cannabisnews.com: Time To Un-Demonize Marijuana Time To Un-Demonize Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on October 13, 2006 at 16:25:38 PT By Dana Jurich Source: Vail Daily Colorado -- Marijuana has been illegal for the better part of a century now, and the time has finally come to remove it from the hit list. There are many reasons why it has been made illegal, all of which have been based on false propaganda. Have you ever seen the 1936 movie “Reefer Madness?” It’s been a few years, but if I recall correctly, there are a handful of teenagers that get together after school, start smoking weed, and end up throwing wild and crazy parties, where they dance uncontrollably to the “satanic jazz and swing music.” Eventually they all start going mad, turning into homicidal psychopaths, rapists, and deranged lunatics. I seem to remember one gal going nuts and throwing herself out of a whatever-story window. Intended as a scare-movie, this film unrealistically portrayed the effects of becoming addicted to the “devil weed.”“Why did they do that?” you wonder out loud as you read this. It’s funny you should ask that.It turns out that cotton tycoon lobbyists had the right friends (doesn’t it always boil down to that?) in Washington, and in 1937 Congress passes the Marijuana Tax Act, placing a heavy tariff on the hemp plant. Ironically, it was around the same time the movie came out. When the Feds banded together to make it illegal for the first time in American history, the FBI director at the time, Harry J. Anslinger, testified against the hemp plant. He was quoted as saying things like “It is the most violent causing drug in the history of mankind”, and “it causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes.” Now, honestly, have you ever met a violent stoner? The most aggressive a man can get while high would be to knife a bag of potato chips after unsuccessfully trying to open it the conventional way. The whole “gateway drug” thing is bogus, too. The U.S. Government’s own statistic on the issue is this: “over 75 percent of Americans who use Cannabis never use hard drugs.” By the way, are Prozac and Ritalin considered hard drugs? They should be. Our history is littered with sad stories of productive members of society being incarcerated for long-tem sentences, whose crime was possession of a few ounces of “the weed from Hell.” Locking up a guy who smokes pot with hardened criminals is like throwing him to the wolves. Once they go through the system, they don’t come out the same. Plus, it’s a waste of taxpayer money.Did you know the first two drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper, and the first American flag was sewn with hemp cloth? I’m calling that ironic. I’m going to save you the whole spiel about how marijuana is medicinal, because we all know it’s true. I’ll also not tell you that it is a more ecologically friendly and self-sustaining plant that can produce a stronger product than it’s rival, King Cotton. The last thing I won’t tell you is to vote for it in a month. Legalizing marijuana for personal use will have no negative impact on our society, unless you own stock in the cotton oil, or lumber industries, hence the whole Big Lie that made it illegal in the first place. Vote YES on Amendment 34, and while you’re at it, vote NO on 43, but we’ll talk about that one later.Dana Jurich of Avon writes a weekly column for the Daily. Newshawk: Global_Warming Source: Vail Daily (CO)Author: Dana JurichPublished: October 13, 2006Copyright: 2006 Vail DailyContact: editor vaildaily.comWebsite: http://www.vaildaily.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Safer Choicehttp://www.saferchoice.org/ Drug Czar Visits Two States To Slam Pot Initiativehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22277.shtmlDrug Czar Rips Amendment 44http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22270.shtmlColorado To Get Millions from White House Czarhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22262.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #40 posted by whig on October 18, 2006 at 16:55:44 PT observer We are perceived as "insane" to those who are animals to other humans. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by observer on October 18, 2006 at 14:49:22 PT Reefer Madness - psycho eyes Here's an animated gif made from the "crazy eyes" scene when Ralph is declared to be "hopelessly and incurably insane, a condition caused by the drug marijuana to which he is addicted." http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/propaganda/images/rmadness_insane_anim.gifI usually don't like animated gifs, but this one is edumacational. Hard to resist making this little sequence into an animated gif IMO. Reefer Madness, 1936 [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Hope on October 16, 2006 at 11:08:53 PT Lol! Comment 36 Whig. Whig. Whig."Drop it like it's hot!" [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by FoM on October 16, 2006 at 06:38:04 PT whig You ask questions that I won't answer. They are damned if you do and damned if you don't questions. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by whig on October 16, 2006 at 01:40:29 PT FoM Let me ask you a question about politics, since I know we've had our disagreements and I don't want an argument but this is an honest question.What if I were president? Would that be something you would like, or not? [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by whig on October 16, 2006 at 00:57:18 PT FoM We're all different, but I believe in learning to live together in peace. In this I think you and I agree. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 21:46:15 PT Whig I don't understand what you are saying. I don't think like you. We all are different and that is good. We all have important ideas and walk our own path our own way. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by whig on October 15, 2006 at 21:14:45 PT FoM My problem right now in speaking deferentially is that I have taken it upon myself to declare things that require some authoritativeness -- not authoritarianness, however.I'm not in charge of anyone or anything but my own actions. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by ekim on October 15, 2006 at 19:40:28 PT good going mbc its so nice to hear someone that has heard what you have.mbc if you ever have the chance to book a Leap speaker please try.Mike Smithson smithson twcny.rr.comsets up most of the gigsgood luck and thank you for all your efforts http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 13:48:26 PT Whig I think that we need to figure some things out ourselves. It's not for me to say who is or who isn't rude. Your question is a damned if you do or damned if you don't question. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by whig on October 15, 2006 at 13:44:31 PT FoM I wish I knew how to speak differently. Do you think I am rude? [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 13:39:37 PT Hope I won't call anyone a redneck. I think it's rude. My husband let his hair grow for the CSNY concert but now it's cut and he's a redneck too! You can't let your freak flag fly to long these days. LOL! I don't like being called a dirty, hippie, pinko, commie either! LOL!Seriously that's right. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:38:13 PT Not a second.... but a minute. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:37:15 PT Lol! Both those comments went in within a second of each other.It is good to realize the different people we have in this country. It's the mean ones that worry me...and there are a lot of them...all over the country.:0( [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:34:19 PT Probably...you mean Texas, Southerners, and redneck cowboys.I am glad you like some of us and know us a bit better than you did once.It's a good thing...as the other Martha would say. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 13:33:13 PT Hope What I meant is I was raised with a knowledge only of the north eastern part of the United States. I knew nothing about Texas or the south or the civil war or much of anything in that area. You have taught me how truly different we are from coast to coast and everywhere in between. We are a great mix of cultures and dreams. If only we all could be allowed to be all that we can be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:20:33 PT Comment 22 I'd love to have some visiting and coffee time with you, too. Actually we do...but sitting at the same table in the same house would be very nice. Maybe we can someday.I'm not sure about this, you said, though, "You have brought a whole new world to me that I never knew about."I have? [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:17:53 PT 17 1/2 years? "a particularly egregious and despicable crime."http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15264583/"..a particulary egregious and despicable crime"....seems a little harsh for smuggling a bunch of party pills.It would just be "regrettable"...if he'd murdered someone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 13:15:54 PT Hope I really do hope that we will be able to meet someday. You have brought a whole new world to me that I never knew about. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:11:32 PT Lol! I'm rather fond of you, too! [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 13:09:42 PT Hope I just love you! You are so cool! [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 13:08:42 PT FoM, I agree with you, as well.I am an adult, a mature adult. Don't treat me or "reason" with me like I'm anything less. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on October 15, 2006 at 12:51:35 PT Hope I Agree I resent when anyone who talks to me talks to me like I am a child. I do not want anyone to tell me that I am right or wrong. I will make up my own mind. I think it's rude and I won't do that to any person. As we mature I believe we realize the importance of not being pushy with our ideas. Young people think they know it all and yet they really don't know much because only time teaches us about life. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by whig on October 15, 2006 at 12:47:17 PT Hope and all http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/10/15/help/Help, I need somebody, Help, not just anybody, Help, you know I need someone, help.When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in any way. But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured, Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being round. Help me, get my feet back on the ground, Won't you please, please help me?And now my life has changed in oh so many ways, My independence seems to vanish in the haze. But every now and then I feel so insecure, I know that I just need you like I've never done before.Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being round. Help me, get my feet back on the ground, Won't you please, please help me.When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in any way. But now these days are gone, I'm not so self assured, Now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being round. Help me, get my feet back on the ground, Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 12:44:50 PT Children... in one sense, we have to be...on the other hand...we have to, and want to mature as we go, too.A truth and a mystery. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by whig on October 15, 2006 at 12:39:38 PT Hope I feel like I am a parent now, sometimes. We're all children here, you know. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Hope on October 15, 2006 at 08:40:35 PT Whig "Like I'm talking to the wind, and nobody is listening."Sounds like a good preview of what it's like to be a parent should you ever decide to do so. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by mai_bong_city on October 15, 2006 at 08:33:25 PT just saw norm stamper - re:ekim, comment #8 i was pleased to leave on 'state of the state' in montana this morning instead of switching to 'meet the press' - norm stamper was here for UM homecoming weekend and talked to LEO's at the law school.....then gave this interview this morning on our local cbs affiliate - it was good to hear him finally after hearing so much about him. he made excellent sense and i hope everybody around here left their tv's on for that enlightening truth. thank you norm! and ekim for spreading the word too :)mbc [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by whig on October 14, 2006 at 12:07:12 PT mayan That is most certainly Phil Collins on drums.As for Peter, I kinda got it and mentioned it in my oblique way on the blog right where I declared the apocalypse:http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/10/07/and-now-the-supper-is-ready/I'm having a lot of fun with this, but it's pretty scary being out on the front line and not seeing a lot of supporters chiming in. Like I'm talking to the wind, and nobody is listening. Though I'm sure people are. It's that faith that I have, that these words will reach the ears they are meant for.Cannablog is something that needs to be seen by people in high places, and mold a new reality closer to the heart. http://cannablog.wordpress.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by mayan on October 14, 2006 at 05:04:51 PT whig That's some good footage. Is that Phil Collins on drums? I couldn't tell with the beard! Did you know that Peter Gabriel is helping spread 9/11 Truth? From Peter Gabriel's Myspace page... http://tinyurl.com/luspn [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by Celaya on October 13, 2006 at 22:02:32 PT Article Comments Section A prohibitionist left a couple of comments after this article. I responded. You have to register (free) to get access. I missed the part where you create a nickname, so I appear as "anonymous" too. I'll fix it if I post some more.Check it out. It may turn into a good debate.observerGreat article on "Reefer Madness." It's incredble how much sophistication went into that piece of propaganda. The mesmerizing effects are probably a big reason behind its cult status as well. With time, it became out of sync with society's shared mentality. Then it just became luridly melodramatic. Article at Vail Daily [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by The GCW on October 13, 2006 at 20:08:22 PT Arapahoe Basin ski area opened today. Since this story is in a Vail newspaper, over Vail pass and roughly 1,000 feet below... (competition)... I'd like to mention My favorite ski area A-Basin opened today; Friday Oct. 13, 2006. Loveland Ski area, which is on the other side of Loveland Pass from A-Basin opens tomorrow."Legendary opening to ski season"http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20061013/NEWS/110130073...Now back to Our regularly scheduled activism... [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by ekim on October 13, 2006 at 19:53:16 PT plan a Leap event near you for those that live in CO book a Leap speaker -- see that Mr Stamper will be their shortly -- so have him speak at your event. or create one.Oct 26 06 SAFER Initiative Event 06:00 PM Norm Stamper Denver Colorado USA LEAP speaker and advisory board member Norm Stamper speaks to an audience at a NORML sponsored event in conjunction with SAFER initiative. The event takes place in Boettcher Hall at the University of Denver. This event is open to the public. Oct 26 06 KBPI 106.7 FM's The Uncle Nasty Show 03:00 PM Norm Stamper Denver CO USA LEAP speaker and advisory board member Norm Stamper is interviewed on The Nasty Show. LISTEN LIVE! http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by whig on October 13, 2006 at 19:39:55 PT The GCW "The Kit Carson Correctional Center in Burlington received the largest fine of $83,103 for having 567 positions open. It was docked in $103,743 previously after it left 701 jobs vacant from November to January."Sounds like a bargain. 567 positions cost a lot more than $83,103. Sounds like a half-encouragement, a message like, "Hey, I have to pretend to punish you, and you have to pretend to be sorry." [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by whig on October 13, 2006 at 19:37:25 PT mayan Complete with soundtrack:http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/10/12/dont-miss-the-musical-box-below/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by The GCW on October 13, 2006 at 19:27:25 PT Less cannabis cagings = need less cage dicks... State fines private prisons $131K for staffing shortagesDAILY NEWS STAFF REPORTOctober 13, 2006COLORADO SPRINGS - Six private prisons in the state were fined about $131,000 for failing to staff mandatory positions, the Colorado Department of Corrections said.It was the second time such penalties were levied since a riot broke out in 2004 at the Crowley County Correctional Facility and an audit exposed staffing problems at the prisons.The department released documents this week showing the six prisons had 1,071 vacant positions from February to May.The Kit Carson Correctional Center in Burlington received the largest fine of $83,103 for having 567 positions open. It was docked in $103,743 previously after it left 701 jobs vacant from November to January.The center is operated by Corrections Corporation of America, which also runs the Crowley County Correctional Facility.Alison Morgan, the department's head of private prison monitoring, said some places have difficulty finding and retaining workers, especially in remote areas."They're doing a better job with staff retention, which helps, and they have a very aggressive recruiting program," she said.Despite the fines, staffing shortages have decreased at the prisons, the Corrections Department said.At the Crowley County prison, CCA was fined for not filling 157 positions from November to January and was penalized again for having 86 open starting in February. It had reduced that number to four in April, and by May all shifts were covered, Morgan said."Overall, the facilities are doing a very competent job," she said.The state, which is experiencing a shortage in prison cells because of longer sentences and budget cuts, is in the midst of awarding contracts to three private companies to build space for an additional 3,776 inmates.CCA has received one of those contracts to expand existing facilities in Kit Carson and Bent County.http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20061013/NEWS/110130067---Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com---Vote YES on Amendment 44! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by observer on October 13, 2006 at 18:25:21 PT the 1936 movie Reefer Madness ''Hopelessly and incurably insane, a condition caused by the drug marihuana'' — Reefer Madness http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/reefermadness.htmsee also: Hypnosis and "Reefer Madness" (by Steven Jacobson) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/reefermindcontrol.htm (This page was recently illustrated with stills and clips from the movie.) [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by mayan on October 13, 2006 at 18:24:40 PT Misc. It's time to demonize the prohibitionists.on different note...Canada troops battle 10-ft Afghan marijuana plants: http://tinyurl.com/yacbffThey're getting very,very worried...O'Reilly Equates 9/11 Scholars With Terrorists: http://prisonplanet.com/articles/october2006/141006oreillyequates.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by goneposthole on October 13, 2006 at 18:05:05 PT 'Yes' or 'No' Do you smoke cannabis? YesWould you vote to legalize it? YesShould law enforcement cease and desist arresting people who do smoke cannabis? YesShould there be laws prohibiting the use of cannabis? NoIf you want to have cannabis legal to use in Colorado, vote 'yes' on Amendment 44.The 'ayes' have it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Sukoi on October 13, 2006 at 17:33:13 PT Watch as Johnny "Pee's" Head Almost Explodes. Take a look, there are a couple of videos here: http://tinyurl.com/y6d3ct [ Post Comment ] Post Comment