cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Vote Sends Message Marijuana Vote Sends Message Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2005 at 11:51:17 PT Editorial Source: Denver Post Colorado -- Denver's approval of a ballot measure to legalize adult possession of small amounts of marijuana isn't really going to decriminalize the drug in our city, but it sends a simple message to federal and state authorities: it wouldn't be reefer to madness to finally debate and resolve the issue. In the meantime, local police will enforce state laws against possession of marijuana. One of the seeming ironies of Election Day was that while buttoned-down Denver was approving the marijuana measure, voters in laid back Telluride narrowly defeated a proposal to make marijuana possession the town marshal's lowest law-enforcement priority. The Post urged a "no" vote on Denver's Initiative 100 because we worry marijuana can be an entry level to harder drugs, and anyway, until federal and state marijuana laws are amended, local legalization is futile. And we were put off by the proponents' misleading campaign pitch - marijuana as a way to reduce domestic violence. The Post supports ending the 70-year-old federal ban on marijuana and instead strictly regulating and taxing its sale. We think scarce public resources could be put to better use fighting violent crime or treating substance abuse. But that can't happen unless federal laws are relaxed to allow states to regulate marijuana as they see fit. Snipped:Complete Article: http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_3176074Source: Denver Post (CO)Published: November 3, 2005Copyright: 2005 The Denver Post Website: http://www.denverpost.com/Contact: openforum denverpost.com Related Articles & Web Site:Safer Choicehttp://www.saferchoice.org/Denver Is First City To Legalize Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21260.shtmlTo Voters, Issue was Freedom of Choicehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21257.shtmlPot Issue Gives New Meaning To Mile High Cityhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21254.shtml Pot Measure Wafts To Victoryhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21252.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #35 posted by FoM on November 07, 2005 at 11:17:18 PT Nicholas It isn't what you say as much as how you say it. Republicans seem to think they are better then lets same I'm a Democrat. You comments seem condescending sometimes and that's what upsets people. You aren't better them me or any one here. We are equal and most here can't stand Bush or arrogant republicans. You called Mayan a tin soldier or something like that a long time ago and it upset people. We love Mayan here and people mind insults even if being done in humor. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by Nick Thimmesch on November 07, 2005 at 11:02:47 PT Don't know what this is all about... "Please don't come here and insult the posters, Nick. GW is a cannabist. He doesn't spell check, and we don't ask him to. His messages are always welcome, even more so than your prohibitionist slanted insult. If Hope and I took your message wrong, then please explain, and I will be more than glad to apologize. Otherwise, don't insult. Please." First of all, "Sometimes FoM I think these people are on drugs" was nothing more than humor, not meant to "insult" anyone, so there is nothing to explain. It was not meant as an insult. Period.I have no idea what the "tin soldier" reference is: it certainly can't be found anywhere in this thread.Next, I have no idea why it means I'm a "prohibitionist". Were one to examine my efforts on behalf of changing our marijuana laws over the past years which certainly did not endear me to prohibitionists -- which include the vast majority of Democrat elected officials, let alone my former Republican colleagues and friends -- I don't believe one would come to that conclusion.Last but not least: I truly regret any misunderstanding -- but that's all that this is, a misunderstanding, not an insult to anyone. Perhaps I should always indicate humor -- albeit apparently not funny to anyone -- with a warning: CAUTION: HUMOR AHEAD.Since the issue is insulting words, perhaps people should consider that there is a constant use of insults and mean words said here toward those whom they disagree with politically (i.e Bush et al), which I have no problem with: that's the free speech & exchange of thoughts that I believe FoM and the majority of people posting on Cannabisnews seek. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by afterburner on November 06, 2005 at 13:14:45 PT REtraction: Part 2 of Pink Floyd on SUNDAY not Sat On "Legends of Rock" 9 pm EST tonight on Q107, if you get it.[Sunday 9pm - 10 pm], repeated after Monday [early morning of Tuesday 12 midnight - 1 am] on Q107 Classic Rock Q107 - The Mighty Q [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by afterburner on November 05, 2005 at 13:52:11 PT OT: Part 2 of Pink Floyd On "Legends of Rock" 9 pm EST tonight on Q107, if you get it. Classic Rock Q107 - The Mighty Q [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on November 05, 2005 at 12:26:08 PT BGreen You're right. There are only a few people who insult people here anymore and it stands out like a sore thumb. No one is better then anyone and we should respect our differences and learn from them. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by BGreen on November 05, 2005 at 12:15:41 PT This is why we can't change the laws re: post 14 How many times is this guy going to insult people here?Nobody else gets to treat people like crap here EXCEPT Nick Thimmesch, and I think that's wrong.How can somebody that obviously despises most of us claim he's working to help us?What is Nick Thimmesch REALLY saying about us when he climbs into bed with his republican buddies, when he derides us publicly in our own forum?With friends like Nick Thimmesch, I think I'll do without friends.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on November 05, 2005 at 12:07:48 PT Toker00 I turned on Chris Matthews yesterday while they were showing the protests in Argentina. He said look the protesters don't have masks on. They aren't afraid of getting hurt by the police like people are here when they protest. Everything seems so weird to me sometimes. Like today. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by Toker00 on November 05, 2005 at 11:50:55 PT Yeah, FoM, I hear ya, mine too. When the president walks through the white house doors, and does what he says he'll do, we'll all be drinkin' that free bubble up, and eatin' that rainbow stew! Sing it, Merle! Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by FoM on November 05, 2005 at 07:18:30 PT Toker00 I know it is really hard. This is my definition of a Republican.They love themselves. They think they are richer and wiser then those who aren't a Republican. Democrats care about children, animals, Alaska and important issues that matter. They don't like to fight like Republicans do. My friends aren't Republicans or Democrats but just people who don't show any real interest in politics. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Toker00 on November 05, 2005 at 02:22:41 PT I always stand ready to defend what is right. Cannabisnews is the only site I visit for info and camaraderie. The hatefulness, arrogance, and heartlessness of politicians, mainly REPUBLICANS, turned me off to many of the sites I visited to LEARN from. I learned more about poitics than I ever wanted to know, by defending myself and others from the cruel intentions and verbal attacks from, yes, mainly REPUBLICANS. They are extreme classists and nothing but roadblocks for progressive change in this country. Of course, there are hateful people in all parties, but the smirking and the downright heartlessness of Republicans take the cake. This is a personal opinion and not subject to political discussion. But from now on, I'll just let you be the policer of C-news. I just care very much about the people of this site, as you do. We ARE a family. Rough edges and all. Thanks for being kind to me.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by global_warming on November 04, 2005 at 16:32:47 PT Dare I write another word?The world is watching Denver!It is true, my spell checker is not working properly,Though there are times the search for a new wordConfounds me and this wikipedia world,It is sad that politicsCan nail a man to a wooden crossThere are people in Pa that grow Smoke and enjoy Cannabis,This war on drugsThis futile and misguided exerciseIn politics, human interactionsIs destined for that ancient dustbinMuch like evangelical fundamentalismAnd partisan political systemsWe all are standingBefore the Light of this realityDenver has cast their voteThe Light has filledThose many souls in this countryThat Light, that many have not yet caught Is only an blink of "your" eyeImagine, one blink,When your eyes open,Jesus healed a blind man,Hope [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on November 04, 2005 at 15:37:39 PT Toker00 You have nothing to apologize for. Nicholas needs to be called out. I like Nicholas but our politics are as different as night and day. You didn't say anything off base. I appreciate what you said. Nicholas called Mayan a tin soldier or something like that and I didn't know it was anything other then cute. I have very little tolerance for Bush and Nicholas knows that but he doesn't seem to care that most people here can't barely tolerate him as president. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Toker00 on November 04, 2005 at 15:29:11 PT Then I am truly embarrassed. My ultimate apology to everyone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on November 04, 2005 at 15:18:36 PT Toker00 I didn't even pay attention to what Nicholas said. No Nicholas shouldn't insult anyone here. I read the NY part of the comment and didn't really read anything else. Nicholas is a Republican. He is dedicated to a party and I am not. I am dedicated to hoping that I can help bring change to our current laws concerning Cannabis but I think that politics are a waste of time and good energy. I was raised that politics are not to be discussed publically because all it does is make people angry and then people fight. That can make people then turn into internet trolls. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Toker00 on November 04, 2005 at 15:02:40 PT Nick Thimmesch ...FoM these folk's are on drugs: Cannabistsm, while this Sunshine Lights this world, Grow, Cultivate, and ShareIn Pa, Please don't come here and insult the posters, Nick. GW is a cannabist. He doesn't spell check, and we don't ask him to. His messages are always welcome, even more so than your prohibitionist slanted insult. If Hope and I took your message wrong, then please explain, and I will be more than glad to apologize. Otherwise, don't insult. Please. Wage peace on war. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on November 04, 2005 at 09:55:36 PT Nicholas and Hope Thank you both. My nephew has a wonderful positive spirit about him. Of my sisters 8 children 4 have been diagnosed with Paget's Disease and two of those four have Muscular Dystrophy. Their father died from those two diseases a few years ago in a nursing home paralyzed from the MD. About Neil I just love the man. I have 3 copies of Prairie Wind. Walmart made a mistake and sold them for the first few days for just over $6.00 for the CD-DVD combo. I will give them to family for Christmas. Nicholas, PW is the most precious of Neil's albums ever. It makes us look deep inside. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Nick Thimmesch on November 04, 2005 at 09:37:11 PT FoM, Hope... FoM: Sorry to hear about your nephew and I hope it works out for him.Yes, Hope, poetry abounds everywhere in life!And indeed Neil Young's version of "The Damage Done" was awesome! Looking forward to seeing him tonight and his movie next year. Hope to pick up his CD this weekend too.Hope everyone has a great weekend!NT [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by Hope on November 04, 2005 at 09:30:59 PT Family Life is so hard and some of us are so terribly afflicted with disease, hardship, and pain. I don't understand why there are those among us who want to inflict more pain on their brethren. I just read about Paget's Disease. I'm so sorry. His spirit isn't sick though, sounds like. I'm glad of that. We need more mercy, truth, and real love in this world, not less. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on November 04, 2005 at 08:48:35 PT Hope Yesterday my sister and one niece and nephew came to visit us after a visit to a hospital in Columbus. There is a study that my nephew was hoping to be accepted into the program but they turned him down. They were worried that his Paget's Disease combined with his very disabling Muscular Dystrophy could hurt him and he was disappointed but his wonderful spirit bounced back and he accepted it. He has so much trouble anymore just getting up out of a chair. MD is a terrible disease. Soon he will be wheel chair bound and he is only in his mid forties. He lives with my sister now. His wife couldn't take it and divorced him but he keeps on keepin on. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Hope on November 04, 2005 at 08:36:26 PT Nah, Nick... GW is our resident poet. He has poetic license. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on November 04, 2005 at 08:26:16 PT Nicholas Neil was great last night and now we know the name of the concert film coming out in February. Heart of Gold sounds like a great title. When he sang The Needle and The Damage Done I was in awe. That song is the best anti-drug song I have ever heard. It was a mind blower for me way back years ago and hearing it now brings it all back.Every junkie's like the settin sun!Go Neil! [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Nick Thimmesch on November 03, 2005 at 23:57:53 PT Sometimes I think... ...FoM these folk's are on drugs:Cannabistsm, while this Sunshine Lights this world, Grow, Cultivate, and ShareIn Pa, Anyways: Neil was great on Conan O'Brien tonight..didn't know he was doing the entire week there & will be on Friday night too. Great version of "The Needle & The Damage Done" he did tonight. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by global_warming on November 03, 2005 at 17:17:26 PT re:PA Cannabistsm, while this Sunshine Lights this world,Grow, Cultivate, and ShareIn Pa, [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by runderwo on November 03, 2005 at 17:01:03 PT illegality Most Pittsburghers would never support decriminalization of marijuana, Stangrecki said. "A lot of people in Pittsburgh are concerned about illegal (drug) use and sales"Does anyone else see the obvious solution to the problem of illegal drug use and sales? No, the war must go on... we have always been at war with Cannabis after all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by global_warming on November 03, 2005 at 16:08:27 PT Catch The Wave That blessed Light,That shines on RosaMason and all who have had enoughEnough of this mechanical story,Find your gentle hand,That soft hand that can touch with The most tender softnessReach into your mindBark like a dogLearnThe warmth of the fireThat Lights this universeHas a placeFor everyoneGet on board..gw [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by Toker00 on November 03, 2005 at 15:23:15 PT Like minds... Global, was that you reading my mind?Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Toker00 on November 03, 2005 at 15:20:08 PT Wow. Finally we get to send a message! You know, Ms. Rosa Parks was a spark. The civil rights movement became a very big flame and is still consuming the evil of racism. She left us the other day. Is this spark in Denver related somehow? Hmmm...our next social spark? Perhaps the flame which grows from it will consume the evils of racism, fascism, and class-ism? Is Cannabis that strong a spark, and could it fuel that kind of flame? I think liberation in Denver will be like a lubricant for the rest of the cities/states to slide on in. And I mean this in a mechanical sort of way, ok? : )Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by global_warming on November 03, 2005 at 14:54:50 PT Marijuana Vote Sends Message ! Though this article contradicts itself, let us all be assured, this spark in Denver, may be that spark that lights the bigger fire, that will further illuminate and spread to other cities.While the SCOTUS start to deliberate the constitutional religious freedoms written in this U.S. Constitution, and the sacraments of Christendom are scrutinized, perhaps the benefits of all these gateway substances might be acknowledged as necessary and part of all biological requirements to sustain, liberate, and illuminate our minds and souls, towards that higher state of creativity and learning, towards real and practical solution's that will see an end of darkness, fear, poverty, energy and the Grace that is promised from God. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 03, 2005 at 13:56:19 PT Nicholas Pittsburgh is very close to Ohio like right next door. We live about 80 miles from Pittsburgh. I should have figured you were kidding. I'm just really serious today and didn't get it. I have two members of my family coming in a little bit and am jumping around doing a million things at once. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Nick Thimmesch on November 03, 2005 at 13:45:08 PT Pittsburgh's pretty close to Ohio... ...ain't it? Go Pitt !!!Pittsburgh has small chance of passing a marijuana legalization law like Denver’s By Andrew JohnsonThursday, November 3, 2005 Holy smoke! Denver residents voted this week to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in their newly re-defined "Mile High City." National marijuana-rights activists said don't hold your breath when it comes to expecting any initiatives in Western Pennsylvania anytime soon. The first clue might be that the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has chapters in such far-flung places as Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Casper, Wyo., and Hermosa, S.D., but nary a one in Pittsburgh. The free-marijuana movement, at the edge of liberal, or "progressive" politics, has taken hold in predictable places like Seattle and Oakland, Calif., but is practically nonexistent around these parts, NORML executive director Paul Armentano said. Armentano said that he didn't know of any proposals to mellow out laws associated with marijuana use at any time, ever in Pennsylvania, which differed from virtually all neighboring states. "Quite honestly, Pennsylvania is not a hot-bed of drug policy reform," Armentano said. Washington, D.C., Marijuana Policy Project spokesman Bruce Mirken said this area was not on his radar, period. "I don't know," Mirken said of Western Pennsylvania's prospects. "Maybe it's in the water." Or maybe it's in a more obvious place. Pennsylvania, the entire state, is known for having some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country, Armentano said. Currently, Keystone-staters face 30 days in jail and a possible $500 fine, if arrested with 30 grams or less of the leafy hallucinogen. By comparison, the Buckeye state next door has decided to treat first-time minor marijuana offenses as some of the least serious ones under law. First-time small-time offenders in Ohio face no jail time, are subject to no criminal record, and pay $100 or less (the prosecutorial equivalent of a speeding ticket), for having upward of 100 grams of pot. Commander Thomas Stangrecki, head of Pittsburgh Police Bureau's Narcotics and Vice Division, said Denver's new measure is "definitely a bad idea." The police commander said he thought more impaired driving would happen in that city because of it. Most Pittsburghers would never support decriminalization of marijuana, Stangrecki said. "A lot of people in Pittsburgh are concerned about illegal (drug) use and sales," he said. "It's hard to say," said Steve McClain, who owns the Slacker store on Carson Street in the South Side. "I don't know if (Pittsburgh) would be the last place on earth" to get pot legalization. When Slacker opened in 1991, it was one of the city's few pot smoker-friendly establishments that sold pipes and bongs. Then, almost two years ago, the local U.S. Attorney's Office made headlines when it was part of a nationwide crackdown, "Operation Pipe Dreams," that involved Slacker and other drug paraphernalia distributors. Among more than 30 defendants, was California actor Tommy Chong, of the famed comedy duo Cheech & Chong, and a virtual Mt. Rushmore face for the pot-smoking community. He went to prison for being the face of "Chong Glass," handmade pipes. http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/tribpm/s_390763.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Nick Thimmesch on November 03, 2005 at 13:40:58 PT Oh, FoM.... ...THIMMESCH was just using a Rushism (Rush Limbaugh) to describe MSNBC and took it too far with the phony web site: no such thing. Sorry for pranking, too.I'm staying up late to watch Neil: Conan's pretty cool with musicians. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 03, 2005 at 13:25:57 PT Nicholas The link you posted isn't the name PMSNBC. I never heard of this link. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 03, 2005 at 13:07:42 PT Thanks Nicholas I missed it. I gave up watching MSNBC and when I watch news I watch CNN. MSNBC hired too many right wing leaning people so that told me they aren't what they were when I enjoyed their news. I won't miss Neil. I got the first two nights recorded but it is hard for me to sit thru Conan to get to the end when Neil sings. They should put Neil on at the start of the show then I could turn it off and go to bed. LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Nick Thimmesch on November 03, 2005 at 13:00:37 PT: PMSNBC just... ...did an interesting segment on Denver vote with of all people a guy named "Charlie Brown" from the city council who looked more stoned than the pro-pot-proponent.Don't fergit: Neil Young on Conan O'Brien tonight: set your Tevo/VHS or just stay up.THIMMESCH http://pmsnbc.com [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 03, 2005 at 11:54:17 PT Related Editorial from Las Vegas Review Journal Editorial: Marijuana Possession ***November 3, 2005Denver voters faced another question of national interest on Tuesday: Should possession of small amounts of marijuana be legal for those age 21 and older?Many Americans have become weary of the extremes of the nation's drug war, which fills jails and prisons with nonviolent offenders at a huge cost to taxpayers. Voters have shown an increasing tolerance for marijuana, approving of its medicinal uses in Nevada and other states and ordering municipal police forces in Seattle, Oakland and some college towns to make possession of the drug their lowest law-enforcement priority.Advertisement Residents of the Mile High City continued this trend, with 54 percent of voters supporting the legalization of marijuana possession and 46 percent opposing it. They endorsed the idea that recreational pot smokers do not pose a threat to public safety.Colorado authorities promptly announced their intention to ignore the collective will of the state's largest city. Because the ballot question creates only a city ordinance, Attorney General John Suthers said Denver police would still go after pot smokers by bringing charges under state law. Mr. Suthers labeled the vote "unconstructive" and was backed up by Denver's mayor and city attorney.When did majority votes that limit the power of the government cease to count in this country? But perhaps Mr. Suthers was correct in his assessment. It would be much more constructive for voters to bounce Mr. Suthers and Denver leaders from office at the earliest opportunity.Copyright: 2005 Las Vegas Review-Journal http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Nov-03-Thu-2005/opinion/4127233.html [ Post Comment ] Post Comment