cannabisnews.com: 'Weeds' Grows an Alluring Plot










  'Weeds' Grows an Alluring Plot

Posted by CN Staff on August 14, 2006 at 07:41:28 PT
By Chuck Barney  
Source: Contra Costa Times 

California -- The Partnership for a Drug-Free America will never place its stamp of approval on "Weeds," Showtime's dark suburban satire about a pot-dealing soccer mom. But no matter. There are some of us who recognize an extraordinary TV effort when we see one and are eager to embrace another season of reefer madness.Over its initial 10-episode offering, "Weeds" steadily evolved from a jaw-dropping curiosity into a hilarious, full-blooded show, pulling off a remarkable feat in the process. It delivered to viewers an outlandish plot device -- desperate widow Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) peddles baggies of dope to support her two boys -- and a flawed lead character worthy of some scorn.
But instead of turning our backs on Nancy, we sympathize with, and even relate to, her. That we do is testament to some clever writing and Parker's nimble performance. With those wide, expressive eyes, toothy grin and subtly playful demeanor, she somehow manages to be amoral, yet appealing.When we last saw Nancy, she was trying (and failing) to squelch her growing attraction to single dad Peter (Martin Donovan), her new boyfriend.After having sex with him at his place, she made the startling discovery that he's a Drug Enforcement Administration agent and, quite understandably, she freaked out.Through the first few episodes of Season 2, that relationship takes some fun and unexpected twists. Meanwhile, Nancy's formerly modest start-up business is blooming into a full-bodied partnership with several male potheads in their lifeless town of ticky-tacky boxes.The burgeoning enterprise not only raises the stakes for Nancy, it presents viewers with a thorny dilemma. In her devastating early stages of widowhood, we could condone some small-scale transgressions. But now, rather than being manipulated by circumstances, Nancy is doing the manipulating -- while also possibly putting her children at risk. Thus, it becomes increasingly difficult to see her through sympathetic eyes.To their credit, the show's writers don't let her off the hook so easily. When, for example, Nancy admonishes her older son after he experiments with Ecstasy for the first time, he rips into her and calls her a "big hypocrite." The remark leaves Nancy reeling, mainly because she knows she has no defense.Of course, "Weeds" wouldn't be such a triumph if it were only about the drugs. More significant is the wide array of resonant life experiences it presents: the daily hardships and challenges of parenting, the agonizing recovery from the death of a spouse, the awkward re-entry into the world of dating. The show, bolstered by a wonderful cast that includes Emmy nominee Elizabeth Perkins and Kevin Nealon, deftly delves into all of this and more with insight and humor.Along the way, it continues to serve up a stinging indictment of American materialism. After all, the weary and conflicted Nancy easily could have chosen to downsize her life or even hawk Mary Kay cosmetics. Instead, she's dealing the green in a reckless effort to generate higher profits and hang onto her stucco McMansion, her cranky maid and that gleaming SUV.Now, if there were only a successful 12-step program to deal with that kind of addiction.Chuck Barney is the Times TV critic. SEASON DEBUT• WHAT: "Weeds"• WHEN: 10 tonight (with multiple plays during the week)• WHERE: Showtime• GRADE: B+Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)Author: Chuck Barney Published: August 14, 2006Copyright: 2006 Knight RidderContact: letters cctimes.comWebsite: http://www.contracostatimes.com/ Related Articles & Web Sites:Showtime's Weedshttp://www.sho.com/site/weeds/Weeds Musichttp://www.sho.com/site/weeds/music.doWeeds on MySpace.comhttp://www.myspace.com/weedsonshowtimeFind a Way To Watch Showtime's 'Weeds'http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22066.shtmlWild Doings in Gated Americahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22065.shtml

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Comment #109 posted by whig on August 16, 2006 at 21:14:09 PT
whig #10
Please read my retraction. I support the OCBC but there is no requirement to obtain county-issued ID.http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/08/16/reversal/
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Comment #108 posted by whig on August 16, 2006 at 17:26:52 PT
gw 
Fear of the Lord may be the beginning of wisdom, but it is not the end of wisdom.
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Comment #107 posted by global_warming on August 16, 2006 at 15:51:56 PT
are you frightened?
fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom,so have the Ancient Writers have Written,Consider your place in this Existence,Can You Change?Can You Change This World?The answer is YES,In a Blink of Your EYEYou can see your PathYou Can Save The WorldIn the most Natural WayIt Is YouCan You See?
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Comment #106 posted by global_warming on August 16, 2006 at 15:41:49 PT
Have You Found
Your Place In Eternity?It is always that bad foot, that foot that is not working,That hand that is not working,Can you push your hand?Can you move your foot?Can your soul receive the full Light of Understanding?
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Comment #105 posted by global_warming on August 16, 2006 at 15:27:58 PT
that is so sad
when good people find this truth,that the flower of youthmight see a prisonsome twisted greedbut a'las, has it not been that way for so longhave not the hungry and thirsty always been at the mercy of those who have water?I am assured that those who have water and saltHave taken a share in this LifeThat does not belong to themThe shame and disgrace is their LegacyThat follows them to the GraveIn this Untiring Eternity
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Comment #104 posted by FoM on August 16, 2006 at 15:18:01 PT
global_warming
Yes that's about it.
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Comment #103 posted by global_warming on August 16, 2006 at 15:13:10 PT
that is nice
trying to get around the law, either we have a bunch of criminals, or some wrong laws, is that the picture?
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Comment #102 posted by FoM on August 16, 2006 at 14:35:04 PT
global_warming
I think that the series Weeds is trying to normalize Cannabis. What I mean is this is how it is and this could be how people try to get around the laws against the plant.
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Comment #101 posted by global_warming on August 16, 2006 at 14:22:59 PT
hey fomme
Since I have not yet seen any episode of Weeds, I was wondering, aside from what I can gather from your comments that it is a comedy, do you think that their might be some other underlying idea that the writers are thinking?I think what I am trying to say, does the show lead to some positive conclusion regarding cannabis use in modern society, I should modify that last statement. modern American society.
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Comment #100 posted by Dankhank on August 16, 2006 at 12:13:53 PT
Big Love ...
polygamy-drama ...stupid show ...the more wives you got the more crap you got ...the more in-laws you gotta deal with ...nuff said ...
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Comment #99 posted by FoM on August 16, 2006 at 11:37:09 PT
Audience for Weeds Grows
By Scott CollinsAugust 16, 2006Monday's second-season premiere of "Weeds" scored big for Showtime. The program delivered a total of 5.8 million viewers, up 18% compared with the first-season debut a year ago, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research. That's not quite a "Sopranos"-worthy number, but the growing strength of "Weeds" could prove a game-changer for Showtime, which has labored for years in the shadow of pay-cable rival HBO. "Weeds" had the best second-season launch in the network's history, and Showtime now has a series whose ratings could make HBO executives envious. Indeed, through the first six episodes this season, HBO's highly promoted polygamy drama "Big Love" averaged just 3.9 million viewers. Copyright: 2006 Los Angeles Timeshttp://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-et-quick16.4aug16,0,7930594.story?coll=cl-tv-features
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Comment #98 posted by global_warming on August 16, 2006 at 04:14:20 PT
follow up
Lt. Watada's Mother Asks For Your Support
http://tinyurl.com/hsmma------------------------------http://tinyurl.com/ghubp
http://thankyoult.live.radicaldesigns.org/mmedia/msg-13jun06.html
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Comment #97 posted by Toker00 on August 15, 2006 at 17:08:20 PT
museman
"What if they gave a war and nobody came?"I believe that is what will eventually happen as we wage Peace on War. Someday, the so-called leaders will just have to put the gloves on themselves, get a taste of their OWN blood, and only then will they understand why we refuse to give anymore of ours. They must be made to realize how distasteful war and violence are. They are so protected in their Towers. When they bloody their own noses, when they spill their own guts fighting their own demons, and die their own miserable death at the hands of greed and lust for power, perhaps then, peace WILL be the only option left for the rest of them to choose. But that will never happen will it? Unless we MAKE it happen. Let's end ALL wars, and let's do it now.Toke.
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Comment #96 posted by Toker00 on August 15, 2006 at 14:47:45 PT
Salute
I am making copies of this and giving them to the guys at work in the morning. Not all are veterans, but to those who are I shall say,: " As a Fellow Soldier, as a Fellow American, and as a fellow Human Being, it's time to keep our promise to defend our Constitution. It is indeed time for all good men to come to the aid of their Country, Family, and Humanity." Ok Constituents of this Democratic Constitutional Republic. Defense Mode.Thank you gw. Thank you. A real Rebel-rowser.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! 
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Comment #95 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 13:35:12 PT
when the time arrives
to see and understandcan the hand of justice, truth be accepted?has our addictions to ignorancebeen so long?In the wilderness, gw
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Comment #94 posted by museman on August 15, 2006 at 12:39:18 PT
g_w
Tank you!That is a brave man. Everything he said is right on track. As a veteran I did this;"I swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of The United States of America, and the people of the United States of America, from enemies both foreign AND DOMESTIC!"I was never relieved of that oath. Neither is any veteran really. In the '60's we had a very popular 'black light' poster with an image of a dove, a peace sign, and colors, that said;"What if they gave a war and nobody came?"
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Comment #93 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 12:21:32 PT
Wow is not enough
For the so many slaves and prisonersin this real worldwhere justice has a price tagand so many good people are consumedin the fires of greed and unholy memoriesmark the place and timein your existencewhen you breathed the common airthe air of Eternity,
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Comment #92 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 11:53:49 PT
global_warming
What can I say but Wow.
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Comment #91 posted by Dankhank on August 15, 2006 at 11:48:58 PT
lemonboy
Elvis Costello say the intro last night ...
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Comment #90 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 11:48:39 PT
thanks, and may you all find salvation
 http://tinyurl.com/eb9o9  Ehren Watada  By Dahr Jamail  15 August 2006
  t r u t h o u t  On Saturday night, I was lucky enough to be at the Veterans for Peace National Convention. For that night, Lt. Ehren Watada was able to give the following speech, which I've just received permission to post here. The speech was met with a powerful, standing ovation from the vets who've been there.  Lt. Ehren Watada, for those who don't already know, became the first commissioned officer to publicly refuse deployment to the unlawful war and occupation in Iraq. While doing this on June 22, 2006, Watada said, "As the order to take part in an illegal act is ultimately unlawful as well, I must refuse that order."  Just as Watada took the stage and began to speak, over 50 members of Iraq Veterans Against the War filed in behind him. Watada, surprised by this and obviously taken aback by the symbolic act, turned back to the audience, took some deep breaths, then gave this speech:  Thank you everyone. Thank you all for your tremendous support. How honored and delighted I am to be in the same room with you tonight. I am deeply humbled by being in the company of such wonderful speakers.  You are all true American patriots. Although long since out of uniform, you continue to fight for the very same principles you once swore to uphold and defend. No one knows the devastation and suffering of war more than veterans - which is why we should always be the first to prevent it.  I wasn't entirely sure what to say tonight. I thought as a leader in general I should speak to motivate. Now I know that this isn't the military and surely there are many out there who outranked me at one point or another - and yes, I'm just a Lieutenant. And yet, I feel as though we are all citizens of this great country and what I have to say is not a matter of authority - but from one citizen to another. We have all seen this war tear apart our country over the past three years. It seems as though nothing we've done, from vigils to protests to letters to Congress, have had any effect in persuading the powers that be. Tonight I will speak to you on my ideas for a change of strategy. I am here tonight because I took a leap of faith. My action is not the first and it certainly will not be the last. Yet, on behalf of those who follow, I require your help - your sacrifice - and that of countless other Americans. I may fail. We may fail. But nothing we have tried has worked so far. It is time for change and the change starts with all of us.  I stand before you today, not as an expert - not as one who pretends to have all the answers. I am simply an American and a servant of the American people. My humble opinions today are just that. I realize that you may not agree with everything I have to say. However, I did not choose to be a leader for popularity. I did it to serve and make better the soldiers of this country. And I swore to carry out this charge honorably under the rule of law.  Today, I speak with you about a radical idea. It is one born from the very concept of the American soldier (or service member). It became instrumental in ending the Vietnam War - but it has been long since forgotten. The idea is this: that to stop an illegal and unjust war, the soldiers can choose to stop fighting it.  Now it is not an easy task for the soldier. For he or she must be aware that they are being used for ill-gain. They must hold themselves responsible for individual action. They must remember duty to the Constitution and the people supersedes the ideologies of their leadership. The soldier must be willing to face ostracism by their peers, worry over the survival of their families, and of course the loss of personal freedom. They must know that resisting an authoritarian government at home is equally important to fighting a foreign aggressor on the battlefield. Finally, those wearing the uniform must know beyond any shadow of a doubt that by refusing immoral and illegal orders they will be supported by the people not with mere words but by action.  The American soldier must rise above the socialization that tells them authority should always be obeyed without question. Rank should be respected but never blindly followed. Awareness of the history of atrocities and destruction committed in the name of America - either through direct military intervention or by proxy war - is crucial. They must realize that this is a war not out of self-defense but by choice, for profit and imperialistic domination. WMD, ties to Al Qaeda, and ties to 9/11 never existed and never will. The soldier must know that our narrowly and questionably elected officials intentionally manipulated the evidence presented to Congress, the public, and the world to make the case for war. They must know that neither Congress nor this administration has the authority to violate the prohibition against pre-emptive war - an American law that still stands today. This same administration uses us for rampant violations of time-tested laws banning torture and degradation of prisoners of war. Though the American soldier wants to do right, the illegitimacy of the occupation itself, the policies of this administration, and rules of engagement of desperate field commanders will ultimately force them to be party to war crimes. They must know some of these facts, if not all, in order to act.  Mark Twain once remarked, "Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and inexcusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country …" By this, each and every American soldier, marine, airman, and sailor is responsible for their choices and their actions. The freedom to choose is only one that we can deny ourselves.  The oath we take swears allegiance not to one man but to a document of principles and laws designed to protect the people. Enlisting in the military does not relinquish one's right to seek the truth - neither does it excuse one from rational thought nor the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. "I was only following orders" is never an excuse.  The Nuremburg Trials showed America and the world that citizenry as well as soldiers have the unrelinquishable obligation to refuse complicity in war crimes perpetrated by their government. Widespread torture and inhumane treatment of detainees is a war crime. A war of aggression born through an unofficial policy of prevention is a crime against the peace. An occupation violating the very essence of international humanitarian law and sovereignty is a crime against humanity. These crimes are funded by our tax dollars. Should citizens choose to remain silent through self-imposed ignorance or choice, it makes them as culpable as the soldier in these crimes.  The Constitution is no mere document - neither is it old, out-dated, or irrelevant. It is the embodiment of all that Americans hold dear: truth, justice, and equality for all. It is the formula for a government of the people and by the people. It is a government that is transparent and accountable to whom they serve. It dictates a system of checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent the evil that is tyranny.  As strong as the Constitution is, it is not foolproof. It does not fully take into account the frailty of human nature. Profit, greed, and hunger for power can corrupt individuals as much as they can corrupt institutions. The founders of the Constitution could not have imagined how money would infect our political system. Neither could they believe a standing army would be used for profit and manifest destiny. Like any common dictatorship, soldiers would be ordered to commit acts of such heinous nature as to be deemed most ungentlemanly and unbecoming that of a free country.  The American soldier is not a mercenary. He or she does not simply fight wars for payment. Indeed, the state of the American soldier is worse than that of a mercenary. For a soldier-for-hire can walk away if they are disgusted by their employer's actions. Instead, especially when it comes to war, American soldiers become indentured servants whether they volunteer out of patriotism or are drafted through economic desperation. Does it matter what the soldier believes is morally right? If this is a war of necessity, why force men and women to fight? When it comes to a war of ideology, the lines between right and wrong are blurred. How tragic it is when the term Catch-22 defines the modern American military.  Aside from the reality of indentured servitude, the American soldier in theory is much nobler. Soldier or officer, when we swear our oath it is first and foremost to the Constitution and its protectorate, the people. If soldiers realized this war is contrary to what the Constitution extols - if they stood up and threw their weapons down - no President could ever initiate a war of choice again. When we say, "… Against all enemies foreign and domestic," what if elected leaders became the enemy? Whose orders do we follow? The answer is the conscience that lies in each soldier, each American, and each human being. Our duty to the Constitution is an obligation, not a choice.  The military, and especially the Army, is an institution of fraternity and close-knit camaraderie. Peer pressure exists to ensure cohesiveness but it stamps out individualism and individual thought. The idea of brotherhood is difficult to pull away from if the alternative is loneliness and isolation. If we want soldiers to choose the right but difficult path - they must know beyond any shadow of a doubt that they will be supported by Americans. To support the troops who resist, you must make your voices heard. If they see thousands supporting me, they will know. I have heard your support, as has Suzanne Swift, and Ricky Clousing - but many others have not. Increasingly, more soldiers are questioning what they are being asked to do. Yet, the majority lack awareness to the truth that is buried beneath the headlines. Many more see no alternative but to obey. We must show open-minded soldiers a choice and we must give them courage to act.  Three weeks ago, Sgt. Hernandez from the 172nd Stryker Brigade was killed, leaving behind a wife and two children. In an interview, his wife said he sacrificed his life so that his family could survive. I'm sure Sgt. Hernandez cherished the camaraderie of his brothers, but given a choice, I doubt he would put himself in a position to leave his family husbandless and fatherless. Yet that's the point, you see. People like Sgt. Hernandez don't have a choice. The choices are to fight in Iraq or let your family starve. Many soldiers don't refuse this war en mass because, like all of us,, they value their families over their own lives and perhaps their conscience. Who would willingly spend years in prison for principle and morality while denying their family sustenance?  I tell this to you because you must know that to stop this war, for the soldiers to stop fighting it, they must have the unconditional support of the people. I have seen this support with my own eyes. For me it was a leap of faith. For other soldiers, they do not have that luxury. They must know it and you must show it to them. Convince them that no matter how long they sit in prison, no matter how long this country takes to right itself, their families will have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, opportunities and education. This is a daunting task. It requires the sacrifice of all of us. Why must Canadians feed and house our fellow Americans who have chosen to do the right thing? We should be the ones taking care of our own. Are we that powerless - are we that unwilling to risk something for those who can truly end this war? How do you support the troops but not the war? By supporting those who can truly stop it; let them know that resistance to participate in an illegal war is not futile and not without a future.  I have broken no law but the code of silence and unquestioning loyalty. If I am guilty of any crime, it is that I learned too much and cared too deeply for the meaningless loss of my fellow soldiers and my fellow human beings. If I am to be punished it should be for following the rule of law over the immoral orders of one man. If I am to be punished it should be for not acting sooner. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period … was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."  Now, I'm not a hero. I am a leader of men who said enough is enough. Those who called for war prior to the invasion compared diplomacy with Saddam to the compromises made with Hitler. I say, we compromise now by allowing a government that uses war as the first option instead of the last to act with impunity. Many have said this about the World Trade Towers, "Never Again." I agree. Never again will we allow those who threaten our way of life to reign free - be they terrorists or elected officials. The time to fight back is now - the time to stand up and be counted is today.  I'll end with one more Martin Luther King Jr. quote:  One who breaks an unjust law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.  Thank you and bless you all.
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Comment #89 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 11:42:02 PT
global warming
Post a lead in and link if that will work. There is a limit to size in the comment section if it's too big it won't work.
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Comment #88 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 11:34:55 PT
While listening and not able to hear
an old cd, Ariadne Auf Naxos, old Strauss was a genius,
I intend to see that show, somehow, even If I have to buy the dvd.There is an article I have read that I wish to post, it is a bit lengthy, may I post to this green world of visitors and true Americans.May I ?
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Comment #87 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 11:15:28 PT
global_warming
Yes it's name is WEEDSYou can rent it at a video store if you have a DVD player. The first season I mean.
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Comment #86 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 11:13:14 PT
you have my vote
someday I will purchase the dvd, and will share in understanding of this show. What is the name of the show?Is it "weeds"?
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Comment #85 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 11:02:59 PT
global_warming
That's what I'm hoping.
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Comment #84 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 10:54:44 PT
Wow
1.5 million views per episode, that's pretty good, maybe the camps of the unsympathetic might come around on this foolish and costly war on people who choose to use cannabis.
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Comment #83 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 10:50:04 PT
global_warming
I think they averaged about 1,500,000 views per episode the first season. You can see the first episode ( last nights) free right now from MSN on this link for a week. I know Canada gets it.Weeds First Episode of Season II: http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm
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Comment #82 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 10:28:26 PT
Thats Nice
Do have any idea what the stats are? I do not have showtime, is showtime available everywhere in the US? In other parts of the World?Just curious..
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Comment #81 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 10:23:03 PT
global_warming
It is the most viewed series on Showtime. That's good I think.
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Comment #80 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 10:19:38 PT
hey fomme
how popular is this show?
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Comment #79 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 09:48:41 PT
Drug-Dealing Mom Appears on MSN Video
Site is streaming the entire first episode from the second season of Showtime's "Weeds." 
By The Hollywood Reporter Published: August 15, 2006MSN Video is streaming the entire first episode from the second season of Showtime's "Weeds," which ran Monday. The show will be available on the site for a week. Short clips from the Golden Globe-winning series, which stars Mary-Louise Parker as a suburban mother who makes a living as a marijuana dealer, will continue to be available throughout the entire second season. There are no plans to stream additional full-length episodes at this time. Showtime has been a charter partner with MSN Video since it launched three years ago. In July, MSN signed an agreement with Fox to make all 53 episodes of "Arrested Development" available online. Copyright: 2006 Reuters Limited. Video: http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htmhttp://news.com.com/Drug-dealing+mom+appears+on+MSN+Video/2100-1026_3-6105639.html?tag=newsmap
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Comment #78 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 09:07:52 PT
Max Flowers
I want the vibrations of California to flow all over the USA. It's been way too long for the rest of us. 
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Comment #77 posted by Max Flowers on August 15, 2006 at 09:05:09 PT
whig
Glad to hear everything went well. You have indeed arrived. You are now more "California" than some lifetime residents of the state are, if you know what I mean.A good idea, which I'm sure you may have already thought of, is to make an extra photocopy of your recommendation and keep that folded up in your wallet. That way you can present it anytime the need may come up. For me, it has never really come up, but it's best to be prepared.
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Comment #76 posted by global_warming on August 15, 2006 at 08:58:58 PT
some news
hope it is not old, but most of us would think so..
http://tinyurl.com/eb6zzDrug-danger 'league table' revealed  * 07 August 2006
  * From New Scientist When it comes to danger, cigarettes and alcohol beat ecstasy, LSD and cannabis, according to a league table of the harm they cause.The UK Science and Technology Select Committee, which advises the government, commissioned an assessment of 20 legal and illegal stimulants to examine the actual social and physical harm they cause based on scientific evidence.Controlled drugs are currently categorised to reflect the penalties they incur for possession and dealing. The highest category, class A, carries the largest legal penalties and includes heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and magic mushrooms. Class B includes speed and barbiturates, while cannabis and some tranquillisers are in class C.However, the new league table puts alcohol in the top five most harmful drugs, alongside heroin, cocaine, barbiturates and street methadone. Ecstasy and LSD, currently categorised as class A drugs, come well below both tobacco and alcohol.The UK drug classification system needs to be overhauled to reflect the harm these substances cause, says the committee. "The government, its advisors and the police are in confusion about the relationship between drug classification and criminal penalties for possession," says committee member Evan Harris, a Liberal Democrat MP. "We've made our recommendations to the government and we're very hopeful that they will act."
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Comment #75 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 08:13:00 PT
Hope
We only had a couple of hours when we met Mr. and Mrs. Whig but that's all I needed to know what a fine couple they are. I am so happy for them. If we had lots of Mr. and Mrs. Whigs in the world I know it would be a better place.
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Comment #74 posted by Hope on August 15, 2006 at 07:55:47 PT
66 and 67
Your joy is a blessing to me.
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Comment #73 posted by Hope on August 15, 2006 at 07:54:25 PT
Whig Comment 68
Beautiful, Whig. Thank you.
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Comment #72 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 06:48:04 PT
whig
Dr. Frank is in one of my e-mail groups I receive. I am very happy for you. 
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Comment #71 posted by FoM on August 15, 2006 at 06:46:56 PT
Review: Weeds: Corn Snake
http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/08/15/weeds-corn-snake/
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Comment #70 posted by whig on August 15, 2006 at 01:13:01 PT
BGreen
I have not been inside a dispensary yet. I just got in to see the doctor today and he did an examination and reviewed my medical record to establish that I had a serious medical condition for which he would approve cannabis to treat.I was already medicating before I met with him today, but I did not have the legal status to do so under California law until I received his recommendation.I want to say that if anyone is looking for a good doctor who understands how helpful cannabis can be as medicine, and who is absolutely committed to doing a careful and professional job of examination, I recommend Dr. Frank Lucido in Berkeley. I asked him whether I could mention him here and he said it would be fine. We didn't discuss it today but I know he is also Angel Raich's doctor.
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Comment #69 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2006 at 23:53:39 PT
whig
Did you get your medicine from a compassion club or similar dispensary? If so, were there a lot of strains to choose from? And most importantly, how was the smell, taste and overall quality of your medicine and how did it compare to what you might have experienced back in your old home town?I'm really happy for you.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #68 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 23:34:47 PT
Brothers and Sisters
You are the Nation of Israel right now. You are the chosen. You are and all can be and you are only the first before the rest. Nobody is turned away.You Cannabists, you who are reading my words, you are the firstborn but you are no greater than any other. I love all of my children and all of my brothers and all of my sisters and all of my parents and grandparents and you are all my family.Bless you all and bless us please God. We are one and returned.
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Comment #67 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 23:30:56 PT
Finally...
I have set foot on the Promised Land, and it welcomed me. We are home. Hallelujah.
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Comment #66 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 23:29:00 PT
greenmed
Let me tell you something brother. Berkeley is Jerusalem. It is going on here.
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Comment #65 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 21:54:59 PT
Dankhank
That's so true! They have a great cast of people.
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Comment #64 posted by Dankhank on August 14, 2006 at 21:40:01 PT
ending ...
Nancy is lucky to have so many men who want to help her.
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Comment #63 posted by greenmed on August 14, 2006 at 21:28:53 PT
whig
I'm so glad you are able to medicate legally. I agree that there's safety in numbers, and if the feds try to get names from the counties' registries they would face quite a wrath from the public as well as the issuing cities and counties. Oakland seems to be a good place to have landed, in that respect particularly.Best wishes from the east coast!
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Comment #62 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 21:21:24 PT
Dankhank
I don't listen to Howard Stern after I listened to him a couple times. I don't wish him badly or anything I just find other things that interest me. If I can't find something to watch I listen to music that I like. Life's too short to be grumpy when it isn't necessary if we change what is making us grumpy. How about the ending on the new episode? 
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Comment #61 posted by Dankhank on August 14, 2006 at 21:10:19 PT
watch it?
ever see "Howard Stern's Private Parts?" silly question, I guess, but it is a love story ...When Howard's bosses see his first Arbitron at WNBC it is phenominal in it's rating's jump for Howard.One boss says, "People who love Howard listen for 21/2 hrs a day to hear what he will say."Other boss asks, "What about people who don't like him?"First Boss, "They listen for 31/2 hours a day.""Why""To hear what he's gonna say."No accounting for taste ...
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Comment #60 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 21:09:39 PT
lombar
I hope you understand what I mean and why I think solidarity is so important to us all. One person can be nailed, so can ten or a hundred, it takes an army to defeat a million, and nobody is going to defeat a billion or three.We must all hang together or surely we will all hang seperately.
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Comment #59 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 21:06:24 PT
lombar
You wrote:The tears of human suffering are greater than all the water in the seas, now we face a tidal wave. My personal belief is the should ole JC return, it will not be in the personage of one human, but millions. One person could and would be nailed to the cross.. again. Millions or billions cannot be controlled so easily.Yes, and my personal belief is that this has already happened, and is what we are doing here now.
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Comment #58 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 20:55:22 PT
Whig
I don't know why either. I won't watch something that I don't like again. With all the things many of us have to watch why not watch what a person will enjoy or learn from? We have a horrible war going on and when we watch the news it is depressing to say the least so when we want to get our mind off of war why watch something that will make a person all bummed out? One thing I know is we are a community. When the world is in a big mess we can vent and hopefully find something to laugh about. I don't need a movie critic.
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Comment #57 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 20:44:26 PT
FoM
I don't understand how someone who hates a show would continue to watch it just in order to criticize it. I mean, I suppose people who are paid to be critics have to do that but why would someone do that if it wasn't part of their job?
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Comment #56 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 20:37:39 PT
greenmed
I'm still learning the way things work out here, but as of right now -- I'm legal. Just took my first legal toke. Man it's good.I think it is being done by the counties, and the specifics vary by county in those that issue IDs. Some counties won't issue yet. Also I am understanding that the Oakland Card issued by OCBC isn't the same as the state/county ID and I might not need both.My point isn't to suggest anyone get IDs unnecessarily, but that if you are in a position to qualify it can help to protect you and the amount it protects you is proportional to the number of people who obtain one. I'm not saying it's good to have to register yourself with the state, but if we're talking about medical marijuana the truth is most patients don't have the luxury to try to make a constitutional point against those kinds of regulations. If it requires us to jump through hoops and sign forms and pay some fee or tax, well render it unto Caesar because that's what Caesar wants in order for you to go ahead and worship God. Yeah, pay the damn tax on cannabis, register for it, don't fight your adversary when he is on the way with you. If you protest IDs so strongly you will really have to forego any kind of license or passport too, or substitute state ID. It's going to be rough going, bgw ut if you think it's the way to salvation to avoid the number of the beast or something, I understand, but I'm telling you we got sick folks out here who need their medicine and you oughtta put your own self out here in a little bit of an exposed position if you want to help them. We need to stand together for this, or you're trying to save yourself by sacrificing others and that ain't the way to be.By the way, that last paragraph was addressed to anyone at all who reads this, not specifically to anyone in particular least of all greenmed.
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Comment #55 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 20:19:06 PT
lemonboy
You are new on CNews. I really wish you would talk on Weeds Board and maybe they will make changes that you like. If you don't like it how about being a little considerate of those who do and are regulars here. Otherwise it seems like you just want to troll. No trolling allowed here. 
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Comment #54 posted by lemonboy on August 14, 2006 at 20:13:01 PT
"The coffee table"
I really wouldn't be affected except for the change to the theme. It was a bit magical to me until me now. The second season premiere only serves to expand on last year's season. I won't apologize for the second season's theme being a bit Randy Newman because that is simply what it was. If that's what you enjoy, post, if not... POST.Because watching Nancy clean a gun in her DEA boyfriends residence is so much more exciting. Rrright.
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 20:07:41 PT
Dankhank
It was really good. I figure if lemonboy doesn't like it he doesn't have to watch it or go tell them about it on Weeds Message board and they might care there. It's really going to be good from all the twists.
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Comment #52 posted by Dankhank on August 14, 2006 at 20:02:33 PT
lemonboy
can't ruin it for me ...sorry ...peace ...what the f*ck was I thinkin' is something we all say a lot in our lives ... least I Do ...
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Comment #51 posted by lemonboy on August 14, 2006 at 19:38:17 PT
Are we watching the same show???
I can't even enjoy Malvina Reynolds' introduction this season? I mean come ON! That's half the reason why I watched this to begin with. UGH UGH UGH."What the fuck was I thinking?" Good question.Second verse. Same as the first! Apparently.
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Comment #50 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 19:36:48 PT
Dankhank
Great show. All kinds of twist are being set up. 
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Comment #49 posted by Dankhank on August 14, 2006 at 19:09:37 PT
We made Vanilla shakes ...
watching, now ...still good.
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 18:45:27 PT
Countdown to Weeds
Just a few more minutes and the new season premieres. They just did a piece on Scarborough Country on MSNBC. They showed a couple scenes that look really good. I hope it is as good as the first season. That's all for now. I'm going to quick go make a couple root beer floats and enjoy the show.
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Comment #47 posted by greenmed on August 14, 2006 at 16:16:45 PT

whig
What is the status of medical cannabis ID cards in CA these days? Are all cities and counties free to decide for themselves whether to issue cards, or are they required by state law to issue them (and then possibly wiggle out of that some how)?Also, do you have a feel for how your fellow activists, patients and caregivers would accept a state-wide ID card?

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Comment #46 posted by rchandar on August 14, 2006 at 15:58:39 PT:

g_w
it's alright--only about 100 million people in this country share your status. what I wonder about is, when they decide to lock up all 100 million, what rhetoric they will use in calling this a "democracy" with "freedom."
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Comment #45 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 15:38:01 PT

g_w
I been 'illegal' for so long, I laugh at the concept.from a song of mine "Dead Religions""...what fool clings to blindness once he's been allowed to see?"peace be to you bro.
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Comment #44 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 15:30:39 PT

hey mm
you know praying in public is illegal,I love You and may God Love You,In Eternity and Forever.
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Comment #43 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 15:20:47 PT

a couple more numbers
#6. All of the above (we are all in this together)or#7. None of the above (I don't subscrine to those points of view)maybe#8. na..that's enough.Yes, I tend to agree that the next manifestation of 'messianic presence' will be of the collective, and certainly those who have erroneously claimed to have possesed it (the religions and the 'church.' There are many religions that worship all manner of falseness, let us not be confused) will undoubtedly be surprised to learn the truth, and it will undoubtedly come at high cost, just as it is currently being 'waged'.Ah it is terrible to concieve, and the rank darkness and ignorance that is prevalent in the current collective consciousness, is unbearable to see in contrast to the embryonic possiblities of another way. The constant tramp of the war drum in every waking moment is a truly angering thing. Makes one want to go to war it does. That is the purpose of the rythm, and the grand distractions - to push the masses in any direction exccept the one they need to go.That redneck down the street that would shoot me just 'cause of my hair desn't need my anger, though without understanding I would hate the man, and all he stands for - just like he does me. But though it's hard to do, (and it's nice to have such a forum as this to intelligently vent my angeer and frustration) it must be done. My teeth are getting loose from gritting them, from biting down on the bitterness of this world, my gut sore from swallowing sh-t because somehow we've all agreed to do it, and it's the 'acceptable, respectable' thing to do.  But still I know that war breeds only destruction, and anger unchecked, and unbridled is war. Therefore I tolerate the slowness of the tribe -directly proportunate to the slowest member. That slowness manifests in darkness and ignorance, and in character perpetuates it as well. The pain of tolerating ignorance, and slow spiritual awakening is one that must be taken, and must be embraced with wisdom and discernment, if any substantial change of any necessary import is to come about.                                   
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Comment #42 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 15:18:09 PT

you cant say
all this war and confusionhas anything to do with salvationsalvation? what us salvation?can you fill your belly and not wonderhow this world enjoys the goodnessthat has belonged to every breathof Light and UnderstandingIt5 is Time'We look aroundIt is Time to use the good hand of KindnessThat Hand of UnderstandingThat Choice in your Heart and MindYour Soul Peace and Understanding
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Comment #41 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 15:03:33 PT

hey lombar
when that tired old carpenter returnshe will only be one personone simple mancan reach into the guts of civilizationand bring out the good fruits
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Comment #40 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 14:54:35 PT

they can have my dead body
for my life beats to a different drumI can hear the music of indifference
i can see all this destruction
all this hatred and fearhow can anyone be so sureyou got it rightover and over againyou got it right
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Comment #39 posted by lombar on August 14, 2006 at 14:43:44 PT

Anger
...gets more done than grief. We can look at the suffering of the world in few ways,1) that it is separate from ourselves and we can do something
(engaged in solving problems)2) that it is separate from ourselves and we cant do anything
(fatalistic)3) its all in our minds and we can do something
(its our own personal problem, divisive)4) its all in our minds and we can do nothing
(we really are screwed)5) have not given it any thought (98% of the population)
(when is Friends coming on?)If you believe either of 2 or 4 then grief can be the only consistent response. Disempowerment wrt the problems of the world and those that manipulate us count on this, this apathy is dragging our nations down.If you believe in 1, then once you see how deep the rabbit hole really goes, it is near impossible to not go ballistic. Lies, damn lies, and government press releases, state run mass media, our lives nothing more than commodities. Life is illegal outside the narrow bounds set forth by our oh so caring leaders...If you believe its 3 then perhaps retirement to a nice monestary might be a suitable life...So don't take my expression of anger as being enraged and smashing stuff, oh no. It's the kind of fire in your belly that says, enough is enough time to fight back all the harder against the freedom stealing apparatus that has been constructed in the USA and is being exported to us. {insert expletive here}Come election time, it will be time to volunteer again in a close riding for whoever has a chance against the conservative...The tears of human suffering are greater than all the water in the seas, now we face a tidal wave. My personal belief is the should ole JC return, it will not be in the personage of one human, but millions. One person could and would be nailed to the cross.. again. Millions or billions cannot be controlled so easily.Two shall be working at the loom, one will be taken... about 50% of the population will put spiritual above the material, thus many will in their compassion be 'children of God' whether or not they have any belief in any religon. When a critical mass is reached, the PTB will either have to kill the masses or knuckle under because they are outnumbered 10000-1. Just a belief.. easier to swallow than being 'snatched up into the air' to be with Jesus just for their sunday church attendance... but then I am not on TV creating delusions for people to believe in and send me money for..
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 14:42:00 PT

Museman
I probably will notice them now. Horses are great. I used them to travel to friends houses since we lived in the country and that was the easiest way to visit friends. We put each others horses in our barns when we were visiting. I even did my part of sassing back to my Mom when I was on a horse and galloped away and waited to come home until I knew she cooled off. LOL!
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Comment #37 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 14:37:17 PT

FoM
Well, you know how it is... you're probably gonna see 'em now, sorry about that!Horses are cool. An obvious alternative to a lot of polluting technology. I've not had tremendous opportunity to get to know brother horse, but we've traveled a few miles together.
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 14:32:19 PT

museman
Nope I never saw them but I never look at cars. They are just a blur when we are driving down the road. 
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Comment #35 posted by Genthirdday on August 14, 2006 at 14:30:04 PT

global_warming..........#17....maybe "It Is Time&
  to publish your amazing poetry. LEO's would take a close look at you and we do not need added persecution to our lives but in times past, many patriots published under pen names. Ben Franklin very frequently wrote and published anonymously and people reacted strongly and took action. Many still do not read via the Internet but do purchase books. 
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Comment #34 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 14:25:50 PT

you see
Y'shua said to some of his disciples;"You are fishers of the sea. Come with me and I will make you fishers of men."
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Comment #33 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 14:23:00 PT

FoM
You never have seen the fish? I am amazed. They are usually right next to the "I support the troops" ribbons.They just don't make the ones with the hook in the mouth - that's the one I want.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 14:19:29 PT

museman
Gosh I never bothered looking at cars since I prefer horses so I missed it. We had a couple new cars but they just weren't a horse. I really was born in the wrong time. LOL!
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Comment #31 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 14:14:38 PT

FoM
I always wanted one of those metal 'fish' symbols you see on so many Cadillacs (and Lincolns,and Mercedes, and a few Chevy's) with a hook in it's mouth... but they don't make 'em.
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Comment #30 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 14:09:53 PT

whig
Sometime before the gun in the face I have reached a state of intolerance, but usually I manage.There is an element of 'in your face' which has become a part of our daily lives. The lines of acceptabilty -for me - are in two places; the public, and the home.What I tolerate in public, a whole lot of it, is not 'acceptable' (or tolerated if I get half a chance) in my home. In public, I usually have the option to walk away - which in my experience usually means a very deliberate avoidance of going there in the first place. In my home I have executive powers over every TV show, every internet site. I have the powers of on and off. But my home is this little manufactured 'home' from the '70s and it's sanctity is an illusion that could be shattered at any time by the standard issue boot. Therefore that is a potential violation of my only space on this planet, and is not to be tolerated. I agree to not blow smoke in my neighbors face - at home or in public, but I cannnot tolerate them telling me what I can or cannot do behind my flimsy little walls called 'home.'
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 14:02:05 PT

An Idea For a Sign
As far as a marijuana protest sign I thought this might be good. Not hateful from us to them but make them acknowledge they hate people who use Cannabis because they are different.You don't hate this (then have a pretty pot leaf) you hate us.
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Comment #28 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 13:56:46 PT

museman
How do you tolerate intolerance, and how far do you tolerate it?
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 13:55:07 PT

museman
I am not tolerant of anything that this administration has done to us as a country. The way it feels to me is peaceful protests will make them pay attention. When one group is done protesting another one should get with it and do it. Over and over again until the news will have to pay attention. Use legitimate arguments in forming a protest and keep it real and keep it peaceful and we will win. We did once before.
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Comment #26 posted by rchandar on August 14, 2006 at 13:49:46 PT:

Wayne
another problem with our society is that once someone uses the word "drugs," an immediate shame and concern tag attaches to a person's mind.For most people, it's enough to hear someone loudly talk about "drugs" to feel this shame. It's much harder to resist official doctrine because so much money and time and ideology has been poured into making "drugs" a kind of sin, a shameful thing that betrays a lack of character, honesty, and self-control. So a lot of kids adopt the drugs tag as tantamount to a rebellion, living a life where they "don't care" about family, friends, or society. In the past twenty years of being close to users, I can say that most youths don't generally adopt the "values" and "social critique" strongly enough: it's enough to think you're bad, being bad is "cool."Teaching peace, love and understanding is always difficult. It's much easier to blame someone else, to dream of eliminating people you don't like, to suppress your understanding and acceptance of that which is different. Teachers and parents, in my opinion, don't always do the best job either.Then again, there are a lot of parents who teach their kids to evaluate, to think realistically, to be critical, and that's good. I just think that the "drugs" tag is a magic sinkhole to defer all one's problems and angers.--rchandar
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Comment #25 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 13:45:41 PT

but...
as you also said;"I am angry at what this administration has done to our country."And neither you nor I, or anyone (in my opinion) in their right mind is really willing to tolerate such things in their lives - if they have any choice in the matter.How much choice do we have really?How much of the choices of this world are forced decisions between the 'lesser of evils?'Can we really address the source of those 'evils?'These are questions that (to me, anyway) represent the core of the issues.There are very real sources that are held in very real hands, and wielded like very real swords in the conquest of planet earth. There are identifiable conditions and 'marks' which allow the observant to see - if they know what they are looking for. Those conditions and marks have been described to us from ages past, there is no 'new revelation' on that subject.The question is how to succeed where no generation has succeeded before. How to displace the lip-service of social/political posturing with actuality. Lets not legislate or negotiate freedom, lets take our own inherent, natural understanding of the gift, and live it.How to do that is a question that truly interests me.The spread of actual tolerant attitudes, within boundaries described as acceptable in a loving act and intention, could only be a well-needed positive pardigm shift. I hope we do it.

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Comment #24 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 13:40:39 PT

Wayne
You don't have to like something in order to tolerate it.I agree.
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Comment #23 posted by Wayne on August 14, 2006 at 13:37:41 PT

Tolerance
The problem these days is that the Republicans and the media have blurred the distinction between 'liking' something and 'tolerating' something. What Bush has done with his 'with us or against us' mantra is, besides misleading many of us, he has destroyed that critical distinction. Despite what he tells us, you can despise terrorism and still be against war. Despite what the drug czar says year in and year out, you can choose not to use drugs and still leave those who do alone.You don't have to like something in order to tolerate it. I don't like paying $3 a gallon for gas, but I'm not about to torch the local convenience store. I don't want to see drugs and guns in school, but I also think pointing guns at children and kicking them out of school is also counter-productive.Zero-tolerance will get us exactly that = Zero.
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 13:34:00 PT

museman
Thank you. I believe tolerance is how I have always overcome my anger. Then I live in peace. I can live in my own la la land and at the same time be totally aware of the hell that is raging around us if this makes sense.
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Comment #21 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 13:23:57 PT

FoM
"I am tolerant because tolerance is the only way to peace."I couldn't have put it any better. Tolerance may just be the cure for anger. It's an active thing that takes constant participation.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 13:18:56 PT

Anger
I am angry at what this administration has done to our country. I am happy that people are waking up and paying a little more attention to how we are viewed in the world. I am tolerant because tolerance is the only way to peace. I can be tolerant when I see excesses but in turn I want to be tolerated too. I believe in conservation and living with less. 
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Comment #19 posted by museman on August 14, 2006 at 13:10:21 PT

anger
It is an angry time. Anger can serve to focus, it can also serve to derail. Where does one put that anger? You just can't keep it inside.This struggle with that justifiable, real-sourced anger is getting more prevalent in everyones consciousness I think. World events as macrocosmic representation seem to support that notion.I've been pondering on the balance between tolerance, and acceptabilty - how far to allow lattitude in all the differing perspectives, and still draw the line on acceptability. Some of it is obvious, but when it comes to beliefs, and the fine lines of personal understanding, I find I have to do a quick juggling act in my mind to make a decision as to whether the pointing out of (what is to me an obvious) error is worth the possible struggle of ego to arrive at some kind of agreement.The only thing that makes sense to me, is unconditional tolerance in the world, but in my home, I do have a serious hand in making the 'house rules.' I must tolerate all of my neighbors follies, until they intrude into my home sanctity, then I get angry and intolerant.In the world however is extreem INTOLERANCE, supported by the various wealth-empowered organizations and institutions that were created for just those purposes of control and indoctrination. There is a carefully painted picture of the 'acceptable' modes of being, and surprise! they have some rather large conditions of wealth and propriety attached to their validation.The vicious circle must be broken. God and Nature are going to take care of whatever we fail to address in the short time left, but what can be saved? What of our accomplishments is worth saving?Is the concept of 'posterity' just an attempt to extend the ego beyond the grave?Is the adamant stance of holding to your understanding, like a rock in the flood of chaos, a violation of tolerance?I think not.
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Comment #18 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 12:53:15 PT

whigger
It is time for peaceand understandinfand an end to this confusionHallelujahcan this corparate corpalismbe placed in some eternal grave,from which the commen man is not exposedthe flowers of youth and this worldsing about this horrible diseaseit is time to bring this diseaseto the ends of the world
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Comment #17 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 12:39:51 PT

It is Time
To grab your place,Who can answer Eternity,I'm so angry and my mind is filled with so much disgraceI have not forgotten all this sicknessI cannot forget all this disease,All this anger and warOver and over againWe cull our enimiesWhitout ever saying HelloWhitout ever knowingHow close 'we are so closeI can bend my kneeFor as child under the Eternal StarsI so much saverA good Night
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Comment #16 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 12:28:13 PT

gw 
It is time for peace.
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Comment #15 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 12:26:10 PT

It Is Tme
for a war on ignorance,a war on greed,a war that is revelating
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Comment #14 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 12:25:21 PT

gw 
I cross posted my previous comment to the cannablog.There are so many of us but we are hiding, and we are angry because we are frightened. That is why I am saying we need to have solidarity. A few of us standing out beyond the ramparts all alone are vulnerable. Solidarity means standing together, in a defensible position. We have to have some courage to start.
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Comment #13 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 11:56:27 PT

whigger
there are too many of us who use the blessed herb, and even more who support liberalization, and when you add up all those who been screwed by this prohibition, you have a very angry group of human beings.
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Comment #12 posted by lombar on August 14, 2006 at 11:54:21 PT

When they can't win the argument
... they resort to ad hominem attacks. It's a constant pattern, consistent throughout the anti-truth 'messages' of the media. When facts cannot be answered we are a 'well funded gang of drug dealers wanting to get their children hooked on drugs'. Or pinko-hippie-commies, or stupid stoners,.. crazy conspiracy theorist..I had the misfortune of having a discussion with an RCMP officer that made me really angry. The gist of his support of the current conflict in Israel was that 'police and military personel' count as more than civilians so Israel was somehow justified in their 'response'. Because it was 'police or military' they count their lives as worth more than ours and that was chilling. And totaly unacceptable attitude for so-called servants of the public. I mentioned the media bias in one topic then he attacked me with my 'listening to the media'. Every point I made was only answered with some question about my conduct/attitude rather than answering the points with counter points.. because there are none, they are wrong. So it was about then I posed the rhetorical question here "How can the good prevail when the evil is willing to kill, lie, to continue to wreak havoc in the world?"... because about then I starting thinking that the police and their political involvement is EVIL and muyst be completly eliminated. We pay police for protection, not advice and definately not to curtail our freedom to make it easier for them to sit around and eat donuts. I have been really POd ever since.
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Comment #11 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 11:48:26 PT

How Much Does It Cost?
 Aerial Marijuana Surveillance UnderwayBy Tom Bansehttp://tinyurl.com/okqbzSEATTLE, WA 2006-08-14 Cherries and apples have a season, and so does marijuana farming . Correspondent Tom Banse reports that sheriff's deputies in Oregon and Washington are getting a lift in National Guard helicopters to find illegal plants.-----------A sure sign that pot season is underway is a big bust. This past week, deputies uprooted 1,500 marijuana plants growing in a remote canyon northeast of Wenatchee, Washington.The hidden plants were spotted from a National Guard helicopter.Chief Clyde Foreman of the Columbia River Drug Task Force says the existence of aerial surveillance is no secret. Yet large numbers of pot plants keep turning up in the woods.Clyde Foreman: "The profit margin is so tremendous that the drug trafficking organizations that are from Mexico that we see in California, Oregon, and Washington are going to continue utilizing the Forest Service lands, and DNR lands, and the parks for some time. We're pretty convinced of that. That's the trend we're seeing."It costs local sheriffs nothing to put a spotter on a National Guard chopper. The federal drug control budget covers the full cost. But flight time is tightly scheduled. 
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Comment #10 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 11:47:20 PT

gw 
We need to have solidarity with one another. I was thinking about the risks of the California approach with medical marijuana recipients getting county-issued ID cards. The idea is it is supposed to protect the holder and also the care providers, but there are people who fear that by registering for that ID we would be putting ourself at risk of being rounded up.Here's the thing. We are a lot more numerous than they can round up that way if the public supports medical marijuana. We couldn't win without public support -- that is what underpins everything. But we are already supported on the MMJ issue so strongly everywhere that a crack down on patients would only be feasible if it is a small number of them.The catch is that if there are only a small number of people with the ID cards, they could be rounded up quickly, before the public could even react. So the first people to get these cards are going out on a limb, because they understand that if enough of us step forward and hold together in solidarity we are too many to be made victims.
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 11:27:34 PT

whig
What I noticed over the years is that Republicans look for issues to trip up their competition. It doesn't matter about fighting fairly for the good of the people but what could get the right leaning people angry. The Democrats aren't wishy washy as much as they are afraid to fight because they don't like to fight dirty like the Republicans do. I know it would make me feel like I was stooping to their level and I wouldn't want to do that. 
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Comment #8 posted by global_warming on August 14, 2006 at 11:20:13 PT

hey whigger
When will it happen? When will all this madness and ignorance end?Sometimes I wonder how many good people live secretly for fear of our government, how many would more easily come out and stand up for the Light of Truth?
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Comment #7 posted by whig on August 14, 2006 at 09:53:57 PT

lombar
Well said. I'm really hopeful reading the progressive blogs because there seems to be very strong support for our issue informally, but it is still too hot politically for them to touch publicly if they are running candidates for office. The brainwashing has been laid on too thick for too long to reverse it in the course of a would-be successful political campaign, too many people buy the lies so if a candidate were to run on the basis of the truth he would be disbelieved by many and he would be attacked and savaged in the press and by every state and federal official that wants to keep the current prohibition in place. They feel like they can't talk about it and still be elected.
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Comment #6 posted by lombar on August 14, 2006 at 09:14:47 PT

OT - Evil thought? 
In my mailbox today was a card soliciting my sister for a donation to the UN regarding the current crisis in Lebanon. My first thought was 'when you stop demonizing me and pursuing a worldwide war against me I *might* send a donation. Since your 'war on drugs' hyperinflates the cost of my cannabis by a factor of 20, I just don't have any money left over.'As much as I hate the current BS, I find myself despising the UN now. I guess that is what happens when you believe in something then find out that what you believe in, peace, is not what the UN is really about. Especially when they are pursuing a war of aggression against people like me. Complete with lies. There is a huge credibility problem with all the western governments, the sooner the people 'get' that, the better. Our knowledge of the drug war makes it no surprise to me anyway that the state is lying about a GREAT DEAL. Making a lie into the truth worked so well for the drug war which allowed the militarization of police, deployment of too many police, and the erosion of privacy and civil rights, that now its time to up the stakes... but I think it is backfiring on them this time... time for some indictments at the HIGHEST levels.
PrisonPlanet
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 09:02:22 PT

More Weeds
It’s a Doobie — er, Doozy of a Show http://www.columbusdispatch.com/flipside/flipside.php?story=dispatch/2006/08/14/20060814-B8-00.html
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 09:00:47 PT

More On Weeds
'Weeds' Stands Tall in Drought Year http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060814/LIFE/608140342/1005
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Comment #3 posted by Hope on August 14, 2006 at 08:30:54 PT

Mr. White has made several worthy comments
on different posts at Grits.http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/
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Comment #2 posted by Hope on August 14, 2006 at 08:29:14 PT

A must read!
Check out what Rusty White, LEAP speaker, has to say at Grits.http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8597101&postID=115543240427740306
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 14, 2006 at 07:53:37 PT

More About Weeds
A Growing Success: Showtime’s Cheerfully Dark ‘Weeds’ Opens Its 2nd Seasonhttp://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060814/ART18/60814001
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