cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- July 20, 2006
NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- July 20, 2006
Posted by CN Staff on July 20, 2006 at 13:57:11 PT
Weekly Press Release
Source: NORML
NORML Advisory Board Member, Travel Author Rick Steves Contacts Washington Policy-Makers With Message: Decriminalize Marijuana Possession For Adults July 20, 2006 - Edmonds, WA, USAEdmonds, WA: Best selling author, travel show host and NORML Advisory Board Member Rick Steves has sent a letter to every state and federal elected policymaker in his home state of Washington asking them to immediately change state and federal laws such that marijuana possession and responsible adult use be decriminalized.
Mr. Steves decided to contact his state's politicians after recently participating in two public lectures sponsored by NORML in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island. After the public lectures received heavy media coverage in the Seattle-area, Steves received dozens of positive replies and notes of encouragement. Steves decided to share his experience with legislators in Washington State:"I've been on the advisory board of NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) for several years so I see our marijuana laws as overly harsh and prohibition taking a negative and needless toll on our society as alcohol did back in the early 1930s. In the interest of wise drug policy and harm reduction, I am a proponent of taking the European approach and treating marijuana as a health rather than a criminal problem. I've always found the both politicians and the media secretly agree with my stance. While politicians may agree with me, they understandably fear political fallout if they are considered "soft on drugs". The point of my communication with you is that I have never had such over-whelming and positive feedback from a controversy that I've stepped into. Everywhere I've gone in the last week, people have thanked me for bravely addressing what is generally considered a painful prohibition in our society. After reviewing this, let me know if I can be of any help in supporting you to speak out to get America to take the crime out of Marijuana."More information about Rick Steves and other NORML Advisory Board Members advocacy for marijuana law reform is available at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5471 'Pack NORML with Rick Steves' 100% hemp travel packs are now available: http://secure.norml.org/normljoin.plx?item1=mem100DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6954NORML Announces 22nd Annual Key West Legal Seminar July 20, 2006 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: This annual seminar for practicing criminal defense lawyers, scheduled for November 30 - December 2, will once again be held at the Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa, located at the foot of Duval Street on the Gulf of Mexico. The hotel offers a full-service Caribbean Spa with therapeutic body massages and island facials. They are holding a block of reduced-rate rooms for those attending the NORML Legal Seminar.We have a faculty of outstanding defense attorneys lined-up to provide the continuing legal education (CLE) program each morning, with the afternoons free for exploring the island, enjoying the beaches, or just hanging out with friends and colleagues. Program topics to include:-Advance DUI Motions-Wrongful Convictions and Govt. Leak Cases-State Constitutions and Motions To Suppress-Practice Tips for Young Lawyers and Pushing The Envelope-Anti-Terrorism and The War on Drugs-Federal SentencingRegistration fee includes the three-day seminar, a continental breakfast each morning, and the opening reception on Thursday evening. The Saturday night NORML benefit banquet is an optional event, although we encourage everyone to attend.For more details on the NORML Legal Committee's annual Key West Criminal Defense Legal Seminar visit the front page of http://www.norml.org or call 202-483-5500.DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6953New Zealand Relaxes Regulations for Industrial HempJuly 20, 2006 - Wellington, New ZealandWellington, New Zealand: Beginning August 1, the New Zealand Health Ministry will introduce a new regulatory system for the processing, cultivation and distribution of industrial hemp as an agricultural crop, according to a press release issued by the Director-General of Health.The new system will allow individuals and organizations to apply for a license to cultivate approved varieties of industrial hemp, and will allow growers to apply for other varieties to be considered for research and cultivation. Approved varieties of hemp will include only those containing less that 0.5 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis.Derek Fitzgerald, director of Medsafe, the medicine regulatory agency overseeing the new program, commented that, "The new regulations ... take into account the low drug [THC] content of hemp, which was previously subjected to the same strict controls as those placed on illicit cannabis". The new regulations come after a two year trial period to determine if industrial hemp has a potential as a cultivation crop, and if the cultivation can be controlled and regulated.However, Fitzgerald did note that, "the new regulations still classify industrial hemp as a controlled drug and consider it an offense to advertise hemp for psychoactive purposes or to supply it to unauthorized persons". Further, the new licensing system will cover only hemp, while other varieties of cannabis will continue to be regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1975.Industrial hemp can be used for everything from food and body care products, to building materials, paper and textiles, and as an alternative renewable energy source. Currently over 30 other countries have laws allowing the cultivation and production of industrial hemp.Fore more information please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy analyst, at (202) 483-5500. For additional information, visit: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ after August 1 to read about the new regulations.DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6952Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: July 20, 2006Copyright: 2006 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml
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Comment #67 posted by Hope on July 25, 2006 at 08:33:34 PT
Good thread over at Grits for Breakfast
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8597101&postID=115358581036222079
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Comment #66 posted by Matt Stover on July 25, 2006 at 07:59:02 PT
Cannabis Culture Magazine Banned In New Zealand
{Banning hemp and allowing pot, or the other way around...
Hysterical, over one application or another, of our greatest renewable natural resource: Cannabis Sativa.}FWD:, from www.cannabisculture.com - Cannabis Culture Magazine Banned in New Zealand? *****
by Marc Emery (04 Jul, 2006) Held at Customs pending review of the content
Prohibitionists want to keep the truth out!
Cannabis Culture Magazine sends 350 copies of each issue to New Zealand. It is distributed by Chris Fowlie of the Aotearoa (New Zealand) Hempstore in Auckland, who just informed me that New Zealand Customs has seized all 350 copies of the newest issue #61, and will hold the magazines for up to a month to determine if Cannabis Culture is "advocating criminal activity". It is undetermined if the New Zealand government will seize the entire shipment and destroy the magazines. Typically, Cannabis Culture was shipped to New Zealand wrapped in cellophane with a label on it reading "R18: Restricted to adults 18 years and older". Cannabis Culture conformed to the New Zealand Customs rules. Magazines about marijuana have not been banned in New Zealand previously. CC is already banned in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.
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Comment #65 posted by FoM on July 23, 2006 at 07:53:34 PT
Dankhank
I don't know why it doesn't work on Neil's web site sometimes. Most times everything works but since I replaced my original hard drive with an older one from a spare computer it isn't quit the same as it was. I haven't found any news to post so far today. The news on tv is enough to make people forget about everything and go out side and have fun. My husband and I are sick with a respiratory summer type cold and we're trying to get work done around the house. The drywall dirt doesn't help much either with breathing. I am thrilled with the work we have gotten done over the last few weeks. We have 3 great carpenters that are so much fun to be around too working with us. This tour by CSNY is what keeps me going. The news on our issue has only been depressing. If I didn't do news I probably wouldn't have any reason to look for news right now. Hopefully the organizations will follow at least the democrats around and ask them how they would approach the cannabis issue. I wouldn't waste my time on any republicans because we know how they feel. I will spend time at the booths at the 2 concerts gathering information for elections this fall. When we have to move my satellite dish to put up new siding I might be off line if we can't get it back in right. I am glad it is slow so if I am off line we won't miss much.
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Comment #64 posted by Dankhank on July 23, 2006 at 07:17:07 PT
Video ...
nice, you getting to see it, It is powerful ...I figured, this morning, that maybe the video ran with flash or shockwave. You should probably have both of those plug-ins to your IE. Both are about A/V. You may have already solved the problem. Those shows will be beyond description, I'm sure, enjoy for all of us!!
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Comment #63 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 19:25:38 PT
Off Topic: Mideast Vacation Video
http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/lwwvideos/mideastvacation_wm.html
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Comment #62 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 19:06:01 PT
Dankhank
I finally got to see the video. It was great. We got our tickets for the first show of the two we will be able to see in the mail today too.
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Comment #61 posted by mayan on July 22, 2006 at 17:21:44 PT
Anarchy
Afghanistan close to anarchy, warns general:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,,1826303,00.htmlMeanwhile, Iraqis are dying daily by the HUNDREDS as their coutry is now in a civil war. Lebanon will soon be in ashes. The PNAC plan to destabilize the entire region is moving right along.
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Comment #60 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 16:54:20 PT
whig
You are probably right about that. I just know that is the scripture that was discussed when I went to church. That's why we are suppose to fight for Israel. They taught that doing otherwise our country won't be blessed.
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Comment #59 posted by whig on July 22, 2006 at 16:06:13 PT
FoM
The State of Israel is not synonymous with the people of the book.
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Comment #58 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 15:40:41 PT
Dankhank
Thank you. Maybe I don't have something configured right. Maybe I need to turn off my Norton program.
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Comment #57 posted by Dankhank on July 22, 2006 at 15:33:34 PT
tried in IE
worked the same way for me, kicked up a new browser window and played it.Both times I just clicked on the windowsmedia link.
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Comment #56 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 15:26:17 PT
Dankhank
Thank you. I don't have FF. I only use IE. The other videos on the site work all but this new one. Maybe they have a bug they need to fix. I appreciate you trying for me.
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Comment #55 posted by Dankhank on July 22, 2006 at 15:23:01 PT
Video
FoMI went to the site with FFox and the video kicked up in a new browser window.It's playing, now, haven't tried IE, yet ...
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Comment #54 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 14:15:28 PT
Whig
This is why we blindly support Israel in my opinion.Genesis 12:3I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012:3;&version=50;
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 13:05:47 PT
Whig
I looked at the article. I didn't read the whole thing but I know we are backing Israel. We always have I thought. The Bible says we must support Israel and that's why the religious right in the republican party only see Israel's side.
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Comment #52 posted by FoM on July 22, 2006 at 12:59:53 PT
A Question
I haven't been able to get the video to work on this link. I get the audio but not the video. I tried Quicktime and Windows Media Player. Could someone check and see if they can get the video? I'd sure appreciate it.CSNY LIVING WITH WAR DOCUMENTARY PREVIEWby Neil Young, LWW TodayView: quicktime / windowsmedia Here is the first look at our CSNY Freedom of Speech Tour documentary as reported by the Emmy award winning "embed" team of Correspondent- Mike Cerre and Videographer-Mike Elwell. Between them, they have been embedded in Iraq and Afghanistan five times since 9/11 . They will be embedded in this summer's CSN&Y tour to see how the music reflects the issues and public sentiments leading-up to the critical mid-term elections. http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/index.html
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Comment #51 posted by whig on July 22, 2006 at 10:12:50 PT
OT: US Sponsors Lebanon Bombing Terror
FoM, I know you don't like long articles on things like this, but I really think this one is worth reading to understand what is going on right now in Lebanon.In a nutshell, the United States is providing the bombs, bomb for bomb, that are being dropped on Lebanon by Israel. Right now.This is a US Sponsored Bombing Terror campaign.Everyone should read this:http://tinyurl.com/lck2u
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Comment #50 posted by Wayne on July 22, 2006 at 06:48:45 PT
here's a thought for Mr. Kristol
'prominent neo-conservatives are calling for unconditional US support for Israel's military offensives in Gaza and Lebanon and "regime change" in Syria and Iran'How about we continuously watch both sides of the story and make judgements based on that, rather than just supporting Israel unconditionally every step of the way. That is why everyone in the Middle East hates us, by the way... but as a 'good journalist', you already knew that, didn't you Bill?Regime change begins at home.
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Comment #49 posted by mayan on July 22, 2006 at 05:09:10 PT
How Convenient!
US Hawks Smell Blood: Neocons favor escalation of Middle East War:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=LOB20060720&articleId=2766From the above linked article...Just nine days after September 11, Kristol and PNAC - whose charter members included Vice President Dick Cheney, Pentagon chief Donald Rumsfeld and half a dozen other senior Bush administration officials - released an open letter to Bush that called for the United States to retaliate not only against al-Qaeda and Afghanistan, but also against Israel's main regional foes, beginning with Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and Palestine Liberation Organization chairman Yasser Arafat. In addition, the letter advised, "any war against terrorism must target Hezbollah. We believe that the administration should demand that Iran and Syria immediately cease all military, financial and political support for Hezbollah and its operations. Should Iran and Syria refuse to comply, the administration should consider appropriate measures of retaliation against these state sponsors of terrorism."Without 9/11, the PNAC agenda would be dead in the water!Qui bono?
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Comment #48 posted by whig on July 21, 2006 at 22:16:57 PT
Wayne
Amen.
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Comment #47 posted by Wayne on July 21, 2006 at 22:11:40 PT
Re: whig #39
I'm not overtly religious, and I don't attend church. But I do consider myself to be a Christian, and I pray every night before bed. And every night, in addition to other things, I say the same thing..."Dear Lord, I thank you for the brain that you have blessed me with, it is truly a wonder. May I use it to exercise some much-needed reason and kindness in this upside-down world of ours..."THAT, my friends, is what we need right now. Not killing, not following a religious text word-for-word. But common sense, courage, and reason... those three things are blessings from God, and let's USE them for His sake...
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Comment #46 posted by ekim on July 21, 2006 at 21:14:49 PT
New game to offer "earthly points"
Eternal Mercyso true thirtytwo - we can help oneanotheranmother -cleaner fuels, air, power, farms and food.the new Eternal Mercy is the newer game that scores points for every stopped countdown to a launched human that you assist in. Giving hope, educating a feeling of belonging and a responsibility for safeguarding our home for those who will come are a few of the helpers, as with good example from registering to vote as in a feeling jurist that will nullify unjust laws. Fast moving game that helps with hope done comes in 3d for advanced gamers. Kids Kill In Violent Christian VideogameBy Zack Pelta-Heller, AlterNet. Posted July 21, 2006.Evangelical videogame makers are hoping to capture a mainstream audience with a new game that leaves corpses piled on the streets of New York. The Rapture is headed for New York City, and just in time for Christmas. In Left Behind: Eternal Forces, a Christian-themed videogame due out this October, the New York skyline smolders during the End of Days, the faithful have been called up to heaven, and the remaining New Yorkers are engaged in an epic clash between the Tribulation Forces and the Antichrist's army of Global Community Peacekeepers (aka UN Peacekeepers).Evangelical videogame makers are praying that Eternal Forces will finally enable them to tap into the $25 billion global videogame market. They hope their "Christian" values-themed game will capture the same audience that has made bestsellers out of violent standards like Grand Theft Auto and Halo 2.The Left Behind: Eternal Forces videogame is based upon the wildly profitable "Left Behind" series, written by Rev. Timothy LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. The "Left Behind" books have sold roughly 65 million copies and are second only to the Bible in sales of Christian texts. The series revolves around an eccentric interpretation of the Bible that sets the Armageddon in Iraq and refers to Saddam Hussein as a servant of Satan. President Bush is a big fan of Rev. LaHaye's brand of dominionism. Prior to the 2000 election, Bush met with LaHaye and other Christian fundamentalist leaders to cultivate the support of the religious right.Game point, spirit pointEternal Forces is a real-time strategy videogame, meaning that a player manipulates an entire army simultaneously, as opposed to the common first-person shooter games in which a player controls only one character. In essence, the player becomes the commander of a virtual army, deciding when to unleash weapons from an arsenal of guns, tanks and helicopters. Of course, since this is an evangelical game, soldiers lose "spirit points" each time they kill an opponent, leaving them prey to the Antichrist's forces and in dire need of replenishment through prayer. To top it off, each time a soldier slays one of the Antichrist's soldiers (who are UN Peacekeepers, remember), he triumphantly cries, "Praise the Lord!"More for your reading enjoyment at:http://www.alternet.org/story/38873/
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Comment #45 posted by whig on July 21, 2006 at 18:19:12 PT
mayan
I feel it worth reiterating: Pro-War Christians worship Satan in the name of God.
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Comment #44 posted by mayan on July 21, 2006 at 18:05:06 PT
Kristol,PNAC,9/11,Iraq,Iran...
The PNAC orchestrated 9/11 attacks were a means to divide the faiths and bring about total war in the Middle East. Taking that into consideration and the fact that the U.S. started the Iraq war, I'd say there is nothing holy or righteous about these folks...Kristol Suggests People of Iran Would Embrace U.S. Attack, Triggering Regime Change:
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/07/19/kristol-iran/Didn't we hear that about the Iraqi people?Here is a very enlightening read... Pastor Strangelove:
http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewPrint&articleId=11541Do not let them divide us...Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance For 9/11 Truth:
http://mujca.comCNN joins the chorus...Teacher under fire for his Cheney-9/11 theory:
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/07/21/Sept.11.prof.ap/index.htmlTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...FOX Commentator Threatens 9/11 Activist:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006judywright/7starbaby/prweb414099.htmThe Middle East Crisis, Cindy Sheehan And The King David Hotel:
http://www.911blogger.com/2006/07/middle-east-crisis-cindy-sheehan-and.htmlProfessor Jones: No Nukes at the WTC:
http://www.911blogger.com/2006/07/professor-jones-no-nukes-at-wtc.htmlWho Are the Heroes?
http://georgewashington.blogspot.com/2006/07/who-are-heroes.htmlScholars for 9/11 Truth:
http://www.scholarsfor911truth.org/index.htmlVeterans for 9/11 Truth:
http://www.v911t.org/
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Comment #43 posted by lombar on July 21, 2006 at 17:58:28 PT
Morality in a non-theistic faith.
Morality in the practice of the eightfold path pertains to conduct between people and the path itself can be divided into 3 groups: morality, concentration, and wisdom. The morality group is right speech, right action, and right livelihood.---------------The eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path are not steps to be followed in sequence, one after another. They can be more aptly described as components rather than as steps, comparable to the intertwining strands of a single cable that requires the contributions of all the strands for maximum strength. With a certain degree of progress all eight factors can be present simultaneously, each supporting the others. However, until that point is reached, some sequence in the unfolding of the path is inevitable. Considered from the standpoint of practical training, the eight path factors divide into three groups: (i) the moral discipline group (silakkhandha), made up of right speech, right action, and right livelihood; (ii) the concentration group (samadhikkhandha), made up of right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration; and (iii) the wisdom group (paññakkhandha), made up of right view and right intention. These three groups represent three stages of training: the training in the higher moral discipline, the training in the higher consciousness, and the training in the higher wisdom.4
The Noble Eightfold Path
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 17:36:55 PT
Graehstone
Thank you for the update on the raid. Isn't there a way to use Prop 215 without getting hassled in California? Can't a couple medical patients share a co-op type garden?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #41 posted by Graehstone on July 21, 2006 at 16:17:55 PT
More DEA closings
The DEA is going around again today in the San Diego area closing more dispenseries .
:(
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #40 posted by global_warming on July 21, 2006 at 15:35:45 PT
I Agree
Whigger,and YOU have my S alute.
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Comment #39 posted by whig on July 21, 2006 at 15:00:13 PT
greenmed
Yes, I think that is true. Morality does not proceed from religion, because we can choose to behave however we want regardless of what we believe in. We have free will and obedience is not goodness. As I have experienced, God has both "good" and "evil" aspects in order to test our moral choices. If you obey without question, you will do great wrong.Because I am monotheist in outlook, it makes no sense to me to speak of a separate and independent "Devil." Whether you perceive this to be an aspect of the one, or a subordinate creation, it does not matter, because either way it is part of that which God has created for his purposes. We are to be given a choice, and it is an unconstrained one -- you can kill, you can rape, you can do these things and claim it is in the name of God. People have done so for thousands of years.Morality is something you find within yourself, it is a part and parcel of your own inherent divinity, a choice you make what kind of God you want to represent. We are God, and we are all capable of being good or evil. We can all choose to be part of Christ, or anti-Christ. Obedience is the way of the depraved fool, who will be manipulated and deceived until he learns to decide for himself, but it is then upon us to choose the right and the good -- with the understanding that in our choosing we are going to live with what we have chosen.
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Comment #38 posted by greenmed on July 21, 2006 at 14:47:04 PT
spirituality and religion
Bill Moyers, as part of his "On Faith and Reason" series, recently interviewed Salman Rushdie. Mr. Rushdie made the observation, paraphrased into a nutshell that "morality precedes religion." I found that episode most interesting and thought-provoking.PBS has the video available on their site:www.pbs.org/moyers/
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Comment #37 posted by museman on July 21, 2006 at 14:00:09 PT
lombar
You are so right about the box, the convenient category with which to justify a particular position or point of view. The sheer antiquity and distance between the actual original meanings contained in the 'bible' for instance dims their credibility to the very kind of mind from which ancient scribes copied their interpretation onto parchment. As human beings, all on our individual paths to whatever end or beginning we believe we are at or headed for, there are differing perceptions, experience, knowledge and wisdom, and a multitude of levels of them. There is no 'validation' of anything without the belief of the individual being involved, or at the very least, 'agreement.'Who or what is it that dictates the 'correct' parameters of such agreement or 'belief'?I believe that mankind is posessed of an incredible obsessive compulsion to 'name' things, to categorize, and put things in a comfortable 'box' that they can then 'put away' and otherwise ignore until they 'get around' to examining the contents more thoroughly. Such is the flaw in the agreement. For some strange reason, a lot of 'agreement' turns out rather badly for all concerned for the simple basis that their core beliefs upon which the agreements are based are selfish and negative, like greed, and carelessness.Therefore it only seems logical, reasonable, and natural to seek a higher form of agreement. The struggles of our ancestors to achieve this, in the face of the same kind of tyrannies, and oppression present in todays world, is something to not be discounted because of the rampant ingnorance in 'the church' for example. The information contained within the various scriptures should be viewed with intelligent discrimination. As a confirmation of ones own spiritual experience there are some aspects which are as invaluable as the records of scientific achievement, and accurate history. Each of us has a potential part ot play in the Living drama unfolding around us. What guides do we have except those few seemingly rooted in such things as 'religion'?Are we not all inherently in agreement that;We ahould not kill, or murder?Why aren't we all in agreement that;We should love each other as we love ourselves?The few 'Native American' cultures that survive have a deeply conscious spiritual aspect that few xtians understand. The 'hippy' movement/belief system was once commented on by one of the Elders of the Hopi tribe, Grandfather David, in direct reference to their own "Hopi Prophecy" as;
"There is a reason why 'hippy' sounds like 'Hopi.' They both mean "the people.""Religion errs in many ways. In my opinion it is itself an error, but what has been contained within those religions is still of some validity to us yet.There are some in the world who believe that Truth is an abstract, or that it is as defined as 'a fact.' There are some who believe that Truth is an absolute, like a rock that will not be moved. Religions like to paint the rock in their own image, so the actual beauty, and true nature of the rock itself is obscured, clouded, and sometimes covered up completely. The rock however is still there.Don't confuse the shallow nature of 'religion' with the deeper 'mystery' of Spirit - which is there waiting like the rock to be uncovered.
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 13:47:42 PT
Whig
When I went to church I had a hard time trying to figure out who the "bad people" were. I looked and searched and nothing came to my mind. I knew it couldn't be Christianity. As I look back I do see that organized religion is more then likely the enemy. At least I think it is. I don't mean people believing but the organizations of religions.
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Comment #35 posted by Dankhank on July 21, 2006 at 13:27:00 PT
psychotherapy for cannabis use?
In terms of the improving low abstinence rates, Auriacombe said, “Alcohol research has suggested that the therapeutic effects of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy may be synergetic, with the greatest treatment efficacy seen when medications are combined with psychotherapy.” He said that similar combinations “may prove optimal in the treatment of cannabis dependence.”what medication they gonna give that is better than Cannabis?
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Comment #34 posted by whig on July 21, 2006 at 13:24:45 PT
FoM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_AmosWritten in another time when the Pharisees of the day were celebrating the coming of "the Day of the Lord" when they would be rewarded and their enemies would be destroyed.Amos came and told those Pharisees that they would be destroyed in that day.And so it is that history repeats.
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Comment #33 posted by lombar on July 21, 2006 at 12:12:56 PT
Jackpot indeed
From the jackpot article:So far, says Znaimer, none of the legal cannabis-based products has proven as fast or effective as marijuana that is inhaled. Oops, can't patent a plant, better continue the life-sucking drug war to protect pharmacuetical profits.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 12:05:58 PT
Another Thought
If I believed that the end of the world was going to be soon and there was nothing I could do about it I wouldn't care about the future for young people. I know people that are church people who are happy that the war is happening. They think they are going to be removed from the earth and not have bad things happen to them. I told one person that why does anyone in America believe that they deserve being removed from this worldly mess? That is vain and vanity is wrong. It's like they are saying. I am good and you are bad and you'll get yours. Na na na na na na.
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Comment #31 posted by lombar on July 21, 2006 at 11:50:13 PT
Every year...
Psychics 'predict' all kinds of things but for some reason, because the scrawlings have been selected for inclusion in 'the bible' they must have validity. The worst thing is that the same writings can be adapted to any set of events.. so the imperitive for the 'word of God' to be true(as if its in a book but that is another story.. reality, what is, must be the 'word'...) coupled with the notion that our inability to 'understand' the prophecies must be OUR shortcoming because God is 'perfect'. .. so by extension, the 'writings' must also be, and accurate.. because everyone believes its the 'word'...completely circular that can justify anything.Basically, trying to warp ones perception around reality by enclosing it in a 'bible prophecy box' leads to spiritual blindness. It's ego that makes people believe that these must be the endtimes, or desire for change based upon dissatisfaction with reality, duhkka, suffering, stress. Dissatisfaction that they believe would be non-existent the the 'heaven' they desire. Fanatics see what they want to see, read what they want into the writings which are translations, complete with centuries of bias and predjudice.-------------------------------The lack of separation of church and state is a big problem for countries ascribing to Sharia law. If there is no separation of church and state how can there be true religous freedom? Religions historically have pushed out other competing religions since the dawn of time. Since the prevailing 'religion' today is actually 'consumerism' and its 'high preists' are people like the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and CEOs, and Generals, it has been mercilessly pushing out the others. We 'worship the beast' of greed day and night (there's a market open somewhere! or even more profitable, a WAR!), the beast eats the biosphere, kills the inhabitants in endless wars, feeds ravenously upon the suffering and wears truth as a diaper.Who profits everytime the armed forces moves, eats, walks, need medication? Who profits every time a bomb kills an innocent? Who profits when they outfit police, prisons, and military with the very tools they use to oppress? Drug tests, weapons, bars, fences, helicopters... Why do so few people ask?The stuff going on now is pretty scary, pandoras box is open now. The sheer bias radiating from tv news is painful, I can only watch it long enough to get mad at the blatant misrepresentations or right wing slant. Liberal media truly is a myth.. the sad thing is how so many people lap it up and believe it.
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 10:42:01 PT
Two Interesting Articles
Marijuana Abuse Responds to Psychotherapy, Is Overall Tough to Treathttp://www.hbns.org/getDocument.cfm?documentID=1317***Canada: The Jack Pot?http://www.canadianbusiness.com/managing/strategy/article.jsp?content=20060605_78589_78589
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 09:33:29 PT
dongenero
No, it is all wrong. I believe in the separation of church and state because we can make something happen if we believe it will. That's dangerous.
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Comment #28 posted by dongenero on July 21, 2006 at 09:16:55 PT
evangelical president
Bush is an evangelical christian, certainly believeing the "end of days" is near. I suppose if your belief is strong enough it can become a self fulfilling prophecy.I am very concerned and disappointed about having a religious fundamentalist as President. Is this the mentality we want having thier finger on the "button"?!
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 08:52:13 PT
One More Thing
I don't wish the destruction of the Dome of the Rock. I look at that ancient prophecy as a gauge more then anything. I hope it never happens. There I feel better.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 08:39:09 PT
SystemGoneDown
The article makes me think of the canary in the mine. We should pay attention.
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 08:27:37 PT
Mayan
I think we have more then one war going on. We want control of the middle east because we want their oil. The war between Muslims and Jews goes back to the beginning of recorded time and that war is the one I fear. We are opportunists as a country. I think our leaders under estimate the depth of the conflict in the middle east. For a right wing party with all the religious people in it don't they see? Maybe they do see and want this war to happen because people will run to churches and donate lots of money. I see this whole issue as a religious issue and I always have.
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 08:09:38 PT
SystemGoneDown
I don't know who will use a nuclear bomb first. I want to know how close the bombs are landing near the Dome of The Rock in Jerusalem. I have expected the destruction of the Dome of the Rock for many years. They need to re-build the Temple where the Dome of The Rock is now. If the Dome of the Rock gets destroyed that will start WWIII in my opinion.
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Comment #23 posted by mayan on July 21, 2006 at 08:04:28 PT
FoM
Yes, the neo-cons are trying to provoke WWIII. Actually, Bush has said that it's already started. Once we attack Iran, which just happens to sit right between our permanent bases in Afghanistan and Iraq, the whole region will explode. The price of oil will skyrocket, devastating the economy. The only jobs left will be in the military(industrial-complex). Maybe a draft won't even be neccessary. However, the neo-con house of cards is falling fast as the motives and masterminds of 9/11 are quickly being exposed. Even more whistleblowers will be coming out of the closet in order to prevent catasrophe. It's a race against time to save the entire earth... Whistleblower thinks 9/11 inside job:
http://www.sploid.com/news/2006/07/pentagon_papers.php25 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.html
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Comment #22 posted by SystemGoneDown on July 21, 2006 at 07:59:50 PT
GNN
Here's the story.http://gnn.tv/headlines/10025/Earth_Faces_Catastrophic_Loss_of_Species
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Comment #21 posted by SystemGoneDown on July 21, 2006 at 07:59:10 PT
Gnn
Anybody here ever visit this site. They have an interesting story about imminent extinction among 23% of mammals on this planet. Pretty interesting........And with all this talk here about WWIII, any word yet on who will throw the first nuke? Us or them?
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 07:15:22 PT
Mayan
Don't need no more pills! I love it! LOL!
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 07:11:51 PT
Whig
I don't believe killing is justified under most circumstances. I believe this war in Israel and Lebanon could escalate into WWIII. Once we get involved defending Israel with troops on the ground the draft will return because many young soldiers will be killed along with mostly civilians. I don't hate many things but I do hate fighting and war.LWW Lyrics:I join the multitudesI raise my hand in peaceI never bow to the laws of the thought policeI take a holy vowTo never kill againTo never kill again
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Comment #18 posted by mayan on July 21, 2006 at 07:10:27 PT
FoM
Don't need no more Pills! I'm glad I'm easily amused. It sure saves a lot of money!Just let us have our weed and leave us alone!Meanwhile, the Barrett story is really hitting the mainstream. They're playing right into his hands! ABC News is jumping on the bandwagon now...Wis Lawmakers Want Univ. Instructor Fired:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2220378
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Comment #17 posted by whig on July 21, 2006 at 07:03:16 PT
FoM
I know it's hard for people to follow a whole lot of rules, and I'm no advocate of it in general. People should be free to act according to their conscience, but there are things that should be common to everyone's morality, regardless of whether they are religious or not. It's just a small thing. I mean, the Christian commandment to love one another might just be too hard for people, but the first commandment of the Jews, that's pretty simple, isn't it?Thou Shalt Not Kill.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on July 21, 2006 at 06:22:32 PT
mayan
I have noticed since I was young that pushing products, pills, insurance, cars and whatever else they want us to spend money on is our way of life. I try to talk to my husband when a tv program goes to commercial but the volume goes up and it makes me forget what I was trying to say. I am so sick of product pushing that I am not watching much tv anymore. I check the news to see if we are in WWIII yet and then mute the sound and turn on music. I am happy I don't need all the things they want us to buy. It must be very depressing for people who can't even afford a decent place to live.
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Comment #15 posted by mayan on July 21, 2006 at 05:28:17 PT
What A Crooked Industry
JAMA misled by docs over drug co. ties — again: This marks third time in two months researchers did not report affiliations:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13923444/Medication Errors Injure 1.5 Million People and Cost Billions of Dollars Annually:
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=11623LONG LIVE KEVIN BARRETT.... Wis. lawmakers demand professor be fired:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/newsroom/chi-060720letter-professor,1,3340438.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on July 20, 2006 at 20:38:18 PT
Whig
I agree medicine has done good things for people. I don't think I'd be alive if I hadn't had a good surgeon who saved my life. I'll never forget she didn't charge me the second time I needed major surgery. We had insurance the first time but she knew I needed help and fast. I wouldn't go to the hospital and cried and cried and that's when she said don't worry about it. I won't charge you and she didn't.
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Comment #13 posted by whig on July 20, 2006 at 20:25:19 PT
FoM
Western medicine has given us some good things. Immunizations do save lives (though mercury-containing vaccines pose a serious risk to child development), and antibiotics have done a great deal to reduce mortality due to bacterial infections (though they are overprescribed and cause side-effects not to mention the mutagenic effect on bacteria themselves). Also, orthopedics are wonderful, I would not be alive without a new hip.But the quest for profits over healthcare have really damaged the scientific gains, as every pharmaceutical company wants a blockbuster pill that may provide a questionable (if any) benefit to the vast majority of people for whom it is prescribed.
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on July 20, 2006 at 20:19:29 PT
whig
How did people live before all these drugs they push on TV? I know people are living longer now but I think it is because we have better living conditions and we haven't had a pandemic which kills off young and old and lowers the average age of death in a population. I could be all wrong though.
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Comment #11 posted by whig on July 20, 2006 at 20:11:28 PT
FoM
I think the cholesterol-lowering drugs are really a major scam anyhow. They do lower cholesterol, that's a given and the studies prove it conclusively -- but what they don't seem to do is provide any significant improvement of morbidity or mortality outcomes. Which is to say, if you have heart disease and you take a statin to treat your cholesterol, you still have heart disease even though your "numbers" look better.A better way of looking at it, I think, is that high cholesterol is a warning sign that you may have heart disease and you ought to change diet, exercise more, or take other precautions accordingly to hopefully stop and reverse this progression. But just taking a pill that masks indicator symptoms is worse than useless.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on July 20, 2006 at 20:02:16 PT
Whig and Wayne
I don't know if I'll live longer or better by not taking medicine. At a family Christmas gathering my nieces husband was having trouble with his cholesterol drug. I said I don't know what my cholesterol level is because I have never been tested. He said but you could die if it's high and you don't get it down. I said that's true but what I don't know is better for my mental health then knowing what it is. I think stress and worry can get us sick so I do my best not to think about it.
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Comment #9 posted by Wayne on July 20, 2006 at 19:51:40 PT
Re: FoM
Yeah, I don't trust meds either. I don't even take aspirin if I can help it. It seems to me that either sleep, a hot shower, exercise, a funny TV show, a beer, or a joint will cure just about any ill that I have. I have no need for prescription meds. I still have a prescription my doctor gave me back in January, I never had it filled.In light of what was said about Rick Steves and NZ, I'm in kind of a take-action mood tonight. I found this film online tonight. I haven't figured out how to apply it to MJ law yet, because our enemies are mainly government officials, but it might give someone some ideas.
Anatomy of A Hit (Direct Action)
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Comment #8 posted by whig on July 20, 2006 at 19:45:20 PT
FoM
Having chronic pain of one kind or another is particularly bad, because even aspirin (which I cannot take at all due to its platelet-lowering effects, as it would make me susceptible to internal bleeding due to my condition) and Tylenol (which causes cumulative liver damage over time) are not options. Ibuprofin and other NSAIDs have similar platelet-lowering effects to aspirin but of shorter duration, so they aren't expressly precluded but are dangerous for me to use over any extended period. And then there are the newer NSAIDs that cause heart failure. Yay.So apart from cannabis (which I will probably not be able to have until I get a new California ID and then a doctor's recommendation, because I don't want to deal with strangers (ever!) and I don't want to put friends in any unnecessary risk), I just have to put up with it for the most part. It's tolerable compared to before the hip replacement, believe me. But I still get mighty sore after walking significant amounts.So that's my situation for the moment. Ironic, isn't it? But I also can't whine too much, because the long-term situation is a whole lot better and less scary than it was for us in Pennsylvania.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on July 20, 2006 at 19:31:01 PT
Dankhank
I am afraid of prescription medicine. I have been doing a lot of work around the house recently and my one foot really started hurting. I could have taken a pain pill but I wanted to fix it some other way. Massage using a couple different essential oils and epsom salts took the pain away in a couple of days. I didn't need anything for pain but a couple bufferin. I try to find an alternative solution to a need for medicine. I just don't have much faith in pharmaceuticals anymore. I have reasons too.
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Comment #6 posted by Dankhank on July 20, 2006 at 18:44:43 PT
wash post
you may have to register, make something up ...
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Comment #5 posted by Dankhank on July 20, 2006 at 18:43:23 PT
try these facts in your next debate ...
Prescription Errors Kill, Injure Americans, Report Sayshttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/20/AR2006072000754.html?sub=ARand they want us to TRUST our Doctors/Medical Establishments ..hahaha hahaha hahaha
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Comment #4 posted by mayan on July 20, 2006 at 18:13:34 PT
Thanks, Rick Steves & NZ!
If only more famous folks would raise their voices like Rick Steves!Regarding the last article on the bulletin, New Zealand will be among the first nations affected by global warming. They know they have to completely change they way they live, and fast! Sweden will also be on the front lines as they have announced plans to have a totally oil-free economy within a decade. The rest of the world will soon be demanding that the U.S. adopt more sustainable practices. It's truly a matter of survival for the earth's peoples. What better way to suck the excess carbon-dioxide out of the atmoshpere,produce food,fuel,fibre,paper and plastics than the large-scale cultivation of industrial hemp? Way to go, New Zealand!On an unrelated note, here's a video of Dondald Rumsfeld announcing that the Pentagon cannot account for 2.3 TRILLION DOLLARS. He announced it on 9/10/01.American Enantiodromia:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gUKJNxdmX6YWe all know what happened the next day.Cynthia McKinney speaks of the missing TRILLIONS...Cynthia McKinney Facing Runoff Election Comments on Electronic Voting, 9/11, and More:
http://www.911blogger.com/2006/07/cynthia-mckinney-facing-runoff.htmlTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Exclusive Report: Did Military Exercises Facilitate the 9/11 Pentagon Attack?
http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20060718232126585 New 9/11 conspiracy feature film probes government's version of the Pentagon attack:
http://www.prleap.com/pr/41357/Norway's Dagbladet 9/11 Article (english translation):
http://www.seabhcan.com/Dagbladet/index.htmlTwin Towers Story (video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sb7kZBEHL8&search=twin%20towers%20story
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Comment #3 posted by Richard Zuckerman on July 20, 2006 at 15:16:47 PT:
VIRTUAL DEBATE BY CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE NJ
PLEASE BE ADVISED that the two major candidates for U.S. Senate for New Jersey, namely, Democrat Robert Menendez and Republican Thomas H. Kean, Jr., have agreed to particupate in a virtual debate on www.hallnj.org. Members of the public may suggest questions and/or topics for the debate by e-mailing senate06 hallnj.org. About a half hour ago, I e-mailed various questions, including WHY SHOULD THE DEA BE FUNDED AND "MARIJUANA" BE AGAINST THE LAW WHILE THE UNITED STATES CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY LAUNDERS OVER $600 BILLION PER YEAR OF DRUG MONEY THRU WALL STREET, WITH IMPUNITY?
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 20, 2006 at 15:14:19 PT
Christen-Mitchell
I'm not sure I understand the problem but if something doesn't work we do need to move on. At least that's how I try to approach life.
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Comment #1 posted by Christen-Mitchell on July 20, 2006 at 15:07:22 PT:
Boulder NORML Dies A Predictable Death
July 16th 2006 On Friday none other than the great R. Keith Stroup, National Organization of the Reform of Marijuana Laws Founder, e-mailed the NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF AFFILIATION to Boulder's not yet two year old chapter.This action came as no surprise to the dozens of activists who have been driven away from the chapter since the September 2005 election of P. Tiger. Long abrasive, the then obnoxious leader began an ego driven campaign against cooperation and even marijuana dealers, which coupled with his slanderous style has earned him an almost unprecedented excommunication from the tolerant premier marijuana activist group.
more...
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