cannabisnews.com: Rulings Frame Debate on Federal Authority Rulings Frame Debate on Federal Authority Posted by CN Staff on January 20, 2006 at 09:40:55 PT By Ashbel S. Green Source: Newhouse News Washington, D.C. -- Last year, the nation's highest court said that using marijuana to relieve pain violated the federal Controlled Substances Act. This week, the court said the same federal law could not be used to punish doctors who prescribe a lethal cocktail for terminally ill patients in Oregon.While the results might seem contradictory, taken together the rulings firmly establish the central purpose of the Controlled Substances Act: to combat illicit drug use and trafficking. "Marijuana was exactly the kind of thing that is at the heart of the Controlled Substances Act. Congress really wanted to seriously regulate this particular drug in all of its forms," said Robert L. Tsai, an assistant professor at the University of Oregon School of Law. "By contrast, it's hard to say -- and finally the court rejected the argument -- that the dispensing of certain drugs to ease one's death really goes to the heart of the Controlled Substances Act."More broadly, the two rulings referee a swirling power struggle among Congress, the executive branch and the states.In the marijuana case, the court said Congress' authority to regulate marijuana trumped laws in California and 10 other states that allow the drug's use for medical purposes.In the assisted suicide case, by contrast, the court said the federal executive -- the U.S. attorney general -- exceeded the power Congress had given him under the law.And that ruling, say several experts, could suggest how the court is leaning in other major executive-power cases coming down the pike, including the handling of enemy combatants and warrantless surveillance by the National Security Agency."It gets kind of dry and technical," Willamette University law professor Valerie J. Vollmar said about the assisted suicide case. "But I think the most interesting thing about it is this executive-power struggle that is going on.""The majority is saying, `Wait a minute, there are limits to what you, the attorney general, can do on behalf of the executive branch,"' Vollmar said. "The dissenters are saying you can do almost anything. That's a pretty extreme position. And I think it's of concern that Chief Justice Roberts signed onto the dissent."The two cases certainly have similarities: Both involved state ballot initiatives that allow the use of federally regulated drugs to treat pain and terminal illness. While multiple states have approved the medical use of marijuana, no states beside Oregon have adopted an assisted-suicide law.The key difference between the two cases: Congress explicitly outlawed any use of marijuana while the drugs prescribed to terminally ill patients -- secobarbital and pentobarbital -- have legal uses.The marijuana case came out of California, where state lawyers argued that Congress had exceeded its authority to regulate interstate commerce when it banned locally grown marijuana used for medical purposes.The court rejected the argument 6-3, with Sandra Day O'Connor, then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Clarence Thomas in dissent.Oregon won its case by the same vote, but most of the justices switched sides.And instead of hinging on the big-sweep question of Congress' constitutional authority, the Oregon case came down to the arcane rules of statutory construction and deference. In simple terms, if the Controlled Substances Act doesn't mention assisted suicide, should the courts defer to the attorney general's determination that it is not a legitimate medical use of drugs to help people die."It's an administrative law geek's idea of heaven," said Orin S. Kerr, an associate professor at George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. "It's a very technical decision."And unlike the marijuana ruling, it does not end the debate.Nothing about Tuesday's ruling prohibits Congress from clearly giving the attorney general authority to prosecute doctors who prescribe drugs for assisted suicide.But if Congress outlaws assisted suicide, supporters expect to go back to court and point out other differences between the marijuana and assisted-suicide laws.The most obvious: Congress may be able to ban a substance such as marijuana, but is it beyond its authority to intrude on the traditional state determination of what is the legitimate practice of medicine?"If we ever are faced with that battle," said Mary H. Williams, Oregon's solicitor general, "I think there are a number of arguments."Ashbel S. Green is a staff writer for The Oregonian of Portland, Ore. Source: Newhouse News (D.C.)Author: Ashbel S. GreenPublished: January 20, 2006Copyright: 2006 Newhouse News Service Contact: tonygreen news.oregonian.comWebsite: http://www.newhousenews.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Angel Raich v. Ashcroft Newshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/raich.htmSupreme Court Upholds State's Suicide Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21489.shtmlJustices To Review Oregon's Right-To-Die Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20268.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #90 posted by Toker00 on January 23, 2006 at 15:32:29 PT Communion You are right museman. Keeping us glued to the LIE BOX has been a very affective weapon for preventing "social gathering". Many a plot to take back our freedoms could be hatched if we "gathered". The only gathering they really allow us to do is for sports or concerts so profits can be made. Who can keep a train of thought with all the noise and commotion? Besides, Nascar people think they ARE free. Just keep the booze coming and they will never revolt or want to know the difference. I'm sorry. I am not against gatherings for sports, music, etc. But wouldn't it be nice to have frequent small gatherings to discuss human rights and needs and develop a voluteer system to help those less fortunate take a step up? Or to visit with lonely old souls who simply sit and wait to die because no one notices them anyway? One thing I think about is all the talent, experience, and wisdom that is wasting away in the minds of our senior citizens. There's an entire generation that went through the first prohibition, world wars, and the collapse of our economy in the thirties. What could we learn from that wisdom, but don't, because the elderly are mostly viewed as invalidic, senile and weak? Not all seniors suffer from Alzheimers. Some have very clear minds. There's many a story in those minds we could learn from. Just a thought.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #89 posted by Hope on January 23, 2006 at 11:27:32 PT Thank you I hear what you're saying and I'm very honored. Thank you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #88 posted by Hope on January 23, 2006 at 11:23:35 PT Mine, too, Museman "It is my opinion and concern, that our humanity as a whole has suffered due to the lack of social gatherings which have been replaced by the TV, and now (I hate to admit) the computer."My children were purposely severely deprived of Television, when compared to most of their peers.I remember when even country people visited each other more. The end of that seemed to coincide with when just about everyone got a color television. That was noticable and worrisome to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #87 posted by FoM on January 23, 2006 at 11:23:28 PT Hope You know what you are to me? You are where I met the south. Us northern folks live in the ozone alot you know. LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #86 posted by Hope on January 23, 2006 at 11:16:27 PT Comment 57 The feeling's mutual. Thank you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #85 posted by whig on January 22, 2006 at 16:13:16 PT Max "Another thing I have on my side is that I don't have any assets to go after... when/if they ever look me up they will probably toss my name in the "unlikely to produce revenue" pile in disgust, as there is no house, no boat, no business, no bank account with more than $200 in it, no car worth more than $1000, no credit to ruin."Yep. So if you stop voting, stop filing, and drop out of the system, they aren't likely to chase you down. [ Post Comment ] Comment #84 posted by Max Flowers on January 22, 2006 at 15:53:58 PT whig I know there is no "magic wand." I appreciate your warnings, I know you're trying to help make me be cautious. You don't want to see me go to jail and I appreciate that a lot.Thing is, I have already given this years of thought and decided that between the two choices of living in truth and the (real) law and keeping my self-respect, refusing to be intimidated and shaken down by thugs, but risking prison---and (2nd choice) living more "safely" by remaining scared and paying these rotten extortionists, well, call me insane but I will take the risk of prison. I don't want that of course, but I just can't knuckle under to these thieves.Plus, I have a bad feeling that huge changes are coming to this country soon that are going to make anybody's tax worries microscopic in contrast. In fact, before it's all over, I think they're going to have to start again fresh with taxes and a lot of other governmental matters too.Another thing I have on my side is that I don't have any assets to go after... when/if they ever look me up they will probably toss my name in the "unlikely to produce revenue" pile in disgust, as there is no house, no boat, no business, no bank account with more than $200 in it, no car worth more than $1000, no credit to ruin. [ Post Comment ] Comment #83 posted by Had Enough on January 22, 2006 at 04:15:21 PT George said this too I look at you allsee the love there that's sleepingWhile my guitar gently weepsI look at the floor and I see it needs sweepingStill my guitar gently weepsI don't know why nobody told you how to unfold your loveI don't know how someone controlled youThey bought and sold you.I look at the world and I notice it's turningWhile my guitar gently weepsWith every mistake we must surely be learningStill my guitar gently weepsI don't know how you were divertedYou were perverted tooI don't know how you were invertedNo one alerted you.I look at you all see the love there that's sleepingWhile my guitar gently weepsLook at you all . . .Still my guitar gently weeps. [ Post Comment ] Comment #82 posted by Had Enough on January 22, 2006 at 03:53:24 PT George said One, two, three, four... Hrmm! One, two, (one, two, three, four!) Let me tell you how it will be; There's one for you, nineteen for me. 'Cause I’m the taxman, Yeah, I’m the taxman. Should five per cent appear too small, Be thankful I don't take it all. 'Cause I’m the taxman, Yeah, I’m the taxman. (if you drive a car, car;) - I’ll tax the street; (if you try to sit, sit;) - I’ll tax your seat; (if you get too cold, cold;) - I’ll tax the heat; (if you take a walk, walk;) - I'll tax your feet. Taxman! 'Cause I’m the taxman, Yeah, I’m the taxman. Don't ask me what I want it for, (ah-ah, mister Wilson) If you don't want to pay some more. (ah-ah, mister heath) 'Cause I’m the taxman, Yeah, I’m the taxman. Now my advice for those who die, (taxman) Declare the pennies on your eyes. (taxman) 'Cause I’m the taxman, Yeah, I’m the taxman. And you're working for no one but me. Taxman! George Harrison 1966 [ Post Comment ] Comment #81 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 21:00:48 PT museman I totally understand what you are saying. I'm glad you found us here. My disposition is quiet and I do a lot of thinking. When something feels right I wait a little while but then I do what I feel I should. I am very determined and don't change from that direction until I feel it's over. I know many people don't think or act like I do and lord knows it's only what is right for me but it has always been interesting. Life is hard but it is good too. When I was listening to Enya it was hard because it took me back to when my son passed away. I had all of her music and then I put it all away because it hurt to hear it. Sometimes it's good to remember painful events. We are fighting a strong and powerful enemy with this administration. I don't know how he has gotten away with it but it has happened before thruout history. I hope people's eys are opened because this is a serious issue we are dealing with. Cannabis being legalized would help people cope and learning to cope is vital in these times I believe. [ Post Comment ] Comment #80 posted by museman on January 21, 2006 at 20:37:35 PT: FoM First of all, I think that what is happening, and the energy present here is good. And if it weren't for your efforts it wouldn't be what it is. I don't mind explaining if I can. I am a poet, I love the english language. Let me try this;There are talents, skills, knowledge, experience, to name just a few of the natural human resources that we have, each and every one of us.Using those resources is pretty much up to each individual, and far be it from me to judge. I am no judge, I advocate tolerance, and responsible liberty.Posting on this site has been inspiring to me, and all of everyone's welcome has also been refreshing. I think everyone in this forum has a good idea of who/what the 'enemy' is. These are after all, thoughts, ideas, expressions. I am by no means or intent attempting to accuse any persons of anything. I, with you share a certain disdain for those who 'put on airs' and pretend, and pose. My family comes from midwestern farm stock. I do have distinct convictions on some issues, one of which is the Marijuanna Prohibition we all talk of here. My Guru said; "Be wary as wolves, but harmless as doves."If my words cause harm to anything but lies and ignorance, then I humbly ask forgiveness, and enlightenment.I wrote this on my website which also explains my 'point of view.'http://wholeearthfamily.org/DSICLAIM.HTMIn the words of Eric Burton;"I'm just a man whose intentions are good. Oh lord please don't le me be mis-understood."peace [ Post Comment ] Comment #79 posted by whig on January 21, 2006 at 19:42:51 PT museman "Magic is alive and afoot, God is alive and afoot,and One is of the other, and the other is of the One.Faith and belief."True. I need to take my own advice and smoke a bowl. [ Post Comment ] Comment #78 posted by Dankhank on January 21, 2006 at 19:29:57 PT Max Thanks ... but ... relax ...When I am talking "truth" it should be obvious ...I offered a site I found about 2 minutes earlier than the post with a point of view that seemed to agree with what I knew. I have taken some tax preparation classes in the past.We are taxed way too much, of this I am sure.I will read you stuff ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #77 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 19:24:45 PT museman I am trying very hard to figure out what you mean but I am not doing a very good job of it. You speak beautifully. I can say things from my point of view and maybe you will understand what I mean. I feel that when I started doing CNews I was doing what I should do. I don't have any motives but what lead me in this direction. I am not impressed with people who act like they are better then another person. I believe we all have a special talent and we need to find our talent. For now CNews is what I am to do. It wasn't always that way. I had other things that were as important to me as what I do now. I want harmony above all things for this site. I want CNews to be a place to learn from others, to be aware of what is happening with Cannabis and how we can help speed change along. I believe in respect even for those who fight us. I won't come down to their level because then I would feel defeated by myself. I hope this makes sense. [ Post Comment ] Comment #76 posted by museman on January 21, 2006 at 19:10:15 PT: There is a magic wand It is called "The Truth." This power is so potent and effective that some folks who are/were brave enough to use it have been known to suffer all kinds of misery, up to and including early death at the hands of the power elite.And it is magic, because though truth itself has substance in any realm, here on earth, now at this time it's rarety makes it so, and such a lack of faith and belief exists concerning it's actual nature and substance that it remains a mystery to many. But it's accumulative effect, we must all agree is very potent. Faith and belief are tools that the builders of this insane Republican temple to blood and greed rejected. Yet each of us is born with these faculties, and the potential for magic and miracles the world has never seen is beaten down within each one of us by the psychic/spiritual/social programming of the preceding generations moralities, codes, values, and beliefs.The faculties remain nonetheless, and wait like unopened birthday presents in a room of our being, just not discovered yet.Magic is alive and afoot, God is alive and afoot,and One is of the other, and the other is of the One.Faith and belief. **** and thanks global_warmingwe are allchoices in the making,may our next ones be informed decisions. http://wholeearthfamily.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #75 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 18:59:33 PT Just a Note I have been reading and listening to a little of Enya. If you like this kind of music you will find it on this link. http://enya.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #74 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 15:20:47 PT you can sell your best 'hot dog, the higher law, reminds all of usthat 'we are the 'voicein this universe, [ Post Comment ] Comment #73 posted by whig on January 21, 2006 at 15:04:35 PT global_warming #72 I agree, and because we are who and what we are, we do not and should not sink ourselves to petty legalistic authorities, the rule of men. Our law is not that law, it is the higher law, and we do what we do because it is right and good, not because we are given permission to do it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #72 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 14:41:01 PT re:There is no magic wand. this is the game'we are playingGod has been merciful,accept that our reaLITYempowers 'us'we, are the voice of God,Cannabis is Married to TruhFair Maidenwho brings fresh leaves,'our comfortin this greenest place [ Post Comment ] Comment #71 posted by whig on January 21, 2006 at 14:20:14 PT Max I'm going to try again.Save-A-Patriot is run by John B. Kotmair, Jr.His son went to jail.http://www.save-a-patriot.org/response/EdKotmairResponse.htmlQuoting John B.:"To all those Gurus that rushed to judgment, when the media expounded Cortes’ press releases, and flooded the Internet, e-mail and fax machines with such statements as: “How can Kotmair help any member of the Save-A-Patriot Fellowship if he can’t keep his own son out of jail?” I say to them, send me your magic wand that overcometh such treachery and all the Patriotic Community will be forever in your debt; for you have single handedly saved the Republic—GOD Bless You!! Large empty bells ring the loudest!"Now I repeat.There is no magic wand.You cannot invoke any incantation that will make them desist.Do not imagine that you can outlawyer the legal system.Do not play their game, they write the rules, and they've been playing it a long time.You are not going to win this way. [ Post Comment ] Comment #70 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 13:55:58 PT re:disease in a blink of your eye,you can see your hand,push that button,vote and bash the skull,of your child,that breath that could,bring this sickness to health,yup, we are 'all marching along,watching all this suffering,'we can make that difference,free that slave,announce our liberation,step on that head of the serpentfear notit is not an animal,it has been denied breath,for such greedcan not ever be given breath [ Post Comment ] Comment #69 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 13:30:57 PT re:66 The 'tax codes, insure your place in the bed of satan, and his infected minions, this is a disease, that has filled the minds and souls of 'so many children, [ Post Comment ] Comment #68 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 13:28:57 PT Max Flowers Thanks for understanding. That means a lot to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #67 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 13:08:01 PT hey museman you are one mother loving visionary, glad you found this place, this idea of yours will happen, I plan to attend the whole earth event in my neck of the woods. [ Post Comment ] Comment #66 posted by Max Flowers on January 21, 2006 at 13:07:39 PT FoM I agree. I don't advocate that people don't pay taxes, I advocate that people read the tax code and USC and learn what the statutory language is actually saying. When one does, they learn that words like "taxpayer" "taxable income" "source" "U.S. citizen" and "income" have specific legal definitions that aren't at all what they sound like they would be when you see the words. Those definitions actually exempt most people from any liability at all. I strongly encourage you and everyone here to read those links I put up. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 13:05:03 PT museman I think you have an excellent idea. We have a couple homes we built on our land and they are rented for a very low price. The one family thinks like we do. They help us with improvements for less rent and we are friends with them. The lady that has lived in the other home is sadly not going to live much longer. She has lived here for nearly 15 years now. She is up in years and her heart is failing. Only when she passes away will we convert the house, if we think it is something we should do, to two apartments and do the same thing for those who would rent from us. We really don't need the hassle and selling would be much easier but that's not my idea of being a good steward. As long as we physically are able we will continue to try to do good because no matter what, I have more by living this way then if I lived for the almighty dollar. Neil Young's Hippie Dream Hat [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by museman on January 21, 2006 at 13:04:30 PT: FoM #59 We all do what we can. I think that it's not so much what's in your bank account, as what's in your heart. If one is following the higher Law, and doing the best they can with what they can, then what more can you ask for? [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 12:41:29 PT that is why woodstock is so popular, half a million people, having their momentary place in this world...bet that can 'never happen again..too bad for all of us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by museman on January 21, 2006 at 12:34:01 PT: FoM: bridging the gap Gatherings used to be the way that most human beings got their news, entertainment, met new people, and had all manner of live interaction.Until 1976 Americans had the constitutional right to gather on public lands for anything. Only one group of people that I know of challenged that new law put into effect which established the BLM and rules of law enforcement in the National Forest. That was the 'Rainbow Family.' It took over 20 years but the FEDs finally won that, and now our rights to gather have been erased and put in the category of 'priviledge.'However there are still loopholes in that law since no one else but the rainbow has seen fit to challenge it. We can still gather on private land without a permit.Gatherings are like music festivals without a focus on just the music. We've had smoke in's of various kinds, and there have been many quiet, small gatherings where the sacred has been showcased.It is my opinion and concern, that our humanity as a whole has suffered due to the lack of social gatherings which have been replaced by the TV, and now (I hate to admit) the computer.The only thing stopping us from taking this all into a more live experience, is availablity of local land resources. Gatherings that don't last more than a day can still happen in the National Public Lands. All it takes is a little planning locally.Barter faires; there aren't enough of 'em. Free gatherings with open agendas'; not any that I know of.I'm not talking about festivals that are all about marketing 'alternative' lifestyles and philosophies, regardless of their fine appearances and words, they are just out for the money. I'm talking about gatherings of people who want to share innovative ideas about spirit, philosophy, political, and economic solutions.It could happen. I for one am campaigning for it. See this link http://wholeearthfamily.org/show/show.html http://wholeearthfamily.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 12:17:29 PT Max Flowers I thought of one more thing. I can't remember when we had to pay Federal Income Tax. We have enough deductions that we don't owe them anything. When you have deductions for a business it can eat up taxable income. I'm not being critical of you or anyone that thinks differently then I do but in turn we that try to work the system are doing the right thing too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by global_warming on January 21, 2006 at 12:01:19 PT re:comment 51 grim Collapse of U.S. Economy Imminent [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 11:56:10 PT Max Flowers It is approaching tax time and everyone gets worried. I know that some here don't believe in taxes. I don't but I pay them so I can do what I do and maybe be able to do more and build a few retirement houses for people on our land. If we didn't do what we do the way we do it I couldn't even think of completing one of my dreams. That means that I would be denied my freedom to try to share with others. I hope this makes sense. We can use the system for our benefit if we want to do it that way. That is why even though I mind, I don't mind paying taxes. Maybe someday it will all be different but I don't think the tax issue will change in my lifetime. Even my musical hero Neil Young pays taxes and he says that even though he is a Canadian ( wife and children americans ) he has a right to complain about the way things are in our country. It is just a matter of how we want to plan our future. [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by Max Flowers on January 21, 2006 at 11:03:37 PT Dankhank - those are IRS lies That's what that link you posted has. The part about everyone being liable for income tax no matter who they are and where the money came from, including (common domestic) jobs, is treasonous lies, in my opinion, and the opinions of a lot of other people. Most importantly, if you read and really *study* the IRC (Internal Revenue Code) and the USC (United States Code), you'll see it too.I don't blame you for what you think is true. So many people are misinformed and fearful. I was my whole life, until pretty recently.Here is a link to explain what are really the facts about the law, and to counter the IRS lies/proganda contained in the link you posted: http://freedompage.home.mindspring.com/tax3.htmI encourage every single person reading this site who thinks common working individuals are liable to read it carefully. Then, if you really want to have your mind blown by truth, get deeper with these:http://www.save-a-patriot.org/files/view/agentdos.htmlhttp://www.originalintent.org/edu/lies.phphttp://www.freedomabovefortune.com/(The above is my opinion and does not necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of this website's ownership, management or moderator) [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 07:05:47 PT Hope You said: I, too, stay warm after much advice from Mother Earth News from the late seventies through the eighties. They don't make my wonderful stove anymore. It's a Fisher. It's so ugly but it is a wonderful stove. We can cook on it, too. Actually mines a galomping big fireplace insert. I can still cook on it. It sticks out nearly two feet. It looks like the boiler to an old steam locomotive but it is a very efficient and quiet whole house heater. I say: I remember the Fisher Stove. It was one of the top stoves of the time. You are so cool! Love ya lady! [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by Toker00 on January 21, 2006 at 06:54:35 PT Embarrassing, Dankhank? Ok, Dankhank. That was fair. I was thinking spiritual, but typing literal. I think most Americans think within Christian theology, that is why I try to communicate in it. I use it as a reference. I hope some understood what I was referring to. Sorry that you didn't. I don't promote Christianity, but I do promote spirituality. I try communicating with what MOST understand. Christ's spirit was invincible is what I meant. And I believe ours is too, if we seek the truth. Our biological bodies are only temporary, IMHO, so will most certainly be ravaged by life and the laws of man. I'm not a bit embarrassed by that belief.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by FoM on January 21, 2006 at 06:52:57 PT Dankhank I read where this religious organization is pushing so hard against the Book of Daniel that it might get cancelled. I read where they hope it doesn't because as the show gets more episodes under it's belt that we will see good things happening in the show. I remember the expression kill it before it grows.Jesus said to Daniel don't you think it's time to stop now and Daniel said one more for the road. Jesus isn't pushy and he isn't pushy on the show. He guides put ultimately it is up to us. Why can't the religious right see this? [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by Toker00 on January 21, 2006 at 06:41:15 PT mayan Remember Katrina and Rita? Those evacuations saw chaos and mayhem unlike anything experienced, recently, in this country. The Hundred Mile Parking Lot. I was there. People were parked in ditches on both sides of the road, either out of gas, water, food, or hygienic products. Rita gave us, in Texas alone, three million people moving inland. I've never felt that feeling before. It was like any moment violence and destruction could result from too many people being jammed together with not too many resources. It was a choking feeling. This was only for a 36 hr. period, and no one really lost it, miraculously. Most everyone made it home safe and sound, here in Tx. We had everything to come back to. And that was Rita. I can't imagine what Katrina was like. Imagine a nation wide economic collapse, with no way but groveling to exist. 300 MILLION people. The pendulum of the US may have come to a stop. Now it will swing in the other direction. What will lay in store for us until the pendulum stops on it's swing again? God knows, and so shall we.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by Dankhank on January 21, 2006 at 06:34:01 PT Daniel Last night's show good as usual ... Jesus spoke little, but well ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by Dankhank on January 21, 2006 at 06:31:35 PT Believe ... I am very tolerant of religeous views espoused here and comment on them rarely. If I start I will ask many embarrassing questions, but I couldn't resist this one ...God tells us to be brave. He tells us to wrap ourselves in his wisdom, and man's laws will not hurt us.Seems like Man's laws nailed Jesus to a tree ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by mayan on January 21, 2006 at 05:55:03 PT Uh-Oh Iran 'moves assets out of Europe': http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4632144.stmIran could pull up to 50 billion dollars from Europe and has called for a reduction in OPEC oil production. Iran is the second largest OPEC producer behind Saudi Arabia. The DOW dropped 213 points yesterday and gold is now at 567 dollars an ounce! That means the Euro, which Iran is planning on having it's oil valued in, is really surging. 16 sections of the Patriot Act are set to expire Feb. 3rd. A fake Bin Laden tape was just released. The republican party is awash in scandals of historic proportions. Republican candidates across the board will soon start ripping Bush in an attempt to distance themselves from him as the mid-term campaigns heat up. That's a lot of birds lined up and the right stone could knock them all down. I hate to be an alarmist but things don't look so good. It could be a long winter yet. Prepare. [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by Toker00 on January 21, 2006 at 05:32:48 PT And remember... A right is not what someone gives you; it's what no one can take from you. RAMSEY CLARK. Think: God Given Right.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by mayan on January 21, 2006 at 05:29:41 PT Misc. Sorry if these have been posted...Two-term limit for supervisors: urgedhttp://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20060119-9999-2m19pot.htmlHere is MPP's new blog for the Nevada campaign...http://www.regulatemarijuana.org/home/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by Toker00 on January 21, 2006 at 05:25:13 PT Protest I don't understand the fear of protest. It's not like we are armed and challenging anyone. We are simply exercising our (and your) right to peacefully gather and protest what we and others believe to be injustices against the people of the United States or the world. This is not MARTYRDOM. A person with a bomb strapped to their belly blowing themselves up for a cause: EXTREME MARTYRDOM. Njweedman, martyr. Cindy Sheehan, protester. She doesn't have to worry about bringing problems on her family. The government killed her son, and may as well have killed her marriage. Most present day protesters I talk to are involved in their movement because of injustices brought on them, their family, or their friends, by a Fascist government in the grips of Satanic leadership.God tells us to be brave. He tells us to wrap ourselves in his wisdom, and man's laws will not hurt us. God's wisdom is simply THE TRUTH. All we are doing is publicly displaying the TRUTH. If we were not there, there would be no thirty second news clips to remind and encourage those who have been made too afraid by the fear tactics of their own government, or social standing, to speak out for themselves. No one is blamed for not showing up to protest. I turned the disappointment of small showings into gratitude for those who did show, whether there were two or three or three hundred protesters. It's not the size of the crowd, but the very fact that, yes, some of us are not afraid to say we represent millions of other Americans who disagree with our delusional reality created by the followers of Lucifer.So please, if you don't want to protest, it's OOOOOKKKKK! But don't think that protesting always leads to martyrdom, government horse whipping, lynching, or total destruction. Sometimes it actually leads to CHANGE! And, besides, you'll scare away those who are borderline activists! Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBIION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by Hope on January 21, 2006 at 05:18:50 PT True and lovely. "There is power in being able to sit in a circle with friends, people who love and trust one another, pass a pipe around and talk while sharing music." Thank you, Whig. Well said."We cannot just exist in our individual private islands, typing messages to one another, without ever having real human contact.I wish there were some way we could bridge this gap."When Prohibition and the WoD is ended, Whig, I bet we plan some CannabisNews reunions. Maybe we will have to start planning them this year. That would be so nice. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by Hope on January 21, 2006 at 05:10:55 PT So much being said. So much going on. I've been very busy taking care of my daughter's children while her baby sitter is out of commission. Three month old and an eleven year old that's sick with some sort of virus. They have kept me hopping.So much is happening. The year is certainly coming in like a Lion. Maybe it's going to go out like a Lamb. It looks bad, but...you all know how it is...we're very used to that.So much is being said in the comments that is so worthy of being discussed. Museman said, "The bounty of the earth belongs to all the creatures of this planet. How dare one small group of clever beings claim that they have the right to patent it, package, and sell it to us as if they created it themselves?" You're so right, Museman. It's an outrage. It really is.I, too, stay warm after much advice from Mother Earth News from the late seventies through the eighties. They don't make my wonderful stove anymore. It's a Fisher. It's so ugly but it is a wonderful stove. We can cook on it, too. Actually mines a galomping big fireplace insert. I can still cook on it. It sticks out nearly two feet. It looks like the boiler to an old steam locomotive but it is a very efficient and quiet whole house heater. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by The GCW on January 21, 2006 at 05:06:33 PT Max Flowers, Thank You for that. (Let the flowers pick You)1:21:6The tree of knowledge of good and evil – the tree of life.Cannabis – hemp;They were not yet granted.THCUNot just a carpenter; Your carpenter.Christ StanThe Green Collar WorkerFrom Stoner and Climax [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by Max Flowers on January 21, 2006 at 01:17:03 PT Just found this interesting item on the web September 28, 2005For Immediate ReleaseCalifornia Attorney Creates a Near Perfect Defense to a Federal Medical Marijuana Prosecution(Torrance, California) - The recent United States Supreme Court ruling that the federal government may continue to prosecute medical marijuana users has prompted a brilliant California lawyer to combine a little used Supreme Court decision and a hidden federal law to devise the perfect defense to a federal criminal prosecution in those states that permit medical marijuana. The Supreme Court in a 1975 decision confirmed the right of every federal litigant to examine grand and petit jury lists to eliminate biased or unqualified persons. Dr. Eduardo M. Rivera combined this “unqualified right” with the law that all federal jurors, district judges and U.S. Attorneys must reside within the judicial district where the case is to be tried.Dr. Rivera has thoroughly researched and discovered that the first and most important sentence in Chapter 5 of Title 28 United States Code has been completely neglected for more than 50 years. The sentence: “Sections 81-131 of this chapter show the territorial composition of districts and divisions by counties as of January 1, 1945,” proves that all the federal judicial districts and divisions in all the states are comprised exclusively of federal territory. Dr. Rivera has learned that practically no federal grand or petit jurors in any state are actual residents of the judicial district where they purportedly serve.The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution requires that all jurors be “of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed; which district shall have been previously ascertained by law.” Dr. Rivera’s research establishes that the date: January 1, 1945 is used to fix the territorial composition of each district in conformity with the Sixth Amendment.The exact description of all the federal territory within a federal judicial district on January 1, 1945 is information that is readily available to the federal government but it is not easily available to anyone else, therefore, the information that qualifies a federal juror must appear on the jury list. If federal jurors do not appear to be qualified, they should be rejected. The Sixth Amendment is a constitutional guarantee that an accused will only be indicted and tried by qualified jurors.Dr. Rivera devised the federal jury list inspection procedure shortly after a federal civil action for a permanent injunction was brought against him in Los Angeles. He discovered that he could not properly defend himself, because neither the court nor the judges of the federal court derive power from Article III of the Constitution. United States District Court Judges can routinely deny every motion that questions the jurisdiction of federal trial courts because they lack judicial power. The procedure Dr. Rivera devised against federal medical marijuana prosecution will not prevent a state prosecution in those states that do not permit medical marijuana use, but it can prevent a prosecution everywhere except Washington, D. C.The unqualified right to inspection of the jury lists is, according to the United States Supreme Court, available to any federal litigant at any stage of the proceedings. Test v. United States, 420 U.S. 28 (1975).Dr. Eduardo M. Rivera would like to personally mail a copy of the motion and sample declaration to every state attorney general, every county district attorney, every U.S. Attorney and every federal and state judge, but limited resources make this impossible. He is making this press release to advise everyone that the Constitution and Bill of Rights can be protected if we all work together. Copies of the procedure are available at Dr. Rivera’'s website edrivera.com. Anyone who would like a copy mailed should send a self-addressed stamped business size envelope to him at his address.Dr. Rivera has prepared other written materials available on his website which help explain the procedure. Dr. Rivera insists that all that is needed to obtain inspection of the jury list is the material he provides free to anyone. One does not have to be a medical marijuana user to receive the jury inspection material. Those who would like to support his work are invited to become Internet law students.Enrollment details are available on his website. For additional information, call Dr. Rivera at 310.370-3361 or visit his Website at http://www.edrivera.com [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 22:09:41 PT whig I know what you are saying. I'm not afraid but cautious by nature. I have been that way for many years. I am quiet and do a lot of thinking. If I would be in a crowd of people and you didn't know me you wouldn't figure out who I was. I am not very talkative. I always did best teaching young people to ride horses. I can relate one on one with someone who has a desire to learn. That's just my disposition. [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 21:58:50 PT For Entertainment Purposes Only The Temples of Rock was just on the Discovery Times Channel and it will be repeated tomorrow. I thought others might like to check it out too.DTC — Temples Of RockHead out on a nostalgic journey through the cities and studios where rock and roll legends were made. From the Motown Museum in Detroit to Liverpool's Cavern and the Fillmore arenas, visit the sites that gave birth to a new generation of sound.http://times.discovery.com/tvlistings/series.jsp?series=104845&gid=0&channel=DTC [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by whig on January 20, 2006 at 21:49:46 PT FoM As far as pushing things, I do think we should not be too timid either. If we are afraid to say what we think and act in accordance with our belief, then we cannot be free and we cannot persuade others to join us in freedom. I know many people who say, theoretically they belive cannabis should be legal, but they won't talk about it with anyone but others who think the same way. Some of them have never even smoked pot because they are afraid to "break the law."I advocate discretion, but I am also a big believer in community. There is power in being able to sit in a circle with friends, people who love and trust one another, pass a pipe around and talk while sharing music. We cannot just exist in our individual private islands, typing messages to one another, without ever having real human contact.I wish there were some way we could bridge this gap. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 20:37:28 PT Whig I understand. Dankhank said one time that he was an activist not a martyr. I am cautious. I have always been cautious. I don't want to get in trouble so I do my best not to push too hard. I also am not into politics so I don't have a reason to push more then I do. I am aware of what is going on with the system as it is today and hope that we will see change in the future. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by whig on January 20, 2006 at 20:28:00 PT FoM "I feel really bad for the Kubbys. I am not surprised by the ruling though. Things seem to be changing in Canada."There is always an ebb and flow, but I also feel terrible for anyone who is subjected to the violence of the state and who has themselves done no harm to anyone nor poses any kind of threat to anyone.I make no secret that I consider the state a violent criminal enterprise, a protection racket. The thing about criminals, and particularly organized criminals, they don't mind hurting you if you are standing in their way, and they can usually get away with it.I don't vote and I don't demonstrate, and although I respect that people do these things with the best of intentions, I believe that it is best to stay out of sight and avoid confrontation, but speak and live as you believe, and do this with your family and with your friends.Do not think I am saying anything against Steve Kubby, he is a good man who does not deserve to be mistreated, he ought to be respected and left alone. But I cannot fail to point out that he made himself a target when he stood up publicly and confronted the state, to ignore that this has consequences is to tempt others to be careless.We do not have an obligation to put ourselves and our families at risk for that which we believe, if we can practice what we believe in private. The world will change, the political system cannot withstand a social revolution.I pray for the safety of the Kubbys. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 20:07:38 PT BUDSNAXZ I checked out the link. I think for me Mother Earth News is the type of magazine I like. It isn't political but about gardening and country living. That's what I like.http://www.motherearthnews.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 19:48:30 PT ekim I feel really bad for the Kubbys. I am not surprised by the ruling though. Things seem to be changing in Canada. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 19:45:27 PT BUDSNAXZ Thanks for the link. I wanted to say I am watching the Book of Daniel and they just had a good medical marijuana scene. The housekeeper uses medical marijuana to help with her pain. Her nurse told her off the record that it would help and it does. It was well done. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by ekim on January 20, 2006 at 19:37:08 PT which campainers are for Medical use and Kubby http://www.marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=878 Canada is in the middle of an election campaign in which even the plight of Canadians who need medical cannabis does not seem to be an issue.“Still, we can only plead with the people who hear about our situation to call those Ministers who can stop Immigration Canada from killing my husband. All we need is time in Canada to clear Steve's name in the US. Please phone or fax the Ministers of Immigration, Health, Justice and Public Safety,” said Mrs. Kubby.Joe Volpe, Minister of Immigration, Voice: (613) 954-1064, Fax: (613) 957-2688Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, Voice: (613) 995-7052, Fax: (613) 995-2962Irwin Cotler, Minister of Justice, (613) 992-4621, Fax: (613) 990-7522Anne McLellan, Minister of Public Safety, (613) 991-2924, Fax: (613) 952-2240 http://www.marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=878 [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by BUDSNAXZ on January 20, 2006 at 19:27:03 PT FOM and Toker00 FOM,I subscribe to Mother Earth News also. Another great magazine along the same lines (I actually think its better than Mother Earth News) is Backwoods Home Magazine. It is a real page-turner every month.PeaceMac Mother Earth News [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by museman on January 20, 2006 at 18:26:21 PT: IRS, freedom, and the peoples methods of exchange First of all, one is legally liable to file income tax, only if their annual income is above a certain dollar amount. You'll find that if you take out the monthly car payments, the power bill, water bill, and garbage bill, the TV cable bill, and on and on it goes, the price of necessity is far below taxable income levels. I have not paid 1 cent of income tax my entire life, and the IRS is welcome to spend more of your money to find out my 'secret' any time they'd like.Second of all I do not recognize any authority but God, and all the kings horses and all the kings men, along with all the legal blather they can drum up cannot change my head.The idea that there is any redeemable aspect of this corrupt system tends to elude the faculties I refer to as logic, reason, and common sense, and I see no reason to even acknowledge it as having a right to exist.That being said, my guru said "render unto Caesar what is Caesars, and render unto 'God'that which is 'God's'."The bounty of the earth belongs to all the creatures of this planet. How dare one small group of clever beings claim that they have the right to patent it, package, and sell it to us as if they created it themselves?As far as I know it is still not unconstitutional to have a different political philosophy than the current regime, but I who have never studied 'socialism' on any level find it intriguing that the ideas of 'community solidarity' and barter and trade would be categorized as such. I personally have no such label to put on what I just call truth. http://wholeearthfamily.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 18:23:01 PT Toker00 and Dankhank I might subscribe to Mother Earth News again too. We spent a lot of time reading and talking and dreaming because of that magazine. We got information on the Wood Stove we are still using to heat our home from Mother Earth News. It has gotten so hot in the past that the doors wouldn't open until it cooled down a little. It's been a good stove. They still make them but they moved to Canada and I know they had a picture of the stove somewhere but I can't find it anymore. That stove has made it that we can survive if power goes out. We can cook on it too. My husband is on his way home and we are going to sit down and watch the Book of Daniel. I think it's funny because of my religious background and Jesus is really cool. That's why they don't like the show. I hope it doesn't get cancelled. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by mayan on January 20, 2006 at 18:09:33 PT Killers and Healers The key difference between the two cases: Congress explicitly outlawed any use of marijuana while the drugs prescribed to terminally ill patients -- secobarbital and pentobarbital -- have legal uses.Maybe if cannabis killed it would be legal? What a joke of a system. More on the latest "BOOGA! BOOGA!"...Latest Bin Laden Tape: Another of the NeoCons' "Greatest Hits": http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/january2006/200106Bin_Laden_Tape.htmDuke Professor Skeptical of bin Laden Tape http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=local&id=3828678Bin Laden Tape Probably Faked by CIA: http://disc.server.com/discussion.cgi?disc=149495;article=97794;title=APFNOsama Bin Laden - Diabolical Boogeyman, or Government Scapegoat? http://www.911blogger.com/2006/01/osama-bin-laden-diabolical-boogeyman.htmlTHE ONLY WAY OUT:Webster Griffin Tarpley Graces St. Marks Church: http://www.rense.com/general69/webss.htm25 Reasons Why "White Collar Terrorists" Are To Blame for 9/11, "America's New War," and the Impending World War III: http://www.tetrahedron.org/articles/apocalypse/25_reasons.htmlNow That You Know, What Can You Do? http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20051204092855498 [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by Toker00 on January 20, 2006 at 18:04:33 PT Mother Earth News Thank you for that link and the reminder of a very fine magazine. I remember buying and reading that mag many times. Let's see what they look like thirty years later...just subscribed. It will be fun having a copy on my coffee table again. The mag came to mind a few times through the years.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by Dankhank on January 20, 2006 at 18:03:31 PT Daniel I love that show ... saw the premiere ...Last weeks episode, I missed. Downloaded the episode but can't make it work ... yet ...Gonna tape this Daniel while watching Battlestar Galactica ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 17:13:19 PT Dankhank That's really complicated. I don't know if you want to watch it but The Book of Daniel is on at 10 ET if they haven't cancelled it! LOL! I'm glad someone else likes or liked Mother Earth News. It was a magazine that helped us think about how to become less dependent on the system. The system worried me even back then.PS: If Jose contacted you he got thru to me and I fixed the problem. I figured out what went wrong. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by Dankhank on January 20, 2006 at 16:58:04 PT Mother Earth News A most useful book/mag.On Barter ... I think there ARE IRS regs governing "fair value of services."----------------------Goods and services. Income, for tax purposes, doesn't mean just cash; it can take many forms. Goods, property or services received have all been held to be within the definition of income.If you barter (exchange goods or services for the same), the fair market value of the item or service you received should be included in your tax reported income. Of course a lot of bartering goes on, and the IRS isn't any the wiser, but getting away with it doesn't make it right. Anything of value your business (or you individually) receives is income, unless it specifically falls within the exclusions discussed below. ------------------------http://www.inc.com/articles/2002/02/18957.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by global_warming on January 20, 2006 at 16:50:34 PT it is frightening politics, and monetary ideologiesthis whole crappy system of power and law,is a corrupted soup of garbagethat feeds the most greediest of fleshthat flesh that has a sickness, a disease,some kind of 'virus, that blinds the blessed soul,so that it can swallow injustice, cruelty, and perverse, destruction, as, 'we , 'cannabists, stand witness, this world is being torn into shreds of little power, who shall come before the foot of Justice, to ask for understanding.It shall forever be the small group of people that have received fresh cannabis, that can offer release, that is the portal, that God has freely given,for this world. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 16:38:56 PT This Magazine Helped Us Years Ago We got this magazine many years ago and got our ideas about how we wanted to live from this magazine. I haven't seen one in years but we just loved it way back then.http://www.motherearthnews.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 16:09:39 PT Graehstone Thanks! That really scared me! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by global_warming on January 20, 2006 at 16:04:57 PT regardless the godless human beings, who seek to secularize this world, are doomed to bitter failure, and their corpses shall be stacked like cordwoods.Like old wood that is inhabited by the worms.Cannabis is a 'vitamin, a food, a preciouse herb, that has come from the sky, kindred to the 'stars, those 'everlasting sparkles, that sing in the darkest eternity, that 'Light that can fill our souls, 'we can come to the table of the 'lord, without disgrace, without 'shame, for it is our everlasting place, that 'we sing, and stand before Eternity, it is only 'us, we can bring comfort, instead of war and anger, 'we bring health, after that long day. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 16:03:40 PT museman My husband worked at General Electric in the 70s and early 80s for 10 years. It was a really good job. They sent the work to Mexico then. Almost everyone in that small plant had no more employment. We got a little money from some savings program that we had with GE and went into business for ourselves. Since then we have been self employed. It wasn't easy but I am glad we took the risk and gave it our best shot. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Graehstone on January 20, 2006 at 15:57:14 PT Was being a little sarcastic Sorry for having that come over wrong, it was not meant that way. Of course it's not illegal (at least not yet) but if the govt did get a whif of what folks are doing they probably would be standing there with their hands open wanting their share. I too grew up where service was traded for service simply because folks didn't have enough money to get by and the barter system worked very very well. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by global_warming on January 20, 2006 at 15:44:49 PT 17 and trading skills is not socialism,it is more a sense of fair play, [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 15:44:43 PT Graehstone Is it against the law to trade skills? I thought it was legal. I really did. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by global_warming on January 20, 2006 at 15:39:08 PT this is getting interesting Thanks Museman, [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Graehstone on January 20, 2006 at 15:37:15 PT Trading skills? Be careful what you say there, that smacks of Socialism and could get you in trouble with the Homeland Gestapo if they find out the Govt isn't getting its share. But I personally wholeheartedly agree with you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 15:16:20 PT museman I believe in trading skills. I got a roof put on a barn we built back in the late 80s by trading my teaching skills (horses) with teaching children to ride and they brought out the big crane and set the roof on for free. And the roof size was 60 by 132 feet. My husband has done things similar because he is a good building person. I don't work just here and that is all volunteer. We could have a lot more if my husband worked more hours but we would pay more taxes and it didn't seem beneficial. I do believe we can live with less. When we built our home in 79 we put in wood heat and have used it ever since. That has made a big difference over all these years. We can use sense and get by. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by museman on January 20, 2006 at 14:47:48 PT: Money and 'job' vs work and labor Nobody ever said it would be easy, In fact I did use the word 'sacrifice' in my last post.I know from my own life that one can survive at all kinds of economic levels. Personally I started with faith as my #1 substance provider, and though I and my family have suffered a noticeable lack of luxury at times in our lives, I have never allowed the fear propaganda of the status quo to undermine my faith.It's certainly a real big dilemna, but not without solutions. The real solutions are in our communities..I went into some detail here http://wholeearthfamily.org/911/#Local_Based_SolutionsAll my life I have heard the judgement of the status quo; "Without a job you're a bum, or a wastrel, or not to be trusted, etc. etc."I have gleaned fields, traded goods and labor, worked at every common labor job under the table for people not corporations, not to mention had my guitar case out here and there. I have not 'survived wihtout money' but money was never my PRIORITY.All mankind must have some kind of occupation, or we go nuts. But though the powers that be use our genetic hard wiring against us, It doean't mean we have to buy into it, support it with patent answers supplied by the comfortable few.A 'job' in the 21st century means wage slavery. Work is what you do, whether it's a paid job or not. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 13:50:14 PT museman For me I never figured out how to live without money. I want to eat when I'm hungry and be warm when it's cold outside. I'm not into politics because I know they are corrupt. I don't understand how we can get by in our lives without working. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by museman on January 20, 2006 at 13:32:32 PT: Power, money, and liberty Freedom is a commodity that is still exacting interest payments even though the monsters in power claim that it is bought and paid for by the blood of patriots.Liberty is a priviledge defined only by the rich who pay the lawyers to secure it for them.There is a real battle going on, and today it looks like the other side is winning.'Satan' is a tencious bastard, and all his favorite children who buy into and support the status quo, like the current champion of chimpanzees' GW, have that same tenacity, like a tick that won't let go even though you pull it's head off.The human tragedy that has been compounded and created by this regime of very powerful idiots is only going to get worse until a sufficient number of Americans stand up and say enough is enough. Far too many are entrenched in their jobs and various monthly payments to be of any effect...unless they strike. And that's about as likely as any lawmaker/enforcer to ever consider humanity in their judgements.Unless folks are willing to sacrifice a little comfort for the sake of sanity, balance, and common sense in this contemporary reality, those in power are going to continue relatively unchecked.I mean how long has a signinficant number of American citizens known that their president is the biggest international criminal since Hitler, and yet no matter what we come up with against them they still prevail?It's because you can't beat their game, and as long as we are doing what they want us to do; going to work every day to support them and their agenda, paying the taxes that pay the salaries of assasins, spies, liars, and thieves, then the game goes on for another generation, and then another.I'm afraid that the only way people are going to stop that machine is by an act of God or nature. And taking a look around, I'd say that is the more likely eventuality. http://wholeearthfamily.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 13:04:11 PT Whig I just don't know. I wish I did though. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 13:03:07 PT Off Topic But Important January 20, 2006Yahoo Admits It Let White House Access Its Databaseshttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-2002169,00.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by whig on January 20, 2006 at 13:03:02 PT Federal Court Rejects Kubby Plea for Stay :(This is really awful. Is it possible for an MP in Canada to intervene? [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 12:34:07 PT Breaking News from The Kubbys Breaking News: Federal Court Rejects Kubby Plea for StayWe've just learned that Judge Pinard has dismissed our appeal for an emergency stay. We are currently evaluating the decision and will issue a formal press release before the end of the day."The Removal Order is now back in effect and our beautiful family again faces deportation and the public execution of our beloved Steve by Placer Official who are anxious to bury their mistake," said a distraught Michele Kubby.More to follow... [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 12:25:46 PT PainWithNoInsurance I haven't really seen weather anywhere else but the rains out west. We luckily heat with wood so we don't worry much about the temperature but I do worry if we don't get a good deep freeze because it means a bad year for bugs. I'm glad it is helping with your heating bill though. It really is beautiful today. The sun is out and it feels like spring. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 12:21:13 PT Another Off Topic Comment I don't invest in the stock market but I watch when it goes up and down. It currently is down 193. Oops. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on January 20, 2006 at 12:19:51 PT FoM Did you see the snow they got in Japan? They were shoveling the roofs to keep them from caving in. This weather is wako, and I am glad to be in warm weather with these heating bills. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 12:08:37 PT PainWithNoInsurance I didn't see Bush but when I see him on the TV I change the channel or turn on music. He has told us so many untruths that I can't believe a word he says. He cried wolf one too many times.It's 58 right now and I have windows open. Hello it's January! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by PainWithNoInsurance on January 20, 2006 at 11:46:15 PT Huh Might have to start eating soy and hemp burgers. I am wondering how livestock is doing in Russia with the 24 degrees below zero weather they are stuck in. We are having spring weather here.I see bush is talking healthcare now. Nothing like being the late on important issues. I wonder when he will get serious about global warming? I can't wait. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 11:24:11 PT Off Topic: Marijuana Not Safe but Beef Safe? Japan Halts U.S. Beef Imports Over Mad Cow Fears Raised by Recent Shipment *** Jan 20, 2006 TOKYO (AP) - Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Friday that Japan will completely halt imports of U.S. beef after a recent shipment was found to contain parts of cattle considered at risk for mad cow disease. "This is a pity given that imports had just resumed," Koizumi told reporters. "I received the agriculture minister's report over the telephone with his recommendation that the imports be halted and I think it is a good idea." When asked by a reporter if this meant that all imports of U.S. beef would be stopped, Koizumi answered: "Yes." The Japanese government plans to halt the imports until the U.S. side can confirm the beef being exported is safe, public broadcaster NHK reported. Complete Article: http://www.cbc.ca/cp/world/060120/w012026.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by whig on January 20, 2006 at 10:36:24 PT This article is a little misleading... The supreme court didn't wasn't asked to rule on the question of whether CSA reached the subject of the case, but whether the attorney general had unilateral authority to "interpret" the statute to do something not textually present. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on January 20, 2006 at 10:13:55 PT Here's An Article For the legal eagles. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment