cannabisnews.com: Taking The Drug War ... Seriously Taking The Drug War ... Seriously Posted by CN Staff on April 13, 2006 at 22:43:45 PT Source: HuffingtonPost.com USA -- I was watching Fox News the other night (because I'm a thinker) when I came across a commercial for the drug war. Perhaps you've seen it. It's the one that says "If you buy drugs, even pot, your money may go to fund terrorists. Now this was really an eye opener for me. I grew up in America's public schools, with all the traditional fear-mongering propaganda about Pot. You know what I'm talking about - all the horror stories they feed you about the evil things pot will do to your brain? I can't recall any of it right now, but you get the idea. They always told us "Pot makes you violent. And Lazy." Which never scared any kids I knew. I always thought if the violent people were lazy, we'd have a lot less crime. Imagine the thug who threatens, "I'm gonna kill you, man. Right after this burrito."And this is why so many kids have a hard time taking the drug war seriously. We're always changing the reasons, but the message stays the same. We keep telling them "drugs are bad! Drugs are bad! Drugs are bad!" and that, my friends, is not the problem.The problem is not that drugs are bad. The problem is that drugs are great. That's the problem.Addiction is bad. Overdosing is bad. Making stupid choices when you're high is bad, and all you potheads who paid to see "I Robot" know what I'm talking about.But now the White House is saying that if you buy pot, your money will go to terrorists. Clearly, the message George Bush is sending? Grow your own.I actually find it funny that the government is now actively linking the war on drugs to the current war on terror. You see, the Drug War as we know it began in that bastion of morality, San Francisco, back in 1873.Back then, Chinese immigrants were the group everybody was allowed to hate, and people really didn't like the thought of good Christian folks going to smoke in the opium dens of "the heathen Chinese." . White people took opium too, but they usually ate it, or shot it up. You know, the wholesome way.So they passed a law taxing imported smokable opium. This is noteworthy, since besides the obvious racism, it was the first time the government used taxes not to raise money (as the founders intended), but to punish and control private behavior. Thus began a long tradition of drug laws that work about as well as British toothpaste.The well regulated, law abiding opium houses shut down, the Chinese underworld grew stronger: violence erupted; lives disrupted; police and politicians corrupted; America interrupted.So it's extra ironic they'd link the drug war to the terror war. Because now that the Taliban is out of power, people can finally get decent opium again.The Drug war's been around so long it seems like it's part of our heritage. But cannabis hemp was a major American crop from the earliest colonial days. The US census of 1850 counted 8000 hemp plantations.I'm going to repeat that, because I think it's worth noting. The 1850 US Census counted 8000 cannabis hemp plantations. Growing cannabis was as American as apple pie. And everyone knew that if you smoked the flowery top of the plant, you'd want to eat a lot of apple pies. But it was never a concern. Then, as now, the biggest drug problem was alcohol.When the government made Marijuana illegal in 1937, the American Medical Association officially protested. Because for hundreds of years, it's medicinal and industrial uses were well documented.Washington grew hemp at Mount Vernon. Thomas Jefferson grew it at Monticello, and actually helped smuggle rare hemp seeds out of China. Nowadays, they'd go to jail for it. That is, if we ever started locking up the rich white guysBenjamin Franklin started a colonial paper mill that made paper from hemp fiber. I'm not suggesting Ben ever smoked any - I'm sure lots of sober guys fly kites during thunderstorms.And since it's April, it's worth mentioning that from the 1600s to the 1800s, cannabis hemp was used as a currency - legal tender. In fact for over 200 years you could pay your taxes in cannabis hemp. So next April 15th, try to send the IRS a few loose marijuana cigarettes. I'm sure they'll appreciate your knowledge of our history, and you can even file it as a "joint return." The point is, Cannabis has been in America for hundreds of years - even longer than white people. But it's only been illegal for the past 70. So technically, decriminalizing it is the true Conservative point of view... And it's the issue of medical marijuana that makes this a moral battle. I grew up in a Catholic family. An extremely Catholic family. We used to have open casket reunions. Now I'm not anti-Christian at all. My Mother is an ex-nun and my Father an ex-Franciscan brother. I just view Jesus the way I view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of the fan clubs scare me. Because what I learned from the bible as a child was that Jesus was a radical nonviolent revolutionary; a man who hung around with lepers, hookers and crooks; who never spoke English and wasn't an American citizen; was anti-death penalty, anti-capitalist, anti public prayer (Matthew 6:5, please remind them) but Never anti gay; and was a long haired, brown skinned (yes, it's in there), homeless, middle eastern Jew. And all he wants us to do is love people - especially the people we don't like. So I have a hard time believing that JC would advocate locking up sick people. In 1996 the voters of California approved a medical marijuana proposal. The Clinton White House promptly put the kibosh on it. George W. Bush is also opposed to medical marijuana. Now both of these presidents have been vague, at best, about their drug histories. But they've had no problem locking up others for the same behaviors. Which I take as a sign that neither of them truly believes in the drug war. Because if they really felt at their core that illegal drug use was evil, they'd confess their crimes and ask forgiveness. Remember - if they thought it was a sin, they'd turn themselves in. Imagine Johnnie Cochran saying it - it'll sound better. I'm not saying that these two presidents are evil men. It's just part of why the drug war makes no sense. It's a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle where the pieces don't fit - and it's never going to look like what they promised you on the box.. The drug war violates civil liberties, privacy rights, rights against search and seizure. It's led to out of control crime, corrupted law enforcement & business officials, and shown that the wealthy can get away with what the poor cannot - in short, it makes a mockery of any claim to be a free country. The war on drugs is a war on Americans. It's not even about race anymore , but class - and the only color that matters is lack of green. But we can't stop? You know why? We as a nation, a people, a tribe, are hooked. Like Caffeine, Oxycontin, fructose or Vicodin - we are addicted to the drug war. We know it doesn't work - we can't stop.We know it's too expensive and we can't afford it - we can't stop.We know there are a million people in prison and every year we pay 40 grand apiece to keep them in jail; when they could be out working, paying taxes and contributing to the economy - but we cannot stop. There are two types of people who keep repeating the same behaviors over and over, always expecting different outcome. Addicts, and crazy people. So we'd better hope we're addicts. Because I don't' want to believe the country I love is this insane. And the good news is this : if we are addicted, we can get treatment. I've had the pleasure of being on 2 different episodes of Politically InCorrect with Arianna Huffington, and to me she's a shining example of how an opened heart and an opened mind can enrich any community. My respect goes out to everyone intervening to help America break this ill-natured addiction. Thank you all for doing the Lord's work. Source: HuffingtonPost.comAuthor: John Fugelsang Published: April 13, 2006Copyright: 2006 HuffingtonPost.com, LLCContact: info huffingtonpost.comWebsite: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #66 posted by FoM on April 18, 2006 at 09:54:31 PT Video: Protest Song's Make a Comeback Neil Young: 'Let's Impeach the President'Rocker records protest album, 'Living with War'Tuesday, April 18, 2006Protest songs make comeback (4:09) LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Veteran rocker Neil Young has recorded a protest album featuring an anti-Iraq war track with "a holy vow to never kill again" and a song titled "Let's Impeach the President," the singer said on Monday.The 10-track set, called "Living with War," was recorded this month by a "power trio" -- electric guitar, bass and drums -- plus trumpet and a 100-member choir, the 60-year-old Canadian-born musician announced on his Web site. (Watch how many angry artists are putting their melody where their mouth is -- 4:09)http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/18/leisure.young.reut/index.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by FoM on April 17, 2006 at 18:10:08 PT It's Back Now the video is back. I love the Internet. Repeat to myself. I am not going crazy! [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by FoM on April 17, 2006 at 18:00:41 PT Whig I went to watch the video again on Amazon and now you have to have bought it to view. Maybe it was a glitch and I was lucky enough to see it. I wasn't hallucinating honest! LOL!I think I am going to order it though. I'll wait until Heart of Gold is released in June and get them at the same time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by rchandar on April 17, 2006 at 16:18:38 PT: great post ...saved my day. this guy made a lot of sense. Prohibition does not make sense.--rchandar [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by FoM on April 17, 2006 at 14:09:48 PT Question: CNN Cafferty File Now Jack Cafferty sounds off on the stories crossing his radar. Write in to answer Jack's hourly questions, and watch to see if he reads your response.Feedback: http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5t.html5 p.m. ET: Does it mean anything when Neil Young writes a song called "Impeach the President"? http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/situation.room/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by FoM on April 17, 2006 at 13:43:52 PT Whig I'm watching it now and I haven't ordered it but I sure will after seeing and hearing this video. It's awesome. You press play on the link I posted and it should work. It did for me.Folk seems to be coming back. I love folk music. [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by whig on April 17, 2006 at 13:40:20 PT FoM I don't think you can download the video unless you order the album. (Which I did actually pre-order a few weeks ago for my wife, along with a new Paul Simon album that's going to be released soon.) [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by FoM on April 17, 2006 at 13:35:17 PT Off Topic: Number One In Sales at Amazon.com There is a cool video on this link if you like Bruce Springsteen.We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions [DUALDISC] http://tinyurl.com/qggtb [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by whig on April 16, 2006 at 21:57:18 PT Another Neil article http://tinyurl.com/lzflnHe's getting all kinds of press in advance of this album. It's like everyone has just been waiting for something. Waiting to breathe again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by whig on April 16, 2006 at 21:16:58 PT museman You are inspired. [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by FoM on April 16, 2006 at 21:16:09 PT Whig That sounds great. Maybe towards the end of May or beginning of June. I'll get in touch with you by e-mail tomorrow when I'm not so tired. [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by whig on April 16, 2006 at 21:01:02 PT FoM Once my wife's finished graduating in a few weeks, we might have a chance sometime after that before we'll be moving in July. I don't drive myself, so it would have to be both of us if you really mean it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by FoM on April 16, 2006 at 18:54:15 PT Off Topic: New Page I Made I haven't found a web site for the new album but I did find an article and made this page. I hope I will be able to expand it in the near future.http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/war.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by FoM on April 16, 2006 at 12:49:27 PT museman You have such a deep spirit about you. The words are so alive. While I listen to your new song I remember something I wanted when I was still going to Catholic School. I saw people sitting in a field and a person was singing and playing music on a guitar with strong non judgmental christian leaning music like yours is on the tv one time. I thought now that is the way it should be. How long ago that was and this song brought it all back as clear as day. Thank you and Happy Easter. [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by museman on April 16, 2006 at 12:34:32 PT whig Crude yes, but not too many would know you could do that. I used to use speakers back in the sixties when I had my Craig 212. (Anybody know what that is?)So here's my contribution. I am only going to leave it up today, because we haven't quite got it down, and I make some very noticeable and (one or two) bad mistakes. I intend to get a better version as soon as I can. This one took two days of intense practice on just this one song-just to get this much of it.http://www.terryhubbard.com/FAM/Free_Blowin_Wind04.mp3Free Blowin' WindIs this the place where we have fallen, far from the Grace that we left in the garden?Are we lost here in this darkness, doomed to live and die with no hope at all?There were flowers in the barrels of the guns for only a moment. But that was enough for anyone who wished to see.And what you can find in the deserts and the mountains shows you what it's really like to be free.And I hear the words you are saying; "Everyone here must be saved."Should I have fear then for my salvation, when what I need is redemption from the grave?Chorus;The love of the tree for the sunshine knows no equal. The ocean is deeper than any man can see.The free blowin' wind serves God but knows no master, And the fire in our heart is how we came to be.I just can't live in a damned illusion, waiting for the axe to fall.Life is not condemned just by living, and fear is no answer at all.instrumental (sort of)The hallowed halls are empty, nothing was ever there, just a collective fear of oblivion.The love of the tree for the sunshine knows no equal. The ocean is deeper than any man can see. The free blowin' wind serves God but knows no master, And the fire in our heart is how we came to be. And the fire in our heart is how we came to be. And the fire in our heart is how we came to be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by whig on April 16, 2006 at 12:19:49 PT museman The lyrics are the quoted words below. I actually inverted a pair of headphones to use as a makeshift mic. How crude is that? :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by FoM on April 16, 2006 at 12:19:30 PT Whig Thank you. I was able to get it to play. Happy Easter to you and your wife.PS: If you live where it says on the link we must get together before you go west young man. That is around 80 miles as the crow flys from where we live. [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by museman on April 16, 2006 at 12:02:00 PT whig I got it. Thanks. Simple and clean. Nice gentle flavor. Couldn't hear the vocs well enough though (as you said-microphone)So you have inspired me to put one up today as well. A new one that is appropriate. My next post will have the link.HAPPY EASTER everyone! [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by Hope on April 16, 2006 at 08:51:59 PT Whig.... I finally got some sound. There's so much activity and noise here and other people playing music that I can't hear it well. Tonight I'll try and listen again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by Hope on April 16, 2006 at 08:41:41 PT Whig, I've been trying to get it to play since about six this morning and I can't get it to. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by FoM on April 16, 2006 at 07:17:04 PT Whig Happy Easter. I tried but it didn't load for me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by whig on April 16, 2006 at 00:10:17 PT 500MB I'm an idiot, the song's only 785KB anyhow, but for some reason UploadPort wasn't working for me and I just figured that was the problem. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by whig on April 15, 2006 at 23:53:32 PT Eastertide Music for your Easter morning.I couldn't use UploadPort to share this, because they've now capped file sizes to 500MB. I really did not want to use something like Myspace.com but it was quick and dirty for now, and it should work.http://myspace.com/epiphysisAlso, I don't have a decent mic, please excuse the audio quality.The song is Eastertide, and I'm using Epiphysis as my artist name."Once there was a little man who had to go back and forth to get home. He laughed and he tried not to cry."Love to all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by afterburner on April 15, 2006 at 21:04:57 PT museman, 'This Note's for You" (Neil) "One of my most powerful regrets is coming of age at the same time as the music industry, and watching the buying and selling of the Spirit of a generation."Hear here!"If Neil were to give a free concert, for the purpose of actively promoting consciousness and political and spiritual responsibility, then I believe the effect would be so much more potent than just releasing an album for those who can afford it."Isn't Farm Aid a free concert?"The standards that have been established by Hollywood and it's associated 'industries' have created a society that seems to be full of art and music because of the big media promotions that hypes it day in and day out, but in fact it is a culture that is starved for the real thing."You go museman. Our hearts, prayers and maybe money go with you. We want that insipired music. Even some of the DARE generation want that meaningful music. They envy those older who experienced the great music, and they regret that they know so much about empty over-produced music and "artists." [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by whig on April 15, 2006 at 15:42:28 PT Music for Easter I'm going to post something I'm in the process of recording for tomorrow. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 15:05:11 PT museman I know what you mean. I have a CD I put together for my husband for in the truck with songs like the Edmond Fitzgerald, Sky Pilot, America, Brothers in Arms, Bob Dylan's song, I Use To Care But Things Have Changed, Born To Be Wild, If You Want To Be Bird, Don't Bogart That Joint My Friend and a couple more. Many of these songs say alot to me and my husband. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by museman on April 15, 2006 at 14:47:05 PT FoM Radio was our companion and friend (as a generation) from the time of the first transistor radios. I fondly remember the local rock station following us around while we pursued the provocative art of 'streaking'; warning us of the whereabouts of the local Police who were desperately seeking a way to stop us. A tale for sure. Press and media were still mostly people run, and not franchises in corporate conglomerates. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 14:35:08 PT museman I know that music was what made me think more about social issues then anything else I can think of. We remember songs or at least I do. I don't remember news reports very well though. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by museman on April 15, 2006 at 14:15:06 PT FoM UNfortunately, the motivations of the media represents the financial interests of their mega-corporate elite stockholders, so the phenomenon of radio, a power used quite effectively in the sixties and earlly seventies - before the contractual binding of the musical/generational icons - is just not the same. TV and video media has made the concept of 'entertainment' (directly relative to the old Roman Rebublic concept of 'bread and games') a total replacement for the social interaction that we were developing with the music as the core dynamo driving the Human desire to gather. Our 'revolution of thought' revolving in dance, color, and examples of such things as 'brothers and sisters' 'we are all family' 'at one with the universe' is now available in various packages, (you too can be part of the 'experience' for only $19.95) but the actual event and experience can not be taken from us. Seeds that were planted are in full growth and maturity. How often has someone said; "If only I knew then what I know now...?" Well why is yesterday so damn much more important than today? How about "Better late than never!"Anyway, as a generation we were fortunate to have such elders as Neil Young, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, etc. Here's a news flash for those Platonian Republicans who like to take credit for others accomplishment;The "Cold War" was not won by 'capitalism.' 'free enterprise,' or 'democracy.' It was Rock 'n Roll that brought down that wall, and nobody better ever forget it!If there ever was a time to 'get back to the garden,' it is now.Opportunity is no more or less than it ever was-collectively- but motivation is at an all time high. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 13:31:47 PT museman Yes that's true. I firmly believe if protest music was played on the radio we might see a change. They played protest songs all the time years ago on the radio during Vietnam. They showed more of the protests surrounding the immigration issue then they did the anti-war protests right before we invaded Iraq. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by museman on April 15, 2006 at 13:15:48 PT FoM "I guess Neil tries to relive the days from long ago now and then."Or maybe 'Live the now, like the days from long ago.' [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 13:00:14 PT museman I am on the same page as you. I know that Neil misses being a musician that can sing and tell stories to people who don't know him but those days are long gone. I read where after one of the nights while making Heart of Gold he had a white van and loaded friends in the van and they went to the wrong side of the tracks in Nashville and popped in and sang and played with Spooner Oldham and then got up and left quickly. I heard that someone said who was that and what just happened. I guess Neil tries to relive the days from long ago now and then. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by museman on April 15, 2006 at 12:52:12 PT FoM "That would be wonderful but where could we have a place so big to put everyone that would come? Maybe Woodstock again? Wouldn't that be something. A concert at WoodStock that is just a happening."I do have an answer to this question. It's not one that can be completely and adequately expressed, I don't think by one person alone.Who says it has to be like another 'Woodstock' all focussed together in one place at one time? Why can't the same spirit happen locally, but coinciding with other events also occurring locally across the land? I do remember such a thing, many many years ago...before our hopes and dreams became just another designer logo for 'free enterprise.'Of course anyone with Neil Youngs notoriety is almost rendered 'helpless' in terms of his 'following.' Any 'known' (and free) concert of his would certainly create logistical problems requiring things like, security, health and safety issues, etc. Like the orignal Woodstock did.However, if it weren't 'known', and there were events all over, even Neil could find a venue like he rarely sees any more I would reckon. Others of equal 'notoriety' would also have such an opportunity.What you refer to as a 'happening' (I also) is very much about a certain kind of experience, one where 'magic' happens. That experience is available in the most (apparently) unbelievable places and times. This subject is high on my list. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 12:27:21 PT museman You said: If Neil were to give a free concert, for the purpose of actively promoting consciousness and political and spiritual responsibility, then I believe the effect would be so much more potent than just releasing an album for those who can afford it.That would be wonderful but where could we have a place so big to put everyone that would come? Maybe Woodstock again? Wouldn't that be something. A concert at WoodStock that is just a happening. Neil puts his new music on his web site. He put both Greendale and Prairie Wind online for people to hear. I knew the words before the albums was even released. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by museman on April 15, 2006 at 12:16:39 PT Neil and some others This is why I still respect this man, even though I have deep-rooted disdain for wealth and station. It is good that at least one of our (boomer) heroes is still heroic. I will submit however that there are many literally 'unsung' heroes who have not had the fortunes of good timing along with their talent. I will always listen to what Neil has to say, he is one of a very few who can still impress my musician's critical ear, yet I feel I must speak for myself, and those many who have labored at the love of truth, and their art of expressing it, that the very inspiration that makes Neils music so powerful and enjoyable, is not exclusively in the hands of 'successful' artists.One of my most powerful regrets is coming of age at the same time as the music industry, and watching the buying and selling of the Spirit of a generation. I watched mine and so many other's 'opportunity' become exclusively and completetly under the control of 'fat cats' whose only musical awareness was the sound of gold clinking. I watched the money move into communities, and systematicly erase all local opportunity, by instituting ordinances in every community that effectively outlawed live music without explicit terms and condition of control by the status quo.And of course we have this little minor inconvenience of a WOD which was quite effective in throttling revolutionary spirit, because marijuana makes you think, and inspires artists and musicians to express what they think in public.So now the only way to 'experience' such things, is if one is comfortably endowed with monetary resource. If Neil were to give a free concert, for the purpose of actively promoting consciousness and political and spiritual responsibility, then I believe the effect would be so much more potent than just releasing an album for those who can afford it.I for one gave up on 'success' many years ago, for several reasons, of which the most paramount was a refusal to compromise my artistic integrity- my soul is not for sale, but I give it freely to anyone who is not steeped in the erroneous belief that the price of a thing determines it's worth.Sure it is true that I (like so many others you haven't heard of) have had to balance survival with our art. There is NO SUPPORT for musicians and artists unless they conform to the standards of the status quo. If I'd had the opportunity to focus on music instead of being a stone-worker-carpenter-odd-job laborer to feed my family, the sophistication and refinement would have been distinctly more. I have been sound-engineer, recording-engineer, band-leader, songwriter, musician, electronics tech (tinker), and digital mastering technician. All for the sake of music that is freely given with absolutely no monetary return. Yet billions of dollars are being generated (mostly to those fat cats I mentioned earlier) by 'recording artists' and 'performing artists' who are certainly not a true representation of the talent skill or content that exists relatively ignored in every community in this country.The standards that have been established by Hollywood and it's associated 'industries' have created a society that seems to be full of art and music because of the big media promotions that hypes it day in and day out, but in fact it is a culture that is starved for the real thing. Just like the creation of 'sugar puff' products in the food industry; starch, air, and sugar, the artistic community is heavily constrained (particularly music) to create shallow content with incredible (and expensive) glitz.There are so many of us that sing and perform because we are INSPIRED, not ambitious. Neil Young is great, and deserves everything he has. It is not Neil that needs to understand what is being overlooked and missed, to the detriment of us all, but it would be nice if he would tell his audiences just one little thing;SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSICIANS!some old songs that are about now;http://www.mixposure.com/song.php?songid=2389http://www.mixposure.com/song.php?songid=10921http://members.lycos.co.uk/realrainbowmusic/Rainbowmusic/world.htmlhttp://members.lycos.co.uk/rivertrain/edensongs/dead.htmhttp://members.lycos.co.uk/generationmusic/mp3s/Merk/song_not.htmand that's only my own 'tip of the iceberg.'I am not needing 'praise.' My desire for my own art is only that it is heard, and hopefully understood.The system that says I must conform to narrow and empty standards, and forces artists to compete with each other in a predatory struggle for the spotlight, is the same system that promotes all war, including cannabis prohibition.peace [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 10:34:05 PT Truth He continues to amaze me too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by Truth on April 15, 2006 at 10:25:27 PT You go Neil Can't wait for this album, Neil continues to amaze, after all these years. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on April 15, 2006 at 09:36:35 PT mayan I am excited about the new music. I bet he puts at least one of the songs on his web site. It would be nice if he put one song up on Easter. That would fit just fine. I don't know what Metal Folk music is. I guess we'll all find out soon. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by mayan on April 15, 2006 at 04:03:03 PT Terrorists "If you buy drugs, even pot, your money may go to fund terrorists."Actually, if you pay federal taxes your money DOES go to fund terrorists! [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by mayan on April 15, 2006 at 03:54:32 PT Neil The creativity has been flowing through him in rivers lately! Powerful lyrics!The time is now, again!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 19:27:14 PT whig I agree with you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by whig on April 14, 2006 at 19:23:38 PT FoM Sometimes when we come close to death we remember ourselves and what we're about. Anamnesis. This isn't a political thing for Neil, I believe. It is a religious calling. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 19:18:17 PT whig I believe this new album is a good thing. I do worry for Neil Young though. He is a Canadian even though he has lived more then half of his life in the states. His wife and children are Americans. I'm beginning to believe that since Neil had his serious health problem and has recovered if he looks at issues closer and responds more quickly just incase his health would fail. Ever since I heard Ohio the first time I knew he was good. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by whig on April 14, 2006 at 18:53:22 PT FoM Holy crap, it sounds awesome!I read FireDogLake too. :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 17:16:09 PT BGreen This person just heard the new album. If you want to read his comment scroll down a little. He mentioned a song at the end of his comment named Flags of Freedom. I am so fired up! Happy Easter!http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2006/04/new-neil-young-album-life-in-war-wont.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by BGreen on April 14, 2006 at 17:07:52 PT WOW! Powerful.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 16:47:23 PT More Off Topic Living With War ( Lyrics)http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rust/message/156818 [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 16:30:11 PT Check Out What Neil is Saying Now The words on his ticker tape are brand new. They weren't there earlier today.http://www.neilyoung.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 14:34:17 PT Stupid Stupid Hippies I guess being called stupid sometimes means the person is very intelligent and caring. I guess it seems stupid to care. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by BGreen on April 14, 2006 at 14:26:28 PT It reminds me of how pissed off they were when Neil poured his heart out in a little song called "Ohio."Murderers get really angry when their evil is revealed.Go figure ... and go Neil!The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by whig on April 14, 2006 at 14:00:56 PT FoM The people complaining about Neil Young don't seem to have anything more creative to say than accuse him of being stupid.Stupid? [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 13:42:50 PT Whig I have been reading more on the new album, Life in War. Boy are some republicans mad. They can get down right nasty.http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002344646 [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by global_warming on April 14, 2006 at 13:11:55 PT in truth how much cannabis is funding terrorists?it seems that "oil" is in the drivers seat, in all this turmoil. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by museman on April 14, 2006 at 12:57:03 PT hmm "But now the White House is saying that if you buy pot, your money will go to terrorists."Absolutely. If you buy imported, nearly 80% or better of the profit goes to the Mexican dept. of the CIA covert operations. Funding for the cops-they love it! [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by global_warming on April 14, 2006 at 12:46:18 PT some Light A Ray of Light From Beggars RowFrom the lands of Sir William Wallace, the lands that understand the Glory of Freedom, Almost Sober, I can hear the Piper, he is calling me, to my world, and when Jesus suffered on that cross, it was high noon in my soul, and I can not forget that day.http://www.highlanderweb.co.uk/wallace/http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wallace.htmOfficers in call to legalise use of drugsSCOTTISH police officers have sparked anger after calling for the legalisation of all drugs - including heroin and cocaine.The Strathclyde Police Federation has called for a dramatic change of direction in the battle on drugs crime, and the issue will be debated later this month.The body, which represents 7000 officers, is set to argue that all drugs should be licensed in the same way as cigarettes and alcohol. Officers claim this would cut drug deaths and divert police resources to other crime-fighting priorities. It is the first time that an organisation representing officers has made such a demand.Opponents today said the move would only increase the availability of drugs. But the federation believes millions of pounds are wasted on enforcing existing laws, with little impact on the availability of drugs on the street.Inspector Jim Duffy, chairman of the federation, said: "We are not winning the war against drugs and we need to think about different ways to tackle it."The Scottish Executive said that drug legislation is reserved to Westminster.http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=570742006 [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by global_warming on April 14, 2006 at 12:13:56 PT Is it ok to say,.. happy easter?Considering the facts, that this holyday commerates a gruesome event.http://www.saukvalley.com/news/328596843241469.bsp Pope: Money more important to Judas than the love of God [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 11:59:46 PT whig Yes I did know. Neil is so sweet. I can't wait until it is released in June. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by whig on April 14, 2006 at 11:58:25 PT FoM Did you know he dedicated Heart of Gold, 'To Daddy'? [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 11:53:00 PT Whig I am so excited. I can't help it that I absolutely love Neil Young. Here are a few blogs about the new album.I Am The Luckiest Girl In The World! Yesterday, I had the most incredible musical experience of my life.Have you, like me, been recalling the great protest songs of the sixties, and wondered where the new protest songs are?Yesterday, I found out.http://lastleftb4hooterville.blogspot.com/2006/04/i-am-luckiest-girl-in-world.htmlNEW NEIL YOUNG ALBUM-- LIFE IN WARhttp://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2006/04/new-neil-young-album-life-in-war-wont.htmlNeil Young, Son of Famed Reporter, Records "Impeach the President" Song http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002344436 [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by whig on April 14, 2006 at 11:41:45 PT Don't feel like Satan, but I am to them.... "The feature song is called: IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT"Don't hold back Neil. Tell us what you really think! [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on April 14, 2006 at 09:19:28 PT Max Flowers I am in a quiet reflective mood today. Maybe because it is Good Friday. It seems the rumors about a new Neil Young Album are true. The feature song is called: IMPEACH THE PRESIDENTThe albums name is: LIFE IN WARI thought why would someone like Neil Young after doing Heart of Gold The Movie and Prairie Wind do a album called Life In War? Because I believe that some musicians are driven by something more then money. I also have come to a conclusion that is why the right leaning political parties aren't really into music like people on the left. They dislike art and music because art and music can touch a person in a way that nothing else really can. These are just my thoughts today.Neil Young Wages War on Bush14-April-2006 Neil Young is set to release a quick follow up to last years Prairie Wind with a new album called Life In War. Harp Magazine reports that Young recorded the album in just three days and describe the album as “a brilliant electric assault, accompanied by a 100-voice choir, on Bush and the war in Iraq…Truly mind blowing. Will be in stores soon”. http://www.albumvote.co.uk/news/news.php?id=1330 [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Max Flowers on April 14, 2006 at 09:04:16 PT Bush = evil hypocrite par excellence I'm not saying that these two presidents are evil men. It's just part of why the drug war makes no sense.Actually, Bush turns out to be quite evil. But not for the reason the writer talks about. Well hang on a second... given the family involvement in the international hard drug trade, I take it back, he is evil because of his drug involvement! And it starts to make sense, too. He makes tons of cash off of prohibition while locking up others for infinitely smaller drug "crimes." That's quite evil in my book. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by siege on April 14, 2006 at 06:30:14 PT First and Second Opium Wars, The sale of opium had been made illegal in China in 1800, but the black-market narcotics trade flourished in defiance of the law, and there were an estimated two million Chinese opium addicts. In 1858 the Chinese government, bowing to British demands, reluctantly legalized the importation of opium. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by freshy on April 14, 2006 at 05:40:22 PT i commend the US government it's amazing how a single organization can brainwash 60% or more of the American people. sounds pretty damn communist... or i guess, naziist since Hitler started the War on Drugs.communism-socialism-fascism-naziism [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Toker00 on April 14, 2006 at 05:04:50 PT I told you we were a new race. "the Chinese" "the Mexicanese""the Africanese""the Asianese"and the "Hippese"Drug War is Crime. Drug War is Racism. This author Rocks.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by global_warming on April 14, 2006 at 04:02:51 PT Nice Article Author: John Fugelsang, Go John, hope to read your thoughts in the Wall Street Journal... [ Post Comment ] Post Comment