cannabisnews.com: Green Militias -- Your New Park Service Green Militias -- Your New Park Service Posted by CN Staff on August 14, 2003 at 12:06:58 PT By Bill Berkowitz Source: TomPaine.com Paul Ehrhardt's neighbors have taken to calling him "Rambo." The sheriff in his county worries that he's a "wannabe police officer." His small band of well-armed men and women dress like legitimate law enforcement officials: They've got badges, and their uniforms are decorated with official-looking insignia. They carry weapons and hand-held global positioning systems. They have a canine unit, horses, a plane and a boat. But Ehrhardt is just an ordinary citizen, the president of the Oregon Rangers Association (ORA), a group of armed civilian volunteers that formed last summer to patrol the public lands of Oregon. That doesn't mean he lacks authority: In this era of drastic budget cuts to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Parks Service (NPS), militia-style groups could soon be public lands law enforcement officials. In this era of drastic budget cuts... militia-style groups could soon be public lands law enforcement officials. President Bush announced a plan last year to privatize hundreds of federal jobs -- a move that American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Bobby Harnage Sr. calls a "weapon of mass destruction aimed at federal employees." Former Interior secretaries Bruce Babbitt and Stewart Udall have also decried the administration's effort to privatize key functions of the NPS, saying it will turn crown jewels like Yosemite into spectacles like Niagara Falls or Disneyland. In spite of criticism, privatization looms increasingly on the horizon. Environmental watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) released an internal memo in early April from NPS Director Fran Mainella acknowledging that the Park Service might have to cut jobs and services to meet the Bush administration quotas on outsourcing jobs. Land management agencies like the Forest Service and Park Service are threatened with losing one-third or more of their labor force, says Scott Silver, Executive Director of Wild Wilderness. Silver, whose Oregon-based environmental organization has been involved with public land management issues for more than a decade, says law enforcement and forest monitoring jobs are among those being considered for privatization -- and he thinks groups like ORA will be waiting in the wings when it happens. "Perhaps when budgets are sliced further, the Oregon Rangers will be 'deputized' for use in the drug wars," Silver says. "Perhaps they will become recreation fee compliance officers or become part of a motorized recreation self-policing effort." Ehrhardt claims his group -- one of many to whom the government could outsource jobs -- only wants to serve the public. He started the ORA after stumbling on garbage sites, dumped meth labs and marijuana growths while volunteering for the BLM, according to Eugene Register Guard reporter Mark Baker, who wrote a profile of the group in June. "I just get sick of our woods literally being taken over by the stuff," Ehrhardt told Baker as he and his associates prepped for another patrol in the backcountry of Oregon (Ehrhardt was carrying an AR-15 rifle, the civilian version of an M-16). One of the group's targets is the small marijuana patches that Ehrhardt claims dot the forest landscape: "There's not enough cops out there and there's not going to be. The only way any of it's going to change is if the public gets involved. And most people won't do it, and that's what makes the problem worse." Although it tends to focus on "War on Drugs" issues, ORA's Web site insists it's equipped to handle any number of emergencies: "We... monitor 911 frequencies and respond to logging accidents, auto accidents, and medical emergencies in Oregon parks. They are also, claims the Web site, "E.M.T.'s with a full line of medical equipment on board our vehicles as well as high-powered radios and satellite phones." The Oregon Rangers Association's sophisticated use of the language of volunteerism and public service sets them apart. The ORA points out that it provides First Responder training classes and certification as well as "offering the NRA Refuse To Be A Victim class to any group of people wishing to make their life, home, and place of work safer from crime. We also offer police shotgun and handgun certification, private security officer training, armed and unarmed security officer state certification, and Oregon State certification for concealed handguns." At first glance, the Oregon Rangers Association may appear to be another derivative militia group, but their sophisticated use of the language of volunteerism and public service sets them apart. The ORA's monthly newsletter reads like a Lion's Club's digest of the group's productive activities. "We need to get the word out that we're not law enforcement," Ehrhardt said, "that we'll be there when your car breaks down or you get hurt. I want [people] to have somebody to call. Most people shy away from law enforcement, and I really don't want that reputation because we want to help people," he told Baker. Fellow ranger Bryon Barnes agreed: "We're not just out here to find wrongdoing. We're out here to help people, which is something the police used to do, stop and help." Some Oregonians aren't sure they want the ORA's help. Ehrhardt's inclination to parade around his neighborhood in his uniform with a gun holstered at his waist, and his penchant for using his property as a shooting range (for training purposes, he says) has his neighbors, well, up in arms. Lane County Sheriff Jan Clements doesn't mind civic engagement -- but she's worried about the group's motivation. She wonders if the Rangers are more like "wannabe police officers" than citizen volunteers performing public service. (Ehrhardt denies they're wannabes or vigilantes: "A vigilante is someone who takes the law into their own hands," he says, "catches someone, and then hangs them without a trial," he told Baker.) The ORA and similar groups could be key players in the administration's new management strategy for America's national forests. Steve Silver agrees. "These so-called 'Oregon Rangers' appear to have ideally positioned themselves to someday become welcome and respected participants in privatized public lands law enforcement," he says. "At one level, I think these are fringe folks who are playing out their childhood fantasies. At another, I think they are not merely armed and dangerous, but that they are trying to worm their way into the system by using the oh-so-popular techniques of outsourcing, public-private-partnerships, volunteerism, etc." For now, the Oregon Rangers Association has responded to President Bush's Take Pride in America initiative -- a project of the USA Freedom Corps focusing on recruiting volunteers to protect the nation's public lands. In the future, though, the ORA and similar groups could be key players in the administration's new management strategy for America's national forests -- armed private militias policing public lands. Bill Berkowitz is a long time political observer and columnist.URL: http://www.tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/8621Source: TomPaine.com Author: Bill BerkowitzPublished: August 14, 2003Contact: editor tompaine.comWebsite: http://www.tompaine.com/Contact: http://www.tompaine.com/contact.cfmRelated Articles:Militia Patrolling a Thin Green Linehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16996.shtmlNational Parks Plagued by Pot Fields http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16303.shtmlDrug Cartels Thrive in US National Park http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16579.shtmlMarijuana Found Thriving in Forests http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14764.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #54 posted by FoM on August 15, 2003 at 21:40:08 PT Welcome Back afterburner! It seems like you were given a lemon and you made lemonade. Certain events in life test our endurance and adaptibility. We learn from those events. Without them we don't grow. Life is more then what we do everyday. I like an old friends saying. He said that he doesn't go looking for a good time but he takes a good time with him. It's good to have you back! [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by afterburner on August 15, 2003 at 20:12:13 PT: FoM - re the green bud brigade In Ann Arbor, Michigan, years ago we had the psychedelic rangers, no guns like the green panthers. They were more like the Chinese barefoot doctors, guiding people through bad trips, first aid for sunburn, and so on, like your stint at a rock festival.Regarding the 4:20 blackout, we have been without air conditioning for over 30 hours. I just got back on the Net. Despite the inconvenience to travellers and the spoilage of food, there were some beautiful moments: without ground light a dense canopy of stars was available here to rival Colorado; people were dancing in the streets; without the incessant hum of electrical devices the air was quiet and still like the country; I found a great new bike trail in the cool of the evening; the sounds of music were everywhere as people tuned in their radios to hear the details of the blackout; people were outside actually talking, playing cards, and barbequing. We had a real summer day for a change."John P. Walters Marijuana Rhetoric Could Prove Bush Re-election Liability": that's a sweeeet headline! [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by FoM on August 15, 2003 at 09:57:17 PT BBSNews Article John P. Walters Marijuana Rhetoric Could Prove Bush Re-election Liability BBSNews - 2003-08-15 -- In a time when serious questions exist about a new and strange "Bush Doctrine" called "pre-emption" [of a perceived threat] and American troops dying practically each day in Iraq, the last thing President Bush needs is more scandal. Right now the coin of the realm is facts on the ground and good intelligence. And that means getting as close to the truth as possible. "Sexing it up" is causing Tony Blair, President Bush's most dedicated to the US led war on Iraq ally, serious trouble about allegations that his Iraq "dossier" contained language that British intelligence had doubts about. The Lord Hutton review of the facts in that case are making journalists the world over squirm for their brothers and sisters. Nevertheless from either day planner notes or surepticious tape recording the truth is coming out. As it will about another war without end fought not based upon facts and science but instead on superstition and political machination. The decades long failed and counter-productive War on Some Drugs. Complete Article: http://bbsnews.net/bw2003-08-15.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by FoM on August 15, 2003 at 09:18:29 PT Thanks kapt! Dim Bulb in the WH! That made us laugh! [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by 13th step on August 15, 2003 at 08:28:07 PT Emery... "Friday, August 15, 2003http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/ Plenty of pot, no copsby KAREN KWAN Citizen staff RCMP Const. Mike Caira said police were aware people were smoking marijuana across the street, but said they didn't want to fuel Emery's bid for media attention. "If we possibly would have shown up with one or 10 police officers, Mr. Emery may have enticed the crowd into causing a mini-riot and wanting to fight the police and we weren't going to play that game," he said. But Caira said people who smoke pot still risk criminal charges, because possession of marijuana is still against the law. The federal government, however, plans to decriminalize possession of marijuana, issuing fines to people caught with small amounts of the drug instead of charging them criminally. Caira said police don't believe that by ignoring Emery's protest they're sending the message that people can flout the law."BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAA! Emery & all the potheads starting a fight? You've seriously got to be kidding! Don't they pay attention? None of Emery's arrests have had any violence or riots at all...Oh man, that's too much. Not to mention, aren't cops supposed to enforce laws? Then , you would think they would have to know what the law means, and what the court decisions mean. Cannabis is not an offence known to law now! This cop needs to do his job better!That puts me in mind of an idea. Police should patrol their particular neighborhoods all the time - and be voted upon by the people they patrol. It would remove morons like this guy. It would also likely eliminate police brutality, and fear of the police. If you know the guy who's pulling you over, you would be less likely to run, because you might feel he would listen compassionately to you....Dreaming again... [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by FoM on August 15, 2003 at 07:39:43 PT Missing Person I want you to see this article. I have a few articles about him but they were accidentally snipped and can't be restored. I hope they find him.Missing Man is Medical Marijuana Advocate By Chris Durant The Times-Standard Friday, August 15, 2003 MYERS FLAT -- The pickup truck of a Redway man missing since Saturday was found off the Avenue of the Giants near here Wednesday and now the FBI has joined the search.The family of Chris Giauque, 36, suspects foul play."The family has been waiting for something like this to happen," said brother Clint Giauque. "The car was parked near one of those camping, hiking places. My brother doesn't hike."The Humboldt County Sheriff's Department said there were no signs of struggle in the truck and it has been seized by investigators to process for evidence.Brenda Gainey of the Sheriff's Department also confirmed the FBI was involved."On the surface it (the investigation) fits the criteria for their involvement," Gainey said. "But I can't reveal what that is."Chris Giauque had run-ins with the Sheriff's Department in the past, even suing Humboldt County over an ounce of marijuana seized in a 1999 traffic stop. The lawsuit fizzled when the federal Drug Enforcement Agency became involved and the ounce of pot was eventually destroyed.In April 2001, Giauque coordinated a marijuana giveaway on the steps of the Humboldt County Courthouse where he planned on giving a half pound of pot to anyone who had a medical marijuana card. He was arrested before any pot was given away.In August of that year, his Salmon Creek home was raided and an indoor marijuana grow was discovered.Giauque was last seen in northern Mendocino County where he was supposed to meet an acquaintance.Clint Giauque said he is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the location of his brother. He encourages people with information to call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department at 445-7251 but is also offering his own number for people who are leery of contacting law enforcement. Clint Giauque can be reached at 822-4415. [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by Patrick on August 15, 2003 at 07:07:25 PT nail on the head kaptinemo Deregulation is what allowed Enron to bilk California of billions before the money vaporized into greedy corporative executives offshore bank accounts. Seems the government keeps moving towards privatization. If that be the case then perhaps we should keep our taxes private too? Somethings like postal service, electricity, running water, sewer, police, fire departments I think should remain non-profit monopolies for the greater public good. If the government cannot or will not regulate these things for the welfare of all its citizens then just what is our government supposed too with all the damn money they steal from our paycheck besides financing the worlds largest arms deals? [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by kaptinemo on August 15, 2003 at 06:43:29 PT: For the poor folks just getting their power back You might want to have a look at this:Greg Palast's weblogPOWER OUTAGE TRACED TO DIM BULB IN WHITE HOUSE --- The Tale of The Brits Who Swiped 800 Jobs From New York, Carted Off $90 Million, Then Tonight, Turned Off Our Lights Friday, August 15, 2003 http://www.gregpalast.com./detail.cfm?artid=257&row=0from the blog:*I can tell you all about the ne're-do-wells that put out our lights tonight. I came up against these characters -- the Niagara Mohawk Power Company -- some years back. You see, before I was a journalist, I worked for a living, as an investigator of corporate racketeers. In the 1980s, "NiMo" built a nuclear plant, Nine Mile Point, a brutally costly piece of hot junk for which NiMo and its partner companies charged billions to New York State's electricity ratepayers. To pull off this grand theft by kilowatt, the NiMo-led consortium fabricated cost and schedule reports, then performed a Harry Potter job on the account books. In 1988, I showed a jury a memo from an executive from one partner, Long Island Lighting, giving a lesson to a NiMo honcho on how to lie to government regulators. The jury ordered LILCO to pay $4.3 billion and, ultimately, put them out of business.And that's why, if you're in the Northeast, you're reading this by candlelight tonight. Here's what happened. After LILCO was hammered by the law, after government regulators slammed Niagara Mohawk and dozens of other book-cooking, document-doctoring utility companies all over America with fines and penalties totaling in the tens of billions of dollars, the industry leaders got together to swear never to break the regulations again. Their plan was not to follow the rules, but to ELIMINATE the rules. They called it "deregulation."...I strongly suggest that you read the rest of it... [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by goneposthole on August 15, 2003 at 06:09:35 PT Anything into oil http://www.discover.com/may_03/featoil.html67 additional years of hemp oil production would have helped.If you are going to quit anything, quit driving. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by kaptinemo on August 15, 2003 at 04:51:33 PT: I am afraid that this may be a taste of the future Folks, the reason we went and invaded Afghanistan and now Iraq aws for the oil; we're running out all over the planet, and whoever has his mitts on the remaining supplies is top dog for the next 30 years.What happened in California happened because the Enron people made it happen. But what's happening in the NorthEast may well be a foretaste of things to come when the realization sets in about finite oil supplies.We need to start developing hemp as fuel oil crops NOW before it becomes too little, too late... [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 22:30:27 PT Notes From The Blackout from Tim M. Friday, August 15, 2003 Sitting in my backyard surrounded by tea lights. Quick observations as I am trying to conserve battery power --The driving is not bad -- treating dead intersections as four-way stops reminds me of the country. People who volunteered to direct traffic before the police showed up just shows you the spirit of the people here.I drove from Don Mills to the Annex to Riverdale to the Beaches -- best Toronto driving experience I've had in years. The dead intersections kept things moving -- maybe we should kill all traffic lights and make them four way stops!The streetcars are all were they were at 4:10. Weird...first it struck me in a post-apocplytic way, then humourous.GSM phone service died for about an hour, and has been very reliable ever since.I can see the Milky Way from downtown Toronto. Mars is bright, and the almost-full moon keeps things lit -- although candles help too.Maybe next summer the hydro should pull the plug again, get people to slow down and appreciate life, and give them some time off from the electronic world. -Tim-- Parti Marijuana de l'Ontario Marijuana Partyhttp://ontario.mjparty.ca [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by freedom fighter on August 14, 2003 at 22:25:33 PT A rare hummingbird! "For instance, this morning I watched a hummingbird for about 20 minutes. It was wondrous. The constant hum/beating of it's wings, the speed and accuracy, and then : voila! It landed! (First time I've ever seen an hummingbird stop moving!)"13th,I'll admit that I am green with envy. If I could hear everything, first thing I would want to hear is birds singing..For that hummingbird to stop moving, the bird has to trust it's own space. That's says alot about you.Thanks for sharin...paceff [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 21:47:13 PT Patrick Thank you. I appreciate it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by Patrick on August 14, 2003 at 21:43:34 PT I understand FoM I was out of it for awhile and got tired of following the news and didn't follow threads and have no clue what transpired. Honestly. No offense is taken on my part but boy is my curiosity through the roof!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 21:37:16 PT Patrick I appreciate your comments. I really do but I need to edit it a little to keep problems from starting. I hope you understand. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 21:32:21 PT 13th step I appreciate your comment. I agree Marc Emery is doing a wonderful thing. I can relate to the country. We had cows in our front yard on and off for a few weeks until they fixed their fence. They were such pretty cows too! We have wild turkey and deer. They love it out here because we don't allow hunting and they know it. I was in Queens and I couldn't believe how scared I was. We also got lost in West Trention, New Jersey in the middle of the night and my husband had to use a phone. I saw someone walking towards him and he didn't see him coming. All I could do was watch that he wasn't going to hurt him. Another trucker saw what looked like a problem and jumped out of his truck with a baseball bat and started yelling and the guy ran. We never went back east after a few of these type episodes. It was too much to take and not worth it. I don't know how truckers go into the cities all the time. The pay isn't good at all.I love the crickets! Good night to you! [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Patrick on August 14, 2003 at 21:30:25 PT Conspiracy Theories I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next person. While its true that the media announced armed S.W.A.T. like teams hit the streets of NYC moments after the massive black out I really doubt it was a test run for martial law. But hey after 9/11 we found out we have a secret government within the government. Cause ya never know. But hey this is how good rumors get started on the Internet… teehee :)I agree with FoM. All of the infrastructure in the Northeast is ancient. Living in California my office today took the blackouts in stride once the initial "terror" reaction was successfully refuted by me. Come on people, its August its hot, air conditioners, computers-n-tv's in every home, a few indoor grows, the electric system buckled just like it did here in Cali. They say California is the bell weather for the rest of the nation… well we had our blackouts years ago. So to the rest of the nation, I vividly remember ya'll laughing at us here on the Left Coast when we had our blinking light problem. Just think if the bell weather trend continues, perhaps we can all recall the bush regime!!! Wink wink.Your welcome 13th step. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by 13th step on August 14, 2003 at 21:11:29 PT Fom Marc just posted to the same thread i linked in my previous comment, he said it was a great day with no police presence..Whoohoo! He is a true patriot, I believe. A man fighting a just cause. History will remember him not as a stoner or pot activist, but a champion of personal freedom.I went through NY last year, spent a few hours at the port authority, and the ghettos that surround it. I've always heard the word squalor associated with 3rd world countries, but what I saw there looked like squalor to me. It was terrible, filthy, just horrible that people live there. I couldn't do it. I agree with you on the country living. Waking up to the sounds of crickets and birds beats the poo out of honking cars, screaming people, wailing police sirens, etc..For instance, this morning I watched a hummingbird for about 20 minutes. It was wondrous. The constant hum/beating of it's wings, the speed and accuracy, and then : voila! It landed! (First time I've ever seen an hummingbird stop moving!) You can't do that in NYC.I thought everything did look very old, the whole of the East coast seems that way. Many parts of Pennsylvania are very similar. Just sort of...beaten down, I guess. I hope it was just equipment failure. I saw where Chreteins' office said it wasn't Canadian, and then I saw that Bloomberg said it was Canadian. Who knows. The finger pointing has started before they even know the cause.Oh well. Off to bed! [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 20:57:43 PT 13th step Thank you for the good news! I'm really glad they didn't arrest Marc today. I'll keep my eyes open for a news article. There probably will be one or more in the morning.I believe this outage is because of equipment failure. I remember the first time I went thru the lower part of the George Washington Bridge in New York City. We were backed up in traffic and I just look at how old it all looked. There were cracks in pillars that supported the bridge. Everything back east in the cities is getting very old. Age istelf will cause problems. We lived back east for half of our lives and it got way to congested for us. I can only imagine how congested it must be now. I would much rather deal with the problems of country living then with what benefits there are to living in a city. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by 13th step on August 14, 2003 at 20:41:41 PT Emery...& Marc escaped arrest today at the Prince George Smoke Out. He reported that there was a large crowd of around 100 people. He said there wasn't a clean bong to be had and that bongs are not sold in that area. No cops made an appearence and he was able to smoke a large "BC Bomber" with about 30 people. There was excellent media coverage as well. http://www.cannabisculture.com/cgi/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=current&Number=616641&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=11Also. I thought the same thing about the power. How could they blame canna ? Or maybe Canada?Patrick, that was exceptionally funny, thank you!Some friends and I were just speculating, you know, watching the news and thinking out loud to each other, evolving some ideas, and we got to thinking what if this is a test? A test for martial law on a large scale. Like when the feds declare war on either California, or Canada.they already have swat teams that roam the streets of NY , and with no power, it would be harder to keep people "in line" , so what a great way to test the readiness of the army of the rich (police).Also, how they say the power will gradually come back - yep, it will come back to the rich white neighborhoods first, then lastly it will trickle down to the rest of us.Then we bounced around that maybe this was the start of the invasion of Canada. I wouldn't put it past our current regime. I wouldn't doubt it at all.Feeling cynical. Scared. What the hell is wrong with everyone? [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 20:20:41 PT Patrick If we can't laugh at how stupid this war on a plant is sometimes I think we'd all go crazy. It is crazy that with all the serious issues going on in the world that a plant could cause such upheaval. This is the year 2003! When will we grow up and understand there is a culture that just doesn't believe what is being said about Cannabis. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by Patrick on August 14, 2003 at 20:11:50 PT FoM I couldn't resist the urge to be silly. Your Green Bud Brigade idea was very funny and BGreens comment about how they blame everything on cannabis just seemed a good fit to make believe the government would now blame the power outage on cannabis growers. But then BGreen's "More Breaking News" comment takes the cake pointing out the 4:20 and Canada.... Now who can deny that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction!!! LOL What is Motel 6's motto gonna be now??? If they can't keep the light on maybe they could keep the "bud" on! [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 20:09:19 PT Power Outage News They said on NWI it was caused they believe by a power outage at a Pennsylvania Nuclear Plant. I only know of Three Mile Island but maybe there are more in Pa. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 19:52:33 PT The GCW These are the the last articles on Marc's tour that I have posted.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread17062.shtmlhttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread17048.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 19:46:37 PT Petard I really wish we had the right to decide our own way to live. As long as we don't hurt anyone we should be allowed to do what we want. Climbing mountains is dangerous but it's legal. Patrick, That was really good! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by The GCW on August 14, 2003 at 19:41:49 PT That's - Marc Emery's, not Every's. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by The GCW on August 14, 2003 at 19:39:11 PT JR Bob Dobbs, as You may know... Every's Cannabis Culture athttp://www.hempbc.com/has updates.This is perhaps the latest, but dated 2 days ago.http://www.hempbc.com/articles/3046.html"Emery's Legalization Tour hits Alberta" by Dana Larsen (12 Aug, 2003) Two more busts on the long road to freedom.(plus the link has links) [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 19:37:21 PT BGreen I'm watching News World International and they said it started here with are outdated power grid. I believe the Canadian news before what the Mayor says. I'm still a twisted sister. LOL! ( I have no idea who twisted sister is except a group but I feel like borrowing the name today) I didn't hear that about the time but I believe you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Petard on August 14, 2003 at 19:27:05 PT The "What If" game Hey if Comrade Walters wants to play "what if" I'll play. What if...The people really had some say in how they were governed nowadays?What if...The Fed stuck to the powers granted them by the Constitution and left the rest to the States individually? What if...Prohibitionists really had a clue?What if...Comrade Walters and his comrade hit squad goons got real jobs and had no cushy taxpayer funded walk in the park every day, no padded retirement rather a padded cell with one of those white jackets with the arms that go around the back instead of bullet proof vests and black hoods to hide their shame, left people alone to live their own lives as they see fit as individuals? [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2003 at 19:21:38 PT More Breaking News ABC News reported that this power failure began at 4:20 P.M. EDT (not a joke.) The mayor of NY kept saying the power outage began in Canada.Hmmm!?!?The Rev. Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Patrick on August 14, 2003 at 19:12:25 PT >>> Federal authorities announced today that the major cause of nationwide power outages were caused not by terrorism or lightning strikes. Rather, it seems that those intent on growing cannabis indoors have overloaded the grid with their new mega-watt sodium vapor lamps designed to circumvent the electrical utilities. From his darkened Manhattan office John Walters proclaimed, "Once again we see the inherent problem with marijuana and the drug legalization movement." The notorious pro-pot movement, the Green Bud Brigade, claimed responsibility for today's massive power failure, posting the following statement on the underground movement's website, "We will overgrow the government even in darkness."Film at 11, provided the juice comes back on.This only a joke. Any reference to real events or people is purely coincidental. Should you find this material morally offensive, please, write your congresscritter asking them to end cannabis prohibition so that the cannabis culture can grow outdoors and conserve precious electricity for computers and air conditioners and hopefully prevent hydroponics disaster in the future. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 18:38:08 PT A Question I hope afterburner is ok. I think he might be in an area that doesn't have power. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 17:32:55 PT JR Not Yet I just did a quick news search and nothing so far but I'll keep looking. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on August 14, 2003 at 17:25:22 PT Emery? Any news on today's stop in Prince George for Marc Emery's Summer Of Legalization tour? [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 17:08:20 PT I Know I Feel Fine Walters: If they'd taken a hit of crack, they'd felt better. If they'd taken a shot of heroin, they'd felt better. It's not about feeling better. It's about what is ethical and efficacious medical practice.When a person feels fine it effects the immune system and it goes up so feeling good is good medicine. Even the Bible says that laughter is GOOD MEDICINE! Prov 17:22 (KJV) says: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m1041/n4_v75/19216914/p1/article.jhtmlOne thing that Cannabis does is makes a person smile. How can that be bad medicine?PS: We saved up and bought our first DVD player. We bought a CD called Decade by Neil Young. We are listening to the song, Long May You Run! What a wonderful song. I pity people who don't enjoy things like this. I really do feel sorry for them. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by mayan on August 14, 2003 at 16:49:50 PT Yep, Kap'n... With so much money involved the drug trade(thanks to prohibition) these "militia style" groups may encounter more than they bargained for. The way out is the way in...9/11 - Bush Knew: http://www.buzzflash.com/perspectives/911bush.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by goneposthole on August 14, 2003 at 16:01:32 PT feeling better After you have finished beating your head against the wall, you feel better, too. Nobody has outlawed that, John Walters does it all of the time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 15:26:13 PT News Brief from Oregon Public Broadcasting Drug Czar Critical of Medical MarijuanaBy Jeff BradyPORTLAND, OR 2003-08-14 (OPB Radio) - The head of the federal Office of National Drug Control Policy was in Portland today talking about efforts to reinvigorate the country's war against illegal drugs. John Walters' own promotional material calls him the nation's drug czar. He's responsible for coordinating the federal government's battle against drugs. Walters says marijuana is Oregon's most significant drug problem. He says teenagers get a mixed message about pot because it's illegal, but also allowed for medicinal use in Oregon and nine other states. Walters criticized arguments that sick people feel better after smoking marijuana.Walters: If they'd taken a hit of crack, they'd felt better. If they'd taken a shot of heroin, they'd felt better. It's not about feeling better. It's about what is ethical and efficacious medical practice.Medical marijuana advocates say it's cruel to deny the relief some ill people experience by smoking the drug.Copyright: 2003 OPB http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/opb/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=533930 [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Virgil on August 14, 2003 at 15:08:24 PT Just a picture What these guys need is a stick with a nail in it to pick up trash. Here is a picture of the future- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-backroom/964187/posts?page=8#8 [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 15:02:18 PT freedom fighter I didn't know what the Green Panthers web site was. So my idea wasn't even new! Figures! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by freedom fighter on August 14, 2003 at 14:42:31 PT FoM Glad you mentioned this...Yes, we do have our very own milita. They call themselves green panthers. They even have their own website. http://www.greenpanthers.org Only difference is that we are not armed to teeth but armed with seeds! ;)Rhueff [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by goneposthole on August 14, 2003 at 14:26:53 PT Orygun Ranger's Association Ever see the movie "The Wild Bunch"? The Orygun Rangers may end up in such a scenario; some people will end up on slabs in a morgue, and public outrage will follow. Then, after some dust settles, a specious argument will be used to call the US Army to rout the culprits who were involved in the killing spree. Just like General Pershing did in 1916 when he hunted Pancho Villa. Once the Army arrives, it will be awhile before it will leave. Witness what is happening in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US Army will be deployed up and down the Western United States to rid the menace of marijuana once and for all. yeah, right (two positives can make a negative)A perfect excuse to increase and further the militarization of the good old USA. That's prohibition. At least Al Capone would help out needy people.If you are going to quit anything, quit driving. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 14:18:07 PT BGreen We are ok. It appears to be in Northern Ohio. If we lost our air conditioning today it would be difficult to handle and we are in the country. I can only imagine the heat in the cities today. If they don't have power on by nightime I can only imagine what kind of looting will happen. They'll have to declare Marshall Law! [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2003 at 14:13:41 PT I'm glad you're not affected, FoM I was worried about you.I don't know any more than what I previously posted.The Rev. Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 14:10:26 PT Thanks BGreen I didn't have the news on until I read your post. We have it on now. What caused this outage? [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2003 at 13:51:36 PT Power is out in cities across Canada and the US Toronto, NY, Detroit, Cleveland, Ottawa and other cities are without power.CNN just said the Niagara Mohawk power grid is overloaded and it doesn't appear to be a terror attack. They said it appears to be a natural occurrence.Any of my Cannabisnews.com family that is being affected by this has my sympathy.The Rev. Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 13:27:21 PT Just a Thought Maybe we need our own Militia. We'll call it The Green Bud Brigade! LOL!PS: What I am saying is for entertainment purposes only! PSS: Can I carry flowers instead of a gun? That's my speed! [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 13:09:54 PT kapt I guess I'm twisted. My whole life I've believed in doing the right thing. Always be fair and just. I don't feel that way anymore. Just call me a twisted sister! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2003 at 13:09:04 PT If Kids Are Switching From Alcohol To Cannabis then I'll bet the farm that a whole lot LESS kids are dying now than before.Casual alcohol drinkers are NEVER blamed for the alcohol poisoning deaths of the kids. Cannabis ALWAYS gets the blame for ANY drug or alcohol death, even though CANNABIS HAS NEVER KILLED ANYBODY!The Rev. Bud GreenBTW, since I don't own a farm I'm betting FoM's farm. LOL [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by afterburner on August 14, 2003 at 12:59:06 PT: More Bait&Switch:Irresponsible Journalism:comment1 Author starts off quoting John Walters: ["The largest single drug of abuse here is still marijuana," said Walters. "The largest single drug producing dependency is still marijuana, as it is in other places of the country."]. Then, author switches to "drugs" and dying, quoting Chief Kroeker: ["We should not just relax and say this is a beautiful city, a nice quality of life," said Chief Kroeker. "The fact of the matter is our young people are dying."]. This is guilt by association and a common form of sloppy prohibitionist reporting. Cannabis is not killing our young people.ego transcendence follows ego destruction, just give us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by kaptinemo on August 14, 2003 at 12:49:56 PT: FoM, I wouldn't put it past any of them... One thing I've observed about some of these wannabe groups: their devotion to 'law and order' is usually about as deep as their commitment to self-preservation. And if that self preservation takes the form of having to make the classic Latin American choice between a 'silver or lead' bribe, they choose silver, every time - and *stay* bought. So it wouldn't surprise me to learn that some of these 'upright citizens' are actually 'moles'.No one is safe from the effects of corruption..no one. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 12:37:45 PT A Small Comment I bet the Militia people get plenty of quality Cannabis to use or sell. What about that? [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by kaptinemo on August 14, 2003 at 12:30:12 PT: These people don't know what they are doing... But they'll find out the first time one of those Mex grow crews realizes they are *civilians* and kills a bunch of them. Or worse, takes them captive; they've tortured then murdered *known Federal agents* before. What do you think they'd do to Joe Blow who wants to play cop? It's one thing to defend your home; it's quite another to go looking for trouble. That kind of trouble tends to make 'examples' of the overly enthusiastic and poorly trained... [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 14, 2003 at 12:15:53 PT Drur Czar: Marijuana Taking Toll On Teens August 14, 2003 PORTLAND - United States drug czar John Walters visited Portland Thursday as part of the Bush administration's effort to help the nation's top 25 cities crack down on drug use.Walters used his visit to draw attention to Portland's growing drug problem, and emphasized the need to educate the public, especially teenagers about methamphetamine use and the growing problem of marijuana."The largest single drug of abuse here is still marijuana," said Walters. "The largest single drug producing dependency is still marijuana, as it is in other places of the country."Walters also said that medical marijuana is being used as a political ploy to support efforts to legalize marijuana use.Historically, alcohol has always been the drug of choice among teenagers, but that is changing according to Walters.Walters said that 75 percent of teenagers in Portland seeking treatment are dependent on marijuana; less than 15 percent of teens are being treated for alcohol addiction.Walters emphasized the need for all levels of government to work together to try to solve the issue.Chief Kroeker said that per capita, Portland ranks number three for drug induced fatalities. "We should not just relax and say this is a beautiful city, a nice quality of life," said Chief Kroeker. "The fact of the matter is our young people are dying."According to Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto, who also spoke at the press conference, much of the city's crime rate is driven by drug abuse. In Portland, drug induced deaths have skyrocketed recently. In 1995 there were a reported 160 drug induced deaths; in 1998, there were 221.Approximately 66 percent of people arrested for crimes in Portland are under the influence of some sort of drug.(From KATU and AP reports) http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=59902 [ Post Comment ] Post Comment