cannabisnews.com: Prince of Pot Fights Extradition on Drug Charges










  Prince of Pot Fights Extradition on Drug Charges

Posted by CN Staff on October 25, 2005 at 07:18:56 PT
By Peter Lewis, Seattle Times Staff Reporter 
Source: Seattle Times  

Vancouver, B.C. -- Marc Emery differs in so many ways from most people accused of big-time drug dealing, it's hard to know where to start.Even though he faces the possibility of decades in a U.S. prison for selling marijuana seeds to Americans, Emery regularly welcomes a steady stream of journalists. That's an approach most people accused of drug dealing avoid instinctively, or on advice of their attorneys.
Not Emery, founder of the B.C. Marijuana Party, who maintains that his legal troubles spring from the U.S. government's desire to muzzle him and the movement he claims to lead.He relishes his reputation as the so-called "Prince of Pot" and "Mayor of Vansterdam," the latter a reference to Vancouver and Amsterdam, the Dutch city where marijuana can be purchased from "coffee shops." He proudly proclaims his long-term vision to "overgrow the government" by spreading marijuana faster than drug agents could eradicate it.Unlike others accused of drug dealing, Emery has for years made no effort to hide the fact he earns his living from marijuana, making millions selling marijuana seeds and paraphernalia through his Vancouver store and the Internet. It's that marijuana-centered business that has landed Emery in hot water in the U.S., where a Seattle-based grand jury has indicted him and two of his employees on drug and money-laundering charges.Emery, who is free on bond, freely expounds on the virtues of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal purposes. He claims to have poured nearly $4 million (Canadian) into political and legal causes to decriminalize marijuana and/or to make it available for medical use, including ballot initiatives in Nevada, Alaska and Arizona.Emery contends a news release issued July 29, the day of his arrest, reveals the U.S. government's intention to mute his efforts to advance the spread of marijuana. In the release, Karen Tandy, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, wrote: "Today's DEA arrest of Marc Scott Emery, publisher of Cannabis Culture Magazine, and the founder of a marijuana legalization group, is a significant blow not only to the marijuana trafficking trade in the U.S. and Canada, but also to the marijuana legalization movement. ... Hundreds of thousands of dollars of Emery's illicit profits are known to have been channeled to marijuana legalization groups active in the United States and Canada."Tandy's office has declined to comment about the statement, but locally, federal prosecutors have distanced themselves from her remarks.Todd Greenberg, the lead assistant U.S. attorney on the case, said he could understand how her comments could be interpreted as having a political dimension but added, "No one locally has made such a statement. No prosecutor, no agent, no one in Seattle.""As the chief [federal] law-enforcement official here, I'm not interested in his political speech in the slightest," added Seattle U.S. Attorney John McKay. "He's a legitimate target."Prosecutors contend that Emery was targeted because he was Canada's largest supplier of seeds and marijuana-growing equipment, and because the majority of his customers were U.S. citizens. Prosecutors allege that Emery also has provided customers with detailed instructions on how to grow marijuana, and also sold specialized lights, fans and fertilizer."He was a one-stop shopping facilitator for marijuana growers," Greenberg said.Emery does not quarrel with the substance of the charges, though he has much to say about the U.S. government's "war on drugs," which he described as "immoral and lethal." In fact, he is unabashedly proud of his efforts."If I'm going to be sentenced to life in prison in a U.S. jail, it'll be for what I've done, and I'm proud of what I've done," said Emery. "And there's no going back on that. I helped facilitate hopefully millions of Americans to grow marijuana."At the request of the U.S. government, Canadian prosecutors are working to force Emery and co-defendants Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek and Gregory Williams to appear in Seattle federal court to answer drug-conspiracy and money-laundering charges stemming from Emery's seed and marijuana-growing business.They are fighting extradition, a process that legal experts say could take up to two years. Theirs will be an uphill fight, acknowledges John Conroy, a Canadian lawyer assisting the defendants.Conroy notes that the U.S.-Canadian treaty under which Emery and the others were arrested creates an exception for extradition in the case of offenses of a "political character." The problem, Conroy adds, is that the treaty goes on to deem certain crimes, including drug offenses, as ineligible for the political-character exception.Another argument likely to be advanced is "cruel and unusual punishment," Conroy said, referring to the much harsher sentence the defendants would face in the U.S. — up to life in prison."I face a penalty longer than what you'd get for multiple murder in Canada," Emery said.Technically, Emery could face up to life in prison under Canadian law. But Conroy, a noted criminal-defense attorney, said there are no mandatory minimum sentences in Canada and that "life in prison" means the defendant is generally eligible for parole after seven years, except in murder cases.British Columbia courts levied fines but didn't imposed jail time on the three occasions Emery was convicted of selling marijuana seeds. The punishment is consistent with a judicial attitude reflected in a 2003 drug-case ruling by Court of Appeals Justice Mary Southin, who described marijuana as "no better or worse, morally or physically, than people who like a martini."Emery said he is happy to become a martyr for the movement. He thanks the DEA for the heightened exposure, because he says he's suddenly become relevant to people who don't smoke marijuana."Now I'm meeting a lot of people, including very old people, who are alarmed about the sovereignty of this country," Emery said. "But also Americans who are just shocked by the potential prison sentence I might get."The Meaning of LifeEmery's appearance and eloquence might surprise those who automatically associate pot with the spaced-out persona made famous by the Cheech and Chong comedy team. Now 47, he says he has smoked marijuana almost daily for 25 years.Clean-shaven and nerdy-looking with a high forehead, Emery could pass for a stockbroker or an accountant. In fact, he was a bookseller for many years before he dedicated his life to growing marijuana.He credits marijuana with making him a better parent, a better lover and even a better driver, partly because it made him understand that life was "all about discovery, not actualization."He published his political manifesto a decade ago in the first edition of his magazine, Cannabis Culture:"We are a wrongly outlawed culture, viciously discriminated against for 72 years, and we are finally effectively organizing to reclaim our rightful place in society as individuals among equals. We have a right to our culture and we must act and inform to ensure that we receive proper justice."Of the political course he set for himself, Emery said in a recent interview, "I wanted to rapidly change the way the world looks at marijuana." Hence his decision to popularize the use of seeds along with instructions on how to grow them."I sold millions of seeds over 11 years, all over the world," Emery said, offering more than 500 varieties.His highest grossing year for seed sales was 2002, when he took in $2.2 million (Canadian), he said. He also said he has provided free seeds to people certified as medical-marijuana patients.Since 1999, Emery says he has paid $578,000 (Canadian) in income tax, identifying seed-sales as the source of his income to the Canadian Revenue Agency, the equivalent of the IRS.Legalization and LeniencyEmery said he continues to smoke marijuana despite his arrest and subsequent release on $50,000 bond. But less often these days, he said, because he can no longer afford it.Emery also is something of a provocateur. Three years ago, for example, Emery and other marijuana activists bought a table at a luncheon in Vancouver where Bush administration drug czar John Walters was making a presentation.Every time Walters made a comment about marijuana that Emery and his friends believed was untrue, they'd heckle him. "We yelled 'liar,' " Emery recalled, "so he [Walters] just had a total slow burn. ... I'm sure I've never been forgiven for that."Then there was the "summer of legalization tour" in 2003. Emery recounted that he "smoked a bong or a big joint in front of police stations in 18 cities across Canada."He has been arrested many times, but more often than not the charges were dropped, Emery said. The point, he added, was to demonstrate his belief that marijuana is effectively legal in Canada.In fact, possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana (including marijuana seeds), carries punishment of up to 12 months in prison and a $1,000 fine.Emery felt the sting of Canadian enforcement in the summer of 2004, when he served 62 days in Saskatoon Correctional Centre for possession and trafficking after admitting he'd passed a joint in a public park. But Emery chalked that experience up to landing in front of an unforgiving judge in a conservative province.You'd never know marijuana is illegal walking around parts of Vancouver.Next door to Emery's B.C. Marijuana Party headquarters on West Hastings Street, toward the back of the New Amsterdam Cafe, is a designated "smoke room" where patrons smoke marijuana and tobacco weekdays until 4:30 p.m.Smoking is confined to the room during normal work hours to be "respectful" of neighboring businesses, an employee said. But after 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and on the weekends, the ashtrays move into the main dining room.A Question of TacticsBefore the DEA raided Emery's business in July, it had been seven years since Vancouver Police had charged him for seed sales. A police spokeswoman said he was charged in September 1998 with two counts of "possession with the purpose of trafficking viable marijuana seeds," for which he was fined $4,000, and served no jail time.Some find Emery's style unnecessarily confrontational. Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell, for example, says he has nothing against Emery but questions his tactics.Campbell said he supports legalizing marijuana and controlling it in much the same fashion as tobacco and cigarettes, including taxing it to the hilt. The taxes should be dedicated, he added, to pay for health care for addiction services.Still, he adds, "Marc thinks he's more than he really is. ... Marc thinks he's the Mahatma Gandhi of the movement. ..."You keep poking a stick in the eye of the DEA, something's going to happen, and effectively, that's what he did."Sidebar: The Case Against Marc EmeryWhat: A federal grand jury in Seattle has indicted Marc Emery, Gregory Williams and Michelle Rainey-Fenkarek on charges of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to engage in money laundering. All relate to Emery's Vancouver, B.C.-based marijuana-seed selling business. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration described Emery's business as one of the U.S. Attorney General's "most wanted" international drug-trafficking targets. Conviction could result in life imprisonment; the first two counts each carry mandatory 10-year minimum sentences.What's next: All three defendants are Canadian nationals who were arrested under a legal-assistance treaty with the U.S. They are resisting extradition, a process that could take up to two years. The defendants are expected to argue they were selectively prosecuted as a result of political activism to spread marijuana.Complete Title: B.C.'s Prince of Pot Fights Extradition on Drug Charges Emery's Web site: http://www.emeryseeds.com/Source: Seattle Times (WA)Author:  Peter Lewis, Seattle Times Staff ReporterPublished: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The Seattle Times CompanyContact: opinion seatimes.comWebsite: http://www.seattletimes.com/Related Articles:Just What Did Emery Expect?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21011.shtmlEmery Granted Bail in U.S. Extradition Casehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21010.shtml

Home    Comment    Email    Register    Recent Comments    Help





Comment #48 posted by phatcyclist on October 27, 2005 at 14:35:11 PT:
What would Einstein say?
Albert Einstein had this to say about the prohibition movement (of Alcohol):"The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this."---------Albert Einstein.-------------I therefore agree with the tactics of Mr. Emery. In order to reveal the self destruction of the American government to the general public, such aggressive tactics ought to be implemented. Frequent displays of civilly disobedient marijuana consumption, propagation and cultivation are an effective method to bring the erosion our government’s prestige to the forefront of the people’s attention. As more of us otherwise law abiding citizens defy the enforcement of this destructive drug war policy, the futility of such enforcement will become readily apparent. I admire the bold enterprises which Emery has undertaken, for surely I would find the task daunting.
An Intelligent Discourse On Marijuana
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #47 posted by FoM on October 26, 2005 at 13:56:09 PT
Celaya
Thanks for understanding. I just do CNews and when I'm not doing CNews I'm reading up on other things that I want to learn more about. There are only so many hours in a day and I really try to use them to help me learn more about my interests.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #46 posted by Celaya on October 26, 2005 at 13:47:07 PT
FoM
What happens with marijuana reform in Canada is vitally important to what happens here. If Emery and his fellow reformers succeed and get marijuana legalized there, there is no way the U.S. can continue to prop up the fraud. -- The lie will just be too obvious.But it seems something about Emery turned you off, since you discontinued having access to Pot TV. I won't press it, unless you want to discuss it further.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #45 posted by FoM on October 26, 2005 at 13:37:09 PT
Celaya
We will be starting our 8th year on CNews next month. I can honestly say I haven't followed what he has done. I don't go to his web site to read or watch Pot-TV. I did watch Pot-TV after I got a high speed connections when the Kubbys did the shows but when they stopped I stopped too. My knowing about him is minimal and I keep busy here doing what I'm doing. I don't know that lots of people have followed what he has done either.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #44 posted by Celaya on October 26, 2005 at 13:28:57 PT
FoM
You don't have to follow him, of course. I think the question is, why should you support Marc Emery?  I'm sorry your position seems strange to me. How can you not be interested in someone who has done so much for marijuana reform?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #43 posted by FoM on October 26, 2005 at 12:27:17 PT
Celaya
Why do I have to follow Marc Emery? I really am not interested in him. That should be ok I hope. If the organizations do that's fine with me. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #42 posted by Celaya on October 26, 2005 at 12:21:21 PT
FoM
"I won't follow any one individual. Our cause is too important to put our eyes on one person. People let us down. I do believe in organizations like NORML, ASA and MPP."Emery is president of a great marijuana reform organization - The BC Marijuana Party. Additionally, NORML, ASA, and MPP all support Marc Emery. See the following:NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6624ASA http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=483MPPhttp://www.google.com/custom?q=marc+emery&sa=Google+Search&cof=GIMP%3A%23000000%3BT%3A%23000000%3BLW%3A307%3BALC%3A%23ff3300%3BL%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpp.org%2Fgraphics%2Fgoogle_search.gif%3BGFNT%3A%23000000%3BLC%3A%230000cc%3BLH%3A28%3BBGC%3A%23ffffff%3BAH%3Acenter%3BVLC%3A%23330033%3BGL%3A0%3BS%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.mpp.org%3BGALT%3A%23000000%3BAWFID%3A7708d51dfb9b2d9d%3B&domains=mpp.org&sitesearch=mpp.orgSo if you trust those orgs, you should trust Emery.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #41 posted by FoM on October 26, 2005 at 10:44:06 PT
afterburner
That's what I want to hear.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #40 posted by afterburner on October 26, 2005 at 10:34:08 PT
Count on It, FoM!
30 years [of activism] and still running.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #39 posted by FoM on October 26, 2005 at 08:47:57 PT
Celaya 
I don't know what I am but one thing I know is that I won't follow any one individual. Our cause is too important to put our eyes on one person. People let us down. I do believe in organizations like NORML, ASA and MPP. I don't really worry about who is the head honcho but I believe that all the people in the organizations are working for our best interests. If I dropped dead from a heart attack I hope and pray that all the people that come together here on CNews would continue the fight to liberate Cannabis.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #38 posted by Celaya on October 25, 2005 at 23:03:07 PT
FoM
As a social anarchist, I too, believe all authority must be questioned. It is questioned to the degree that it flows from the people. But when authority is questioned and found still legitimate, it should then be enabled to fulfill its role.The 99% of MJ consumers who are silent in the face of their oppression need a leader to inspire them.
[ Post Comment ]

 


Comment #37 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 22:25:53 PT

Celaya
Someone asked in an e-mail group I get who is the leader on the list. I loved the answer someone said. Cannabis is the leader. That was an excellent response in my opinion.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #36 posted by Toker00 on October 25, 2005 at 21:13:13 PT

Jim Lundsford
Very interesting perspective, and mirrors a lot of the way I think. You certainly look at the big picture. I appreciate your posts, and keep the faith!Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #35 posted by Celaya on October 25, 2005 at 21:02:18 PT

Marc Emery Is The Man
The only thing the marijuana reform movement needs to make the final push to success is a great leader. For some reason, one has failed to emerge from this country. After Ed Rosenthal's victory in court, he visited the NYT Drug Policy Forum, and I asked him, "Would you be the leader we have lacked," and he simply said no. I can respect that he may have had personal reasons for not accepting the challenge, but we must have a leader that will inspire the 30 million or so consumers (and hopefully, some of their family and friends) to become activists for their own salvation.Although Emery has made a few missteps and his hedonistic lifestyle has rubbed some the wrong way, his vision and his charisma make him the standout choice. He is growing. Like it or not, this movement is a world-wide one. How much inspiration and philosophical support have we gotten from the Netherlands? As has been pointed out, marijuana prohibition is a U.S. disease that has been exported to all corners of the globe. It must be defeated here.Pot TV was a stroke of genius, and has quickly become the focal point of the world's English speaking marijuana reformers. Emery sponsored Loretta Nall, president of the U.S. Marijuana Party. I have never seen anyone grow into leadership as fast as she has under Emery's direction. She is now running for governor of Alabama.If there is another person better suited to lead our movement, let them be recognized. I haven't seen them. Explaining why Emery has received almost no sanction for his seed business in Canada, Court of Appeals Justice Mary Southin described marijuana as "no better or worse, morally or physically, than people who like a martini."We need Canadian perspective in OUR courts - and everywhere else.  
Mister Emery
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #34 posted by Jim Lunsford on October 25, 2005 at 20:46:01 PT

Toker
thanks, though I do believe there is going to be a lot broader change than what most people believe will happen. Not one of those "end days" people, but that is always a possibility. After all, there can be no beginnings, unless you have an ending. I do see how cannabis could be considered a central focus of change, but it is only a focus.   I see a lot of changes across a full spectrum of societal issues happening, and making it to newspapers. The bottom line is, that at this moment, the people are still giving government a chance to do it's job. There is some of that going on, with these indictments, ethics probes, etc., but is this government system capable of serving the needs of it's citizens? I really doubt it is up to the rigors of an internet savvy citizenry.  Even with the (newly legally mandated) campaign finance reform, there are always ways for governments to be controlled by the few. Especially since this is a country that is programmed from infancy to be a consumer zombie. That is an unsustainable citizenry, and one that deserves the tyranny of their own government. Unfortunately, I think it will require hardships far beyond what we've had so far to change that consumer mindset.  I know there are governmental post changes, class action lawsuits against big oil, pharmaceuticals, etc., a possible "de-throning" of our president, and more besides; but if there really were an honest 80% approval for medicinal use of marijuana by an active citizenry; it would be legal today.   That's not to say that 80% don't want it, just they are not willing to do anything at all to get it legalized. I also understand the FBI is one of the last government agencies that is giving up the idea that marijuana prohibition matters. It's all up to the DEA now. But still....It doesn't matter if the citizenry just waits.   Perhaps that's best, and maybe the government is reforming enough to prevent a violent change from occurring. But I don't really think so. There are simply too many structural flaws in the entire system for it to function properly anymore. Just think of the justice system as one example. Old Testament thinking in the modern world. Yet, it fit's the prohibitionist attitude perfectly. "Serves them right" is that mantra on punishment. And it is that same judgemental thinking that is too intellectually lazy to think about the consequences of their actions, or how to truly prevent crime (or even reasonably define it) that has kept cannabis illegal. Because we Americans are too lazy to think for ourselves. But hopefully, I will be pleasantly surprised. Peace,Rev Jim LunsfordFirst Cannabist ChurchEvil: Someone who doesn't share your opinion
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #33 posted by Toker00 on October 25, 2005 at 19:55:34 PT

Jim Lundsford
Uh, Jim, if you don't mind me butting in, the anger is already here. All these pending indictments against top officials in Bushco. are coming to a head. Watch for a Cheney indictment. Sometimes, in politics, an indictment is worse than the punishment. Their (false) credibility is destroyed. A lot more people are aware that these powers that be, shouldn't be. A revolution doesn't have to be violent. It doesn't even have to be a revolution. Just major change will do. I don't think oil is all powerful, nor the people that own it. Unless, if we continue to let it be. The only way to stop it is to stop believing in the lies you mention the government telling.You referred to cannabis competition being damaging to these industries, but I think these industries with be the ultimate beneficiaries of re-legalizing cannabis/hemp. They have the capital to invest, patent, and build the machines necessary to introduce hemp products into our economy, not necessarily REPLACE our oil economy, but assist it. Replacing oil would be impossible to do overnight, anyway. If the public accepts cannabis/hemp as a viable product, for whatever reason, the corporations will be able to capitalize on that, even with all the lies they have told in the past. Believe me. I have been observing a slow but sure domino effect in all the people I have informed about cannabis/hemp. We are starting to see it being discussed positively in main stream America. The laws will be changed concerning cannabis/hemp and the economy and the people will be much better off. The pharmcos. will still be able to produce canna-meds/specific strains for specific treatment better than most any of us common folk. I know I'm being very optimistic here, but nothing else works for me.But I truly understand where you are coming from, Jim. Don't let big oil be so big in your mind. Have faith in the people. The laws will change.Wage peace on War. END CANNABIS PROHIBITTION NOW!  
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #32 posted by ekim on October 25, 2005 at 18:54:31 PT

E you have the right idea on intergrated medicne
Dr Weil said that MS might be helped by taking 1000 iu of Vitman D ----- thought that the sun is key in helping the body to ward off MS as studies have shown that people living at the equadeor have much less MS then those that live futher away from the middle of the planet. also says flax seeds are great for us --- 
as is omega 3 from wallnuts and fish oil but he likes good distilled fish oil because of the mercery and pcbs are pulled off. 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #31 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 18:07:20 PT

ekim
Thanks! I am watching it now. I really like Dr. Weil. Aging gracefully is such a great topic.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #30 posted by ekim on October 25, 2005 at 18:02:51 PT

Dr Weil on Larry King
CNN now ch 202 dir tv
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #29 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 17:51:01 PT

westnyc
I wanted to say this too. I'm glad you have a job. Maybe things are looking up for you.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #28 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 17:40:22 PT

Jim
I wanted to add this. I hope everything goes well for Marc Emery. I hope he doesn't get extradited. Maybe if it takes years to get him extradited we might have the laws changed and it will all work out for him. I do wish him the best.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #27 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 16:56:15 PT

Jim
Whatever Emery does is his business and his motives are his too. I just keep my eyes on how we can change the laws down here and know things will change. I am not an Emery follower and never have been so he hasn't effected me one way or the other. 
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #26 posted by Jim Lunsford on October 25, 2005 at 16:51:12 PT

FOM
I was actually answering your question concerning Marc Emery. The USA is critical for the Canadian movement. There is simply no way for the political machines to legalize cannabis without our government's consent. In other words, our government has made Canada it's b*tch in this war. I imagine Marc is a bit ticked at that. He has to affect our policy in order to get it legalized in Canada, or any other country.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #25 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 16:47:07 PT

Jim
I know we control the laws about cannabis. That's why we are working so hard to change the laws. Then it would be easy for Canada to change their laws. We have good organizations fighting in D.C. to change the laws. We also have powerful activists in California. We will win one of these days as long as we keep going and don't quit.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #24 posted by Jim Lunsford on October 25, 2005 at 16:39:51 PT

FoM
In this case, the USA is the fulcrum for the rest of the world in drug legalization. It is our country that has declared war on drugs. The only reason cannabis is not legal in all it's forms throughout the world, is the USA. It is our government that pushes the agenda for the rest to adhere to, or else they would lose some sort of foreign aid from us. There is simply too much fear of the consequences in our government.  Can you imagine the economic impact felt upon the oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the timber, cotton, and food industry, were cannabis to become legalized? We may only represent 15% of the world's population, but we have been carefully nurtured to consume 60% of the world's resources. Think about how much money that represents to the corporations.  John D. Rockefellor was a genius at placing big oil in the top of the economic food chain. He invented the corporate hell that has come to define the modern american workplace. And, he took full advantage of an inherently corrupt federal government. They have done him well in their allegiance to oil. The federal government is now inextractably connected to the global drug policy. Especially as it relates to Cannabis.  Were Canada to actually legalize Cannabis, there could be some severe repercussions with our government. Oil is the life-blood of our economic structure. Were Cannabis to be legal, then a more Jeffersonian structure in which small communities would most likely arise. This would affect the balance of power, as the gap between the rich and the poor might be closed a bit. And the people would become angry as well.  Imagine the anger in population as they found out how much our government has lied to them. Not a pretty sight.Rev Jim LunsfordFirst Cannabist ChurchChristianity: The most unchristian of all superstitions
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #23 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 16:38:17 PT

westnyc
It is good driving music. PW is so mellow. It's a comfortable CD.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #22 posted by westnyc on October 25, 2005 at 16:32:03 PT

Great for the drive
I actually started listening to it on my long drives on I-96. It's perfect on those late starry summer night rides home after a long week at work, when, all you want to do is chill. Especially, when you are the only car on the highway; and, it's warm enough to take the roof-off the Jeep. :-)
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #21 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 16:13:33 PT

westnyc 
Here is a NY fan club board. It currently has 4365 registered members and many more that are like me that just read but don't comment I'm sure. I didn't know much about him but reading this list for the last few years has shown me how devoted NY fans are and why they like him so much.http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rust/
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #20 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 16:01:45 PT

westnyc 
I'm so glad you like Neil Young and Prairie Wind. I listened to it for most of the day. I wear out his music when I get it. Neil will be on Conan O'Brien from November 1 to November 4. I'm looking forward to seeing the shows. He doesn't go on tv very often. Conan O'Brien is a die hard fan of Neils so that why I think he agreed to doing the shows.
Neil Young: Prairie Wind
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #19 posted by westnyc on October 25, 2005 at 15:54:09 PT

Off topic - I love Prairie Wind
WOW! I can't believe I've never bothered to listen to him. I'm always looking for new - but, good music. I've heard of him; but, most music today is utter crap! Of course, my first love will always be Blondie/Clash/Joy Division; but, Neil can sit in the front seat too. My fav is Falling of the face of the Earth - poetic, atmospheric, and meaningful. I love it!Thanks FOM for the tip!
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #18 posted by Siege on October 25, 2005 at 13:06:17 PT

Rev Jim Lunsford
I have onthing against the people of mexico as a kid we used to go there to get((hemp food))every 2 mo. till the U S government sprayed in the mid 50's there crop's and killed off a lot of them and your friends..
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #17 posted by siege on October 25, 2005 at 13:03:34 PT

government activism
Ok I see part of it, but It like here the illegal aliens get the jobs and we go with in this town. and the government  Gives the employer $12.oo an hour so they can Hire illegal aliens and the employer pays them $ 12.00 thats $24.00 an hour and if we do the same work we only get $7.oo an hour. So is this not government activism against there own people.

[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #16 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 12:53:49 PT

Jim
I don't understand this part of what you said. His selling seeds has to affect the US, as it is the only way for him to be able to use cannabis legally ever in Canada.
[ Post Comment ]


 


Comment #15 posted by Jim Lunsford on October 25, 2005 at 12:44:27 PT

Marc Emery
 On this subject, didn't the US tell everyone how to run their business with the Single Signature treaty back in sixty-something? Marc is only in trouble with the US because the US created the condition. It is "us" who are guilty of this interfering. His selling seeds has to affect the US, as it is the only way for him to be able to use cannabis legally ever in Canada. BAsically, the only obstacle to drug legalization in the United States are the two parties in charge right now. Both Dems and Reps should be ashamed. This is a global war. The "US" has declared war on everyone else with it's policies encouraging waste and pollution. We have consistently sh*t all over every other country/culture in the world that doesn't confirm to some narrow superstitious puritan idiot standard. Personally, I believe it is the citizens of this country who are to blame for all of this mess. We know now, or at least have the ability to know. And yet, we keep pledging allegiance to the ways of the corporate state. Jury nullification? How about government nullification? It only has as much power as the people insist on it having. Any questions, refer to your copy of the Declaration of Independence for further instructions in what they considered proper government. And maybe a peek at the New Testament.Rev Jim LunsfordFirst Cannabist ChurchCeaser: Oh yeah, nothing was his to be rendering to anyway
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #14 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 12:31:42 PT

siege
I don't think you understand what I mean. We are a global community. I am a member of a private canadian e-mail group but I only listen to all the ideas they have. I might pat someone on the back now and then but I never give them any advice as to how they should do things in Canada. That's all I meant. 
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #13 posted by Jim Lunsford on October 25, 2005 at 12:30:44 PT

Mexico
Is one of my favorite countries in the world. Except for the border towns (on either side). But they chose freedom over safety a long time ago. We chose safety, and look what we have: Wars all over, high penal population, faltering education system, theocratic-fascist government, and our food isn't really food anymore. They have a corrupt government, but part of that problem is the US. there is an old saying in Mexico, "So far from heaven, so close to the united states." We sowed the seeds of true corruption in Mexico, as part of our foreign policy of rascist superiority. But, that's just a moment of thought. At least, one of my favorite words to come here from Mexico is Marijuana! :) Peace to all, Rev JimRev Jim LunsfordFirst Cannabist ChurchEgo: What a concept!
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #12 posted by siege on October 25, 2005 at 12:27:22 PT

looks at it
Then it is alright for him and every one in the cannabis movement to send them money for what we are doing on C news but not to back him when he is in trouble. C news is world wide and it hepls all nations.
so have we not crossed the line there by what you are saying and doing here?  changing the course of all country.
So we are helping the globalization movement along the way. It is how ONE looks at it.
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 12:08:00 PT

siege
I understand what you are saying but why should another country's citizens be able to try to change the course of our country? I know we are a country of immigrants but there is a process to becoming a citizen of the USA. If it is really ok then we all must believe that globalization is fine. 
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #10 posted by siege on October 25, 2005 at 12:00:23 PT

ready have

 First off they all ready have!!
and the Ray Gun if they are here a year they don't have leave by gov. bills and BUSH has helped them do So.
and we the people have nothing to show for IT. be sides 	
 concluded budget year 120,000 of the 160,000 non-Mexican nationals apprehended by the Border Patrol were released, often on their own recognizance, because there is no place to hold them. "That is unacceptable and we are going to change that immediately. States incur about $13 billion in criminal-justice costs each year in housing illegal aliens, according to Gov. office. "Households headed by illegal aliens imposed more than $26.3 billion in costs on the federal government in 2002 and paid only $16 billion in taxes, creating a net fiscal deficit of $10.4 billion, or $2,700 per illegal household. Do you pay medical coverage premiums to receive health care? Millions of natural born and naturalized Americans cannot afford medical coverage, yet illegals get it from the sweat of your labor: "Something called the "Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act," which mandates that U.S. hospitals with emergency services must treat anyone who shows up--including illegal
Arizona hospitals have offered donated medical equipment and ambulances to Mexican medical facilities, but Mexican customs officials have not permitted much of it to enter Mexico. They apparently prefer to send their sick to U.S. hospitals rather than care for them in Mexico. Other costs of dumping Mexicans on U.S. hospitals include transporting the seriously ill by helicopter from small border hospitals to Tucson or Phoenix. This cost ranges from $7,000 to $20,000 a trip. During the last three years, Houston's Harris County Hospital District spent $330 million to treat and immunize illegal aliens, an amount estimated to be at least 20% of the indigent caseload. Mexico has become a parasite nation, so dependent on America that its rulers fight to send their people north to work as peons and become public charges. Its unhealthy dependence drains Mexico of able-bodied people while allowing the country's oligarchs to avoid genuine reform. They ease their humiliations by attempting a cultural conquest of the despised gringo superpower. America, hobbled by multiculturalism, is largely inert in the face of the Mexican demographic challenge. Conditioned by the media, politicians, and a failed education system to see America as no more than a nation of immigrants, how can Americans object to more immigrants?

[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #9 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 11:38:37 PT

siege
Let me ask you this. If people from Mexico really felt that they had a right to U.S. jobs and decided to come here and tell us to back away from good jobs and let them have the work is that activism? Just a thought and a question.
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #8 posted by siege on October 25, 2005 at 11:30:17 PT

Activism
Activism is not  Activism unless it cross·es all boundaries BORDERS. a policy of taking direct and militant action to achieve a political or social goal
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 09:57:23 PT

Hiya Hempity
It's always good to see you. Thank you for the link too. The way I see this whole situation is probably totally different then most people but I'll try to explain. Canada and the USA are connected. We really are only different in someways. The average Canadian looks like an American to me. I believe if Canada was invaded America would defend her. I wish that Canadians weren't so angry with us down here. We really aren't bad people. Where Emery went wrong is pushing his ideas like he wanted to rule both countries. If he would have kept out of American issues and been a little low key this wouldn't be happening to him. I doubt he will be extradited but they will make sure he stays broke and that will deflate is really big ego. That's what I think will happen.
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #6 posted by hempity on October 25, 2005 at 09:46:31 PT

invasion

hiya FoM,i am not crazy over Marc either, however he has helped some of my friends, even got 
David Malmo Levine his own herb school on hastings in vansterdam.no way will i allow him to be taken to a country he has never been in, and charged with a crime not illeagle in this one.
i may be next, so i will go to the demonstrations and sit ins. i feel that this is an invasion by the u.s. into another sovereign country and it is my country. i will fight, maybe not in the way they expect me too, but i will fight.my friend Daniel made a movie called "cannabis Warriors" it is worth watching.
http://www.danieltv.com/mitaoyate,
hempity
cannabis warriors
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #5 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 09:28:50 PT

goneposthole 
Oh that's too much. You sure have a way of making me laugh when everything is so darn serious. Thanks again.
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #4 posted by goneposthole on October 25, 2005 at 09:26:20 PT

they nabbed him, but good
All Marc has to do is disguise himself as Osama bin Laden. The US gov will never find him then.
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #3 posted by westnyc on October 25, 2005 at 09:20:20 PT

Tandy: Experience or more Cronyism?
I know EJ. Tandy is an offensive immoral woman. I wonder if she is any relation to the Tandy (Radio Shack) people; and, how she came to this position. I can't believe how we've been fed this "free country" bull. Worse! I can't believe Americans keep buying it. How can she possibly not respond to questions of this statement; I mean, she is the People's employee? It is perfectly clear that her goal is to suppress a democratic movement which has nothing to do with dealing drugs. I keep waiting for my invite to a Tea Party! :-)
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #2 posted by E_Johnson on October 25, 2005 at 07:27:20 PT

Tandy's polluted the case apparently
Tandy's office has declined to comment about the statement, but locally, federal prosecutors have distanced themselves from her remarks.Todd Greenberg, the lead assistant U.S. attorney on the case, said he could understand how her comments could be interpreted as having a political dimension but added, "No one locally has made such a statement. No prosecutor, no agent, no one in Seattle."***************************************************They're absolutely terrified that Karen Tandy has destroyed the case.Well, you can't put toothpaste back in the tube. Her comments are on the public record because she herself put them there. The investigation originated from her agency and there's no way to pretend that it didn't.
[ Post Comment ]



 


Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 25, 2005 at 07:23:38 PT

Marc Emery
I'm not fond of Emery or his tactics but I really feel sorry for him. I hope it works out for him.
[ Post Comment ]






  Post Comment