help support NORML's state legislative efforts, please donate today at: https://secure.norml.org/join/Thank you again for your support of NORML's legislative efforts in Texas.Regards,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
 
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Comment #43 posted by TruBlu on March 11, 2005 at 12:01:22 PT:
HELP FOR PARENTS; TEXAS LEGE
There is a wonderful new book out for parents and children to read together, whether the parents use pot or not, but especially if they do; it's called IT's JUST A PLANT and can be checked out at itsjustaplant.com (I think that's correct); well-written with classy illustrations also!Regarding the Texas bill that was to be heard in committee last Tues., has anyone heard anything more about WHY it was cancelled? A friend of mine actually went down there to the committee room and saw no one waiting to testify, so somebody on our side knew it wasn't happening, what gives?
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on March 09, 2005 at 18:03:01 PT

My Thoughts
All of the young teens I ever worked with had their parents totally involved in their lives and what direction they wanted them to go. Isn't that the best way to keep your children drug free? Know your children. Talk to your children. Guide your children. That's what I believe.
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Comment #41 posted by Hope on March 09, 2005 at 17:22:48 PT

Global Warming....Janet...Dare...Prohibition
I cannot imagine that Janet's mother does not realize that her daughter died during prohibition of drugs. I grieve for her. Losing a child has to be worse than dying. Thinking “more of the same” or “more and more of it” will save other children is insane. I can understand her insanity, but I have a bad feeling for those who lured her into her stance, if they did.You are so right, Global Warming. Dare does encourage children to inform on people.DARE is not a good thing to happen to families and children. Look who founded and designed it. Darryl Gates, a detestable man who would murder a huge portion of the citizenry to rid the country of drug users…high and low…far and wide.Dare officers tell children that they could be saving their loved ones lives by informing on them and getting them the help they so desperately need. They give them gifts like rulers, coloring books, t-shirts and teddy bears. They convince the child that he would really be helping his friend, his family member, or neighbor by turning him in to authorities. It’s easier for them to cast their “spell” on those eleven and under, than it is to hypnotize older children with their spiel, gifts, and garb. That’s why they have always concentrated on the younger ones in the past. They know it’s harder to fool the older ones. But they can still scare a lot of them and fool and trick some of them.It's happened in my small town. It's happening everywhere. An officer comes in all pressed and shining and sparkling and amazing. He's Officer Friendly himself. He or she literally casts a “spell” on the children. Children are so vulnerable to that sort of manipulation. He charms and frightens them into informing on people...especially those he loves...to “save” them from hideous, demonic plants and potions. It's a hideous thing for government to have done...and sadly...there are people crying out for it. Clamoring for it.Where are the classes that teach them that not raping, stealing, kidnapping, beating, and murdering, and bearing false witness against people are important value matters? Above all and foremost it must be made clear that Dare and prohibitionists are “helping” no one. They aren’t talking to people and saying, “You’re son or daughter says you have a drinking, or smoking, or injecting problem. Is that a fact? Well, if it sir or madam…I’d like to leave you this safety literature and a list of phone numbers you can call if you decide you need help. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day.” It’s still government snooping, but at least no one would be in jail or losing their job or child. The parent could ask the child, in private perhaps…”Why do you think I have a problem? We need to talk about this.” That would be against their principals of right and wrong. No…their principal is arrest and prosecution, fines, threats, seizures and humiliation. Interrogation and subjugation is what. they are doing and…quite literally spying on the private lives of Americans by leading their children to “help” Mommy or Daddy…by sending them to Officer Friendly’s loving arms. I’d really rather that officer be earning his salary by stopping speeding gravel trucks or discovering who robbed the local convenience store or killed the woman who disappeared two years ago from that shopping center.The kind hearted prohibitionists sometimes take some of the captives, aka suspects, and “convert” them to their way of thinking. “Of course I couldn’t have done it myself. I have no character or hope or ability. They saved my life.” They may even convince someone they are helping them and encourage them to make public acknowledgement of their “gratefulness and thankfulness and appreciation” of what the government has done for them. Ever heard of coercion by bullying power or the Stockholm syndrome?They should be ashamed, but I think some of them really can’t see what they are doing. They think they are doing something righteous. They need to look closer.By the way…I have a relative and friend who is a Dare Officer. I don’t hate them. I hate what they are doing. He knows how I feel. He doesn’t say I’m wrong, either. 
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Comment #40 posted by global_warming on March 09, 2005 at 15:01:44 PT

Paradox
"To help parents bridge the gaps between their perceptions of drug use and their children's, the Partnership is launching a nationwide campaign to "pierce parental denial" about teen drug use. They believe their most effective tools are parents like Janet Pfaff, whose daughter Kristen died of an accidental heroin overdose in 1994."One has to wonder, how many of these Aquarian children are now parents and how many feel like a prisoner in their own home?Imagine that these quiet parents are still toking and realizing that it is their own blessed little children, those little dears, who have been brainwashed by those nice people at DARE, imagine what I saw mommy and daddy doing...This is ugly, and it is this prohibition which has given birth to such insanity.It is this prohibition that is dividing us and it will get much worse, for it will become someday,not that terrible drug, but some passing thought alluding to freedom.
There is no end to what can be prohibited, the list is endless, you can, with each step, excuse, and justify, every action as some sort of horrific descent into a depraved life, and demand some new law, that will punish the offender.End all prohibition, end this insanity.
Let people learn how to be responsible, for teaching their children and carry the burden of their own responsibility.I'm sure that "parents like Janet Pfaff, whose daughter Kristen died of an accidental heroin overdose in 1994." feels for the loss of her child, has Janet explored the possibility that she was disconnected from the needs of her child? Has anyone dared to ask, was Janet a fit and capable person to have a child?Its easy to blame some sinister drug salesman/women, but, I never hear anyone ask the question, what drove her child to use heroin? Was it something that was not working in the childs family? Was Janet too busy to listen or to hear her daughters pleas for help?I believe that, if all drugs were legal, this child would not have been with people who did not have her best interest at heart, drug salespeople, are doing a job, they are in a risky business, yet, if the local pharmacist was dispensing this heroin, Janet would have been informed, and would have enough time and information to possibly intervene to save her childs lfe.End the war on drugs, lets get the drugs away from the underworld, lets put drugs into responsible hands, like doctors, pharmacists.gw

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Comment #39 posted by FoM on March 09, 2005 at 13:51:06 PT

HB 254 Hearing Postponed Because Of Floor Vote 
Dear Friends,We regret to inform you that yesterday's scheduled hearing on House Bill 254, a proposal to amend penalties for the minor possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a Class C misdemeanor, was canceled at the last minute due to an unscheduled and unrelated floor vote.Yesterday's cancellation was unrelated to HB 254 or its subject matter. Therefore, we are hopeful that yesterday's intended hearing before the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee will be rescheduled shortly. We will alert you when a new date and time is given.Until then, it is still important that write your Representative and tell him or her to support House Bill 254. NORML has revised our pre-written letter, which you will find at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=6847791&type=STIn addition, if your Representative serves on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, it is vital that you call him or her ASAP, and voice your support for marijuana decriminalization.The following Representatives serve on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee:Representative Terry Keel (R-TX 47th), Chair - (512) 463-0652 Representative Debbie Riddle (R-TX 150th), Vice-Chair - (512) 463-0572 Representative Mary Denny (R-TX 63rd) - (512) 463-0688 Representative Elvira Reyna (R-TX 101st) - (512) 463-0464 Representative Aaron Pena (D-TX 40th) - (512) 463-0426 Representative Terri Hodge (D-TX 100th) - (512) 463-0586 Representative Paul C. Moreno (D-TX 77th) - (512) 463-0638 Representative Juan Escobar (D-TX 43rd) - (512) 463-0666 Representative Richard Raymond (D-TX 42nd) - (512) 463-0558Thank you again for your support of NORML's legislative efforts in Texas.Regards,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #38 posted by siege on March 09, 2005 at 11:52:02 PT

school
Texas Committee hearing still on the school thing.

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Comment #37 posted by jfrolang on March 09, 2005 at 10:28:05 PT

What?
"Kristen's friends told me she was a recreational drug user," she says. "When I hear that, I tell kids and parents there is no such thing."Well, why not? Certainly millions of people claim to be recreational users of alcohol, just to have a good time. How would she describe cigarette smokers? Why is it always different with cannabis?It seems this women is incapable of contemplating that her government is wrong. The fact that something is illegal doesn't make it evil. I'd say she subscribes to the 'demonic possession' way of thinking about drugs.I saw a highway billboard once that read "First we had to deal with crime. Now we have to deal with all these laws"
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Comment #36 posted by BigDawg on March 09, 2005 at 09:04:56 PT

Not sure...
but I've been told the issue could be tabled next week for discussion.It has been stalled... not shot dead.
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on March 09, 2005 at 08:37:34 PT

Taylor
Do you know if it's been or is being rescheduled?
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Comment #34 posted by Taylor121 on March 09, 2005 at 08:29:41 PT

Hey, I was right the first time :)
What I said yesterday "Perhaps it has something to do with the floor debate on education?"What Grits said: "Thanks to the school finance debate, the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee did not hear HB 254 yesterday"But it should be noted, Grits also said "The delay doesn't say anything about the relative chances for the bill's passage -- the committee just never got to meet."It's not dead yet! Anyone that hasn't sent their letters in please do so as soon as possible.This delay was just do to a debate on the house floor that apparently took longer than what was originally predicted.
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Comment #33 posted by AgaetisByrjun on March 09, 2005 at 06:23:34 PT

Changing morals?
"It's shifted from morally acceptable to morally wrong, he says, and that helps explain why parents are hesitant to be honest with their own kids."I'm reminded of song lyrics here ("Reverend Black Grape" by Black Grape):"...a booming business:Buying and selling beliefs!Standing in the pews,Talkin' bull**it, bullsh*t, bullshi*, bullsh*t, bull**it..."Apparently, this guy missed Ethics 101, because morals DO NOT and CANNOT change. EVER. That's why it's so hard to live a moral life, after all: there's that old high-school-guidance-counselor's-office adage that runs something like "What's right isn't always popular, and what's popular isn't always right". If this guy thinks that what's right and what's wrong change with the seasons, then he's a hedonist, plain and simple. I'll freely admit that I do many, many immoral things because the right alternative is socially unacceptable. That's not just American society, that's all society. Realizing that you're a sinner is the first step to doing something about it.I suppose Mr. Turgeon thinks that the Holocaust was perfectly fine, because it fit with the prevailing cultural beliefs of those who carried it out? (By the way, moral relativism or whatever it's called, that rationalizes war and scalping because a culture thinks it's doing the right thing, is similarly a crock: the principle behind it is that it's wrong to judge people and to have moral absolutes, but isn't that very principle a moral absolute? Such an argument can never logically carry water.)(an appendix: while we're on the subject of morality, here's Kohlberg's hierarchy of moral development:STAGE 1: What could get me punished is wrong;STAGE 2: What's in my best interests is right;STAGE 3: What pleases others is right;STAGE 4: What's against the law is wrong;STAGE 5: What's bad for society is wrong;STAGE 6: What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong.It's painfully apparent that the drug warriors and their supporters are stuck somewhere around #4, and seem to think that everyone else is back in stage number one.)
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on March 09, 2005 at 06:00:26 PT

The most information I've found
http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/Looks like it's dead in the water.I'm sad.
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Comment #31 posted by Hope on March 09, 2005 at 05:28:43 PT

Just Say Nothing
That's apparently what's happening here in Texas.This is weird. It feels likes it's 1892 and maybe we'll get word someday. 
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 18:54:00 PT

Sukoi 
I'll be glad when we know too. Thanks siege!
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Comment #29 posted by siege on March 08, 2005 at 18:41:06 PT

Bill Changes
House Committee: Criminal Jurisprudence Status: In committeeReceive Notification on Bill Changes
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Comment #28 posted by Sukoi on March 08, 2005 at 18:39:37 PT

Taylor121, Hope, Fom...
I'm not sure what is going on but just a few minutes ago, Pete Guither confirmed that it had indeed been cancelled. I would sure like to know why!
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Comment #27 posted by Hope on March 08, 2005 at 18:38:34 PT

Poised
to do nothing.Kerplump.
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Comment #26 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 18:17:56 PT

Another possible reason
This could have been a strategic decision by those who oppose the bill was well. The last day for the Senate to file bills is this Friday, March 11th. It would have been more likely for a companion bill to be filed had the committee voted H.B. 254 out of committee. Overall, I would have to say this cancellation can not be good.
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Comment #25 posted by Hope on March 08, 2005 at 18:15:04 PT

What?
A lot of people traveled to Austin today.Why hasn't there been a word on the DPFT list, I wonder.This is strange.Thank you, Siege.
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Comment #24 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 18:12:47 PT

Very disappointing
No idea why this happened as of yet. Perhaps it has something to do with the floor debate on education?
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 18:10:26 PT

Thanks siege
I wonder why?
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Comment #22 posted by siege on March 08, 2005 at 18:06:50 PT

Texas Legislature
  Tuesday, March 8, 2005PLACE: E2.016CHAIR: Rep. Terry Keel___________________________________________________________________________           This Hearing has Been Cancelled.       HB 254      Dutton
       Relating to the penalties for possession of two ounces or less of
       marihuana.HB 915      Woolley
Relating to authority of a peace officer to make an arrest outside
of the officer's jurisdiction or to seize property while making the
arrest.HB 970      Keel / et al.
Relating to the required mental state for commission of certain
misdemeanor offenses.HB 975      Madden
Relating to a deposition taken of a witness in a criminal action.HB 1323      Swinford
Relating to the prosecution of the offense of credit card or debit
card abuse.HB 434      Dutton / et al.
Relating to the punishment for a capital felony committed by a
person who is younger than 18 years of age at the time of
committing the felony.http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlo/schedule/2005/C2202005030814001.HTM
---------------------------------------Texas Legislature onlineHistory · Text · Actions · Captions · Authors · Next BillBill: HB 254 - Legislative Session: 79(R)Council Document: 79R 00587Introduced  03/08/2005 H Meeting cancelledRelating to the penalties for possession of two ounces or less of marihuana.Author: 	DuttonSubjects: 	Crimes--Drugs
Criminal Procedure--Sentencing & Punishment
Vehicles & Traffic--Drivers Licenses
MARIHUANAHouse Committee: 	Criminal Jurisprudence
Status: 	In committee	Receive Notification on Bill Changeshttp://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/billhist.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=00254

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Comment #21 posted by Hope on March 08, 2005 at 17:58:44 PT

In Texas
It feels like Texas is holding her breath. Poised for something. Hopefully, for something good.Waiting.

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Comment #20 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 17:53:41 PT

Nothing So Far
I've been looking all day for some news too and nothing so far. Please let us know if anyone finds anything on how it went.
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on March 08, 2005 at 17:52:13 PT

Thanks, Sukoi
I appreciate it. Let us know as soon as you hear anything.
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Comment #18 posted by Sukoi on March 08, 2005 at 17:45:10 PT

Hope
I wouldn't put anything past the ONDCP or the DEA. I have absolutely no idea what is going on. Taylor, how about you, anything?
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Comment #17 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on March 08, 2005 at 17:44:43 PT

Juan example
I recently viewed "Breakfast With Hunter", the documentary about Hunter S. Thompson, and one thing that completely blew my mind was how normal, calm, rational and upstanding his son Juan seems. Here's a kid whose dad -couldn't- lie to him about his drug experiences even if he'd -wanted- to, a guy who took ANY and EVERY thing he could, frequently, and is world-famous for doing so and writing about it. And his kid turns out apparently as nice a guy as anyone could possibly imagine. I'd love to know what conversations about drug use and abuse went on in THAT house. I doubt the PDFA would have approved...
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Comment #16 posted by Hope on March 08, 2005 at 17:37:00 PT

Sukoi, Taylor
Could this go over in to tomorrow? What can be going on? Not a word on the DPFT list either. No live stream. It's after 7:30 here now. Could John Walters be holding them hostage unless they agree with him?
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Comment #15 posted by Sukoi on March 08, 2005 at 16:08:17 PT

Taylor121
I’ve had the same problems as you and FoM. I’ve been checking the site that you provided (thanks) and all that it says on the status of the bill is that it is “in committee”.Here are a few unrelated articles to peruse while we wait: Petitions' backers expect defeat in Legislaturehttp://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Mar-08-Tue-2005/news/25991373.html
 Drug link now being downplayedhttp://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2005/03/08/fCanada167.raw.htmlRCMP chief tempers reactionhttp://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/news/story.html?id=7870e264-ca14-4585-851f-7983a21f83cd 
 
Just say no 
http://timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050308/NEWS/503080334/1021/OPINION01 Liberals suspend revelry to pay grim tribute to fallen Mountieshttp://www.cp.org/english/online/full/National/050304/n0304166A.html Debate Over Marijuana Treatment Trends 
http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0%2C1854%2C576368%2C00.htmlPot Protesthttp://week.com/morenews/morenews-read.asp?n=7394

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Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 14:01:53 PT

Taylor121 
You're welcome. I do care. We are in this together. 
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Comment #13 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 13:57:02 PT

Thanks FOM
I appreciate your honest interest in the Texas debate. It just goes to remind us all that we are in this together. Each state that fights for change indirectly effects the rest of the states.I will continue trying to fight for a video/audio stream, and if I miss the live broadcast it will be archived afterward so we can still all view it. 
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 13:50:02 PT

Thanks!
I'll keep my eye out for an article. I hope it goes well for you.
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Comment #11 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 13:48:27 PT

I could access the main house edu debate
but for the committee "Server has reached its capacity and can serve no more streams. Please try again later."
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 13:41:37 PT

I Tried
I couldn't get any of the audio links to work. 
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Comment #9 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 13:31:42 PT

The Committee started but is FILLED
I had to run a quick errand and I came back, clicked the link to watch the Texas committee, but it is full! So not sure exactly what is happening, but I do know ALOT of people are interested.
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Comment #8 posted by Sam Adams on March 08, 2005 at 13:04:08 PT

this article
Obviously way too much BS in this article to be tackled by one person. So, using illegal drugs in the 60s was morally OK, and now it's morally wrong. 50 percent of 18 year olds ADMIT that they used marijuana to a federal representative with a laptop in their home. Either it's "seen as" morally right to use cannabis, or people just don't care about being morally wrong. Either way, this article is complete BS. Mom and Dad think it's OK for kids to experiment a little with marijuana not just because thy used it, but because they used it and found it to be harmless!I love these quasi-religious parenting groups. They hold their fingers firmly over their ears singing "la-la-la-la". They're designing policy for the teenager who watches ONDCP ads and says, "well gosh, that marijuana stuff if just horrible! Blowing my friend's head off with a gun! Gosh no!". The problem is, those angelic little teens DON'T EXIST. Trust me, when 14-year old Audrey gets to college, she's going to change fast. The freshmen at my college who showed up saying "I've never had a drink in my life" were the ones who blacked out, puked everywhere, and got alcohol poisoning all during Freshmen year. Nothing's changed since 1600's Salem. Oh no, there's a problem us adults can't solve - let's take it out on the children! It's their fault!I love it when they have those reports saying "80 percent of 8th grade students can't find China on a map, children today are stupid!" But they NEVER ask adults to find China on a map! You know for damn sure that fewer adults would be able to find it.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 12:59:02 PT

New Hampshire 
They also stand a chance like Vermont. The blue blue north is very progressive in their thinking. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 12:57:37 PT

Taylor121 
When it starts please let us know. I will stop what I'm doing and listen. Good luck to you and Texas today!
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Comment #5 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 12:57:24 PT

Also curious about NH
I know the New Hampshire house of reps is also considering a much more broad decriminalization bill and will be voting on it soon. Their committee recommended voting against it 11-2. Should be interesting to see where the votes fall into place and how reform organizations will build off of it.
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Comment #4 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 12:55:00 PT

Texas
The Committee hearing should be starting any minute. It was supposed to start at 2:00 or later adjourn, so I expect it to start any time now. http://www.house.state.tx.us/media/welcome.php
It will be on Livestream 8 whenever it starts for those that are interested. I hope some of us were able to make it to the hearing in person as I wasn't :( Hopefully we will have a strong showing given the next few hours will decide the fate of low level marijuana offenses for some time to get come in Texas.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 12:15:09 PT

About The Medical Marijuana Radio Show
Taylor, I believe Rob Kampia did a great job. He's is very knowledgeable. I also believe the hostess lead questions in an excellent direction. The retired DEA man made way more points for us then his side. I bet he must get paid for his comments or he wouldn't be doing it. I liked the questions and comments people made. It was so very broad and I must say I believed the whole program and that it was right on.Have you heard about what's going on today in Texas?
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Comment #2 posted by Taylor121 on March 08, 2005 at 12:00:47 PT

Rob Kampia debates America's "foremost narc" 
You can listen to the debate here.http://www.justicetalking.orgAs usual Rob did an excellent job holding his cool and making good points. 
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 08, 2005 at 10:48:26 PT

Related Article from July 2004
Do You Puff, Daddy?: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread19172.shtml
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