cannabisnews.com: Here's Hoping Compassion Wins The Vote










  Here's Hoping Compassion Wins The Vote

Posted by CN Staff on January 02, 2006 at 13:44:25 PT
By Joe Baker, Daily News Staff  
Source: Newport Daily News 

Providence, R.I. -- If, as expected, the House of Representatives votes Tuesday to override the governor's veto of medical marijuana legislation it will represent a victory of compassion over intimidation.The legislation seeks to provide some relief to people with debilitating diseases - cancer patients experiencing unspeakable pain, AIDS patients wasting away because they can't eat, those with multiple sclerosis who suffer from violent muscle spasms that prevent them from any type of normal existence.
But those who oppose the legislation continue to use bullying scare tactics to undermine the effort, evidenced by a radio ad aired last week on several Rhode Island radio stations. Sponsored by a group calling itself "Save Our Society From Drugs," the ad praises Gov. Donald L. Carcieri for his veto of legislation they say "would have legalized marijuana in Rhode Island." The ad goes on to say the issue of medical marijuana was "a Trojan horse" for legalization and "for making it available without regard to medical science."Of course, it does no such thing. Patients would need a doctor to prescribe marijuana for their disease. The state Department of Health would review that prescription before issuing identification cards to the patient and two caregivers, who would be able to help the patient procure marijuana.Medical science? How does that jibe with the fact that a parade of doctors and medical groups testified in favor of the legislation last year?On its Web site, the group also makes urgent pleas for people to voice their opposition to the bill to "keep Rhode Island's children safe from this dangerous drug." Although data is hard to crunch, the evidence seems to suggest that in states that have enacted medical marijuana laws, marijuana use among young people has gone down.For instance, data from a biennial survey by the California Attorney General's office of drug use by young people in the Golden State, indicates that drug use among ninth-graders has gone down by 47 percent since the state became the first to enact a medical marijuana law in 1996. Other states have experienced similar decreases in youth marijuana smoking since enacting medical marijuana statutes.Here's the bottom line: The intent of the legislation is clear, to help those in dire need. Even opponents of the legislation say marijuana is readily available now. If that's the case, anyone who now wants to indulge can do so without too much trouble. So how exactly does allowing those with debilitating illnesses access to marijuana increase their chances of getting it?Opponents will say if it were in the house children would have easy access to it. Well, how is that any different than if that same patient were prescribed some other serious pain reliever for their symptoms? Would not the children in that house also have easier access to those much more dangerous substances?I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of someone healthy trying to get a prescription for medical marijuana and undergoing the subsequent scrutiny when they can get it easily now. Will there be abuse? I'm sure there will be attempts. Man has not devised a system yet that is abuse free.But it all comes back to the intent. I would only ask opponents one question. If it was your wife or husband or mother or father or son or daughter who was in the throes of unimaginable pain would you deny them a substance that could ease that suffering? A "yes" answer to that says more about you than it does about your opinion. Source: Newport Daily News, The (RI)Author: Joe Baker, Daily News Staff Published: Monday, January 02, 2006Copyright: 2006 Newport Daily NewsContact: Editor NewportRI.comWebsite: http://www.newportdailynews.com/Related Articles: Reps Face ‘Pot’ Veto http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21426.shtmlR.I. House To Vote on Marijuana Veto http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21425.shtmlHouse Should Override Medical Marijuana Veto http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21410.shtml

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Comment #71 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 16:50:10 PT
Press Release from MPP
Rhode Island Becomes 11th Medical Marijuana State***First Medical Marijuana Bill Since Supreme Court Ruling 
Passes Via Historic Veto OverrideJanuary 3, 2006 PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND -- The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted to override Gov. Donald Carcieri's veto of the Marijuana Policy Project's medical marijuana bill today, making Rhode Island the 11th state to make medical marijuana legal and the first to enact a medical marijuana law since the Supreme Court's June decision in Gonzales v. Raich. Rhode Island's medical marijuana law is the third to be enacted by a state legislature, and the first passed by overriding a governor's veto. (The other eight states' medical marijuana laws were enacted via ballot initiatives.)"Today's vote proves yet again that the movement to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest is unstoppable," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project, which spearheaded the effort to pass the bill. "Last June, White House Drug Czar John Walters proclaimed 'the end of medical marijuana as a political issue' in the wake of our loss in the U.S. Supreme Court, but he couldn't have been more wrong. The public, the medical community, and Rhode Island legislators agree that patients with cancer, AIDS or multiple sclerosis should not be arrested for using medical marijuana on the advice of their physicians. We will continue to roll back the government's war on the sick and dying, and the White House drug czar can't stop us any more than he can make water flow uphill."MPP worked closely with a coalition of Rhode Island patients, medical experts and health advocates to build support for the bill. Organizations working to pass the bill included the Rhode Island Medical Society, the Rhode Island Nurses Association, and AIDS Project Rhode Island. In association with the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition, MPP recently sponsored a billboard near the statehouse and encouraged patients and other supporters to call and write their state representatives to urge them to override the governor's veto.Medical marijuana legislation continues to receive support in state legislatures around the country. Medical marijuana bills were introduced recently in Michigan and Wisconsin, and MPP has retained lobbyists to advocate for medical marijuana legislation in Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. Similar legislation is poised to pass in New Mexico.With more than 19,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana—both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit such use. MPP believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment. For more information, please visit www.MarijuanaPolicy.org.http://www.mpp.org/releases/nr20060103.html
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Comment #70 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 14:37:01 PT
Toker00
Thanks for the apple! Step by step and little by little people are starting to understand why so many of us care about the laws and Cannabis. The couple that rent our one house just saw Hook on Drugs on the History Channel I think it's called and they were shocked. They don't have a computer either. Eyes are being opened everyday.
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Comment #69 posted by Toker00 on January 03, 2006 at 14:29:01 PT
runruff, FoM
Hey, man! Did I hear you say "good news"? That's good news!
We'll be anxious, second only to you, to hear it. The Anti's are starting to wake up in a world we all lived in a few years back. They are starting to feel the loneliness of being only a few who feel and see things like they do. Rhode Island was a very, very, important victory. Medical Cannabis is now legal in the Largest state, and the Smallest state, of our Several states. We now have a complete spectrum to fill! Who's gonna be next? I'm betting on Texas. Please, God?Thanks, FoM, for this wonderful, social class room. This is one of the few classes I would never cut. It's fun learning here. Here's your Apple! Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! 
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Comment #68 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 13:27:29 PT

runruff
Good news? I want to hear that in the worst way. You're welcome and thank you for all you have and are doing for our issue.
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Comment #67 posted by runruff on January 03, 2006 at 13:24:55 PT:

Thanx FoM
I could be hearing some good news in the week. I will keep you posted. Thank you for your warm concern. 
Hey, go Rhode Island, Huh?
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Comment #66 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 13:19:50 PT

runruff 
I just want you to keep us up on your situation. Don't just go away please.
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Comment #65 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 13:10:48 PT

not quite sleep
i go to inspect the fabric, that raiment of God, the flesh of reality, hope, i can find my way back, dreams and a good night sleep, may find my soul, talking about such little things...
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Comment #64 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 13:03:23 PT

global_warming 
We all don't think the same but wouldn't CNews be boring if we did? Thanks for everything and good night to you. It's way to early for sleep where I live.
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Comment #63 posted by runruff on January 03, 2006 at 13:02:58 PT:

Let's dust off a little wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson and Dr. Benjaman Rush [who was George Washington's personal physician and a signer of the Declaration of Independence] both forsaw the federal government might someday try to control medicine. Dr. Rush gave this diagnosis:
Unless we put medical freedom into the constitution the time
will come when medicine will orginize into an under ground dictatorship...to restrict the art of healing to one class of men and deny equal privleges to others will constitute the Bastille of medical science. All such laws are un-American and despotic and have no place in a republic... The Constitution of this republic should make a special privilege for medical freedom as well as religious freedom.
[circa 1776]Thomas Jefferson offered a second opinion:
If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls who live under tyranny.
[circa 1776]Hooray for little R.I. Today they were the mouse that roared!
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Comment #62 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 12:57:41 PT

good night
i go to sleep knowing that the souls that live in the block called rhode island, have affirmed and made 'law, that this world is getting better,..thanks
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Comment #61 posted by Had Enough on January 03, 2006 at 12:47:28 PT

Another Brick in the Wall
"Wrong, Do it again!"
"If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you
have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?"
"You! Yes, you behind the bikesheds, stand still laddy!"The voters will be heard!!! Thanks RI.Register & Vote!  Take a friend with you and stop at A&W on the way home.http://www.pink-floyd-lyrics.com/html/another-brick-2-wall.html

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Comment #60 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 12:44:00 PT

fom
Just a note, to say thanks, sorry for those in the hospital, there never seems to be any rest in this world.It is by your Grace Fom, that 'we at this site type our words and try to communicate.Some can be straight and pure as the driven snow, while others come under the hand of such violence.Can a child be so terrible, that this child seeks to escape from this world?It is by the Grace of God, that this world exists.I hope that 'we are not on different pages, yet, this is our page, in the destiny the history of our writings and long soft pleasurable pillows which comfort our earthly souls, may 'we see our human place, at the table of the lord, may 'we seek a place at the table, that assures 'all of us, that special place, that is closer to the Light that warms this universe.'We can do this, twinkle, when you see that next page, the headlines say, Cannabis Has Miracle Properties, that heal and offer passage, to the hand that will carry all of us, into deeper spiritual transcended places, that is 'ours, that place belongs to all of 'us.gw

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Comment #59 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 03, 2006 at 12:41:49 PT

Woo Hoo!
Another state bites the dust. I bet that ruined Walter's day. LOL
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Comment #58 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on January 03, 2006 at 12:36:48 PT

Veto Overriden !!!
This is very good news and congratulations to everyone.
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Comment #56 posted by laduncon on January 03, 2006 at 12:36:34 PT:

Rhode Island passes Medical Marijuana Law
Way to go Rhode Island!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2006/01/03/house_m
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Comment #55 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 12:13:11 PT

global_warming 
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. I am really scattered in my thinking today. Waiting for Rhode Island is one thing and I have different family members in the hospital or just getting out of the hospital. I need for us to win in Rhode Island. That little state can do so much for all of our spirits.
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Comment #54 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 12:10:09 PT

News Article from Fox 12 Oregon
Court Ruling May Have Cleared Way for Legal Pot Smoking***Jan 3, 2006A court ruling on marijuana may have opened a legal loophole that makes it okay to get high. Last week an Oregon appeals court ruled that it's okay to have and smoke the seeds of a pot plant. The court case started when a man from eastern Oregon was arrested for having less than an ounce of marijuna. His attorney argued he shouldn’t have been convicted of the crime because he only had pot seeds. It turns out, state law only prohibits people from having the leaves, stems and flowers of pot. So the appeals court found having and smoking pot seeds is not illegal. At first the court thought maybe legislators accidentally left seeds out of the law, but state law actually does mention seeds in other parts of the law, so they dismissed that idea and have now seemingly cleared the way for legal pot seed smoking in Oregon . It's not clear if the ruling will be appealed, or if the legislature might change the law when it meets again in 2007. 
 
 
 
 http://www.kptv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4312466
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Comment #53 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 11:52:45 PT

hey fom
I read that last link you posted, and I have a problem with the bases of the article.I understand the scourge of alcohol, but it is the only gateway that is legal in our world. What I mean by gateway is that it is the only substance (drug) that can allow us an altered state of consciousness.It is when 'we can have an altered state of awareness that 'we may catch a glimpse of our reality, our place, and our next hand.I think that Cannabis is a much better portal to get altered, much better than alcohol, but I am so anti prohibitionist that any thinking that diminish our opportunities to get closer to God, and illuminate our reality is a step in the wrong direction.
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Comment #52 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 11:43:25 PT

 Dankhank 
Thanks!
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Comment #51 posted by Dankhank on January 03, 2006 at 11:36:53 PT

for your pleasure ...
News: (401) 351-2244... RI NPRJust called them, a guy answered, very helpful, the legislature just is now sitting down, due to open soon.anyone who wants should call and inquireLet's show the guy we care ...BTW, RI NPR streams ...http://www.wrni.org/top left is the Listen button ...I think they are doing a call-in show, now about data mining .
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Comment #50 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 11:33:45 PT

While We're Waiting on Rhode Island
Study Links Advertising, Youth Drinkinghttp://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/hc-kidsdrink0103.artjan03,0,1475245.story
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Comment #49 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 11:32:42 PT

I feel sorry for the people of Chicago
At first I thought these people have to be brain dead, but in the article.." Chicago, Dec 28, 2005 - The Chicago Transit Authority is refusing an opportunity to alleviate commuting costs for hundreds of thousands in the Windy City's low-income neighborhoods. Instead of accepting deeply discounted fuel from the Venezuela-owned Citgo Petroleum Corporation, the city is instead raising fares to solve budget shortfalls.""In place of the proposed discount, which the CTA apparently does not want Chicagoans to even know about, budget shortfalls will be addressed by fare hikes. Chicagoans who are unaware of the Venezuela offer will be hit with an increase of 25 cents per ride next month, and discounted route-to-route transfers will be eliminated for passengers paying cash."Now there is a merry and fat dick for christmas.
Chicago Turns Down Discounted Venezuelan Oil
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 11:17:31 PT

About The Vote
I just checked again and still no news. I don't know why it is taking so long to hear anything. I still have my fingers crossed. 
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Comment #47 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 03, 2006 at 11:06:29 PT

It's 2:00 PM In Rhode Islane
What's going on?! Isn't this on state CSPAN or something? LOL
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Comment #46 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 11:02:14 PT

I know what you mean
Republicans have historically more closely aligned themselves with the corporate powers, those same people who through history would have us work our fingers to the bone, sweatshops, child labor those same things that the labor movement sought to change through the US congress.Democrats have historically been more aligned with labor, and the movements in this country to establish child labor laws and fair labor practices.I guess it all comes down to "greed and how some people feel they want it all.This Cannabis Movement really does not fit into a republican/democrat platform, it is more about persecution of people who enjoy the effects of Cannabis, its not like the people who enjoy Cannabis want to have a state religion or belief system, they do not want to challenge commerce or business, they have been forced into a corner and are coming out fighting.Rhode Island will make the 11th state then there will be a 12th and 13th and on and on, until, people who enjoy Cannabis can live productive and fruitful lives, in our churches, our schools and business.Go Rhode Island
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Comment #45 posted by Dankhank on January 03, 2006 at 11:01:39 PT

Now ...
1529 for YES187 for NO35 with no clue ...
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 10:18:21 PT

global_warming 
I know that democrats will be involved too but I think it would be more republicans. Corruption is corruption and I hope all accountable are found guilty.Storm Crow thank you for the update on the poll.
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Comment #43 posted by Storm Crow on January 03, 2006 at 10:11:14 PT

Latest poll results + OT
Well folks, it's now 1,506 yes (87%), 186 no (11%) and don't know is 35 votes (2%). Looks good! OT--FOM did you ever look into the Cannabacae vs Moracae in regards to Oregon ( for those of you who are confused, check out the "Pot Seeds Might Not Produce High posted on the 31st).)
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Comment #42 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 10:08:32 PT

They are all connected
Don't be too surprised if the bucket of filth and corruption spills this year that a few democrats drown in the splash..Do you think we will hear about the RI decision today?
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 09:52:57 PT

Just Hoping
Is it possible that this guy Abramoff could help to unravel the Republicans? It would be so good for everyone if it would happen. 
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Comment #40 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 09:23:01 PT

re>37
Let's hope so, maybe this will be the year of revelation,,Hope that RI become the 11th state.
see Wayne Madsen Jan. 2 report
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 08:53:01 PT

Watching and Waiting
So far I haven't found news to post but soon we will know about Rhode Island. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on January 03, 2006 at 07:26:48 PT

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Poll
Should Rhode Island pass a law legalizing the use of marijuana for certain medical conditions? Current Results:1577 Votes Yes -- 1371 -- 87% No -- 175 -- 11% I'm not sure -- 31 -- 2% 
Please Vote: http://www.turnto10.com/politics/5813350/detail.html
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Comment #37 posted by whig on January 03, 2006 at 07:05:05 PT

2006
Justin Raimondo had a column the other day, I don't think he meant what he titled it, but it might just be...The Year of Revelation.
Click for article
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Comment #36 posted by BGreen on January 03, 2006 at 06:55:22 PT

I guess I was wrong
I've always thought that Blind Faith was a really cool rock band with Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Rick Grech and Steve Winwood.Well...All Right. LOLNow I know better.************************************************************I'm just teasing you, OverwhelmSam, not trying to diminish your original statement.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #35 posted by global_warming on January 03, 2006 at 06:37:29 PT

Sure wish this guy was running for office
To understand why Washington, DC does what it does, you must first understand who the enemy really is. 
 
Our biggest enemy is within our gates. Our biggest enemy is homegrown. http://rense.com/general69/crossroads.htm
America Is At A Crossroads -Karl W B Schwarz
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Comment #34 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 03, 2006 at 06:30:28 PT

The Vote's Today!
I'm awaiting the outcome of this veto override with hopeful anticipation. What a back handed slap in the face for the Governor. He deserves it.About blind faith: Having faith is good, but blind faith is a serious mental disorder.
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Comment #33 posted by whig on January 03, 2006 at 05:47:32 PT

mayan
"It seems that Calvina Faye was (in 1989 - but I don't know about now) the president and owner of Forward Edge Inc. which is a drug-testing services company. I figured she had some motive for spewing such obvious lies. Forward Edge is based in Houston so I imagine she's a always been a huge Bush supporter. I wonder how much money she and her ilk give to that loser."Shame there's no time to get a letter to the editor printed before the override vote today, but I think a well-crafted letter should still be sent, describing her financial interests.
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Comment #32 posted by mayan on January 03, 2006 at 05:37:52 PT

Calvina Faye's Motives
It seems that Calvina Faye was (in 1989 - but I don't know about now) the president and owner of Forward Edge Inc. which is a drug-testing services company. I figured she had some motive for spewing such obvious lies. Forward Edge is based in Houston so I imagine she's a always been a huge Bush supporter. I wonder how much money she and her ilk give to that loser.She is also a member of DATIA (Drug & Alcohol Tesing Industry Association).What a corporate whore.Forward Edge Inc.
http://www.forwardedgeinc.com/DATIA:
http://www.datia.org/news/newsmainpage.htm
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Comment #31 posted by whig on January 03, 2006 at 05:13:09 PT

Toker00
"Guess what, America? The UNITED STATED GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOD!!!"I think really you've come to the nub of the problem. Most people don't have genuine faith, they don't have experience of God, they don't understand why they're supposed to believe -- and truthfully, they cannot, because it they are being told to have BLIND faith. But they want to place their faith in something REAL, and they do not perceive God, so where do they put it? In the state, which does not say it is God, but does pretend to be all-powerful and all-benevolent, which is close enough for the poor confused people to accept.And why is cannabis illegal? I make the claim that it is because it may bring about the true perception of God, and thereby remove the faith which people otherwise might place in the state. When awakened to this larger consciousness, we cannot but look upon the state as a pretender, a false god, an anti-Christ, and so it is.Awaken gentle mass touching.
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Comment #30 posted by Had Enough on January 03, 2006 at 04:30:39 PT

SOS-SOS-SOS
Americans today receive care in the world’s safest, most effective system of medical practice. That system is built on a process of scientific research, testing, and oversight that is unequalled. “The reality is so-called medical marijuana cannot and will not ever pass the scrutiny of our medical practice system. In fact, marijuana delivers harmful and unspecific substances to the body that can be particularly harmful for patients in an already weakened condition,” Fay said. 
“So-called medical marijuana can never pass medical muster for one reason, it is not safe. Legalizing it as a drug will set the clock of modern medicine back to a time when Americans were exposed to a host of often benign and sometimes deadly medicine “cure-alls” sold from the back of a horse-drawn cart,” Fay addedOh my! While being taught the difference between right & wrong I was taught about a character who’s nose grew every time he told a lie. I wonder how she can even steer a car with that elephant trunk of hers in the way. Her license should be suspended.Don’t forget to Register & Vote, and take a friend with you.

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Comment #29 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 22:29:21 PT

Feeling Young
This is my theory on feeling young. Never lose the wide eyed wonder that you see in a child's eyes. As adults we get lost in life and making a way for ourselves. Cannabis helps a person relax, meditate, wonder and dream and yet it doesn't cause a person to forget responsibilities. So many people seem to go thru life like a robot would. They don't see the world around them in their race thru life. 
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Comment #28 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 21:50:53 PT

That's A Start
But I still think that as soon as the AARP realizes that marijuana makes you feel young again, Congress' phones will ring off the hook. LOL
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Comment #27 posted by afterburner on January 02, 2006 at 21:12:27 PT

On Leaving Providence or Not!
Artist: Eagles Lyrics 
 Song: The Last Resort Lyrics 
{She came from Providence, 
the one in Rhode Island 
Where the old world shadows hang 
heavy in the air 
She packed her hopes and dreams 
like a refugee 
Just as her father came across the sea 
She heard about a place people were smilin' 
They spoke about the red man's way, 
and how they loved the land 
And they came from everywhere 
to the Great Divide 
Seeking a place to stand 
or a place to hide {Down in the crowded bars, 
out for a good time, 
Can't wait to tell you all, 
what it's like up there 
And they called it paradise 
I don't know why 
Somebody laid the mountains low 
while the town got high {Then the chilly winds blew down 
Across the desert 
through the canyons of the coast, to 
the Malibu 
Where the pretty people play, 
hungry for power 
to light their neon way 
and give them things to do {Some rich men came and raped the land, 
Nobody caught 'em 
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes, and Jesus, 
people bought 'em 
And they called it paradise 
The place to be 
They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea {You can leave it all behind 
and sail to Lahaina 
just like the missionaries did, so many years ago 
They even brought a neon sign: "Jesus is coming" 
Brought the white man's burden down 
Brought the white man's reign {Who will provide the grand design? 
What is yours and what is mine? 
'Cause there is no more new frontier 
We have got to make it here {We satisfy our endless needs and 
justify our bloody deeds, 
in the name of destiny and the name of God {And you can see them there, 
On Sunday morning 
They stand up and sing about 
what it's like up there 
They call it paradise 
I don't know why 
You call someplace paradise, 
kiss it goodbye} Maybe she won't have to leave Providence if the Representatives show compassion.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 20:53:13 PT

Just a Note
If I would disappear for awhile it would be because the electrical storms are getting worse and our power could go off. I got my candle lit and a flashlight handy just in case. It's only January 2nd and it's like a spring day. The grass is growing in our yard. Yikes! LOL!
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 20:44:52 PT

Hope
Thanks. It just seems so logical to me. It's so simple. That's the kind of question that a child would ask a parent when he or she wants to know why something is right or wrong. It's so basic.
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on January 02, 2006 at 20:38:30 PT

FoM
That is indeed a good question. We need to use it whenever we can. "Why is the one substance that doesn't cause any fatalities illegal?"
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 20:05:54 PT

OverwhelmSam
I agree with you. Last night we watched a TV Program on Coffee and it's history. I didn't know until last night that Coffee killed a man involved in the Coffee Industry. Cannabis hasn't killed anyone. Why is the one substance that doesn't cause any fatalities illegal? I would love for our opposition to answer that question.
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Comment #22 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 19:58:54 PT

Clarification, Amendment & Consolidation
FoMThe concept to me is that the marijuana haters attempt to lay their guilt trip on Society, and the best way to counter their bias is to declare our intentions affirmatively. In time, the basis of their statements will become ridiculous to the public consciousness. 
For example, what if the school nurse calls because one's child is sick or hurt, and the parent is stoned? What should they do? Simply the same thing any parent would do if they were stoned, drunk or high on prescription drugs, they call a taxi or get a friend to take them to school to be with their child. Marijuana haters think that's a bad thing.When they ask about the message we are sending to the children, the message is simply that, Children, it's perfectly okay for adults to use marijuana. But you must not use it until you're of legal age. Will there be abuses? Of course, they will happen regardless of the legal status of any drug.When they say medical marijuana is a "Trojan Horse" to the full legalization of marijuana, we declare loud and clear that, "You are right, we want medical marijuana legalized for patients! But we are going to work continuously to convince the inteligent citizens of this country that we are going to legalize the recreational use of marijuana by adults, regardless of what the federal and state governments decide in respect to medical marijuana. Once marijuana is approved for recreational use and regulated similar to alcohol, the medical marijuana issue will become a moot issue.When they say marijuana is dangerous, we ask them to prove it. Show us the fatalities. Show us the seriously ill marijuana smokers. There are none, they hate this fact, so they misdirect, fabricate and commit fraud on American citizens. They can't stand the fact that people like marijuana because it makes you high and it makes you feel good. Marijuana haters are in an emotional state where they just can't cope with this reality. These practicalities seem to escape the marijuana haters' limited mentality, because they are blinded with their own prejudice. We need to counter their poor arguments (vague guilt trips) by getting "our messages" out to the public media. We're actually doing a pretty good job of this already because, only the extreme marijuana haters are still saying that marijuana is a gateway drug. Most people know by now that statistically very few of the estimated 25 million occassional marijuana users move on to harder drugs. The marijuana haters are losing credibility every time they advance this argument. In summary, we should counter their arguements with affirmative declarations, and then see how "there messages" stand up to public scrutiny. Sooner or later the majority of the public will figure it out, no one will buy the federal government's propaganda about marijuana anymore, and it will be legalized for private adult use by the citizens of this country, state-by-state if necessary.

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Comment #21 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 18:55:18 PT

OverwhelmSam
Yup Yup Yup Gotcha Now!
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Comment #20 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 18:55:09 PT

Another Point
You realize that when marijuana is legalized for adult use, medical marijuana will become a moot point.
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Comment #19 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 18:52:45 PT

I Love A Good Soapbox LOL
corrections..You are right "we want medical marijuana legalized! But" we arethat "we" are going to get the recreational use of marijuana by adults 
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Comment #18 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 18:43:49 PT

I Apologize FoM
What I meant by "if the school nurse calls" is say that a parent's child gets sick at school. What do you do? You do what any other parent would do if they just happened to be under the inluence of a mind altering substance, you go take care of your child regardless of your condition, be it drunk, under medication or under the influence of THC.What I mean is that we counter their arguements with affirmative declarations. If they say medical marijuana is a "Trojan Horse" to legalize marijuana, we declare loud and clear that, "You are right! We are working continuously to convince the public citizens of this country that are going to get the recreational use of marijuana by adults legalized in this country, regardless of what the federal and state governments do in respect to medical marijuana. See what I mean, let's be affirmative with the public, media and government. Communicate resolve.
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Comment #17 posted by mayan on January 02, 2006 at 18:24:41 PT

Calvina
But it all comes back to the intent. I would only ask opponents one question. If it was your wife or husband or mother or father or son or daughter who was in the throes of unimaginable pain would you deny them a substance that could ease that suffering? A "yes" answer to that says more about you than it does about your opinion.Are you there, Calvina? What would you do? I smell you lurking in the shadows. I smell the deceit.THE WAY OUT...The SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 TREASON INDEPENDENT PROSECUTOR ACT:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/736718529?ltl=1135908579 
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 17:12:53 PT

OverwhelmSam 
I'm not sure I understanding the taxi and nurse sentence but I think I know what you mean. I don't believe that children should do any drugs legal or illegal. My generation was told that you may drink alcohol when you hit the age of 21 but not before the legal age. I understood and followed the rule except a couple times. Youth push the limits to see where their boundaries are and that is important to the process of growing up and leaving home. What's wrong with parents telling their children when you are of legal age you can try Cannabis but not until you hit the legal age? Why can't Cannabis be treated like Alcohol? Cannabis is way safer.
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Comment #15 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 16:59:57 PT

I Understand FoM
The concept to me is that they try to lay this guilt trip on Society and the best way to counter their bias, is to declare the basis of their statements as ridiculous. For example, what if the school nurse calls and you're stoned? Simply the same thing you would do if you were drunk or high on prescription drugs, call a taxi or get a friend to take you to school. These practicalities seem to escape their limited mentality because they are blind with prejudice.So when they ask about the message we are sending to the children (guilt trip), the message is simply that, Children, it's perfectly okay for adults to use marijuana. We need to counter their poor arguments by getting our messages out into the public view. We're actually doing a pretty good job of it because only the extremists prohibitionists are still saying that marijuana is a gateway drug. Most people know by now that statistically very few of the estimated occassional users move on to harder drugs. They are now losing credibility every time they bring it up.My point is to declare our messages and then see how there messages stand up to public scrutiny. Sooner or later, no one is going to buy the federal government's propaganda about marijuana anymore, and it will be legalized.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 16:32:43 PT

OverwhelmSam 
I wish that could and would happen. I guess the way I look at this issue we are fighting for is I approach it like it's a battle bettween what is right and what is wrong. I don't twist anything but believe that the truth about Cannabis should be enough to change the laws. I know that I have strong feelings about Bush but I only say what I mean and mean what I say when I mention him in a comment. Honesty is important and picking words is something I try to do. That's why I had to count to 10 after hearing the ad.
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Comment #13 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 16:29:45 PT

The Media Needs to get Our Message Out
Our Message: Dear children, it's perfectly okay for adults to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes. Any other message you hear is Social prejudice.
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Comment #12 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 02, 2006 at 16:24:05 PT

Can't the State Sue the Partnership?
The Partnership for a Drug Free America (yeah right) is attempting to commit fraud on the voting public of Rhode Island by spreading lies over the airwaves. Can't the state's Attorney General sue the Partnership? At the very least, representatives or citizens of Rhode Island could ask the Attorney General to ivestigate. Bet that would make them put a stop to their malicious lies. Maybe.
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 15:41:42 PT

Deceptive?
We aren't at all hiding from anything and we sure aren't trying to deceive anyone. That's a nasty word.***She said: Recently, some members of the Rhode Island general assembly have partnered with known drug legalizers in a deceptive attempt to legalize marijuana. Don't be mislead, the issue of so-called medical marijuana is a trojan horse for legalizing the drug itself and for making it available without regard to medical science. 
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Comment #10 posted by lombar on January 02, 2006 at 15:37:45 PT

Here's a transcript-total BS

Can we spot all the drug war lies?1) the veto was not wise.2) children are not protected by prohibition3) Cannabis activists are not 'deceptive' prohibitiionists ARE.4) Cannabis only lacks medical efficacy in the USA somehow... (yes it IS medicine) Aspirin users do not have to carry ID cards.5) Medical cannabis is not a trojan horse. The drug war is a 'trojan horse' to steal americans rights.6) The prohibitionists are the ones ignoring science. Trying to use it to prop up a failed policy is not exactly virtuous.7) Potency lie. If cannabis was as crappy as they claim nobody would have had interest in it when LSD was so popular.8)The people at the greatest risk from cannabis are the ones who get tossed into gulags. Alcohol spawns far more social harm but Ms. Faye is not trying to get that prohibited.Pure propaganda. I hope you folk in RI put up a good fight. All you have to do is tell the truth. It is tough to fight the fear mongering, people are so easily manipulated with their emotions. Fear clouds reason and drives bad decision making.Transcript:Hi. I'm Calvina Faye (?), executive director of Save our society from drugs. Earlier this year, Governer Kochiri(?) wisely vetoed legislation that would have legalized marijuana in Rhode Island. I am joined by thousands of parents and families who thank him for his efforts in keeping this dangerous drug away from our children. Recently, some members of the Rhode Island general assembly have partnered with known drug legalizers in a deceptive attempt to legalize marijuana. Don't be mislead, the issue of so-called medical marijuana is a trojan horse for legalizing the drug itself and for making it available without regard to medical science. Todays marijuana is much more powerful and addictive than a generation ago and children and other young people are at the greatest risk. Tell the Rhode Island General Assembly to keep our children safe. Tell them to reject legalizing marijuana. For contact information...
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 15:17:53 PT

One More Off Topic Post
I hope they get the fires under control in Oklahoma and Texas if they are still out of control and people's homes will be ok.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 15:05:18 PT

Off Topic
I hope that they find the coal miners alive but I just don't think they will because of the explosion and gas. I also hope that everyone is doing ok wherever they are with all this rain and storms. Maybe we will all need to build an Ark.
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Comment #7 posted by Toker00 on January 02, 2006 at 15:03:32 PT

And I bet she Never Smiles.
The woman talking in that ad sounds like she has constipation or something, ya know? Her voice is sooooo strained and scared. I'll bet her car and house are spotless, her wardrobe impeccable, her husband miserable, and her children rebellious. Probably a number cruncher who has no time for humanity. Business, business, business! Wipe that milk off your face! And, without a doubt, has scripts for stress. What a client for Medical Cannabis!Oh, and that last post was suppose to say STATES.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!  
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Comment #6 posted by Toker00 on January 02, 2006 at 14:50:35 PT

It's weird, you know.
How many Anti's keep their Liquor cabinets locked? Medicine cabinets? Gun cabinets? Kids still manage to get drunk, get pilled up, and, most unfortunately, shoot themselves or others. Now, here's a plant that won't kill your brain cells, you can't overdose on it, and no matter how much you injest, you'll still be alive and healthy to live another day. These parents would rather their children satisfy their curiosity about Cannabis at the local black market, than ending that black market by legalizing something which is already used by everyone with a desire to do so, anyway. Except for our Brothers and Sisters who have been forced by law to stop using or die. Prison is DEAth. There were more drunk children DURING Alcohol Prohibition than there have been since the REPEAL of it. There will continue to be more stoned children during Cannabis Prohibition, than when WE finally force a legal Cannabis/Hemp Industry. If they would only learn to educate the children, instead of hiding behind them.Hey kids! Mom and Dad's alcohol, cigarettes, and pharma-poisons are very, very, dangerous drugs! That's why they are LEGAL, sold over the counter, or by a LEGAL, licensed Drug Dealer! Don't let them catch you using something safe like CANNABIS, because they will be very, very, angry that you did something "ILLEGAL"! Never mind that you are alive, happy, and somewhat enlightened.Guess what, America? The UNITED STATED GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOD!!! Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! 
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Comment #5 posted by Taylor121 on January 02, 2006 at 14:05:34 PT

The website
Get a good look at the decievers:http://www.saveoursociety.org/
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 13:53:13 PT

Taylor121
You know what I'm doing now that I listened to the ad?I am counting to 10.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 13:50:25 PT

Taylor121
Thank you! I want to listen to it and I hope others do too.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 13:49:25 PT

A New Years Wish
What a wonderful gift of compassion it would be to start the new year in a good way if it goes our way in Rhode Island.
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Comment #1 posted by Taylor121 on January 02, 2006 at 13:47:39 PT

The Ad
FoM, I hope you don't mind but I am going to post this ridiculous ad again so all of us can hear the lies and hopefully channel our anger towards useful reform efforts.http://www.mpp.org/streaming/RI_SOS_Radio.mp3
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