cannabisnews.com: DEA On The Wrong Trail










  DEA On The Wrong Trail

Posted by CN Staff on April 29, 2005 at 07:41:32 PT
Editorial 
Source: Los Angeles Times 

S.F. Calif. -- When San Francisco's Board of Supervisors met Monday to discuss how to tighten oversight of the city's 43 medical marijuana dispensaries, Bush administration officials cheered, for all the wrong reasons.Drug Enforcement Administration agents should have been thrilled that the city is trying to fill the regulatory gulf created in 1996 when Californians passed Proposition 215, vaguely sanctioning marijuana for "any … illness for which marijuana provides relief." The DEA should be offering to help cities draw a sharper line around legitimate medical use.
But no. DEA agents hailed the effort because, they said, it would give them a paper trail to bust more patients and doctors.The agents' attitude captures the administration's pot policy: Rather than focusing on curbing harmful drug abuse, it's mounting arbitrary and vindictive assaults on both states' rights and patient care. In the next month, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on whether the Justice Department has the right to prosecute patients and doctors who use medical marijuana in California and elsewhere.The betting is that the court will side with the administration. Pot became a federal crime three decades ago, when Congress declared that marijuana has no accepted medical use and put it in the same class as heroin — illustrating how far the law can stray from common sense.Snipped:Complete Article: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/trail.htmSource: Los Angeles Times (CA) Published: April 29, 2005Copyright: 2005 Los Angeles TimesContact: letters latimes.comWebsite: http://www.latimes.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Medicinal Cannabis Research Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/research.htmFull House for Pot Club Hearing http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20583.shtmlCity Hearing Examines Options for Regulating http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20582.shtmlHigh Time To Regulate http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20577.shtml

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Comment #45 posted by Toker00 on May 02, 2005 at 04:20:39 PT
Testimony
Maybe we should go to the churches, and stand up and testify to the Creationists of our persecutions. If they believe in the truth, they should welcome our testimonies and join in our struggle. Arrange to speak at a church siminar. These are the people who claim to lay their lives down for the truth. Well, some of us do, too. Let's bring the truth to the Churches. Will the persecuted persecute the persecuted? Go in groups and fill the pews. Chant the verse in the Bible where God gave us this plant for meat. Peace. Legalize, then Revolutionize! (medicine)(energy)(nutrition)
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Comment #44 posted by global_warming on May 01, 2005 at 14:30:40 PT
Wish I Could Have Been There
 Luk 19:36 As He was going along, they were spreading their robes on the road.To throw three or four blankets and coats.gw
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Comment #43 posted by global_warming on May 01, 2005 at 14:26:59 PT
re:The Trails End
The trail is a never ending story, and our footsteps can always find a clue that someone has left behind, maybe some old and forgotten hippie or person, that walked on the same trail.The martyrs of the past, it is thier blood that illuminates the darkest places, and if you take the time to watch and listen, you can always find your way.Have you ever watched a Twilight Zone episode?One of my fantasies, has been to write a script, for one of them TZ episodes.A theme that has my special attention, is one where this terrible white supremecist person dies and the next scene finds him walking a very long and dusty trail, this trail goes on as far as the eye can see.Thirsty and burning from the desert heat, this wicked person is walking on that trail, at the last moments of despair, he hears a sound, horses clip clopping, dragging a wagon, filled with black folks.They offer their hand and a ride, on that lonely dusty old trail.I guess you can substitute cannabis users as well as slaves, it works for all of us.Luk 19:33 As they were untying the young donkey, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the donkey?" Luk 19:34 "The Lord needs it," they said. Luk 19:35 Then they brought it to Jesus, and after throwing their robes on the donkey, they helped Jesus get on it. 
Luk 19:36 As He was going along, they were spreading their robes on the road. There is always Hope.gw
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Comment #42 posted by Hope on May 01, 2005 at 08:30:25 PT
Just Get'n By
I think there's a really good chance that GreenJoy could be right, "And afterall, you'll likely just be back here with the bullies, liars, and thieves in your next incarnation."This old world is fraught with evil. I wish we could make it better. I know we have to try. That, I believe, is what a lot of life is about...trying to make the world a better place. I specifically do not mean the Earth, in what I’m trying to say...but the World...the thing we make with our interactions and behavior. It's wrong to place the kind of stress, you and many others are suffering from, on people because of their choice to use cannabis. It's just wrong...way wrong. It’s one thing for them to tell you and others that they personally don’t believe cannabis use is a good idea, but it’s an entirely different matter to persecute people for their choice to do so. And it is “Persecution”, big time.Will those who persecute others because of cannabis, those with the power to do something about it, ever see the wrong in what they are doing? I don't know. I can only hope they will eventually and meanwhile, we must all keep hammering away at the cruelty and inhumanity of it all.I realize we are all “dying” from the moment we are born, but I’m relieved to know that you weren’t talking about some sort of medical diagnosis and prognosis.Hang in there.
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Comment #41 posted by GreenJoy on May 01, 2005 at 08:06:01 PT
Just Get'n By
 I find myself bolstred by your powerful words! I hope you still find some joy in life, even if only to continue to stay off the govt. radar and enjoy a fine sweet bowl. It does get tiresome wondering if that bump in the night is them coming for you. Even worse when you find out that it actually IS! Anyway, I hope you are not so very close to departing. And afterall, you'll likely just be back here with the bullies, liars, and thieves in your next incarnation. :-)
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Comment #40 posted by JustGetnBy on May 01, 2005 at 07:28:09 PT
Hope
  Thanks for your concern. I am fine, just very tired of looking over my shoulder,& wondering if today is the day the police state will destroy my life. I'm tired of having to hide who I really am because I fear my govt.  I'm an old man, and I'm just tired of bullies, liars and theives.
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Comment #39 posted by Hope on April 30, 2005 at 20:56:13 PT
JustGetnBy
What you said is beautiful. But there is something sort of scary about it. You are ok, aren't you?
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Comment #38 posted by JustGetnBy on April 30, 2005 at 18:31:27 PT

Hope ! / Greenjoy !

  As a man nearing the end of my trail, knowing that people with truth in their hearts, and the courage to speak truth into the dragons mouth are here, and speaking the truth, gives me courage, and lessens my fear of the trails end.               Namaste
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Comment #37 posted by Hope on April 30, 2005 at 12:16:13 PT

GreenJoy
If I had to name three daughters, I think I would have to name them Joy, Hope, and Grace. They're good names.I love your attitude. In similar circumstances, I could only hope for the kind of character you show. History will call us "Heroes". We have taken a stand against mass hysteria that is nothing but insane and immoral. History may not have our individual names...but it will say that a group of people stood up against hideously powerful governments and shouted the truth. The Drug War is insane, irrational, and immoral.
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Comment #36 posted by GreenJoy on April 30, 2005 at 11:33:38 PT

Thanks Hope! :-)
 Your own fine screenname says it all. I've had some bad days to be sure. It was a bottomless pit for a while. And then something my grandmother said to me long ago became very apparent. "Its easier to believe than not to." I have to hope that something positive will come of it all. I've been made more aware of the suffering of others. What doesn't stop me only makes me stronger. I've got to be a good bit wiser! 
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 21:24:14 PT

runruff
You made me laugh! LOL!
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Comment #34 posted by runruff on April 29, 2005 at 21:18:00 PT:

Butchered?
You butchered Paul's name?Did you see my post #13? It looks like it was written by a fourth gradder!Hey' I was in a monster hurry, ok?But I just had to add my 2 cents worth. He he he, ha ha ha, ho ho ho.Paul was the walrus.namaste
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Comment #33 posted by ekim on April 29, 2005 at 21:11:47 PT

one wonders what --if the latimes had got this war
i still can not get over a small group of _Shaky Swifties_ that made Orwell's 1984 come true and rewrote the History of a courageous Man. Where was the so called Liberal Press.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread19706.shtml
In the end, investigations by government inspectors general corroborated Kerry's 1989 findings and vindicated his effort. But the muted conclusion of the Contra-cocaine controversy 12 years after Kerry began his investigation explains why this chapter is an overlooked -- though important -- episode in Kerry's Senate career. It's a classic case of why, in Washington, there's little honor in being right too soon. Yet it's also a story about a senator who had the personal honor to do the right thing. Robert Parry, who broke many of the Iran-Contra stories for the Associated Press and Newsweek in the 1980s, has written a new book, "Secrecy & Privilege: Rise of the Bush Dynasty from Watergate to Iraq." Source: Salon.com (US Web)
Author: Robert Parry
Published: October 25, 2004
Copyright: 2004 Salon.com
Website: http://www.salon.com/
Contact: salon salonmagazine.com
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on April 29, 2005 at 19:16:39 PT

GreenJoy
Your spirit truly does bring me joy. I don't know how you manage it...but I do admire your attitude.Way to go.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 19:08:22 PT

GreenJoy
You're welcome. We do have a great group of people here on CNews. It's really nice to not feel like we are the only one to think a certain way.PS: I just noticed I butchered Paul McCartney's name a few times. Sorry about that! LOL!
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Comment #30 posted by GreenJoy on April 29, 2005 at 19:01:34 PT

So Glad!
 Thankyou FoM for your website! Thankyou everyone for your support and comraderie. You have no idea how much it means to me to read your thoughts and to have some connection to those who can understand. I'm relieved to know that you like my screen name. I tried to pick something that would be good to see day after day after day after day after day etc. With all my heart.  GJ 
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Comment #29 posted by global_warming on April 29, 2005 at 18:17:56 PT

Time For Music
"The betting is that the court will side with the administration. Pot became a federal crime three decades ago, when Congress declared that marijuana has no accepted medical use and put it in the same class as heroin — illustrating how far the law can stray from common sense."This is a most political time, in America, and America leads this world. Truth, Justice and the American Way, is not just a saying, it is the bedrock, the foundation, that so many people, so many old cultures, cling to, secretly and privately, there are so many human beings, so many people, that pray both night and day, for a world, where good human beings, can "LIVE",.If you are a Christian, how can any further death, be allowed?If you believe in some other name, or GOD, do you not understand the hand of "MERCY"?Those that argue for some eternal godless world, walk into the infinite night, alone, and with no one to protect their wretched souls.Let the games play, and with each random spin, the numbers will decide.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 18:02:18 PT

Thanks goneposthole 
I'm glad you understand what I meant. So many artists don't care about others but Neil Young and Paul McCartney do care. If a person is blessed with talent and they make tons of money and only spend it on themselves I think that would be wrong. I've always believed this.For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.
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Comment #27 posted by goneposthole on April 29, 2005 at 17:37:07 PT

I'll take it back
Looks like Paul is playing a left-handed Martin D28 and that's good.It makes a difference. He must be alive, anyway.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 16:26:06 PT

goneposthole
I don't think Paul MCCartney is a sell out and I'll tell you why. Artists like him have made many people happy over the years. If people will pay $1710 for tickets that's ok with me. Paul MCCartney did a benefit for the Bridge School that Neil Young supports last year. Then Neil Young did a benefit concert for Paul McCartney concerning land mines. If they didn't use their celebrity status to do good things then I would agree with you on this one. Do you see what I mean?http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/nypm.jpg
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Comment #25 posted by goneposthole on April 29, 2005 at 16:10:39 PT

can you say hidden tax?
At 1710 dollars for a ticket to see and hear Paul McCartney sing, you have to have a screw loose. But... the tickets were sold out in Des Moines, Iowa for the October 27, 2005.Does he have to report that income to the British Crown??? How much of that income is paid in taxes to the Queen Mum?In which case, you are paying jolly old England to listen to Paul sing in America.That's taxation without representation, if it is so.He's a fake anyway, Paul is dead. That is what it said when you played the album backwards and I believe it now.Paul is dead and obviously a sell out.
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Comment #24 posted by AlvinCool on April 29, 2005 at 15:41:19 PT

Supreme Court
For those wishing some information on the brief here it is. I believe this is the oral orguement and rebuttle.
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/03-1454.pdf
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 15:33:58 PT

dongenero
Thank you! I'll go check it out!
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Comment #22 posted by dongenero on April 29, 2005 at 15:26:18 PT

Yes FoM
It's "Back in the U.S."That was from the tour we saw in '02 or '03. It's a good cd and I'm pretty sure he is using the same group of guys in his band for the current tour. They did a grat job on all the songs despite the different sounds and styles of the different eras.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 15:01:06 PT

dongenero
Do you know if Paul MCartney released a DVD of the tour you went to? I'd buy it if he did. Thanks.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 14:55:22 PT

dongenero
I'm glad you got to see him live. I really appreciate Paul MCCartney and The Beatles. The Moody Blues are touring and we might go and see them. If Neil was touring we would go and wouldn't think twice. Neil's sister said that Neil is recording a new album in Nashville with two really good musicians that I know of. I'm not comfortable in big crowds so I really have to be into what I'm wanting to do to hassle with a crowd of people. I guess I'm just too much of a country living type person! LOL!
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Comment #19 posted by dongenero on April 29, 2005 at 14:47:56 PT

Paulie
My wife and I went to see Paul when he toured last. It was..ummm...two years ago I guess. It was a great show!Even in a arena venue he made the show very intimate. The band he has is awesome. The really cool part is that he does some songs from later in the Beatles career, that they never played live. So on that tour he was playing songs for instance, from Sgt. Pepper, that had never been performed live by any of the Beatles. I love the early stuff from his solo career too, McCartney and Ram.If you can manage it, I don't think you would be disappointed if you are a fan. His voice is still fantastic at what?....60 some years old!
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 14:12:05 PT

Off Topic: Sir Paul McCartney
My husband and I were talking about trying to get tickets to see Paul MCartney when he tours this year. I thought you all might like to check out the prices starting at the high of $1710! Needless to say I'll wait until it is made on to a DVD and buy it like we did Simon and Garfunkels Old Friends tour. For a culture that has been put down, kicked around and called dirty hippies more then once look what Paul McCartney has achieved. He is even a Sir! http://www.ticketsnow.com/tickets.cfm/p=265394
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Comment #17 posted by mayan on April 29, 2005 at 13:19:55 PT

About Time, LA Times
This pending decision is drawing a lot of favorable publicity to our cause from unlikely sources! The vast majority of people already back Raich and state's rights and the more they learn about the heavy-handed thugs at the DEA harassing the sick and dying the more likely they are to get active. If I was employed by the DEA I would start looking for new work as their funding will shrink and the public's opinion of them isn't very favorable anyway. If we lose this one it will be the last hurrah for the drug warriors but it will just be another bump in the road for us. The DEA is a dying agency. THE WAY OUT...BBC's 'Doctor Who' Show Parodies 9/11 Inside Job:
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/april2005/290405doctorwho.htm Osama bin Laden: A dead nemesis perpetuated by the US government:
http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/osama_deadSpeaker Says Bush Knew Of 9/11 Plans - The Theologian And Author Believes The President Endorsed The Attacks To Build Up Support For His Military Plans:
http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=wsj:2005:04:19:412716:LOCAL/WISCONSINSaturday, April 30 at 10:30 am (ET) on C-SPAN2 - The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions and Distortions - David Ray Griffin: http://www.booktv.org/General/index.asp?segID=5677&schedID=343Theologian Calls for Response to 9/11 - C-SPAN2 4/30/05: http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewtopic.php?t=33855
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Comment #16 posted by potpal on April 29, 2005 at 11:19:08 PT

A pause in the disaster...
...ot...Take a moment for a hardy har har...
Go here: http://www.comedycentral.com
Click on Daily Show (mid-right)
Watch the 'energy plan'Have a good weekend!Give pot a chance.
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Comment #15 posted by runruff on April 29, 2005 at 10:10:55 PT:

Greenjoy.
"LET MY PEOPLE GROW'! It's a video.
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Comment #14 posted by E_Johnson on April 29, 2005 at 10:03:03 PT

They finally got it!! HOORAY
It took them long enough, but it appears the LA Times finally understands what is really at stake in this war.
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Comment #13 posted by runruff on April 29, 2005 at 10:02:25 PT:

Jack booted thugs.
Paid for by our tax dollars.I remember when I was a little kid amd did something wrong my Mom made go out and poick a switch to wup me with. It had to be up to her satisfacion or she would go out and get one much worse than the one I picked. My Mothed , however did love me. I'm sure the feds do not.While being transported from my little town to the fed courthouse in Medford, Or. Agent Randy Snow radioed into the office to pick-up lunc orders on the way in. 
Their favoret lunch place, a fast food mexican drice through. He got several request for giant sized Mountian Dew. I said what is the big attraction with Mountian Dew? [I don't drink soft drinks or eat fast foods] He said Mountian Dew is highest in caffine. DEA agents like to get all jacked up. An aquaintance One my wifews yoga students, is best frinds with manager of the Medford DEA office. We've gone out with him to dinner and verious yoga functions. He talks alot and says officers in the DEA are int every thing. Most have some illegal enterprise on the side. It's not a moral thing with them, nesseceraly, but the are elitest and think they are better than the general public whom they sometimes refer to as the "great unwashed".  
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 09:56:36 PT

GreenJoy
I really like your name too! 
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Comment #11 posted by GreenJoy on April 29, 2005 at 09:53:20 PT

Thankyou Agog!
 Written from experience. Calm in my resolve to overcome. I will turn trauma to triumph, violation to victory. "We shall fight on the seas, we shall fight in the air...we shall never surrender." "Tis a far far better thing I do today...." "I have only begun to fight." "Damn the torpedos." "Ramming speed." "Let My People GO!"
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 09:34:40 PT

Just a Note
Here is a link to the medical marijuana archives. I know WAMM uses this link on their web site to see what is new. I wasn't sure if everyone was aware of this and I thought I should mention it.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 09:13:29 PT

Thanks BGreen
I check this particular link everyday during the week and I don't have any insider info and he could be right and I wouldn't know it. Generally within a half an hour of a decision it winds up on this link. http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/04slipopinion.html
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Comment #8 posted by goneposthole on April 29, 2005 at 09:10:34 PT

It is 'low intensity conflict'
with the officials of San Francisco. They are 'insurgents'. Terrorists! Anything that the State opposes and you in any way support makes you an insurgent. No matter where you are."This is not a free country." -- words spoken by my 80 year old motherBut hey, you have a nice dayhttp://xiaodongpeople.blogspot.com/2005_04_24_xiaodongpeople_archive.html
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Comment #7 posted by BGreen on April 29, 2005 at 09:06:47 PT

This is from the link freedom23 posted
Drug WarRant
by Pete GuitherRaich SpeculationAgain today, the Supreme Court Justices released their opinions and Raich v. Ashcroft wasn't there.Now there's nothing that requires them to release their opinion on a certain date or in a certain order, but they will need to finish up by June (and there's only 2 more days coming up in which they'll release opinions: May 2 and 16). And there are only a few cases left from the December session (Raich was argued November 29, which was considered the first day of the December session).I don't know where Pete got his information from but I know he knows more than I do about this.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 09:00:08 PT

Thanks BGreen
That's what I told him in a response to his question. That's what I thought too!
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Comment #5 posted by BGreen on April 29, 2005 at 08:56:56 PT

This is from a current SCOTUS article by AP
Between now and the end of the term in late June, justices will appear on the bench about once a week to release opinions. They also will decide behind closed doors which cases they will hear in the next term. That sounds like more than two chances.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #4 posted by Agog on April 29, 2005 at 08:49:02 PT

GreenJoy....Excellent Description
Great screen name by the way, Your description is indeed excellent and altogether too accurate. I sincerely hope that it isn't so because of past personal experience.The adrenaline rush is very real and they work hard to "dehumanize" those upon whom they prey. It allows them rationalization that they are "righteous" and it is all part of "doing my job" mentality. Also obviously politically motivated to chill any interested individual who would be so brazen as to challenge the status quo and demand that our elected representatives actually "represent" and uphold their oath of office (ie: allegiance to protect/defend constitution) rather than the demagogue of the day.All the Best
R/
Agog
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on April 29, 2005 at 08:46:42 PT

freedom23
I have a friend from Canada that I talk to in e-mail but he doesn't post on CNews but reads the site regularly. He asked me to ask why there are only two dates left. 
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Comment #2 posted by GreenJoy on April 29, 2005 at 08:29:57 PT

Hooked on the rush
 Of course. Every time ten of them throw on the storm trooper gear and come crashing in on an injured/sick person with a few plants in the basement they get to slam said vicious criminal down on their face and go threw the premises overturning and breaking things, smash the bong on an expensive carpet, empty family photo albums onto the floor, dump all the spices into the sink, destroy the garage door in search of the tons they are so sure they will find that they can't be bothered to just raise the door...it could be booby trapped afterall. Once the threat to society has been hauled off to jail there is always a wonderful opportunity to pilfer items of intrigue, interest, and antique value. Having caught a hefty adrenalin rush bringing this major operation down they share a chummy round of high 5's and bristle with the pride in knowing they get another notch...another badge for the body armor. 
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Comment #1 posted by freedom23 on April 29, 2005 at 07:53:07 PT

OT: SCOTUS opinion dates
FYI: For those following Ashcroft v. Raich there are only two dates left, May 2nd and May 16th, for the Supremes to release their opinion. The fact that it has been delayed IMO bodes well for Raich. Check out:Raich Speculation:
http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/2005/04/27.html#a896Surreal Reading:
http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/2005/04/27.html#a896
"Bullshit: Penn & Teller" vs the War on Drugs
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