cannabisnews.com: We Have Lost Drug War
We Have Lost Drug War
Posted by CN Staff on December 27, 2006 at 07:16:59 PT
By Judge Harry E. Klide
Source: Canton Repository
Ohio -- I don't know whether America is going to win the war in Iraq, but I do know that we have lost the war against the use of drugs, which we have pursued for the past 30-plus years. The war on drugs has been a dismal failure. It is not truly a war against drugs, but a war against us - our people, our children, ourselves.President Nixon, when running for president, coined the expression, "war on drugs," knowing that appearing tough on crime would get him many votes.
After Nixon's election, Congress passed legislation giving massive funding to police departments throughout the country to fight the war on drugs. The politicians passed harsh laws for mandatory minimum sentences and for "three strikes and you're out" sentences. The mentality that has prevailed is "lock them up, throw the key away, and the drug problem will go away." We've locked them up, but, unfortunately, the problem has not gone away. Worse Than Ever As a matter of fact, the drug problem has become worse. Whether we want to admit it or not, we absolutely cannot arrest our way out of the drug problem. Walter Cronkite recently wrote a letter asking more than 100,000 people to help end the drug war at home. In explaining the reasons for doing so, he stated, "It surely hasn't made our streets safer. Instead, we have locked up literally millions of people, disproportionately people of color, who have caused little or no harm to others - wasting resources that could be used for counter-terrorism, reducing violent crime, or catching white-collar criminals."Humans for hundreds of years have been using alcohol, coffee, tobacco, marijuana, opium and other addictive and mood-affecting drugs. Legal or illegal drugs and crime go hand in hand. Most of the criminal cases I handled on the bench, such as violence, robbery, and thievery were intertwined with alcohol and drugs. Interestingly, we don't arrest people for drinking alcohol, or smoking tobacco, the two worst drugs known to human beings. In the United States, tobacco kills 430,000 people every year; alcohol kills another 110,000. All the illegal drugs combined in the United State kill fewer than 18,000 people.We have tried to use force, prohibition and incarceration to control the drug market. We have increased the patrol and inspection of our nation's borders. We have increased arrests for violation of drug laws and lengthened sentences. We have poured billions of dollars into overseas anti-drug paramilitary operations. What are the results?The reality is that our efforts have led to a more efficient drug trade and a hugely profitable drug market. Every year, we're spending about 70 billion to fight this war. Every year we are arresting 1.6 million people - mostly young people - for non-violent drug offenses, thereby clogging our courts. Our prison system has quadrupled in the past 20 years, making building prisons in America the fastest growing industry. There are over 2 million prisoners in the United States, which means we who make up 5 percent of the total global population, now have 25 percent of the world's prisoners. Significantly, although African Americans account for only 12 percent of the U.S. population, 44 percent of all prisoners in the United States are African Americans. Violent crime is not responsible for the quadrupling of the incarcerated population since 1980. The single greatest force behind the growth of the prison population has been the war on drugs.With all these lives we're destroying every year, and all the money we're spending, drugs are cheaper, are more potent, and easier to get than when the war against drugs began. Everything from crack cocaine to marijuana is just a phone call away. You can buy it on any street, in any school yard, in any small farm town. As a 2002 drug survey by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University revealed, schoolchildren across the country say it is easier for them to buy marijuana than it is to buy beer and cigarettes. Is it perhaps because alcohol is controlled by the government, whereas drug distribution is controlled by organized crime?I think that it is time to rethink our strategy and to redefine our goals. We obviously cannot depend on our politicians to extricate us from this quagmire. We must admit that we're losing the war on drugs. As parents concerned about protecting our children from drug-related harm, we must alter our way of thinking and hopefully find ways to claim victory. We must look for alternatives. One hears many voices proclaiming that the answer is treatment, education and prevention. There are also many voices out there that proclaim that in order to end the war on drugs, and end drug prohibition, the answer is to legalize and regulate drugs so that we can run the mob out of a highly profitable business that pay no taxes on their huge profits. We can then control the drug market, regulate it and tax it. Public ActionNo one likes to admit being a loser. But since the politicians will not cure this societal ailment, is it feasible to believe that we the people somehow can organize, mobilize and publicize the disastrous consequences of a drug war against our children and ourselves and put an end to it? What do you think?Harry E. Klide is a retired Stark County Common Pleas Court judge.Source: Canton Repository, The (OH)Author: Judge Harry E. KlidePublished: Wednesday, December 27, 2006Copyright: 2006 The RepositoryContact: letters cantonrep.comWebsite: http://www.cantonrep.com/CannabisNews Justice Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/justice.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help
Comment #196 posted by global_warming on January 11, 2007 at 15:58:37 PT
Puff The Magic Dragon
Do be careful with that firearmPissed all over my selfand wondered how many of you all find it difficult to hold your urinary functions?if that is not bad enough, try holding on to sanity, gW is signing a new law' can he do this? Sorry to say, CANNABIS and good C will outlive my good eye,Puff The Magic Dragon
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #195 posted by global_warming on January 11, 2007 at 15:41:53 PT
guess when you hear the sirenes
those voices of death into the night,you can find comfortyou have a safe placebrought to you by your local' policein that dawn, those boots smell like rotten fascistsinsane communiststax collectors and so many foolswho dance in front of the Lightwho turn up the music to hide and forgetthese are times, these are days,who can say?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #194 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 14:16:55 PT
I weep for my soul
if you have no soul,you have no countrythen your tears can pay the cable 'bill
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #193 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 14:01:12 PT
re: La Soñadora
2, what is her languge?can I hear that there is some placewhere there is Honor
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #192 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 13:45:57 PT
don't forget
that bastard jesus child was born in this perfect world
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #191 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 13:29:35 PT
when the mast comes down
can you live in the shadowwhere there is no light
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #190 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 12:26:16 PT
she did slap his face
he trough up and abdicated
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #189 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 12:22:48 PT
re: the lady pelosi
dancing with gW, on the world dance floor
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #188 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 11:53:39 PT
the : Light
the Light that shines on all of ,it has no languageit has no earsflower powerfrom the Blue Marble
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #187 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 11:43:57 PT
did i forget
to mention high poetry?That poetry that is highBeyond your graspBeyond ReachThere is no money that can buy a place
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #186 posted by global_warming on January 10, 2007 at 11:34:24 PT
re: that preacher man in texas
can you handle prison humour?
humor is a funny thing, makes you laugh, somewhere in the news i read somewherethere was a warthank you enyawhen you have the tail of the devildo you place some healing balm
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #185 posted by global_warming on January 09, 2007 at 12:47:19 PT
wiki entry
Honor, Justice and God
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #184 posted by global_warming on January 09, 2007 at 12:32:01 PT
re: hiding
are you hiding from the law?do you feel threatend?do you have a lawyer?-advertisementcan you look around?do you have an eye?was that the judge toking?don't tell me, Clinton did not inhale..
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #183 posted by global_warming on January 09, 2007 at 12:16:51 PT
in this time
"It has been a waste but maybe now we will see some of the drug issues addressed. "Half of the women in this world wear 'bhurkas, hide their faces, then there is that whole population of 'homosexuals, hiding, ever hiding, then the drug users, have i mentioned everyone?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #182 posted by global_warming on January 09, 2007 at 12:01:01 PT
Might as well face it your
Addicted to warhttp://www.star.com.jo/viewNews/DetailNews.aspx?nid=3815
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #181 posted by global_warming on January 09, 2007 at 11:46:53 PT
I cee that
Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. have been elected to baseball's Hall of Fame while Mark McGwire has failed to be admitted.Now is that wonderful?How long can baseball distract you?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #180 posted by global_warming on January 08, 2007 at 13:09:47 PT
When Moses
..came down from the Mountainand Mohammed looked at Godthey saw some old Buddhistlistening to some old songhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-NRriHlLUk
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #179 posted by global_warming on January 08, 2007 at 13:01:09 PT
re: twinkle
that special place, where you knowthat you are surrounded by the good and faithfulin the valley of death
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #178 posted by global_warming on January 08, 2007 at 12:37:30 PT
hey cerebrum
(which is the basic view of society in Europe and America from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries: humans are fundamentally base and vulgar but can be taught to be good and refined).Do you mean to accept Marinol?and this cash profit existence?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #177 posted by global_warming on January 08, 2007 at 12:28:16 PT
re: keep talking
A Short Economic Interlude On Fractional Reserve Banking,http://www.currentconcerns.ch/index.php?id=179
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #176 posted by global_warming on January 08, 2007 at 11:54:59 PT
question
who shot John Lennon?who was that man with long hair and glasses at the start who had some moves?are you one of those who waves thier arm?are you holding a candle?are you thrusting your fist to the music?hey cerebrum, you are welcome,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-NRriHlLUk
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #175 posted by SirEbram on January 07, 2007 at 17:28:14 PT
Comment #152 posted by FoM
Duh-George...Lol, thanks for the input FoM. The answer to the problem was right under my nose all along.As far as what you were saying ('DankHank') quote:============================================================================================"I am not good at these things but what has bothered me for a very long time is the extremes between the rich and the poor. I believe that people should be allowed to start a business and hopefully it will be successful or we would lose our incentive to do more then we absolutely must. I believe dreaming of a better life for your family is healthy but there is a line where it goes overboard. I have no idea what the answer is though."============================================================================================I believe that, no matter what the circumstance, Love (with a capital 'L') is, and always will be, the eternal answer... to all of Life's equations... and a big part of Love is 'dicipline', of which deals in drawing the heart, mind and body into focus, making moral distinctions and drawing lines according to the design of the conscience.In truth, you know more about the answer than you think D.H.
Universal/Unconditional Love ~ According To A One: 'Mo Tzu'
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #174 posted by global_warming on January 07, 2007 at 16:44:52 PT
Dankhank
Thanks for that wonderful linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-NRriHlLUk
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #173 posted by FoM on January 07, 2007 at 15:48:54 PT
Dankhank
Thanks! Give Peace a Chance! Oh yes.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #172 posted by Dankhank on January 07, 2007 at 15:17:29 PT
right on ...
Give Peace A Chancebeen linked before, but still a good idea ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-NRriHlLUk
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #171 posted by global_warming on January 07, 2007 at 15:12:35 PT
is it not amazing
what keeps this world floating, in such a sea of disgrace, disHonor and filth, i guess it is easier to believe some lie, so that your eye does not have to look into the eyes of the fallen and outcasts, this boomer says, give peace a chance.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #170 posted by global_warming on January 07, 2007 at 15:00:54 PT
These are the days
Who can say, these are the days,Which test the soul's of people,http://rense.com/general74/afgg.htmDid have some Sunday Supper?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #169 posted by global_warming on January 07, 2007 at 14:46:36 PT
Oh Lord
Stuck in Lodi again,The man from the magazine said i was on my way,Somewhere I lost connection,
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #168 posted by global_warming on January 07, 2007 at 12:51:51 PT
Do You feel the heat?
Tell me again about global warming, Do you have bread ?Do you have an eye?I have a dilemma, i must press some more buttons,
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #167 posted by global_warming on January 07, 2007 at 12:27:07 PT
one thing for sure
Nixon is dead, his bones have been consumed by the blessed Mother Earth.It now falls upon the B' Loyalists, maybe you can ask the O' Jays, that sang about money, and the disease of power, of course its political, and somewhere 'religion has some ancient vote in this heresy of human existence.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #166 posted by afterburner on January 06, 2007 at 23:27:53 PT
museman
The O'Jays › The Best Of The O'Jays: Love Train › For The Love Of Money
http://tinyurl.com/yjocn5
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #165 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 14:23:45 PT
museman
You're very welcome.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #164 posted by museman on January 06, 2007 at 14:13:16 PT
FoM
"The heart of man is what determines motives in my mind."Exactly. In as much as you, and I and all the others here believe that revealing the truth about marijuana prohibition is an important undertaking - in the hopes of dispelling ignorance through information and understanding, so do I feel that way about other negative conditions which may not-at least on the surface- seem to be directly relative to prohibition. I believe they are. There is no 'personal satisfaction' in my understanding of where the true guilt mostly lies, I get nothing out of it.Sometimes I think I would have been a happier camper had I not chose to follow and uphold the truth, because it has gained me nothing in this world except a modicum of respect in a few circles, and a lifetime of persecution from those who don't like the truth.I am judged daily, and I know whom (in terms of spirit and intention) and what the judges are. I have revealed them, attempted to shine what light I can muster on their error, for one reason and one only; I worship the Truth, and the Source of Truth. I hold the truth in highest esteeem, and priority. Oftentimes I get (and need to be) corrected, but that is the nature of honesty and truth, if one is actually engaged in the process of nurturing truth and understanding.Thank you for allowing me to express my opinions.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #163 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 13:49:49 PT
museman
For me if a person is rich, middle class or poor and causes harm to another person they are guilty. The heart of man is what determines motives in my mind.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #162 posted by museman on January 06, 2007 at 13:38:43 PT
FoM
I only have a problem with error. Not one human being is perfect, and it is true that there are 'poor' people with bad spirit and attitude. However, unless those poor actually have committed crimes against humanity and the Earth, I think that their conditions -created by material imbalance- warrant 'mitigating circumstance' where a 'rich' mans crimes do not.The 'poor' who live in error, do so in ignorance. That ignorance is fostered by the 'upper class.' Not all who live within the bounds of wealth are 'bad' people, but then Nicodemos wasn't a 'bad' man either. He was rejected nonetheless because he valued his wealth over all else. I didn't make up the story, or the declaration that 'Heaven' has no room for such, I merely agree, based on my own life experience.Let me once again state that my angst and attitude is primarily towards a belief system, and not persons. If a person aligns themselves with that system, and takes my criticism into their own heart, that was their choice, not mine, though one could always hope that the Nicodemos's in the world would finally let go...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #161 posted by museman on January 06, 2007 at 13:22:08 PT
lyrics restated
Just had an impulse to post these lyrics.An old song, actually written the year Reagan declared the WOD, but probably one of then few of mine that will be remembered;Walkin' On The EarthI was rememberin' our walk upon the earth.I could hear their voices cryin' out,standin' in the rain,and the song they sung was laughterbetween the sunlight and the painwith the promise of the rainbow just to bring it round again.And they danced in the light of the mornin';a reflection of the life that's in our eyes.Seeing in each other that the dawnin'is just a measure of the love we realize.And it made me think of honorthat nearly died out on the plains,and the fashions of illusionsthat lobotomize our brains.Well I'm standin' on the kiillin' floor,dyin' in this glorious war of fools...who've taken all this sacred life,and turned it into a game of strifewhere money makes the rules.Enslaving our vitality for the best years of our time,trading our reality for any cause of a selfish kind,all for a simple walk upon the earth.Now there's a magic in the eyes of the children,and the light is on their faces for a while.But oh world what will you give themto take away their laughter or their smile?We all remember, we're just taught to forgetthe living , glowing emberswithout love you can't get...and the Book of Life is walking on the earth. And we danced in the light of the mornin';a reflection of the life that's in our eyes.Seeing in each other that the dawnin'is just a measure of the love we realize,just a measure of the love we realize,it's just a measure of the love we realize.Remembering our walk upon the earth. ***********I know that many of you have already heard it, but I include the link anyway, just in case..
Walkin' OnThe Earth
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #160 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 13:21:43 PT
museman
I don't mind if people are wealthy. I only feel bad for the very poor and homeless people. No one should have to live on the streets. Some wealthy people do share their money in good ways so it isn't all wealthy people that don't have much of a conscience. I have seen poor folks with not much of a conscience too. What matters is what is inside us. What motivates us. Does love of mankind drive us or does hate drive us. It really is very individualistic in my opinion.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #159 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 13:13:33 PT
museman
When I look at the system as it is I think we can see change in time. Change can come very slowly by people thinking differently or out of necessity. Societies have changed thruout recorded history. If we can adapt we can fix some of the things that are wrong. People just have to care enough to begin to try. One step then another and on and on.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #158 posted by global_warming on January 06, 2007 at 13:05:19 PT
re; the kitchen sink
"I hope one day that I will be recorded in the 'holy halls of history' as a very skilled author and speaker of truth, rather than just another crazy, rambling derelict of forgotten conspiracy theories, surrounded by monkeys, lost in space… without a kitchen sink."Sounds like you have cut a notch in the back of the behomth.It is a huge and loathsome monster, when you cut into its hide, it splashes blood into your eyes, making it difficult to see your place, hard to type, so hard so close to the fallen and outcasts, here where i live, in a land with no sorrow, though it has been given to us, to mankind, the whole benefactors, of blood, mind and forgotten soul, if you are wondering, who i am talking to, or what i am trying to say, Do you have a hand?Do you have an eye?Can you hear with your ear?By the time you figure out that the bill is due, you might wonder, where you are, your place, under the canopy of starlight, hello boomers..
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #157 posted by museman on January 06, 2007 at 12:52:06 PT
FoM- Dankhank...
The catch 22 of rich vs poor, is that there is no way to force the rich to equalize their un-needed wealth with the need. One cannot legislate, or create laws to force capitulation, because the seeking, aquisition, and retaining of wealth remains a paramount priority in the human heart. Those who have are not likely to get the experience to give them understanding of the actual disparity of he situation, and those who have not aren't likely to get.The only solution is Spiritual. Until some group of people somewhere are able to rise to the challenge and demonstrate viable alternatives to the current destructive life-styles, the class struggle is only going to get worse.It's a tug of war, and at sometimes it may appear that the rope is sliding towards equanimity, but it always goes back to the situation we have of the rich few lording it over all the rest.Some like to think of power and wealth as two seperate situations. I can't buy that. The seeking of wealth has at it's root a desire for power. One who does not have wealth may think that it is for 'comfort' or material success, but that is just one of the beliefs that is fostered by the rich to keep their processes from being questioned too much.Wealth is merely a power tool for the rulers of men; to buy armies, police, and a population of willing subjects competing with each other to 'ascend' to a higher class, and the only realistic hope they have out of a lifetime of effort is 'comfortable' middle-class. The actual wealth is beyond the common grasp. Always has been, and as long as pepople continue to give it power over their minds, their attitudes, and their lives, there will never be true recognition of the fact that "All men are created equal."Richness and wealth is directly associated with, "success" "worthiness" "superiority" "specialness" ad infinitum of seperatist ideas and attitudes.I have heard wealthy xtians claim poverty is some kind of pentenance for 'evil' souls. That poverty and lack of material posessions is a sign of Godlessness. That God 'rewards' their seperate do-nothing station because they were 'born into it.'The first course in any rich persons education is "Assumption 101" usually taught by the parents, and rigorously enforced by their 'public servants.'Those assumptions are prevalent in todays society as 'mores' and 'ethics.' -in the legal tradition of canabalizing true words to define false assumption.As a follower of YSHWH, I have to grit my teeth, bind my anger, and some how find forgiveness for the millions of ignorant souls who unwittingly feed that beast every day with the substance of their lives. I have to find forgiveness for those rich fools who for some reason beyond my comprehension actually do not know that they are in such gross error. But for those arrogant bastards who know exactly what they are doing, there is no forgiveness.For the rich man who drives by the poor man on the street as if they did not exist, it will not go well when the list of deeds and opportunities missed is tallied.When before the Spiritual Justice, they will react to their condemnation; "When did I refuse you oh God?"And all those poor that were passed by will stand up as silent witness to the error of the selfish rich.Those who sit in comfort and luxury while millions starve will as YSHWH said "...Even what they do have will be taken away."The rich xtians like to interpret that scripture as if 'to have' means wealth. Wrong! Error! "Get the context right you fools, wealth just does not stack up to Peace Love and Understanding." Wealth does not measure up to the happy face of a child, but it is the absolute reason and cause for the dead face of a child lying in the gutter in Badad.Anyone think otherwise?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #156 posted by global_warming on January 06, 2007 at 11:49:19 PT
re: turning point
http://www.antiwar.com/justin/?articleid=10269"The problem, as I see it, is summed up in a single word: Washington. The Imperial City is culturally as well as politically incapable of responding any longer to the national zeitgeist on the question of the war,...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #155 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 10:43:45 PT
Dankhank
I know what you mean. I remember there was a time for just a little while where lawyers were waiting tables in restaurants because they couldn't find a job. Something happened but I can't remember what was the turning point.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #154 posted by Dankhank on January 06, 2007 at 09:57:33 PT
me niether ...
although that won't stop me from trying to answer. :-)I don't think that the needed change of mindset will be an easy thing. The folks with all the money got all the lawyers and politician friends ...Gonna be hard to convince them that they got too much money.The idea that some can own a private jet that spews poison into the atmosphere as they jet to Barbados for lunch, over the heads of thousands and thousands of poor people that search for food and dignity, rocks my head.There is enough food produced on mother earth to feed everyone, the distribution system is at fault.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #153 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 07:02:17 PT
Dankhank
I am not good at these things but what has bothered me for a very long time is the extremes between the rich and the poor. I believe that people should be allowed to start a business and hopefully it will be successful or we would lose our incentive to do more then we absolutely must. I believe dreaming of a better life for your family is healthy but there is a line where it goes overboard. I have no idea what the answer is though.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #152 posted by FoM on January 06, 2007 at 06:43:11 PT
SirEbram
I checked the link. It was missing a w in the www but it goes to LEAP's blog. I didn't have any problem and I thought you would want to know.http://www.blog.leap.cc/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #151 posted by Toker00 on January 06, 2007 at 04:49:11 PT
Yep.
Thems the ones! The PNACers. The Back Attackers. The Bush Whackers. The Sociopathers.The only way that I can see, To end all wars on you and me,Is to come up with a device that can be attached to ALL guns, that, when the trigger is pulled, it directs the projectile to hit between the eyes of whoever's fingerprint is on the trigger. It must be sold as a UNIVERSAL safety device, and required on ALL weapons, both Great and Small.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #150 posted by SirEbram on January 06, 2007 at 01:14:23 PT
Zuh?
Uh... can links even get infected with viruses?Lol
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #149 posted by SirEbram on January 06, 2007 at 00:51:57 PT
ekim > comment #29 > 'http://ww.blog.leap.cc/?'
Lol. Sorry for once again being off topic, but... I was wondering... Is my computer infected with a virus or does your link really redirect the address to a random bunk website?The first time I clicked on it it gave me a google search result for 'Nude Celebnrities'... Not a good sign, eh?Let me do a test:IS IT COMING FROM MY COMPUTER ONLY?TEST RESULT = Hmmm. Now this is enteresting. The other computer couldn't connect to anything, when the link 'http://ww.blog.leap.cc/?' was pressed.CONCLUSION: Either my computer is infected with a virus or your link is, indeed... infected with a virus!I just thought you might want to know... that bit of info.?
http://ww.blog.leap.cc/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #148 posted by SirEbram on January 05, 2007 at 23:56:09 PT:
PNACers?
You're absolutely right in my mind 'Toker00'. The Bush Administration, and all those wolfy-witts PACs behind it, are nothing less than criminals, committing high treason against our 'GIEC' (Good Intentioned Egg of a Country) We, as the 'UAP' (United American People) must not settle for anything less than conviction --resulting in the (non federal) inprisonment of these elite, self exalting, corporate cronies', or (at the least) forever disenfranchising them from our country... 'OUR COUNTRY'... The People's Country... So Help Us God!P.S. Is this what you meant by 'PNACERS'?
Project for the New American Century
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #147 posted by Dankhank on January 05, 2007 at 22:00:35 PT
so .......
I don't think that capitalism has a lock on hubris and territorial ambition.Trying to think of an area of the world that suffered under capitalistic foreign policy, Viet Nam came to mind. But I read long ago about "Cochin China," and it's formative centuries, long before the French and the Yankees arrived.There was plenty of consolidation going on there and nary a capitalist in sight.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochin_ChinaCapitalism can be what it wants to be, as evidenced by the evolution/devolution of laws governing corporations.Trust-busting was a way to rein in the madmen, Capitalists can be as maniacal and any despot. Despots have more power but a multimillionaire/billionaire has a pretty nice life.I'm not sure exactly what it means for a corporation to be considered a "person." That's happening now in some fashion.Point is ... accumulation of wealth ... and power is deemed to be "business as usual" for the human race in likely EVERY human society that has ever existed, no matter how small ... or large, regardless of the political, regal, religious, collective, anarchic ... manner of organization.Our history has shown that we must reign-in unrestricted capitalistic fervor.Nothing says that Democrats can't try to alter the status of the corporation. It's treated as a partisan thing, how much we should allow the rich to accumulate.Finding the will to do it is a different story. Dems and Repugs alike tolerate the vast accumulation of wealth as a way of life.It occured to me that Socialism may be the exception to my ideas.Any socialistic societies ... ever? Did they covet? Don't know ...anyhow, that's my two cents.I'm usually to lazy to write a lot, these days, never really did. I like to read other ideas and bump my thoughts up against that. I've medicated, and it's Friday night.Great topic ...Peace to all who would learn ...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #146 posted by FoM on January 05, 2007 at 21:11:07 PT
SirEbram
You made me think of how words like Communism, Capitalism and any word with an ism at the end angers people. Animal Farm showed to me the wrong in even the best of ideas. The problem with people is that any excellent idea will ultimately find itself being corrupted and then it must stop and we start all over again. It runs in cycles. I believe in owning land and a home. That was always my dream and we worked very hard to have it. That's a good thing. Some people don't care if they ever own a home but some do care. Neither is wrong.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #145 posted by SirEbram on January 05, 2007 at 20:35:42 PT:
Re: No More Wars!!!
I think a good place to start in ending all wars is in our public and private education systems. It seems that most, if not all, of our (so called) 'world leaders' are filled to the 'SoulBrim' with 'folie de grandeur' ( http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/folie%20de%20grandeur ), with such perceptions as war either: ‘being both glorious and necessary’ or ‘politically and economically sound’.
A good example of this would be a brief perusing into the mind of a one 'Henry A. Kissenger/Kissinger' who once stated that: "Economic assistance must subvert the existing feudal or tribal order" ( http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/subvert ).http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Henry+KissengerFurther examination, into why most countries are so violent and warlike,
reveals that fear, greed and lust for material possession is the primary root. This root can be found in every country or organization based in commercial and *capitalistic principal.
In fact, the very definition of the word 'capitol' comes from the Roman/Latin word capitôlium, which was the name of the
temple of Jupiter on 'Capitoline Hill' in ancient Rome. ============================================================================================[ Origin: 1690–1700, Americanism; http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/capitol ]http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Capitoline+Hillhttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=America+New+Romehttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=Rome+First+Beast+America+Second+Beasthttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=america+compared+to+ancient+Rome&btnG=Search============================================================================================I believe that striking similarities between our U.S. Capitol and the ancient capitol of Rome are in no way a ‘co-Inca-dink’. On the contrary, these similarities clearly outline a competitive, conquering, culture, which deeply influences the western and northern parts of the world --if not the entire world as (a - hole with a capitol double - u).*Just so there's no confusion as to where I stand in my socio-political background (-ero, w/ a capital Z-) here's what I believe to be self-evident truth: I am in no way (other than the altruistic spirit of compromising) a Capitalist nor a supporter of Capitalism and this is why:Capitalism (with a lower case ‘c’) —and therefore bureaucracy, is essentially, a competitive and dominative force. Much like the vampire, it thrives, by preying on those weaker, and less fortunate than itself. This goes for all the other political, scientific, and religious -ism’s as well. In this subjective reality, that we find ourselves living and dying in, I believe there is a proper place and time for everything. Competition and domination are two funny little things, which are actually quite big and serious. Don’t ask me how they got so big and serious, because other than Genesis: Chapter 6: Verse 1 to 22 I have no logical explanation (We got all wet and we’ve been whining and slapping each other in the faces with fish ever since).
I truly think that the proper place for all competition and domination is in conversation, sports and games. These two forces of the eternal consciousness can fuse together into a skill or attribute, but only if they’re put into their proper place and time. It is proper to try to win the game and be the victor, but when you play with people’s lives, everybody loses and only destruction is victorious… because life is not a game… Therefore, under the light of mine apocalypse, I will boldly proclaim… that capitalism (with a capital ‘c’) is impeccably improper!
Furthermore, I believe that communism (hold the 'C') in its present form --and probably from its very birth** --is, indeed, proving itself to be more like capitalism (hold the 'C' also) in its totalitarian career, of:Acquiring occupied land,
Exploiting natural resources,
And (very genocidal –ancient roman [hold the ‘R’] and Nazi-like)
E.C. (Ethnic Cleansing) To name a few.**When it (communism) decided to break away from the natural order of a commune or tribal oriented community, of which is based on living off the land, while having true love and devotion to the peace, harmony and placement of the tribe. Such a communion was almost always present throughout ancient and modern history... and miraculously (yet not surprisingly, due to its moral standing) still exists...Here are some resources, which may or may not prove useful. I’m not really sure yet. I haven’t checked them all and I don’t know how long they’ll last:
============================================================================================http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Capitalismhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Capitalismhttp://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Communismhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Communismhttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=history+of+capitalismhttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=the+history+of+Communism============================================================================================P.S. Please forgive my obsessive compulsive desires to put everything but the kitchen sink into my comments. I hope one day that I will be recorded in the 'holy halls of history' as a very skilled author and speaker of truth, rather than just another crazy, rambling derelict of forgotten conspiracy theories, surrounded by monkeys, lost in space… without a kitchen sink.(not that they’re bad people, w/ horrible eating habbits or anything)~ Happy New Years Everybody
A Brief Piece Of History For All You (Like Me) Who Were Born Yesterday
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #144 posted by global_warming on January 05, 2007 at 16:34:49 PT
was passing through
thought I would drop off some olive branches,long as i understand, every body is hIGH', Every body has a clear picture,With that "good" hand, and that good black eye,Somewhere in that distant futureCan you see yourself?Some proud republican or democrat, high fiving each other, yet knowing there is something wrong, too many people are suffering, that dark stain, that catches the side of your eye, makes you wonder, if you have gone insane.It might have caught your good eye, twinkle twinkle, next thing you know, you are in the New World, look around, or would you like to plee bargain a little bit?Have you any cash?Are you a big man?Do you have power?There is simply only one true powerIt falls like the gentle rain,It lights the empty night sky,When you have a chance, or should i say a moment,
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #143 posted by FoM on January 03, 2007 at 10:38:59 PT
Off Topic: Now It All Begins
Fox News Battering Obama Over Book's Admissions*** January 3, 2007 The mainstream media finally got around to reading Barack Obama's 11-year-old autobiography which includes an admission of drug use as a teen-ager, so Fox News Wednesday (January 3, 2007) took the opportunity to go overboard and suggest Obama was a drug addict. Video upcoming.While portraying Obama in the most negative light possible, Fox News downplayed comparisons between Obama's candor over his youthful mistakes and allegations of cocaine use by George Bush.Complete Article: http://www.newshounds.us/2007/01/03/fox_news_battering_obama_over_books_admissions.php
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #142 posted by FoM on January 03, 2007 at 07:58:52 PT
Just a Short Comment
I really don't have anything to add to the conversation but I just want you to know how much all of you are appreciated. I think you are the best. Carry on!PS: No news again so far but I'll keep looking thru out the day.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #141 posted by Had Enough on January 03, 2007 at 07:08:02 PT
fixjuxa
Thank you for your follow up.Looks like the context of things might have been stretched. That one line mentioned before did it for me too.When I was of your ages mentioned, we watched body bags returning from Southeast Asia, Nixon resigning from office, we saw Gerald Ford signing pardons, then came Ronald Reagan on TV waving bags of cocaine for the cameras, wanting to escalate the Drug War, then came “Just Say No” from Nancy Reagan, then came Pee Testing. I remember the first notification coming when we received our paychecks. My original thoughts were, this can’t last long. Wrong!!! Here we are today, still a country that supports illegal body searches, only on some people, not all.At the time I thought if everybody refused to do this, they would have no employees, and would quit doing it. Wrong!!! I saw people turn to cocaine for the mere reason they could pass a drug test a few days later. I watched many people go down that road and crash. Lost families, and some still lost their jobs, and these were supposedly “good jobs”.I saw people who flipped and flopped all over the place. I saw some that had “Seen the Light” and thought they had a moral superiority over others, and looked down their nose at people (sold out). Some actually thought it was a good practice to Pee Test (sold out). I also watched it being used as a selective enforcement tool for employers. I have never viewed one single positive effect regarding Pee Testing. Feeling rather strongly about this, I incorrectly thought you might be one of these people.My reference to “clean clothes” is a term we use around here for putting on your best clothes, suit, or whatever you have. After it was posted, I thought that others might not understand the term the way it was intended, and feel offended. It was not an attack on personal hygiene. But it was too late, as it was already posted, so I just let it ride. I’m sure FoM would have fixed it if asked, but I didn’t. She is busy and I’ve already asked her to fix plenty of things before, and try not to add to her tasks. But maybe I should have at least posted a follow up “clarification” this time.So I will set aside my incorrect impression and also thank you for supporting the organizations you mentioned. A little here, a little there, and it all adds up to something, well done. If one million people did that, those organizations could be more effective reaching larger audiences.At this time I would like to point out that the front pages are changing.They used to ignore this issueThen they laughed at this issueNow they are fighting hard about this issueGuess what’s next???http://www.gandhimuseum.org/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #140 posted by Toker00 on January 03, 2007 at 03:38:10 PT
That was great, Hope, Museman!
See the Beauty that comes from suffering? It's both Sad and Beautiful. It exhilarates the heart while crushing it at the same time.I like this best: And then there is FoM. Without another word, my heart swelled, and was so glad!Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #139 posted by museman on January 02, 2007 at 19:45:34 PT
fixjuxa
Well,Thank you for the follow up. As everyone is saying; we need allies and friends. I have only been here a little while, my 'activism' has only recently come across this cyber place- which is about the only forum I have been able to relate to since I came out of the wilderness in 2000, and re-entered 'civilization', but I feel like we've all been walking the same general directions, even though our paths have only recently crossed.You must admit (and did I think) that your original (on this thread) post was a bit antagonistic seeming. Being forced to defend one's beliefs, and ideologies constantly, and consistently, tends to make one a bit 'trigger happy.' (Like me.)I respect that you have come back and responded with intelligence, and recognition that our reaction was not entirely without some cause. As anyone here will easily admit, I believe, our philosphies, temperament, beliefs, and ideologies don't always vibrate at the same frequencies, and often there is dis-agreement.However, we are all united in the premise of this website, which is ending the insanity of marijuana prohibition. Many of us have paid prices that should never have even been placed upon us for our logic in choosing marijuana over alcohol -for example- or to medicate our own bodies with the same herb. Those prices include; expendatures of lots of money, time behind bars, social stigma and economic/job descrimintaion, and the highest price of all - the declaration of War, by our own government against us, the people.Not everyone has the same experiences. Some few of us remember VietNam in ways we would like to forget. Some of us are revolutionaries, some of us are true 'civil servants.' Some of us are near shut -ins through disabilities, age or infirmity.Some of us are on the front lines, out in the streets, vibrant with drive and energy, trying to make a difference.
And then there is FoM.Here at Cnews, we have a great and grand experiment. This forum , I think, is the finest example I know of what great things can come out of our brand new communication abilities with the internet. (I say 'brand new' because I can remember a time when television was our new 'marvel.')This forum is great because everyone here shares many understandings, even if personalities clash from time to time, and one of those understandings -allow me to be interpretive- is that life is too short to waste it on BS.On that note I welcome you to our place - again.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #138 posted by SirEbram on January 02, 2007 at 19:01:59 PT:
Thank You Harry
I would just like to say, from the bottom of my heart: Ditto...If more Judges (still in commission) thought like you the W.O.D. would be over!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #137 posted by Hope on January 02, 2007 at 16:49:29 PT
fixjuxa
Toker said, "Don't you think we get discouraged also?"If you'd been here, you would have seen us struggling with frustration. Struggling. Hitting the depths of hopelessness about it. It's been awful. Some of us aren't online here anymore because some of us have been put in prison. he times in years past I've dragged myself in here hopelessly and had my friends here get me back on my feet, spiritually, emotionally...and even strengthening me, somehow, with their support, physically. I'm not the only one that has hit bottom. All of us here are familiar with the frustration. I think it would overwhelm me at first probably about every six months. Others told me, it was normal. It came with the territory. Get up again. Here let me help you. Then only every ten months or so. Then every year and a half. I haven't "plunged into darkness" about it all in awhile, not without getting out and shaking it off as quickly as I could...I don't lay there stunned as long as I used to when I hit that dark sad place...but it's a bad experience and I don't want to do it...so we have to be alert for anyone who would discourage us. We can't use the discouragement. This is hard enough anyway. As has been said, there's a commitment here among us that visit this site. There's no giving up. It's not an option. It's sort of part of our "code" ....if we have one. The main reason I haven't gotten as down about it all as I used to, in a long time, is because of the people here. Every activist knows about discouragement. Don't get me to squalling. I've cried and wept and squalled in rage over this unjust war. Tears have flown.With your donations to MPP you ARE doing something. All we have to do is look at the NRA to see what a powerful lobby a group of citizens who are willing to support it can create. We could be as strong and respected if everyone in this country who agreed with ending the drug war and what MPP stands for, and some of the other organizations, like NORML, would donate $7 dollars a month to their livlihood. If you'd been one of the regulars, we would have known where you were coming from. Other wise, it seemed you were trying to knock us, or even one of us, from the determined grip we have on it all...and we have to hold fast. It's depressing as hell. I have a weak stomach. I get sick many mornings from reading the bad news sometimes here. But, I can't quit, because it can get bleak and uncomfortable and even miserable... because I feel like we are making a very public stand here and saying something...even if we are only saying it to each other and three dea agents. We're guarding the heart of something that's important to this country. We are saying sort of outloud, what a lot of people want to say and certainly what we want to say and what we believe ....and baby...we can't be any less persistant than we are.We have to know what's going on and we have to resist it...if only with words of encouragement to each other that we are here and we are pretty much of one mind, determined to right what we see as a terrible injustice against all mankind...literally. We intend to raise hell and complain about the mistreatment and imprisonment of so many people... or even one person, because of the drug war beast. But it's hard. It's not fun. We have some laughs and fun with each other...but it's hard to look at this injustice each and every day, year after year and when someone comes in talking like you did, we fear being pushed into one of thos grand funks again that we all know. We have to fight that. DON'T GIVE UP. NEVER GIVE UP.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #136 posted by fixjuxa on January 02, 2007 at 15:29:35 PT
Toker00
I'm glad that at least one of the posters that I offended saw my follow-up post. I probably should have chosen my words more carefully, or at least elaborated on them a bit more than I did. As I said, that was just my initial reaction to seeing what looked to be "the same old stuff" here after being away for a number of years.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #135 posted by Max Flowers on January 02, 2007 at 11:49:36 PT
Rod Stewart
As to what he's doing now, he tours singing old jazz standards like a wanna-be Frank Sinatra. Figgers, eh?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #134 posted by Max Flowers on January 02, 2007 at 11:47:36 PT
#115
Um that's "edgy and DULL" on "I'm On Fire" (sorry---erroneous lyrics bug me)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #133 posted by Toker00 on January 02, 2007 at 09:13:49 PT
fixjuxa
"How the hell can any of you continue to read and debate this stuff? Everything about the drug policy in this country, even the damn forum debates, is nothing but the same bull**** repeated ad nauseum. Is there any progress being made at all? Sure as hell doesn't seem like it."I guess this is what got me. Don't you think we get discouraged also? But, most of us here are older, and tougher than most Cannabis groups, so we know we have to take the Good with the Bad, and that giving up is totally not as option. The statement you made above simply hit me as though an Anti were typing it. I am so very, very pleased to hear you are on our side! Please don't give up, and we won't either.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #132 posted by fixjuxa on January 02, 2007 at 02:52:20 PT
Wow.
Let me just say that I never intended to criticize the efforts that anyone has made to end these terrible and inhumane policies we know as the War on Drugs. Looking at my last post I don't believe I did, but a few of you took it that way so I just wanted to clear that up. My intention was simply to state my frustration with how slow progress is being made. Perhaps, like some of you have said, that's simply a matter of having a skewed perception of what's actually been accomplished because I've been away for so long. Again, I'm sorry that it came acrossed as critizing your work or calling your efforts fruitless. That's most certainly not what I meant. Sure, maybe it wasn't entirely accurate to say this is the "exact same article" I've been reading for the last six years, but it's pretty damn close. It contains all the same old arguments and statistics about the bloated prision population, non-violent drug offenders clogging courts, the amount of money spent vs. the results, deaths caused by legalized recreational drugs vs. death caused by illegal drugs, easier for kids to get marijuana than regulated drugs like alcohol/tobacco, ruined lives, etc. How one can possibly say that this kind of article wasn't out there 5-6 years ago is baffling to me. I know I've read it before.As to the accussations that I've become "one of them", well, that's simply not the case. Just for the record, I shaved and wore clean clothes when I did smoke pot. That's not something I came to after giving up weed. I still smoke weed, on the rare occassion that someone offers it to me and I'm in the mood, but I haven't bought any in years and it's just not part of my life like it once was. I've never "peed in a cup" and would have serious reservations about getting a job at a place that would so outwardly violate my right to privacy. That being said, if it was a good job and something I think I'd like, I probably would pee in a cup. If that qualifies as "selling my soul" then I guess I'd be guilty. Sometimes it's necessary to set aside principles in order to satisfy other priorities, like having a place to live and food to eat. Thankfully, I've never been subjected to drug screening.I know all about D.A.R.E. and the bull**** they spew. I went through it three times as a student in the public school system. Once in elementary school, once in middle school, and once in high school. If D.A.R.E. is still around when I have kids(if I have kids) I most certainly will not allow my child to be subjected to the outright lies that D.A.R.E perpetuates. I'd imagine a time would come when I'd feel compelled to sit my kid down and have an honest discussion with him about drugs(including my own use).Also, I never said these issues didn't effect my life. I said they don't effect my life to the same degree they once did, which is true. Now that regular marijuana use is no longer a part of my life I'm not constantly living with the threat of the legal system looming over me every single day because of a lifestyle choice. Like I said, I still believe in drug law reform, including the legalization of marijuana(and all drugs for that matter, prohibition simply doesn't work and causes more problems than it solves). I donate $7 a month to MPP, which I know isn't much, but I don't make much money so it's the best I can do. And I recently donated $20 through MPP to help the efforts of the ballot initiative in Nevada. I know I should do more, but as I was trying to say with my first post, the feeling that no progress was really being made eventually took it's toll on me. All of you guys are much more dedicated to the cause then I am, but on your side and I'm still trying to help, albeit in a small way. Anyway, I just wanted to respond because I was very surprised at the amount of hositility that my first post elicited. Marijuana users are among the most friendly and compassionate people you'll ever meet(not that I need to tell you guys that), and I truly felt bad that I had offended some of you so much due to a misunderstanding.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #131 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 19:36:17 PT
News Article from HumanEvents.com
What We've Learned (and Failed to Learn) From the Drug War***By Steve Chapman December 31, 2006People learn from experience, but the process can be very slow. In 1973, New York enacted what were known as the Rockefeller drug laws, which imposed some of the harshest sentences in the country. In 2004, Gov. George Pataki signed a bill retreating from that draconian approach. It only took 31 years, billions of dollars, and thousands of lives that were wrecked because of youthful mistakes and very bad luck.Under the Rockefeller laws, low-level drug possession could get you life in prison, even if it was your first offense. If you were lucky, you might get off with the minimum sentence -- 15 years. Yet this approach made for a poor deterrent: According to federal data, illicit drug use is just as common in New York as it is in the rest of the country. Thanks to these brutal penalties, New York prisons house 19,000 people convicted on drug charges, or one of every three inmates. The vast majority of them are small-time offenders with no history of violence. The belated recognition of these failures exemplifies the history of the drug war. It has been a perennial failure, but to a large extent, we persist at it. Citizens in many states adopt humane and comparatively libertarian policies on drugs while voting for presidents (Democratic and Republican alike) who regard even pot as a ghastly menace that must be fiercely resisted. Americans have curiously mixed attitudes about drug crimes. On the one hand, we blithely elect people to high office who did things that, had they been caught, might have earned them prison time. (In 2000, remember, George W. Bush was careful not to deny ever using cocaine.) On the other, we tend to see the stiff sentences given to those who were caught as fitting punishment for their contemptible behavior. In this realm, ideology has a way of overriding mere facts. We have learned, for example, that marijuana is a comparatively benign drug that has few risks and some apparent benefits. In 1999, a National Academy of Sciences panel said pot has "potential therapeutic value" for "pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation." The New England Journal of Medicine has endorsed medical marijuana.Eleven states have also approved the idea. Yet the Bush administration, like the Clinton administration before it, has spurned the idea. Not only has it actively fought state initiatives to let sick people get relief from cannabis, it has obstructed research to help patients. The Drug Enforcement Administration rejected an application from a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst who wanted to conduct clinical trials to establish whether marijuana should be available by prescription. The project would have required the university to produce its own supply, which the DEA refuses to allow. If researchers want the stuff, it says, they'll have to get it from the only federally authorized source, a farm at the University of Mississippi. But if you hope to get approval from the Food and Drug Administration to market a drug, as these researchers did, you have to be able to produce and test the substance you propose to sell. You also need to assure high quality -- which the government's product is not. A 2002 report from the Missoula Chronic Clinical Cannabis Use Study noted that some test subjects regarded it as "the worst marijuana they had ever sampled."You can imagine that news breaks a lot of hearts at the DEA. The agency is plainly not interested in studies that might lead to a change of policy on pot. In rejecting the application, it said clinical trials to examine the safety and effectiveness of the drug are impossible because they "must utilize smoked marijuana, which cannot be the permitted delivery system for any potential marijuana medication due to the deleterious effects." (Emphasis added.)Talk about bizarre logic. Without allowing a study, the DEA knows that smoking pot is too bad to be good. But the drug warriors are wrong on the basic fact: Clinical trials are already being conducted in California, using devices called vaporizers that allow ingestion without smoking. The result of the DEA decision, says the Marijuana Policy Project, is to "block the only proposed research project that could lead to marijuana's FDA approval." The DEA would prefer that we not get information that might cause us to change our minds. In time, the steady accumulation of evidence about the value of medical marijuana may overcome such opposition -- just as the experience under the Rockefeller laws forced a retreat. Someday, the folly of the entire drug war may bring it to an end. But don't hold your breath.Copyright: 2006 HUMAN EVENTS.http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18717
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #130 posted by Had Enough on December 30, 2006 at 15:52:03 PT
fixjuxa... again...
Hhhmmm 6years.Sounds like maybe you did decide to join the status quo. Did you shave, put on clean clothes, Pee in Cup? Did you decide to get married and have a family, and did that “good job” have influence on hers and your decision, instead of things like “for better or worse?”
I have no problems with people who want good jobs and families, but I have a problem with people who sell out their souls.Now when your kids do attend school you should already know they are going to be lied to by the DARE people, or whoever they might call themselves at the time. You should know that they also tell them it’s ok to turn in their parents. Who knows, you might be tokin again by then. Have you thought what you might have to say to them about this?Have you thought that maybe your kids might be out drinkin and tokin one night and be seen by officer friendly, then busted and hauled off to jail, followed by a criminal record for life? Yes this can happen to you and your kids too. Kids are pretty innovating these days, they can do this without your knowledge; remember when you were a kid? Ad Nauseum??? How about destroyed lives and families…..So instead of “It doesn’t apply to me, I got mine and it can’t happen to me attitude”, you should be applauding any efforts that would serve to save you and your kids ass.I will ask that you help us by not only registering to vote, but to actually go vote for our issues and people who support our changing of unjust laws.Keep reading here, one day you might see the end of the Drug War. You will see it here long before they tell you on TV (aka, Idiot Box, Boob Tube, TV Ad Machine)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #129 posted by museman on December 30, 2006 at 14:05:50 PT
fixjuxa
Since I know that you are reading this, and I so rarely get to get in on these things, because usually by the time I get here, folks like you have already been given the 'ol one-two....I'm onto you.You talk of the last 6 years as if it actually means something, as if your '6 years' passing should have seen all the desires of your teenage fantasies realized. Now that you are almost grown up (25) and your brain has actually finished up it's final growth, I guess that you decided to take another look at some things.In the past six years, many heroes have come and gone. Many innocent folks stood up for their rights- but you didn't hear about it on your TV, did you? People have dedicated their lives to realizing some modicum of sanity in this insane asylum known as 'America'. Some of those people died without ever seeing any hope for change, but did that stop them? No it didn't.You make reference to your 'quitting of illegal drugs.' As far as I know the definition of those terms tells me that you are more versed in the establishement propaganda, rather than actual experience. Marijuana is not a 'drug' by the orignal definition (pre-Nixon) but is an herb.Did you quit because they got to you? You probably got busted and had to attend their various reprogramming centers called 'rehab'. Convinced you did they? What color are the emperors' invisible clothes today?Your entire post is just about as real as anyone who cannot think for themselves but must rely on cliche, inuendo, and the always good-for-it party line of the status quo.It is frustrating to work hard all your life for change, and see so little of it. Welcome to planet earth fellow human.6 years! LoL! When you've put in 6x6 then you'll have something of substance maybe to offer the disussion, other than that you should probably go back to just reading the posts, because you obviously have missed a lot, and your assumptions show your foolishenss for the entire world to see.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #128 posted by Hope on December 30, 2006 at 08:54:42 PT
fixjuxa
1. Nobody likes how slow this is going.2. It's not about the cannabis or whether you use it or not. It's about what you see being done to the humanity that wants to use the cannabis.3. We need all the help we can get. Do something to help. Standing on the sidelines and criticizing those who are trying to move this thing doesn't help at all. I've always had a special irk towards those who criticize the work of others but don't bother to lend a hand. A man I know who is prone to that sort of behavior likes to say he IS helping by criticizing and offering advice on how to do the job "right" and he just want's to make it "easier" for you to do. He's got lots and lots of good advice but it never crosses his mind to actually help those he criticizes as not doing a job to suit him.May I recommend that you get off your criticizing chair and actually try to do something to help end the cruelty and injustice of the WoD?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #127 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 08:47:28 PT
Had Enough
I think like your Bride. I look at the death penalty this way. Since innocent people have been executed that justifies life without parole for murderers in my opinion. We can't afford to make a mistake with a human life.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #126 posted by Had Enough on December 30, 2006 at 08:38:57 PT
Re: #125
Yep, know what you mean there. Saddam, the “Wicked Witch of the East” is dead.The bride has said for a while that his punishment should be, to have to make shoes for poor children, for life.That’s her story, and I’m stickin to it.I add to that, No Shoes, No Food! It would be much more effective to have him sentenced to that, instead of becoming a martyr for religious fanatics who want to go around and kill people.The Toronto Jam really does it for me. I’ve played that a lot around here. Gets better every time.Jehovah Witness came around, when he left, he had LWW to take home and listen to. I thought that was kinda cool. He came here to save my soul, and just maybe the message in that music, might save his soul. A friend got a grin over it. She told me only here at this house, could a Jehovah Witness come around; get their ear talked off, and receive handouts, instead of the other way around and leaving their stuff behind. :)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #125 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 07:41:19 PT
Had Enough
Because of the news on TV I turned on Living With War and cranked it up. I am so glad that Neil Young made this album.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #124 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 07:12:38 PT
Toker00
You're so darn sweet. Thank you. I have a motto that I have believed most of my adult life and it goes like this.Winners never quit and quitters never win. I believe in winning when I set my mind on something important and reforming these antique laws on Cannabis is very important. Too many people's lives have been turned upside down because of these laws and that is immoral to me.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #123 posted by Toker00 on December 30, 2006 at 07:05:37 PT
No prob., FoM.
And I just knew you would probably keep something going here, but I didn't want to encourage the nay-sayer to return to see. :)Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #122 posted by Had Enough on December 30, 2006 at 07:01:24 PT
fixjuxa
The words you displayed here reflects the reason why almost 800,000 people a year are arrested for cannabis crimes alone. More than all other crimes combined. The attitude of “What do I care? It doesn’t affect me” is exactly what the “powers that be” love to hear. News you can use. It does affect you, and every taxpayer. Tax money for Drug Wars, and bureaucrats, no money for schoolbooks. If you have read the articles, and posts you should already know this.Thanks for your input, but no thank you.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #121 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 06:16:51 PT
Toker00
Thank you. If the war on marijuana changes I would love to convert the web site to something different but I still am waiting for things to change. When Bush became President in 2000 I knew we were in for one heck of a hard battle. I do see hope with the Democrats gaining power so onward we go.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #120 posted by Toker00 on December 30, 2006 at 05:23:40 PT
fixjuxa
How wrong can you be? This is NOT the same article you have been reading for years. Six years ago, you would not have read an article here saying the War on Drugs is lost, just that they were LOSING the drug war. Now, clearly with this article and the many other articles that have been debated at this forum, MANY are declaring the Drug War Lost. You come here, right when the wall is ready to fall, and say it never will. You don't see the chips and cracks and dings that some of us right here at this forum have put in it. If you say there has been no progress in the last few years since you even bothered to look in on us, then you obviously haven't been keeping up with the war front. Many battles have been fought. Many battles have been lost, but many have been won. You can lose battles, and STILL win the war.We try very hard to keep our morale up and our soldiers encouraged. For you to come here and throw your negative thoughts on us, and declare our fight fruitless, is not welcome. Stay away a little longer next time. When you return, there won't BE a drug war. And unless FoM plans to continue C-News after we WIN THE WAR, you won't even be able to come back here. So take your mealy mouth ass as far from here as you will. We don't need losers like you coming here and telling us nothing has changed. Not only have you lost interest in illicit drugs, you have lost interest in Humanity. Leave.Wage Peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #119 posted by fixjuxa on December 30, 2006 at 02:10:05 PT
Ad Nauseum.
This is the same god**** article I've been reading over and over again since I become interested in the drug war debate. Same goes for nearly every article on the front page of this site. I used to come to this website a lot, just about every day, when I was 18-19 years old(I'm now 25). I still recognize some of the user names, not many of them, but a few. I never did a lot of posting, just read a lot because I found it both interesting and infuriating. Which brings me to my this:How the hell can any of you continue to read and debate this stuff? Everything about the drug policy in this country, even the damn forum debates, is nothing but the same bull**** repeated ad nauseum. Is there any progress being made at all? Sure as hell doesn't seem like it. I don't know, I came here just for the hell of it because it's been years since I last visited and this what came out. When you quit using illegal drugs you eventually lose a little interest in the debate simply because it no longer effects your life to the degree it once did. I still believe in major drug law reform, but as far as I can tell it's no closer now than it was six years ago when I first found this place.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #118 posted by FoM on December 29, 2006 at 11:55:57 PT
Two Republican Wars and the Price of Ignorance
By Timothy V. Gatto December 29, 2006
Wars are just in the mindset of Republicans. Before "The War on Terrorism" we had "The War on Drugs". The two have similarities that cannot be overlooked. Let's look at the two "Wars" and compare them with each other.Both "The War on Drugs" and The War on Terror" were started by Republicans. Both "Wars" have cost this country billions of dollars. Both "Wars" are responsible for thousands of deaths. Both "Wars" enable corporations to make billions of dollars. Both "wars" are self-perpetuating. Both "Wars" have taken away some of our basic rights that were given to us by our Founding Fathers and the ConstitutionThe "War on Drugs" is a failed war. It has failed to deliver on anything that it was intended to do. Drugs are as prevalent today, and as available today as they were when this "War" was started by the Reagan administration. The war on drugs has helped to earn this country the despicable distinction of being the world's #1 jailer. Not only do we have more people incarcerated than any other nation in the world (yes, more than China and Russia), but half of the people languishing in our prisons are there for non-violent crimes. Most of these crimes are drug-related. Some people in New York that were charged with possession of marijuana under the "Rockefeller Law's" are still in prison. This "War on Drugs" is a self perpetuating war. The more busts you make the more money you get to make more drug busts. Most of the property seized from a drug bust goes right into the assets of the agency that made the bust. The problem with all of this is that this "War" never seems to actually stop the supply of drugs. Worse yet, the people who are jailed for drugs, usually are not hardened criminals, especially on their first bust. These people usually get no treatment for their drug addiction, and when released they now have a record, as well as distrust for society that now classifies them as criminals. Too many times we find this policy on drugs causes a revolving door type situation with regard to drug users. Treatment, not jail should be the option. This is a video on this war:Complete Article: http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_timothy__061229_two_republican_wars_.htm
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #117 posted by FoM on December 29, 2006 at 11:39:34 PT
rchandar
Those are good songs but I was at a point that I wasn't listening to music much because our family was in full swing with work etc. I only really discovered music again since I have been online. We live so far out in the country that we couldn't get a radio station and before DirecTV we were limited with even basic TV. We had a big satellite dish for a while but it sure wasn't what it is today. Oh the times before technology were slow and out of touch. I don't miss those days!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #116 posted by rchandar on December 29, 2006 at 07:23:29 PT:
Dankhank
If you understand German, look for the video "Das Versprechen" (The Promise). Good flick about a couple separated by West/East Berlin, and the demise of East Germany.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #115 posted by rchandar on December 29, 2006 at 07:21:49 PT:
FoM
That was some song. They showed the video, I was seven years old and I was nowhere near to comprehending the sexuality of "disco culture."Didn't like the later Rod--"Forever Young," that kind of stuff--seemed less genuine. My favorite from him, though, was the early stuff--"Stay With Me," "I Ain't Superstitious," and the best--"Every Picture Tells a Story, Don't It?""I firmly believed that I
didn't need anyone but me,
I sincerely thought I was so com-plete,
Look how wrong you can be."That stuff was great--blues music with funky guitar. I don't know if he does anything now.For what it's worth, the 80s was a great decade of songwriting. My personal favorites were:The Police: "Every Breath You Take" (1983). Simply the best song of the decade.Prince: "Raspberry Beret" (1986), simple, clowning song.Bruce Springsteen: "I'm On Fire" (1984). Only 2 minutes! But very moving stuff.Talking Heads: "The Water Song" (1982) GREAT song!
U2: "Bad" (1984). Not a big hit, but so much emotion in this one.
Herbie Hancock: "Rockit" (1984). I'm a big jazz fan. And Herbie put together this killer piece of sampling and synth.Eurythmics: "Sweet Dreams" (1983) Great song."Sometimes it's like someone took a knife,
Baby, edgy and dove,
and put a six-inch valley through the middle of my soul. At night I wake up with the sheets soaking wet
And a freight train runnin' through the middle of my head
and you,
you cool my desire, Oh-oh-oh, I'm on fire."(You just can't get lyrics that say stuff like this anymore)."If ya really need me, just reach out and touch me,
come on sugar tell me so".
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #114 posted by Toker00 on December 29, 2006 at 04:38:14 PT
Ah, The Wall.
Fort Hood, Texas, 1973. Discharged from the Army and too poor to arrange a ride home, I caught a ride with another soldier who had picked up two other soldiers. We were all headed home. As soon as I closed the door, "Smoke 'em if ya got 'em." They had 'em. Pink Floyd and some of the best herb of the time gave me a ride home I'll never forget. So did the driver. Passing four or five cars at a time. Whew! God cleared the path all the way.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #113 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 21:10:16 PT
Dankhank
I never watched all of the one that was an animation but I did watch this concert which is so over the top that it was amazing to me. I think they stopped charging admission when it hit 250,000 people and that it went to over 500,000 that were there. It isn't expensive and worth it if you collect DVDs. I have a number of DVDs that I pull out from time to time and I really enjoy them all.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #112 posted by Dankhank on December 28, 2006 at 20:20:26 PT
The Wall
Pretty sure I still have the LP of the Wall.Saw the movie, once, I think ...I've sorta ignored the wall over the years, though, I really wanted to go to Berlin for that concert and had made plans that were to fall through, alas ...In 1987 wife and I and our two boys spent three days in West Berlin and traveled one afternoon through the wall into East Berlin.i will check some stuff out ...You've rekindled my interest ...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #111 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 19:54:28 PT
Dankhank
We bought the DVD after seeing it on DirecTV's free concert a few years ago. It's really a great concert in my opinion.http://www.amazon.com/Roger-Waters-Wall-Live-Berlin/dp/B00009VTYE/ref=pd_sim_m_1/102-0065120-5881749
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #110 posted by Dankhank on December 28, 2006 at 19:45:43 PT
Cyndi
crazy chicky ...Still like a few things she did ...never heard her sing "Brick."might look for it ...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #109 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 19:15:09 PT
Dankhank
I remember when Cyndi Lauper sang that song in the DVD version of Roger Waters - The Wall Live in Berlin.It was amazing.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #108 posted by Dankhank on December 28, 2006 at 18:56:53 PT
Another Brick In The Wall
After My time, but very good and influential, I believe ...When discussion comes to the state of today's education I often mention this song, as the parents of teens today and the parents themselves have heard this song many times ...No wonder kids are like they are .....:-)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #107 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 16:51:47 PT
rchandar
Those are good songs. What makes each generation unique is the time that they are becoming young adults and how music and culture effects them. We seem to always love music around the time of our entering into adulthood. Music from my day was influenced by Vietnam and we had a passion around that music more as a group of people who didn't know one another but could relate thru the protest songs of that day. Do you think I'm sexyDo you want my bodyThat was a good song and always made me sing along. Rod Stewart was and still is good.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #106 posted by rchandar on December 28, 2006 at 16:28:35 PT:
FoM
I'm 36. We watched a lot of television back then. I can remember the first pop songs I took interest in:Eagles: "I Can't Tell You Why" (1979) This is a GOOD song, overlooked but very deep and composed well.
Van Halen: "Dance The Night Away" (1979)Cheesy song, one of their worst. David Lee Roth was never good at "love" songs.
Supertramp: "The Logical Song"*****(1977) (I loooove this song-so much to it! I think EVERY adolescent should hear songs like this one).
Rod Stewart: "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" (1977). Scared me. And the video was very forward.
Blondie: "Call Me" (1979)
Donna Summer: "Sad Girl" (1978)
Pink Floyd: "Another Brick In The Wall" (1979)--a lot of kids in school love this one.
Barbara Streisand: "I Am A Woman In Love" (1980) I hated this song, but it's not too bad.
Queen, "Another One Bites The Dust" (1980) This was a grreat song--clever, quick, timely. Freddy and Brian at their best, with Brian doing a little funk guitar
Steely Dan: "Hey Nineteen" (1980) Their last hit song.
REO Speedwagon: "I'm Gonna Keep On Lovin' You" (1981) Good rock tune, the chorus in the back is out of place, though.For you, yes I'm a youngie--part of that generation that your generation raised up. And when introduced to smoking circles, the frequent thing said: "I wish I was born twenty years earlier." Which is an oversimplification, really. I can see that the kids today aren't so different from what kids in my time were. They rebel, they conform, they have their sophistication, their curmudgeonliness.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #105 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 14:42:20 PT
global_warming
Maybe you should take the evening off commenting for everyone's sake. I would appreciate it.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #104 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 14:36:23 PT
did you forget
its only three days to the new year,bad girls like you need disgrace
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #103 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 14:24:53 PT
those 'words
sorry againbut is not words that give vocal expressionwhat sits in our souls?If you have a good eye, and you have your hearingIt is time'To chase away the DevilAlso KnownBy the name of...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #102 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 14:17:54 PT
global_warming
Thank you for saying you're sorry but remember sorry is an important word and sorry means that you won't do it again or you don't mean it when you say it. Words are powerful.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #101 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 14:07:35 PT
sorry fomme
and to EJ, I also apologizefor never had the chanceto look into your eyesI have not forgottenthat 'twinklethat Light that comes with CannabisIs a Very Powerful Light
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #100 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 13:59:50 PT
global_warming
Please don't upset EJ. Can you be kind?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #99 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 13:55:48 PT
oh EJ
'what really motivates a lot of our opposition..'Can I see your face?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #98 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 13:52:10 PT
global_warming
I don't understand what you are saying again.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #97 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 13:50:53 PT
E_Johnson
Those are very normal emotions in that type of a situation I believe.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #96 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 13:48:54 PT
do you like poetry?
Do you remember a favorite tree?Do you remember your mammaCan you see the face of your father?Busy?...thinkingSo have a lot' of people
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #95 posted by E_Johnson on December 28, 2006 at 13:47:59 PT
I know why people want addicts in jail
There were some nights, my sister caused me so much emotional stress, I though I was going to have a heart attack and die right there.At those moments I fantasized that she would add a little coke or speed to her diet of alcohol, and get busted and go to jail.Just so that I could get some peace in my own life!Even after I succeeded in kicking her out -- something very hard to do actually, when you've allowed an addict to nest in your home -- she plagued my life with pathetic drunken calls begging and demanding money for motel rooms.She couldn't hold down a job because she was drinking, and she demanded that other people support her, even as she showered them with abuse.I can see millions of Americans being faced with that situation and feeling like throwing the addict in jail would be a great way to get some peace and livability back in their lives.I've had moments where that fantasy appealed to me too. I learned from those moments what really motivates a lot of our opposition.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #94 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 13:39:16 PT
re: I will never drink another drink
"I will never drink another drink because I would die and even if it isn't true that I would die.."Knockin on Heavens Door, here I sit, tried to shit,but only fartedHappy New year
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #93 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 13:30:43 PT
global_warming
What did I learn. I learned that we get ourselves into the situations we get in and we must deal with those issues ourselves. We must open our minds to our own personal demons and deal with them. I will not ever take drugs except if I need pain medicine for a serious disease. I will never drink another drink because I would die and even if it isn't true that I would die that's what I believe. That's what I've learned.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #92 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 13:27:18 PT
what did you learn fomme
how to keep your eyes down to the ground, while you marched into the room, did you wonder, where you where?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #91 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 13:23:31 PT
museman
I believe in re-hab. I didn't like the way the one I went into was but I learned from being there. I don't believe in forced re-hab though. I went in because I could have died and I thought they would give me medical care but they didn't. If re-hab people care they should care that people de-tox safely.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #90 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 13:20:49 PT
86 oh museman
I love You
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #89 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 13:19:29 PT
rchandar
I can tell you are younger then I am because I never watched that particular program that I can remember. I really only cared for one President and I was young. I just loved JFK. When he was murdered something died in my then very young heart. I saw politics as a failure and we just won't have good leaders because they will get killed.Then Martin Luther King and then Bobby Kennedy. I totally turned off to the whole political thing.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #88 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 13:16:51 PT
re: comment 77
"NEVER go to the phone book; make sure you have confidence in the man who defends you, that he will aggressively represent your rights, not clean up legal details idly."Some say, the jews brought us the Law, so that a more perfect examination of the 'facts, might expose the wrongdoing, sounds like some kind of animal way of saying, this piece of meat belongs to me, I have rights...Hey Ej, did she steal your boyfriend, Happy New Year,...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #87 posted by rchandar on December 28, 2006 at 13:13:59 PT:
E_Johnson
What you're saying is true. Rehab is a great thing because, fundamentally, it gives addicts/alcoholics a chance. That's very important.Pragmatically, though, it isn't an easy thing, what your sister had to go through. A lot of times rehab centers include many people who are there by force--either they try rehab or they go to jail. When I was in a halfway house, after three days I noticed how the rooms were empty all day. Then I asked and was told, "those are state defendants--they are required to be in classes from 7 to 7."And so I went into one of the "classes" to see what they were doing. A country-spoken guy told me "we're going to see a video about marijuana and the bad things it does to you." The lecture in the video wasn't all that sound in that it made a poor case for identifying deleterious effects of pot. It was poor science. A lot of the "students" had set aside two or three chairs to sleep in--this was maybe a third of the class.A lot of these are people who DON'T want to change, who in fact go to rehab to "hook up" with other users. If one wants to benefit from rehabilitation, they should have a clear idea of what they can learn and what they can believe they can do. It's far from perfect, but giving people a chance beats turning them into criminals.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #86 posted by museman on December 28, 2006 at 13:09:22 PT
FoM
Ok, so comparing Betty to Hitler is a stretch, I take it back. However, the resulting situations concerning her concepts of 'rehab' is just another plethora of money-making institutions bent on programming mindless slaves to do the bidding of their 'betters.' Which I have a problem with.Too many innocents have been forced to bow to lies, and error, forced to mouth false pledges, and other falsities in the name of 'rehabilitaion' for me to give it any credibility. True, alcoholism, and (real) drug addiction are dis-eases, and should be treated as such instead of criminally, but like other institutions, the treatment is in error, and does not address the social/economic/spiritual causes, but only the symptom.The concept of 'rehabilitation' is another in a long list of co-opted terminology that has been twisted to fit the governments' and their wealthy power bases' system of control.I will so be happy when all this negative sh-t is behind us so we can start building a reality we can all live with. I can't even begin to provide positive possibility while the majority of people won't admit the error of their own support of this corrupted system of values. Thus I am condemned to be percieved as 'negative' and 'pessimistic.'There are positive solutions, but they won't work with the current value systems in place. The solutions are about Faith, Trust, Belief, and most importantly Love. If Love can be determined by legislation or a psychologist at a rehab center, then the world has changed over night, and YSHWH is sitting on His throne for all to see.Those positive aspects I mentioned are in short supply, and in fact most are 'legally' only mere concept with no 'basis in reality.' All of us want to love and be loved, no one (at least with the common man) really wants to inflict pain on another. It is the pain we feel that makes us want to put the misery on someone else.Until we can truly stand together as social-political equals, and stop allowing certain select people to force their way on the world, there is no foundation on which to build a viable alteranative, and all the quick-fixes and bandaids will do little except perhaps slow down the inevitable.The entire earth is a rehab center for the spiritually depraved, but there aren't any spiritual cops forcing us to attend, or pay attention. No courts sentencing us to comply, so I guess that means that the concept is 'invalid.'I am invalid. I am illegal. I am an outlaw. The truth has already set me free, I'm just waiting for the rest of us so we can get down to work.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #85 posted by rchandar on December 28, 2006 at 13:08:13 PT:
FoM
And when I think of Gerald Ford I always end up remembering Jimmie Walker's father on "Good Times," ranting about how racist a guy Ford was and how he could give a s #t less about black people.He may have served well on foreign policy; many Republicans are very good in "representing" American interests to the outside world. But Ford's domestic policy was a far cry from "Dyn-O-Mite"!It was an OK sitcom, I was so young, just a baby.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #84 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 12:59:48 PT
E_Johnson
Thank you. Happy New Year to you too. As much as I hated how I was treated when I went in to detox of my own free will I will never forget what I learned those three days I was there. Good and bad has helped me understand myself and others so much easier.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #83 posted by E_Johnson on December 28, 2006 at 12:53:11 PT
Thank God for Betty Ford and the rehab concept
I know why people hate addicts. I learned this when my alcoholic sister came to live me me. I believed her stories that made it seem like everyone but her was to blame for her problems.Then she lied and cheated and stole and wrote bad checks to pay for the booze she was secretly drinking behind my back.She betrayed every promise she made to me and acted out in drunken fool rages and hooked up with horrible men who used her for sex and helped her get drunk even though they knew she was an alcoholic and not well served by booze.The only reason I am still talking to her now is that -- after I kicked her out and she went through another three abusive slimy alcoholic boyfriends and several other non-alcoholic friends who tried to help her get clean -- she finally went into rehab and took it seriously and learned to change her own ways and stop acting like a victim and take responsibility for her own addiction.Now she's almost nine months sober and I get to discover the real person she is beneath all that addiction to alcohol.I can see someone getting like she did on meth or crack or heroin too. I can see a lot of disappointed family members who have emptied their bank accounts and given up their living space trying to help an addict who can only take, take, take and can never really give back.I can see why the public is afraid to deal with alcohol addicts and takes out their many hard earned frustrations and bitter disappointments and betrayals on the smaller number of people who abuse other drugs.Thank heavens for rehab, for all the families that have been brought back together and all of the people who have been able to reclaim their respectability and peace of mind and free will from wherever the hell those things went when the people were addicted.That being said -- Happy New Year!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #82 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 12:36:30 PT
museman
For me I look at people as people without motives in general. I don't hate people but I just don't understand some people. I figure who am I to judge another? I am not perfect and I don't think anyone else is either. We all are flawed.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #81 posted by museman on December 28, 2006 at 12:31:21 PT
FoM
I have a different take on Betty Ford and her establishment of the 'drug rehab' concept.There may have been some good intention there, but I'd equate that intention to something that Hitler might do to feel better about his crimes, a 'Hitler Rehab.'Ford was the first president to never get elected. We all know who the second one is. His pardon of Nixon was a clear statement as to whose side he was really on.Squeaky Fromme was right in her assessment even if her means left much to be desired.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #80 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 11:57:31 PT
rchandar
When I was young I always wanted to live in the country. I never was content in any area where there was a lot of people. I felt like I was being suffocated. I sometimes wonder if the problems in the cities are because people don't have enough space to live and function more then a race issue.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #79 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 11:48:46 PT
rchandar
That is very interesting. As far as my state I really don't know much about western Ohio or northwestern Ohio. I am more aware of the middle of the state and there isn't a large diversity of race in that population. Maybe in the cities but I don't live in a city.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #78 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 11:43:04 PT
museman
When I think of President Ford I think of how he pardoned Nixon and my heart sank. I didn't even remember the Squeaky Fromme incident. I saw it on the news yesterday and it seemed like new news to me. I admire Betty Ford for what she did for women, breast cancer awareness and drug dependency.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #77 posted by rchandar on December 28, 2006 at 11:42:01 PT:
FoM
I've a theory. Some parts of the country are sparsely populated, with traditionally small budgets. So they made a budget incentive out of hiring large numbers of cops without there being major problems that threatened communities.Some of these same places are not ethnically diverse, nor do they have any inclusion of liberal patronage or lawyers, politicians, activists. The weed culture there is largely rednecks and graying hippies, people who have learned how to sidestep the law without "standing out." Without aggressive liberal defenders in public office, harsh sentences and interdiction are more common. When a city like, say, Cincinnati doesn't experience a big outcry for justice when black kids are shot by police, that tells me that no one's representing them.Other parts of the country have a well-documented liberal tradition involving lawyers, science researchers, environmentalists, activists, all who relatively are on the same page when it comes to social policy issues of justice. I was sentenced in Missouri by a man who, when he started his profession, worked in Rush Limbaugh's brother's firm. If that tells you anything about "harsh," I don't know. Definitely not a person who I could see "eye to eye" with.
The attorney I hired wasn't at all sympathetic with anything I believed or thought; he was a Christian conservative who made an impression about how I had to reform my ways and be a good law-abiding citizen. Not that I had to obey the law, but that I had to obey it in SPIRIT, cheerfully. I was foolish, went into the phone book, and hired a guy because he had a Jewish-sounding name. Big mistake. If you get in trouble, NEVER go to the phone book; make sure you have confidence in the man who defends you, that he will aggressively represent your rights, not clean up legal details idly.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #76 posted by museman on December 28, 2006 at 11:18:22 PT
ford
In the whole of his tenure, I remember one news program. The day that Linda 'Squeaky' Fromme tried to kill him.As the Secret Service was dragging hre away she was yelling at the top of her lungs,"He's not a public servant. He's not a public servant."Now I didn't have much respect for Manson and his followers - for obvious reasons, but what that woman said was true, and it rang like a bell.The probability that Manson was a CIA setup has become more and more probable as their various schemes and scenarios are played out.As far as Impeachment goes, I don't think it would mean much. Gbush is just a puppet, his merry band of idiots are convenient patsies.The American bandaid philosphy of treating the symptom and ignoring the cause would have their impeachment, gbush would get the public humiliation he deserved, while kicking back on his multimillion dollar ranch in Texas.The damage is already done. No amount of 'justice' or revenge is going to give us back what we have lost, and to think that mrbush is the author and architect of all this destruction and debacle, is quite frankly an ignorant assumption.mr bush is now nothing more than a potential scapegoat, just like Nixon was, and even if we were to hold public executions, (to apologize to the muslim world which we have allowed our leaders to really piss off) the power behind the throne remains unchallenged, and unchanged.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #75 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 10:48:29 PT
Ekim
Senator Biden doesn't seem to have a real connection to what he is saying. It just seems political to me.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #74 posted by ekim on December 28, 2006 at 10:41:01 PT
thanks guys
i see that Ophra show on Obama is a rerun.i wish that with all the effort and attention that the
Iraq Report has been getting --- we could get those like Mr. Cronkite and others to say what this Honorable Judge is saying.it just amazes me how Sen Biden can be all for ending the war over there but contuinue to throw Billions and untold human suffering on the Drug War. Who will call Sen Biden out on this disconect???
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #73 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 10:29:15 PT
Hope
I try hard to think about how I would deal with a situation if I was back in Jesus time and was listening to Him speak to the crowds. I project that to this time in history. A hard drug user will get run down and need help and I think that we need to acknowledge that not everyone can make their own way in life and we should try to help to pick up the pieces. We are to care for those who are poor and sick and old. Anyone who can't help themselves no matter what the reason should be helped by a caring person and a caring society I would think.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #72 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:28:59 PT
Some of them enjoy
scaring people. They like having a license to bully others, if they want to. They're pests, some of them. Some of them are Brats with guns. They like the thrill of "hunting" men and women. Some of them.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #71 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:26:11 PT
Here in Texas
Police, a lot of them, like to be intimidating. That's unpleasant, to say the least.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #70 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:24:29 PT
I certainly don't hate them
comment 68....meant the people who love the needle. I can't hate them for that. I feel afraid for them. Their choice seems dangerous and extreme to me. But so do the choices of sky divers, race car drivers, bungee jumpers, animal trainers, tight rope artists, veterinarians, convenience store clerks, people who love the sea, swimmers, and a lot of other people.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #69 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:20:05 PT
Things are harsh here.
Too many people prefer it that way. Or maybe it's not the "many"...but the "mighty powerful".It's not easy to forgive. It's not always easy to have mercy.For sure...it's not.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #68 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:17:14 PT
anger but maybe pity.
and maybe a bit of fear, doubt, mistrust?Dismay? Needles dismay me. It totally freaks me out that someone could love the needle. But I certainly don't hate them. I wonder and am sort of amazed or perhaps, apalled, but I see no reason to hate them because of it.Wariness?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #67 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 10:13:17 PT
Hope
I just don't understand why some areas of the country are so harsh and other areas aren't as harsh. I don't understand the hate towards drug users. I wouldn't ever hate a drug user. I'm talking about hard drug users in this comment. I would feel bad for them if the drug was twisting them in anyway but I would never feel anger but maybe pity.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #66 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:13:01 PT
It's a fundraising letter.
I appreciate, so much, what Walter Cronkite, and DPA are doing.More power to them!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #65 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:10:27 PT
Letter from Cronkite
I got one. It's a mailing (e-mail) from Drug Policy Alliance.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #64 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 10:06:36 PT
Ekim
I didn't see a current article by Walter Cronkite but I have this one from 04.http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19301.shtml
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #63 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 10:05:46 PT
almost makes me cry
Actually, I have wept for strangers, many strangers, in this War on Drugs....as the people who are responsible for it, the self righteous, the prohibitionists, the misled, who love it and uphold it and enforce it, like to call it.I call it Bloated, Sick, Parasitic Government...for one thing. I guess that's actually three things. There's more though. Oppressive. Parental, Facsist. Cruel. Prejudiced. Corrupted.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #62 posted by ekim on December 28, 2006 at 10:03:43 PT
Hi FoM do you have the Cronkite letter by chance
Walter Cronkite recently wrote a letter asking more than 100,000 people to help end the drug war at home. In explaining the reasons for doing so, he stated, "It surely hasn't made our streets safer. Instead, we have locked up literally millions of people, disproportionately people of color, who have caused little or no harm to others -
http://www.minorml.org/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #61 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 10:01:37 PT
Hope
That is so sad. I have really learned because of you and Toker00 what it must be like to live in Texas.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #60 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 09:57:44 PT
Comment 58
I can tell you, that as a resident of the State of Texas...that that is an amazing to hear about set of circumstances.I shudder to think what would happen to that man in those circumstances in this state.It almost makes me cry for what would have happened to him here. Land, cars, homes and as much property confiscated as possible. Dynamic entry. Death and Destruction. Pictures and insults in the newspapers and on TV. Humiliation. Shackles. Binding. Cages. Great humiliation. Mistreatment. Indignities. Prison. Probation. A strangling and heavy binding on a person's future...their very soul, body, and spirit and often that of family members. We are governed harsly...herded and corralled....with great and extreme prejudice. Not as extreme as some peculiar countries...but extreme, none the less.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #59 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 09:49:58 PT
Peaceful People in jail
Sadly, I know of people that went into prison as peaceful, decent people...for marijuana and sometimes other offenses or infractions...and got mean and had to fight for their life and other stuff and got assigned more and more criminal penalties. The man I speak of, I do not remember is name, but I remember my sorrow at learning of him and his story, is a large, muscularm handsome, brutal man and he was made brutal by the penal system he was fed to.It just gives me rigors.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #58 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 09:49:10 PT
Hope
Here's a real life story from my state. A person said he was caught by the local police with a garden. Nothing came of it but taking it down. That's all they want to do to you around certain areas. It can happen. It does happen in someplaces.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #57 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 09:45:09 PT
That really is wonderful, FoM.
About Ohio MSM. (aaargh)I guess I owe them an apology.They have great power to help end all this drug war injustice and killing and terroristic tactics used on citizens.At this point...in society ... in my home country...in the world...there is no reason to be very pleased with how much society has been advancing and where it has been going and is still going steadily, by trying to eradicate people's, adults, use of substances on themselves. How well are we all treating one another? Not too well it doesn't appear.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #56 posted by Toker00 on December 28, 2006 at 09:38:31 PT
Hope
Aha! Finally! lol!But I left out the part about the piling on of the Drug War Victims in our legal/prison system is causing the real Criminals to be squashed out the back Prison door, right back into our "Society". No wonder violent crime is up. They have the Peaceful People in jail, and they let loose, feed, clothe, educate the Real Criminals. Disgusting!Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #55 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 08:18:02 PT
Hope
Canton is a very big city and right in the middle of the state practically. I don't pay attention to western Ohio but the middle of the state is a happening place.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #54 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 08:16:14 PT
rchandar
You're right. I guess I am really trying to find something good about the Republicans. I loved JFK. Since then Democrats aren't what I want them to be. I never liked Clinton because he wasn't from the same mind set as northern Democrats. He is and was too friendly with Republicans for my taste.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #53 posted by rchandar on December 28, 2006 at 08:05:32 PT:
FoM
That may be true, and I'm too young to really remember those days. But they were very inflexible when it came to social policy or minority issues. One note: When Ford ran for re-election, his vice-presidential candidate was asked his opinion on how to help African-Americans achieve better employment/standard of living. The vice-president remarked: "all they want is good food, loose shoes, and a warm place to s #t."I'm not going to defend Reagan, he espoused indifference to African-Americans. And Bush Sr. was extremely bad, completely tone-deaf if not racist towards blacks. The crack epidemic was a result of the War on Drugs, and it decimated African-American inner cities. Because marijuana was to be prosecuted at the same level as cocaine and heroin, prices shot up and poor youths turned to crack as a cheap and immediate alternative. (Watch "New Jack City," and the kind of "entrepreneurship" this kind of drug encouraged). I'm willing to say that crack encourages criminal behavior much more than marijuana or even powder cocaine, and violence increased greatly.
But that's my point, the Republicans were always very insensitive when it came to people who didn't make much money or who were sympathetic with "different lifestyles." It doesn't start with Reagan, it was a continuation of generally insensitive thinking.The one good thing that the Fords can be remembered for was the Betty Ford Clinic. But that's only available to super-rich people.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #52 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 08:01:15 PT
Mainstream Media
So this has already hit the mainstream media?!I'm thankful. Very thankful.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #51 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:59:35 PT
Sandra Day O'Conner.
I'd so love to hear something like this from her.Better late than never.Oh "Society"! How it warps individuals, and all the good that they could be and do, sometimes.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #50 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 07:53:31 PT
Hope
You're welcome. The Canton Repository is a huge paper up there in size with the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Columbus Dispatch.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #49 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 07:51:38 PT
About Republicans
Following President Ford's life story reminds me that before the Religious Right got seriously involved in the Republican Party it wasn't that bad. The marriage of religion and politics is the downfall of the Republicans in this day. Conservate means laws to control people not money.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #48 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:50:53 PT
FoM
Thank you.Thank you for the information about the Canton Repository. I wasn't too excited about it, thinking it was probably a teeny little paper or even a little alternative paper.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #47 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:48:38 PT
gw
I so agree. About hope for the New Year, too. Amen to that.Ron Paul did throw his hat in the ring years ago for the Libertarians. I didn't even know much about Libertarians in those days. He may just be too tired to do it now. I suspect he would only be interested in doing it again if he were somehow drafted into doing it.He loves and respects the Constitution.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #46 posted by FoM on December 28, 2006 at 07:48:25 PT
Hope
I know the answer in case Toker00 doesn't get back quickly. It means Main Stream Media.I am impressed with this article because it is in one of Ohio's largest newspapers.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #45 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:42:17 PT
Toker
Making a letter out of comment 38? From experience, I know they would not print it.Too many powerful, tender toes stepped on in that one.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #44 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:37:46 PT
Toker
"MSM"Acronymn translation, please. I've been needing to ask someone about that for awhile.Acronyms....Aaaargh.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #43 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:35:47 PT
Toker
You had one of those wonderful "Ah ha!" moments.:0)Thank you.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #42 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:34:42 PT
Lol!
Toker, I was just over at Pete's and left a comment about how truly stunning, amazing, true, and right in your face that answer is.As I said there..."Outstanding". Absolutely outstanding.The perfect answer to that obfuscating question. Perfect.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #41 posted by Toker00 on December 28, 2006 at 07:29:24 PT
Hope
I wish you would take #38 and finish it as a LTE. You are absolutely right about this article needing to be MSM, also. We should create legislature to abolish Prisons For Profit.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #40 posted by global_warming on December 28, 2006 at 07:21:24 PT
you may have that right Hope
his advisors, what did some body call them, chicken hawks, I think that was the term. Long on advice to the president, but very short on actual experience.I really like Ron Paul, sure wish he would throw his hat in the ring, I surely would vote for that man Dr.Paul..just a few days away to 2007, I hope that the new year brings lots of needed changes for the good of this country and these United States.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #39 posted by Toker00 on December 28, 2006 at 07:17:12 PT
Hope
I understand. :) Perhaps I was a bit heavy handed. But, in Reality, how likely is their Repentance/Abstinence as a group of Earthly Elite? Sorry. I give way.You know, I was just over at Pete's, and read the same old stale argument about legalizing more drugs would add to the destruction of lives/society. Here's what I think.Imagine how much worse things would be if alcohol and tobacco were ILLEGAL. Oh wait. You don't have to imagine. Just look at the victims of the War on Some Drugs, and Prohib I. Both sides. Except for the misuse of, and the negative and violent health/social effects of Legal Drugs, alcohol and tobacco, how many lives have been destroyed because these drugs are Legal? NONE! Except for the misuse of, and the negative and violent health/social effects of Illegal Drugs, how many lives have been destroyed because these drugs are Illegal? MILLIONS!!!! Go ahead and Imagine alcohol and tobacco being ILLEGAL, if you think they are dangerous LEGAL. You KNOW what will happen! You would pile the victims of the War on Some Drugs on top of the victims of the misuse of drugs themselves! Because THAT is what you are doing with the War on Some Drugs!!Not to mention the BILLIONS wasted.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #38 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 07:03:39 PT
Drug war creates fodder for prison industry
and those who have invested in it.Their mansions and fine clothes bought upon the bent backs of others.Shame, shame, shame on them.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #37 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:58:11 PT
Toker
"What are you willing to forgive? Everything?"Yes, if they will repent and not do it anymore, God will forgive them, I can at least try.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #36 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:54:44 PT
Toker comment 25
Forgive?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #35 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:53:17 PT
John Tyler comment 23
"The prohibitionists have lost the drug war. They can’t spend enough money. They can’t tell enough lies. They can’t jail enough people."Well said, John Tyler. Well said and true. The longer this goes on...the more I know it's true...this war was created to feed the prison industry and it's well placed investors.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #34 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:47:46 PT
FoM Comment 11
".....or at least she did.":0(:0(:0(
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #33 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:45:12 PT
This article.
This article ought to be big news. It should be at least nationwide news...even world news. Yet, it's going to be pretty much ignored by the mass media, as such columns, articles, letters, editorials, and op-eds always have been in the past.Why?Mass Media? I'm asking you, "Why?"
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #32 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:40:39 PT
gw
"I have some difficulty believing that this pampered idiot is largely responsible for this big mess this country is in."You know, I used to think that a lot. Could it be? Surely not? That he is the one human who is actually, in so many ways, running the world today? Personally, I'm not crazy about any of his advisors. I wish he'd ask Ron Paul for advice.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #31 posted by Hope on December 28, 2006 at 06:34:57 PT
Dankhank comment 9
Would like to write that stupid laugh of those two cartoon characters and say, "You said....."
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #30 posted by afterburner on December 27, 2006 at 21:32:59 PT
Keep Those Letters Coming
CN ON: PUB LTE: Reader Worries About 'Pot Pirates', Lindsay Daily Post, (26 Dec 2006)
Author: Russell Barth
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v06/n1739/a05.html?176CN ON: PUB LTE: Legalize And Control It, The Expositor, (23 Dec 2006)
Author: Steve Genereaux
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v06/n1739/a04.html?176
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #29 posted by ekim on December 27, 2006 at 21:15:55 PT
Ophra has Obama -Thurs-- will She have "Jack"
Excerpt: John "Jack" Gardner Ford, 54. Married, two children. Runs a shopping center kiosk business in San Diego area. Worked on father's 1976 presidential campaign. Acknowledged smoking marijuana and supported legalizing the drug.Complete Article: http://tinyurl.com/usrno
http://ww.blog.leap.cc/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #28 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 20:23:41 PT
Toker00
When I think of President Ford it is with a sense that he was a normal person. Normal after Nixon and Vietnam was something we all needed desperately. He really let many people down when he pardoned Nixon but his wife did a lot of good that still is going on today. Betty Ford thought that marijuana smoking was like beer drinking from her generation. President Ford seemed to follow Nixons no legal marijuana philosophy. The book sounds interesting. Let us know what you've learned when you are done reading it.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #27 posted by Toker00 on December 27, 2006 at 19:34:29 PT
I hear ya,FoM.
I always thought Ford was simply a temporary fill-in, but I see he was viewed as a rather nice guy. I remember those days, too, FoM. My Dad used to get SO mad at Nixon and his arrogance and Republicaness. He (Dad) always watched the news at night, so it was that or nothing till the news was off. But the pay-off on that was having seen all the space-programs REAL TIME, and actually seeing President John F. Kennedy, REAL TIME, as they say these days. Things seemed so normal, till he got shot, and you know the rest!On a brighter note, my bestest friend in the whole world, (I always exclude El at this point, no one tops him) gave me a wonderful book for Christmas. CANNABIS: a history. by MARTIN BOOTH. "Fascinating." - THE SUNDAY TIMES (UK). "Amazingly informative and riveting...quite intoxicating." - THE FINANCIAL TIMES (UK). "Well-researched." - THE SEATTLE TIMES.Almost done with the first chapter: THE FRAGRANT CANE. He misses little. Very current. Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #26 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 19:05:35 PT
Toker00
I personally am not the type of person to be very open with my feelings when they are complex like they are now. I have been watching about President Ford all day and it has been a real flashback for me. When President Bush talked about President Ford today he was actually showing how we will need someone to calm our country because of him just like Ford had to calm our country after Vietnam and Nixon. I feel like I am watching a movie that I already saw before. One thing for sure whoever becomes President in 08 they better not even consider pardoning Bush or their legacy will be a sad one like Ford's is now. I thought Ford seemed nice enough but when he pardoned Nixon I was so upset.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #25 posted by Toker00 on December 27, 2006 at 18:23:09 PT
Not Impeachment.
IMPRISONMENT!!!!!Not Censor.CONVICT!!!!!Not just Bush and Cheney.ALL PNACERS, BUSH TOP ADMINISTRATORS,AND BUSH FAMILY MEMBERS INVOLVED IN PLANNING AND EXECUTING THE FALSE FLAG TERROR ATTACK OF 9-11!!!!!ARREST and SUE!!!!!I don't understand how any of you could even consider allowing these Criminals to get off with Impeaching and Censoring. They have killed our children, and killed in the name of Oil, not US. The only crime American citizens are guilty of, is ignorance of government. I don't think it's possible to have a worse set of criminals in office. What are you willing to forgive? Everything? No wonder these Demons remain in power! We think they are untouchable! Impeachment should be the MINIMUM we settle for.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #24 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 17:39:22 PT
John Tyler
All things must pass. That's so true. Good times and bad times pass away. Nothing stays forever.Global_warming, I know we are in a terrible war.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #23 posted by John Tyler on December 27, 2006 at 17:25:04 PT
all wars must have an end
The prohibitionists have lost the drug war. They can’t spend enough money. They can’t tell enough lies. They can’t jail enough people. Too many people know the truth. It is time to declare a truce and give peace a chance in the drug war. All wars must end someday and this one is long overdue. Let the healing begin. Cannabis is balm for the healing of the nations. (P.S. I'm listening to George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass".
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #22 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 16:59:11 PT
sorry Fomme
Look around, do you see America?Marching off to war..
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #21 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 16:47:46 PT
global_warming
I just don't understand who you are talking to or what you mean sometimes.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #20 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 16:44:34 PT
Why nietzsche
went mad, maybe, madness is systemic justice in human kind,maybe justice, poetry and some folkscarry the torch' the Light of Freedomeverywhere you look
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #19 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 16:35:34 PT
Who Can Say
Who can say?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #18 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 16:19:53 PT
Off Topic: Gerald Ford's One Son
Biographical Information about Former President Ford's Children***Excerpt: John "Jack" Gardner Ford, 54. Married, two children. Runs a shopping center kiosk business in San Diego area. Worked on father's 1976 presidential campaign. Acknowledged smoking marijuana and supported legalizing the drug.Complete Article: http://tinyurl.com/usrno
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #17 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 16:13:27 PT
re: We All Have 'Lost" The Drug War
it is time
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 15:57:36 PT
Do You' have a minute?
Do you have' the time?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 15:52:58 PT
Welcome
To the Internet, some cyber place, where you can relax, take your load, off your back, you have a minute,....
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 15:38:43 PT
do you mean America?
The land of blessed dreams
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 15:35:55 PT
what country?
should i find a lawyer?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by Dankhank on December 27, 2006 at 15:20:54 PT
Impeach the Country ...
"To speak of impeachment means to me that the entire American population that voted this fool into office also deserve some form of impeachment, well maybe some facts and education at the very least."So Be It ...As a country we Have to clean it all up.Can We?Maybe Must We?Most assuredly
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 14:24:21 PT
Dankhank
I know that I want justice and how ever it is achieved will be a good thing. I know that Nancy Pelosi wants to investigate Haliburton or at least she did. I want this whole thing exposed.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 14:08:21 PT
re: impeachment
I have some difficulty believing that this pampered idiot is largely responsible for this big mess this country is in. To speak of impeachment means to me that the entire American population that voted this fool into office also deserve some form of impeachment, well maybe some facts and education at the very least.It seems that there way to many fools that still believe that G-Dubya is on the right track, God help them.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by Dankhank on December 27, 2006 at 13:15:19 PT
Impeach
'em both ...Dick and Bush ...I harbor no fear of Nancy Pelosi ...Let's see what she is made of ...It would chap Hillary's pampered ass if Nancy became the FIRST female American president.I watched Larry King with Gerald last night and while I was initially agreeing with him that Censure is probably the best way for the country, I remembered that Nixon was a crook, Clinton was a sex addict and Bush has caused the DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT of thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of Iraqis.Rot in Hell Dick and Bush ...Can we impeach Dick and Bush at the same time???????????
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 12:31:58 PT
laduncon
Thank you. This upcoming year will be interesting as we watch it evolve. History will record this administration in the right light even if we don't all live to see it. I believe in the people.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by laduncon on December 27, 2006 at 12:04:36 PT
Right on FoM
I wholly agree with you and Bush almost certainly deserves Impeachment. But even if he isn't impeached or censured and escapes judicial or Congressional punishment/reprimand (like Nixon was pardoned by Ford), he will still be judged harshly by history and the American people (like Nixon has been). The most important thing for now is to halt his foul agenda for the next 2 years, get us out of Iraq, and advance more sensible/acceptable legislation whenever possible.......................................................We need more judges like Harry Kilde, lets elect 'em!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 10:02:49 PT
laduncon
I wanted to mention when I said I agree with that ( Impeachment) I meant as an emotion (frustration) that people feel towards this President and his administration.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 09:59:26 PT
laduncon
I totally understand what you are saying. I think Impeachment isn't what is needed at this point. I think the Democrats should turn over every stone and bring all involved into account. Expose it all for us to see.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by laduncon on December 27, 2006 at 09:55:18 PT
Carefull what ya wish for though
Don't get me wrong, I do not support this President one iota. However, I don't believe Impeachment is what this country needs. Instead, Censuring this President would send the clear message that his over-reaching of powers and side-stepping of the Constitution is wholly unacceptable to the American people without most of the negative effects of Impeachment. Impeaching Bush would serve to place Dick Cheney as president ('nuff said), unless he was impeached as well (a very tough task). Since impeaching them both would place Majority Leader-elect Nancy Pelosi as President, one can be assured that Republicans would throw down the gauntlet and such a turn of events would Never come to pass. Also, with a 50-49 Democratic majority in the Senate, it is extremely unlikely they would be able to get the neccessary votes for Conviction (confirming Impeachment) there. Censure is the ticket!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by global_warming on December 27, 2006 at 08:45:30 PT
God Bless You Judge Harry E. Klide
A true voice of reason.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #2 posted by FoM on December 27, 2006 at 07:42:32 PT
Mayan
I read the comments on that article and they want Ron Paul to help Impeach the President. I agree with that. Now that President Ford is in the news because of his passing I am recalling when he pardon Nixon and that was his downfall. I hope that history will not repeat itself when the time comes for Bush. The Democrats as they were represented on Joe Scarborough's program last night said Bush is hiring lawyers to help protect himself from what will be coming his way because of the Democrats power. I am looking forward to that happening.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by mayan on December 27, 2006 at 07:31:31 PT
No More Wars!!!
It is time to end all wars. We will not tolerate more of the same and we will take back our country one way or another!More of the Same in 2007 - By Ron Paul:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article15997.htm
[ Post Comment ]
Post Comment