cannabisnews.com: U.S. House Again Defeats Medical Marijuana Use
U.S. House Again Defeats Medical Marijuana Use
Posted by CN Staff on June 15, 2005 at 13:31:38 PT
By Reuters
Source: Reuters
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday refused to allow cancer patients and other severely ill people to smoke marijuana to ease pain, as opponents argued the measure was a back-door attempt to legalize the substance.By a vote of 264-161, the House rejected a measure that would have stopped federal law enforcement authorities from prosecuting medical marijuana users in 10 states that allow it when prescribed by doctors.
This marked the third time since 2003 that the House has defeated the initiative. This year, supporters picked up 13 votes.Proponents of the controversial legislation hope to build Republican support and could try for another House vote next year. Only 15 Republicans out of 231, supported the measure."While we're disappointed that the amendment did not pass, a record 161 House members voted today to stop arresting medical marijuana patients," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington.The House debate came about one week after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government -- not the states -- had the power to regulate drug use.Rep. Mark Souder, an Indiana Republican who worked to defeat the marijuana initiative, accused supporters of "hiding behind a few sick people to try to in effect legalize ... marijuana in this country.""The rhetoric about marijuana as a treatment for medical purposes was probably dreamed up at some college dorm," he said.Rep. Maurice Hinchey, a New York Democrat, countered that the measure would not encourage the recreational use of marijuana or legalize it nationwide. "It would give relief to people suffering from horrific diseases and allow their doctors to decide which drugs will work best," Hinchey said.Supporters were trying to attach the measure to a $57.5 billion bill to fund several federal agencies next year, including the Department of Justice.Smoking marijuana can ease nausea caused by cancer treatments and can stimulate appetite in patients too sick to eat. Religious groups and some medical organizations have supported its use for patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, glaucoma and other severe illnesses.Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a conservative California Republican, called on the House to respect state laws, including California's, which allow medical marijuana."Let's not have a power grab by the federal government at the expense of these poor patients and the right of doctors to make these decisions and not politicians," Rohrabacher said.Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have similar laws allowing the use of medical marijuana.On Tuesday, the Bush administration urged the House to defeat the marijuana measure, saying Congress should not "circumvent the recent Supreme Court decision." It added that "states should not have the authority to independently designate a substance that has not been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an approved medicine."Souder said smoking marijuana is unnecessary now that a federally-approved prescription drug, Marinol, is available to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.But Angel Raich, a Californian with an inoperable brain tumor and other medical problems who brought the marijuana case to the Supreme Court, on Monday said she has severe reactions to prescription drugs. "I need cannabis every two hours to survive," she said.Rep. Lynn Woolsey, a California Democrat who supported the amendment, told House colleagues that her now deceased mother used marijuana to treat glaucoma. Source: Reuters (Wire)Published: June 15, 2005Copyright: 2005 Reuters LimitedRelated Articles & Web Site:Marijuana Policy Projecthttp://www.mpp.org/House: Medical Marijuana a Federal Casehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20862.shtmlMeasure Aims To Prevent Marijuana Prosecutionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20858.shtmlMarijuana Backers Seek Support in Congresshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20854.shtml
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Comment #53 posted by jose melendez on June 17, 2005 at 16:56:02 PT
Haiku: Bless us every one . . .
Thank you so much, HopeSincere and civil discoursebrings hope with much cheer!-jm
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Comment #52 posted by Nick Thimmesch on June 16, 2005 at 16:42:10 PT:
Oh Hope...
...e-mail me whatever question(s) you may have & I'd be happy to provide whatever information I can: okie dokie?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #51 posted by global_warming on June 16, 2005 at 15:47:56 PT
next line
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Comment #50 posted by global_warming on June 16, 2005 at 15:46:54 PT
attempt #1
Hello Indiana,Hope you are all doing well.I was wondering, why your representative, the Honorable Mark Souder, had much to say yesterday, regarding the Hinchey Amendment hearings and was the most loudly spoken against the passing of this amendment.I cannot believe that you folks in Indiana have no compassion, I cannot believe that the people of Indiana, want to take sick and dieing people and throw them in prison.The Honorable Mr. Souder, used his time, to explain how bad medicine, was fooling the sick people in this country, and he showed us how some danged carbolic smoke was a fake cure all, and how many sick people bought into this fake medicine.Yet, Mr. Souder, ignored, important facts in his presentation. In those days, people had no protections, and were easily fooled, by snake oil merchants.In those days, innocent people who were easily fooled, in their most vulnerable conditions, had no protections, and this, USA, formed an agency, that would seek to protect the innocent victims of these greedy and unscrupulous individuals and organizations, whose only purpose, was to make money, on the backs of the sick and dieing.Today, we still have sick people who are looking for a cure to their afflictions, the difference, that Mr. Souder did not say a word about is, that these same sick people are now sought out, hunted down, and their short time in this world, is being made so much more difficult, by the likes of the Honorable Mr. Souder.Indiana, where is your compassion?gw
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Comment #49 posted by global_warming on June 16, 2005 at 15:18:23 PT
re:registration
Although we do not have any obligation to monitor this board, we reserve the right at all times to check this board and to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us in our sole discretion and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We also reserve the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions. All threats to systems or site infrastructure shall be assumed genuine in nature and will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.I reckon, they have covered all the bases that free speech might require, good luck Fort Wayne, and welcome to the land of the free and the brave..gw
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Comment #48 posted by global_warming on June 16, 2005 at 15:12:04 PT
Origin of the Nickname Hoosier
Origin of the Nickname Hoosier Indiana may have been referred to as the "Hoosier State" as early as the 1830s. There are many explanations as to why we are called Hoosiers. Some of the explanations are funny, illogical and believable. Here are some of the most common explanations. The Who's Here Story-on the early Indiana frontier, log homes were few and far between in the Indiana interior. There were no real close neighbors, so when someone knocked on a cabin door or was heard coming through the woods, a person would yell out "Who's here" or "Who's yere." This evolved into the word "Hoosier." The Who's Ear Story-this story was popularized by the Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. In frontier Indiana there were many small taverns and saloons scattered throughout the state. Continually fights broke out in these bars with punching, biting, scratching and gouging occurring. The next morning the bartender was likely to find an ear on the floor of the saloon, nudge it with his foot and call out "Who's Ear?" This evolved into the word "Hoosier." The Hoosier River Men Story-Along the waterways of the state there were bullying and rambunctious Indiana rivermen, always ready for a brawl, who were reputed to be quite successful in winning all of their fights, "hushing" their opponents. They became known as "Hushers" and eventually "Hoosiers." Mr. Hoosier Story-it is said that a contactor named Hoosier liked to hire Indiana men to work on the Louisville and Portland Canal. These men became known as "Hoosier's men" and later, "Hoosiers."
Origin of the Nickname Hoosier
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Comment #47 posted by global_warming on June 16, 2005 at 14:55:58 PT
re:41
One step at a time, helloe Fort Wayne, is any body still alive in Indiana?Taken from http://forums.fortwayne.com/kr-fwaynegennew/startWho will launch the first salvo, that will mark the end of mark?7:24 am Found: Earth's Distant Cousin 1 new Gvant
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http://forums.fortwayne.com/kr-fwaynegennew/start
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Comment #46 posted by Hope on June 16, 2005 at 13:29:48 PT
Nick
Thanks. That doesn't answer my question completely, but I appreciate the effort.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #45 posted by Nick Thimmesch on June 16, 2005 at 12:49:33 PT:
Paul's district...
...has always been very independent and Paul has had a bit of a fight on occassion holding on, but basically he is viewed as a Perot like independent maverick (who used his Libertarian Party connections to get started), which suits the people there just fine:"Following his presidential campaign, Paul reentered politics after 14th District Congressman Greg Laughlin switched parties and became a Republican in June 1995. Laughlin had a moderate voting record, by no means the most conservative of Texas Democrats. Republicans offered him a seat on Ways and Means if he switched, and he did. Paul decided to run again in 1996, raising money from his nationwide network of Libertarians, gold bugs and subscribers to the Ron Paul Political Report. After Laughlin led the primary with 43%, Paul won the runoff 54%-46%. This set up an excruciating situation for Republican leaders. They did not want to lose the seat to Democrat Charles "Lefty" Morris, who ran as a "conservative Democrat," but omitted from his resume the fact that he had been president of the state trial lawyers' association. Nor did they want to be associated with Paul's wackier-seeming views. Morris ("Lefty is right") hit Paul for favoring abolition of the minimum wage, repealing federal anti-drug laws and anti-prostitution laws. Researchers reported that Paul's newsletter in 1992 said that 95% of black men in Washington, D.C. are "semi-criminal or entirely criminal" and that black teenagers are "unbelievably fleet of foot." Paul ran 1% ahead of Bob Dole and won 51%-48%.With his libertarian views, Paul's voting record is anything but rock-solid Republican; National Journal ratings place him near the middle of the House. Frequently, his insistence on limited government made Paul the House's lonely dissenter--against bills to require states to report on their progress in improving student achievement, to award Rosa Parks and Pope John Paul II with Congressional Gold Medals, to pass the Patriot Act for increased law-enforcement authority after September 11. He was the only Republican to vote "present" on the resolution expressing support for the military forces at the start of the war with Iraq. He filed a lawsuit challenging the McCain-Feingold campaign finance act as a violation of the First Amendment. He supports virtually no role for the U.S. government overseas--from military defense to international trade; he calls himself a "non-interventionist," not an isolationist. His iconoclasm has reached the point that he is probably the least dependable and persuadable Republican in the House--all the more frustrating for Tom DeLay in his role as majority whip and now majority leader. Interestingly, many liberals have begun to praise him.Paul has appeared on House Democrats' target lists, but easily survived in 1998 and 2000 against Loy Sneary, a local rice farmer. Redistricting made many changes at the edges of the district, but none that caused him any problem in 2002, when he was reelected with 68% of the vote. Democrats do not really have a chance in this district; more regular Republicans may have their eyes on it, but have not yet made a serious challenge in the primary: it may not be wise to underestimate someone who, however offbeat, has managed to be elected to the House eight times, at least once in each of the past four decades. "Paul could be defeated, but not by a Souder, traditional conservative clone. Or in Souders case: clown.BTW: Ron Paul is one of the most intelligent, sensitive prolifers in Congress: yet another reason to like & support him.
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Comment #44 posted by Hope on June 16, 2005 at 12:40:57 PT
Afterburner comment 40
I just couldn't bring myself to say "my" representative. He obviously doesn't represent me...but something else entirely.
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Comment #43 posted by Hope on June 16, 2005 at 12:39:02 PT
Nick
You said, "Any hint of pro drug policy reform support would be the kiss of death to a candidate from EITHER party, but especially to a GOP candidate."I tend to believe you could be right, but why, exactly, is that true?It hasn't been the "kiss of death" for Ron Paul and some other brave politicians.
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Comment #42 posted by Hope on June 16, 2005 at 12:35:01 PT
Thank you, Afterburner
The one I finally sent, posted below, was about my fifth attempt to write one while still maintaining a bit of civility, which I was very hard pressed to commandeer after witnessing yesterday's events in the House of Representatives.
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Comment #41 posted by Nick Thimmesch on June 16, 2005 at 12:23:40 PT
The key to Souder's election defeat....
I'd be willing to bet we can gain the additional 50 or so votes we need in the house by targeting Souder in his district and defeating him for re-election in 2006! ...would be in a contested GOP primary:"Souder has been comfortably re-elected since 1994 against poorly funded opponents. In 2002, former Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke, who lost 64%-35% to Senator Evan Bayh in 1998, challenged him in the primary. With support from the League of Conservation Voters, Helmke ran as a moderate and criticized Souder's use of congressional perks. Souder said that Helmke, who attended Yale Law School with Bill Clinton, had been a liberal mayor and called him "a Clinton clone." In a sign of concern from Souder's camp, President Bush issued an endorsement. But Souder carried all eight counties, winning 59%-39% in Fort Wayne's Allen County and 60%-37% overall. He won the general election easily, in the course of which he said that he may not keep his pledge to limit himself to 12 years in the House."Best bet: U.S. Terms Limits supporting a term-limit proponent and American for Tax Reform supporting a hard core antitax & spend candidate, spliting the primary vote enough for a run off and then pour everything into whomever survives to beat Sounder. Souder (nor any other Republican) will never lose in a general to a Democrat:"The 3d Congressional District consists of most of eight counties in northeast Indiana. It is essentially the old 4th District, renumbered, with a few counties added and a few subtracted. Politically, this did not make much difference; all are heavily Republican. Indeed, this part of northern Indiana has been heavily Republican since the Civil War, though since the New Deal it has sometimes veered Democratic in times of economic distress. The seat has had a series of members who have gone on to other positions: Dan Quayle, who was elected here in 1976 and 1978 and went on to be elected senator and vice president; Dan Coats, a Quayle aide who was elected here in 1980 and to the Senate in 1990 and 1992 and is now Ambassador to Germany; and Democrat Jill Long, elected in 1989, 1990 and 1992, who as Jill Long Thompson was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate in the next-door 2d District in 2002."Any hint of pro drug policy reform support would be the kiss of death to a candidate from EITHER party, but especially to a GOP candidate.
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Comment #40 posted by afterburner on June 16, 2005 at 12:05:50 PT
Well-Written, Hope
I'm disappointed and flabbergasted that *my* Representative still voted against the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment despite my frequent attempts to enlighten him regarding our issue. I was speechless yesterday, not knowing what else to say. Thank you for posting *your* response: it gives me Hope.
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Comment #39 posted by Hope on June 16, 2005 at 08:25:45 PT
Message sent to failed rep from area...
I was saddened to see that you ignored my request to vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment. Your vote against the compassionate amendment proved that you are a representative of the powerful pharmaceutical and prison industries that have spread their deadly tentacles throughout the governing body of the United States. Disappointment with your lack of humanity and morality indicates that I, myself, would be morally amiss if I did not make every effort that I can to withdraw any support for you and officials like yourself.Of course, I’m fully aware that you still benefit from the taxes withdrawn from my wages, but I must tell you that I deeply resent that loss and misuse. I will do all that I can to see that your sippy straws into my wages and the wages of those you persecute for the sake of certain industries are removed from your grasp. I resent that you take from the hard earned income of my labor and enrich the already hideous wealth and insidious power of the pharmaceutical and prison industries that continue to expand their ill gotten and bloated wealth to the detriment of average Americans.Perhaps, if the lobbying and campaign support power of the afore mentioned industries were curtailed, they, and those politicians they buy, could get back to the legitimate business of truly making the United States a better place to live, afford to be well, and flourish for a wider swathe of Americans.
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Comment #38 posted by kaptinemo on June 16, 2005 at 03:39:31 PT:
My Rep did support it, so I thanked him
My comment on his Website to him. (Your Reps should have one by now. Since mine was in support, I made it plain in the subject that it was a pat on the back.)"Kudos for your support of compassion.I'd just like to say "Thank you" for having the courage to vote for the Hinchey/Rohrabacher amendment to allow the sick and dying some measure of peace in their last days. It took great courage to stand up to the propaganda and lies that feed a prison/industrial complex that is subsisting off of our tax dollars while protecting it's own interests at the expense of the public. That industry showed its' teeth and claws on the floor of the House yesterday, with its' proponents continually ignoring nearly every editorial and reputable poll in the past week showing massive public support for the idea of 'medical marijuana'. It would seem that some Representatives have forgotten exactly who they represent. I'm am proud to say that the _th District is most ably served by one Representative who hasn't. It's because of people like you that I still have faith and hope in this country's political system. Many, many thanks!" Signed,
(Me)Don't pass up an opportunity to let your Reps who voted for compassion know that that's just what they did...and that those who didn't vote for compassion don't deserve any come election time...
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Comment #37 posted by OverwhelmSam on June 16, 2005 at 03:36:14 PT
SOUDER!
I'd be willing to bet we can gain the additional 50 or so votes we need in the house by targeting Souder in his district and defeating him for re-election in 2006! The message to Congress would be oh so clear - mess with us and get Fired!We can start now by letters to the editors in his district to educated his constituients. This guy is so dirty, it amazes me that people still vote for him. C'mon MPP and DPA, put your donations where they will really count and let's ditch this representative in 2006. Everyone knows he's one of the main players who is forcing the sick and dying to suffer even more.Overwhelm Uncle Sam
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Comment #36 posted by b4daylight on June 15, 2005 at 21:51:18 PT
6152005
Comment #13 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:40:40 PT
Nice cartoon..So After almost a decade we are right back where we started.
and this is why...On Tuesday, the Bush administration urged the House to defeat the marijuana measure, saying Congress should not "circumvent the recent Supreme Court decision." It added that "states should not have the authority to independently designate a substance that has not been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an approved medicine."They fail to mention they block all clinical research, concluding it is bad for you with out any research.
Second they say they should not circumvent, but didn't the Court tell congress it could change the laws. So 80 percent of the people in America are doing this (the ones who want medical Cannabis)?Rep. Mark Souder, an Indiana Republican who worked to defeat the marijuana initiative, accused supporters of "hiding behind a few sick people to try to in effect legalize ... marijuana in this country."Seems to me he just voted him out of office with that sneer....I just do not get it I was reading about alcohol today and really wonder....
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on June 15, 2005 at 21:19:25 PT
Afterburner's post 34
{On Tuesday, the Bush administration urged the House to defeat the marijuana measure, saying Congress should not "circumvent the recent Supreme Court decision." It added that "states should not have the authority to independently designate a substance that has not been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an approved medicine."}Since the Feds are fighting "medical" tooth and toenail, would it be possible for a state to outright legalize cannabis? Of course, I know they couldn't stop the Federales from coming in and making arrests...but they wouldn't have to help them. Actually, I guess it is possible. Possession of up to four ounces, in the home, by adults is legal in Alaska. Is it not?California, and the other medical states, could, like Alaska, if it would, legalize cannabis possession by adults.The sky didn't fall in Alaska...even though the Governor is trying to pull it down.
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Comment #34 posted by afterburner on June 15, 2005 at 20:29:27 PT
Circular Illogic
{Just a week after the Supreme Court said only Congress can make medical marijuana legal, the House voted not to, reports CBS News Correspondent Bob Fuss.}{On Tuesday, the Bush administration urged the House to defeat the marijuana measure, saying Congress should not "circumvent the recent Supreme Court decision." It added that "states should not have the authority to independently designate a substance that has not been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an approved medicine."}The Judicial says only the Legislature can legalize medical cannabis, but the Executive says that if the Legislature votes for legal medical cannabis, they are undermining the Judicial! Arghhhhh!!!!
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Comment #33 posted by knowhemp on June 15, 2005 at 19:46:00 PT
compassion
lets not ever lose sight of why our 'government' is doing all they can to keep this illegal. Yes, maybe 99% of most marijuana arrests are not on a federal level, but the catch is that the feds only really need to shut down the caregivers. If this had passed, it would have been a giant crack in the dam of prohibition. Before long, many more states and people would be looking at cannabis as a legal drug instead of a crude escape. Once the herb is accepted as medicine, it would be followed by legal hemp. There is no other choice for the greedy: stop medical marijuana or allow the sane to usher in a new era in which the timber, pharms, petro and cotton industries collapse, and people begin to think for themselves. What happens when your money goes to the local hemp farm instead of the clear-cutting rapists? Or when your health is not a business? Well, I for one believe even the super rich would be better off, considering their children may be able to relate to the rest of the world in this grounded future.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #32 posted by siege on June 15, 2005 at 18:22:46 PT
tennessee Voted NO
[Find your Representative here] Voted Against Us
[Send a 'HARD' Message if your Rep.
is on the list below
THEY are all here with a No vote.Representative here don't work for the people at all...Top Contributors
where is the Billy Goat MD W Frist
William frist Top Contributors
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003147&cycle=2002Jenkins (TN-01)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003202&cycle=2004Duncan (TN-02)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003209&cycle=2004Wamp (TN-03)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003159&cycle=2004Davis, L. (TN-04)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003264&cycle=2004Cooper (TN-05)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003132&cycle=2004Gordon (TN-06)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003126&cycle=2004Blackburn (TN-07)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003105&cycle=2004Tanner (TN-08)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003254&cycle=2004Ford (TN-09)
http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003218&cycle=2004
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #31 posted by charmed quark on June 15, 2005 at 18:01:43 PT
My rep voted for the measure!
I think he voted against it last time. This makes me feel good, at least.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #30 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on June 15, 2005 at 17:58:39 PT
Hope
The laughing I heard sounded just like someone who would be totally stoned on LSD, an uncontrollable laugh. This was all during the voting process. I know these polititions try anything they can to influence votes.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #29 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 17:09:28 PT
Shishaldin
I'm glad you posted. I haven't received the DVD yet and it's sure ok but if it is lost in the mail I thought I should mention it and we could run a tracer I think.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #28 posted by Shishaldin on June 15, 2005 at 17:04:22 PT
Souder's a punk....
...bought and paid for. Note the contributions by the beer and pharmaceutical lobbies, no surprise...From http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.asp?CID=N00003844&cycle=2004
MARK E. SOUDER (R-IN)
Top Contributors 2003-20041 FedEx Corp $7,500
1 National Beer Wholesalers Assn $7,500
3 Kruse International $6,000
4 United Parcel Service $5,500
5 Indiana Farm Bureau $5,400
6 American Postal Workers Union $5,000
6 National Assn of Realtors $5,000
6 Siebel Systems $5,000
6 Wal-Mart Stores $5,000
10 Bills Bistro $4,000
10 Eli Lilly & Co $4,000
10 McArdle Realty & Consulting $4,000
10 SBC Communications $4,000
14 Credit Union National Assn $3,500
15 Van Scoyoc Assoc $3,250
16 ZK Tazian Assoc $3,075
17 American Medical Assn $2,500
17 Anheuser-Busch $2,500
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #27 posted by Hope on June 15, 2005 at 16:27:13 PT
PainWithNoInsurance
I think I noticed the cackling laughing. It irritated me, too. It's not uncommon though to hear people carrying on in the background during these votes. They probably weren't paying any attention to the vote at all and likely were laughing about something completely unrelated to it. Then again...maybe they were laughing at the prospect of their hideous victory over sanity and compassion.Someday, somewhere, somehow there will be a group of people with the power to end prohibition and they will do it.Meanwhile, we just have to keep doing all we can...because it's the right thing to do.More people everyday are realizing the truly hideously destructive element that this prohibition is to a free society and humanity in general.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #26 posted by Hope on June 15, 2005 at 16:18:53 PT
161 members
I'm very, very thankful for them. I'm very grateful to know there are that many decent, compassionate people in Congress. Very grateful.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #25 posted by ekim on June 15, 2005 at 16:01:18 PT
only 15 gopers had the guts to allow states rights
good cop bad cop-- dems vote against in Supreme Court then act like they are for the people and vote for it in congress.C-span had callers while the vote was going on. Every --i mean Every call was for this bill.
Voted With Us
[Send a Thank you Message if your Rep.
is on the list below]Abercrombie (HI-01)
Ackerman (NY-05)
Allen, T. (ME-01)
Andrews (NJ-01)
Baca (CA-43)
Baird (WA-03)
Baldwin (WI-02)
Bartlett (MD-06)
Beauprez (CO-07)
Becerra (CA-31)
Berkley (NV-01)
Berman (CA-28)
Bishop, S. (GA-02)
Bishop, T. (NY-01)
Blumenauer (OR-03)
Boucher (VA-09)
Brady, R. (PA-01)
Brown, C. (FL-03)
Brown, S. (OH-13)
Butterfield (NC-01)
Capps (CA-23)
Capuano (MA-08)
Cardin (MD-03)
Carnahan (MO-03)
Carson, J. (IN-07)
Case (HI-02)
Clay (MO-01)
Cleaver (MO-05)
Costa (CA-20)
Crowley (NY-07)
Davis, D. (IL-07)
Davis, Jim (FL-11)
Davis, S. (CA-53)
DeFazio (OR-04)
DeGette (CO-01)
Delahunt (MA-10)
DeLauro (CT-03)
Doggett (TX-25)
Doyle (PA-14)
Emanuel (IL-05)
Engel (NY-17)
Eshoo (CA-14)
Evans (IL-17)
Farr (CA-17)
Fattah (PA-02)
Filner (CA-51)
Flake (AZ-06)
Frank, B. (MA-04)
Gilchrest (MD-01)
Gonzalez (TX-20)
Green, A. (TX-09)
Grijalva (AZ-07)
Gutierrez (IL-04)
Harman (CA-36)
Hastings, A. (FL-23)
Higgins (NY-27)
Hinchey (NY-22)
Holt (NJ-12)
Honda (CA-15)
Hooley (OR-05)
Hoyer (MD-05)
Inslee (WA-01)
Israel (NY-02)
Jackson, J. (IL-02)
Jackson-Lee, S. (TX-18)
Jefferson (LA-02)
Johnson, E.B. (TX-30)
Johnson, N. (CT-05)
Johnson, Timothy (IL-15)
Jones, S. (OH-11)
Kanjorski (PA-11)
Kaptur (OH-09)
Kennedy, P. (RI-01)
Kildee (MI-05)
Kilpatrick (MI-13)
Kind (WI-03)
Kucinich (OH-10)
Lantos (CA-12)
Larson, J. (CT-01)
Lee (CA-09)
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http://www.leap.cc/events
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #24 posted by global_warming on June 15, 2005 at 15:48:09 PT
The Surprise Here
They are still voting.This world, our world, still has the capacity and has not forsaken, the liberties that this new world has brought.The ability to have compassion, is a heaven sent understanding.Unlike the many years of training, our brightest minds get in our universities, the clarity of the understanding, of this compassion, comes in a flash, and instantly, you will be transported, to the highest vantage point, in this world.You can call this flash by many names, when it happens to you, you will see and understand.Our plea bargained existence, is teetering on the edge of this universe.The blind can never understand the sighted descriptions of color, and the blind, have not yet glimpsed the richness of compassion.There is Hope, and the many persecuted, have long and ugly memories. It is these persecuted, their prayers, their hopelessness, that will fill your ears, ringing, into this eternal.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #23 posted by goneposthole on June 15, 2005 at 15:34:54 PT
Cannabists lose
Prohibitionists win. Mark Souder is a happy camper. Calvina Fay is a happy camper. The pharmaceutical industry is doing high fives.It is a good day for the prohibitionists. You've got to be a good sport. Put your best foot forward and take it all in stride. You have to be a good loser, too.It's a fair fight. Jail for cannabis users, no relief for the sick and dying who choose to use cannabis as medicine, a windfall for the government to be able to continue arresting marijuana smokers and fine them. They're happy. Happy to be able to go out a kill some people who choose to disobey the the laws against cannabis, like Tom Croslin or Pete McWilliams. The million or so American citizens on the lam in Ontario can stay there. The Drug Free America Foundation can hold their head high for their 'victory', i.e. to be able to make more money duping people about the supposed dangers of cannabis.It's a good day for Prohibitionists and the bought and paid for US Congress. Bad day for America, it's dying a slow death of tyranny by ignorance.Is it 'victory' or vengeance? Prohibitionists think they've 'won', but I don't hear too many cheering for them.80 percent of the polled respondents are beginning to really wonder about those 'prohibitionists' and their wacky ways.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #22 posted by Dr Ganj on June 15, 2005 at 15:14:06 PT
No surprise here
I think it's time for everyone to get used to the fact that
Congress will never change the scheduling of marijuana from position I.Now we all knew the Supreme Court would vote against Angel Raich, right? That was a given.Trying to change the federal law is totally & completely futile. All that can be done is to make law enforcement and the judicial system spend a lot of money. As I've said before: Take your cases to trial! If we all did that, the courts would collapse in financial ruin. You might even run into a sympathetic jury and get acquitted.
Remember too, it only takes one juror to hang the jury causing a mistrial-which means more money spent by the system for a second trial.
Don't bother calling me a defeatest, as I am old and very little has changed in decades.
I don't think I will live long enough to ever see marijuana schedule II. All of you probably won't either.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #21 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 15:13:26 PT
Question
What in the world is a spank you message? You can't even spank kids in this day and age and spanking seems a little cutsy to me. I'm not feeling to fondly towards our leaders today.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #20 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 15:08:20 PT
JHarshaw
Purple flowers are pretty flowers but when I turn purple I look like the guy from SNL that got mad at Chris Matthews during the RNC! LOL!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #19 posted by Taylor121 on June 15, 2005 at 15:03:09 PT
Medical Marijuana Failure on the Fox News Ticker
It's running that Congress fails to undo the Supreme Court ruling, something to that effect. I didn't get to type it out. "House votes to block FBI's patriot act power to search library and book records"Well I supported that and I'm surprised it passed.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #18 posted by JHarshaw on June 15, 2005 at 15:02:23 PT
Flowers?
A "Purple FoM"......A lovely blossom I'm sure ;)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #17 posted by Sukoi on June 15, 2005 at 15:00:20 PT
PainWithNoInsurance
Pete Guither has some excellent coverage of the hearing and I didn't see any mention of laughing during the vote and I'm sure that he would have mentioned it if he heard it:http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:58:38 PT
Who Voted For or Against
Voted With Us: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=26815&ms=HincheyYesVotes-aa-ipVoted Against Us: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=26817&ms=HincheyNoVotes-aa-ip
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:56:43 PT
DPA: Congress Votes on Medical Marijuana
Wednesday, June 15, 2005Today, the U.S. House of Representatives made a stronger showing in support of patients than it did last year, as 161 members (145 Democrats, 15 Republicans and 1 Independent) voted for an amendment prohibiting the federal government from undermining state medical marijuana laws. The amendment ultimately was rejected with 264 votes against, but received 13 more votes than last year. This is no doubt due to all the hard work of our supporters who contacted their members of Congress and made medical marijuana a national issue. Thanks to your support we were also able to lobby hundreds of Congressional offices in support of the bill.Please take a minute to send a letter to your Representative thanking or spanking them depending on how they voted.Find your Representative here first
DL: http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/061505hincheyvotes.cfm
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:45:18 PT
MikeC
I don't think I'll need to tell you. You have good sense. I can tell. I get so angry sometimes I hold my breath and then turn purple. I feel I must be calm and patient and it's hard for me on days like today.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:40:40 PT
Pain Man by Mark Fiore
I hope they watch this animation and feel a little guilty.http://www.markfiore.com/animation/pain.html
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by MikeC on June 15, 2005 at 14:40:17 PT
Souder
I can't believe the people of Indiana voted for that jackass!FOM...please tell me if my language gets out of line..I'll never use any of the seven forbidden words.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by global_warming on June 15, 2005 at 14:37:37 PT
Still In The Dark Ages
Listening to some of these people reminds me that some of them are still caught up in some Stalinesque Mindset, something that was hatched out of the minds of the people from the early 1900s.That blowhole even had colorful charts to defend the continued locking up of people who use cannabis.Imagine carbolic smoke balls, but something that was overlooked in his not so eloquent gibberish, is the fact, that those people who bought into scams and carbolic smoke, were not persecuted by their government. It was the snake oil merchants who took advantage of these sick people, and the FDA came to the rescue of these sick people, this foul blowhole comes with an axe and handcuffs, he comes with jackbooted gungho thugs who will put you into prisons and totally destroy your life.Maybe the snake oil merchants separated you from your money, but these opponents in today's voting, would not only take your money, and your house, they will put you through the most horrible legal nightmare that any human being might have never dreampt, in this modern world, where the light of science and reason are held so dear.Where is the compassion?bah
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on June 15, 2005 at 14:37:33 PT
Low
I know they use all of the tricks in the trade to get the vote to go their way and to be laughing like a person totally waisted on LSD is not what anyone should be doing while voting on medication for sick and dying people. If some where in fact laughing during the vote, I hope many newpaper editorials mention the fact.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by kaptinemo on June 15, 2005 at 14:36:29 PT:
To paraphrase a famous move character
"We'll be bahck"Indeed we will. Again and again. And again. And once more, again.A fact we must make all those who voted against us aware. I've said this in another commentary, but I feel compelled to repeat it:Find out how your Rep voted. If for us, praise him or her and let them know you appreciate their bravery (Yes, bravery. Look how often we get slapped with the "legalizer", "druggie", "legalizers = murderers", etc. A pol is in even more sensitive environments.) Tell the ones who stood up how much you appreciate their courage and their compassion.Then...start calling the office s of those who showed that it's possible to be both a human and an invertebrate.Let *them* know that because of him or her, you and your family have switched party affiliations (if the same as his). And that you''l encourage others, based upon his obvious lack of dorsal integrity, to vote against the twerp next round.Don't make it an idle threat; do just that. Change your party affiliation. If registrars ask why, TELL THEM. "This guy voted to let Feds hunt down sick people on their last legs who's only crime was to try to relieve their suffering with something safe but still illegal: pot"The word will get back through the political grapevine real quick. "Hey! People are changing their party affiliations and they say it's because of (place your resident village idiot's name here_______________________)'s vote on that medical pot amendment." Stir the s***pot. Get people talking.They expect us to be lickspittles. That we'll accept this without protest and slink away with tails between our legs. Show them how wrong they are.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by Taylor121 on June 15, 2005 at 14:27:26 PT
I Really Want to See the Video of the Debate
I missed the debate and want to watch it for myself. Anyone know if this file is being archived anywhere so I can watch what happened earlier today on the net?Any help would be appreciated. I would not be surprised if they were laughing. Remember this is a neo conservative movement, it is not the conservative movement that favored small Federal government and strong states' rights and fiscal restraint, this is a conserative movement that is essentially twisted social conservatism combined with a twisted economic policy.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on June 15, 2005 at 14:25:58 PT
Reefer madness propaganda while during the voting
I wonder if c-span has posted a copy of it. I have a telephone connection and heard a man and a woman laughing uncontrolably while the votes were being casted like they were druged up.?Did anyone hear this or am I wrong.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:20:34 PT
PainWithNoInsurance
I didn't hear anything but I might be going deaf I'm getting old! LOL!Like hey what did ya say hey?I knew I shouldn't play Neil Young's music so loud!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on June 15, 2005 at 14:18:01 PT
Was I hearing things while the vote was being cast
Was I hearing thinks or were two or three people laughing uncontrolably like they were on LSD or reefer madness while the congress was voting on the amendment. This kind of propaganda should not be going on while the congress is taking a vote for the sick people of America. They had their chance to speak against the amendment and through in reefer madness at the very end. I am very disturbed by this.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 14:06:08 PT
CBS-AP: Related Article and Video
Medical Pot Move Goes Up In SmokeJune 15, 2005 ***"A lot of these guys voting against it are just afraid because it's a 'drug issue.'" Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif.***
(CBS/AP) Just a week after the Supreme Court said only Congress can make medical marijuana legal, the House voted not to, reports CBS News Correspondent Bob Fuss. The court ruled that the government can prosecute medical marijuana users, even when state laws permit doctor-prescribed use of the drug. On Wednesday, the House, by a 264-161 vote, turned down an amendment that would have blocked the Justice Department from prosecuting people in the 10 states where the practice is legal. Advocates say it is the only way that many chronically ill people, such as AIDS and cancer patients, can relieve their symptoms. "It is unconscionable that we in Congress could possibly presume to tell a patient that he or she cannot use the only medication that has proven to combat the pain and symptoms associated with a devastating illness," said Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y. Opponents of the amendment said it would undercut efforts to combat marijuana abuse. They said Marinol, a government-approved prescription drug that contains the active ingredient in marijuana, offers comparable relief. "Marijuana has never been proven as safe and effective for any disease," said Rep. Mark Souder, R-Ind. "Marijuana can increase the risk of serious mental health problems, and in teens, marijuana use can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and schizophrenia." The vote came as the House debated a $57.5 billion bill covering the departments of Commerce, Justice and State. Proponents of medical marijuana had hoped to gain momentum following the high court's ruling. A poll commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project found that respondents, by a 68-18 percent margin, believe that medical marijuana users should not face federal prosecution. The poll, conducted June 8-11 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, also found that 65 percent of those surveyed favored doctor-prescribed medical marijuana, with 20 percent opposed. A similar amendment last year was defeated by a comparable margin. "A lot of these guys voting against it are just afraid because it's a 'drug issue,'" said Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif. Copyright: MMV CBS Broadcasting Inc.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/06/15/health/main702178.shtml
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by MikeC on June 15, 2005 at 13:56:32 PT
Kampia
He is a tireless worker...a good guy to have on your side.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #2 posted by FoM on June 15, 2005 at 13:55:23 PT
Oh Well
What can I say. I understand why our country is so disliked in the world. One reason is they see our leaders fighting sick people over a excellent medicinal herb. I don't know why Cannabis isn't allowed because herbs are totally legal to buy and consume.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by Taylor121 on June 15, 2005 at 13:52:28 PT
It's amazing how positive he stays
"While we're disappointed that the amendment did not pass, a record 161 House members voted today to stop arresting medical marijuana patients," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington.Rob Kampia is a good man to have up there. He doesn't give up, and he actually made the prediction we would pick up around 10 votes.
[ Post Comment ]
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