cannabisnews.com: Richmond Graduate Fuels Colorado Pot Movement










  Richmond Graduate Fuels Colorado Pot Movement

Posted by CN Staff on October 31, 2006 at 07:04:57 PT
By Valerie Richardson, The Washington Times 
Source: Washington Times  

Denver --  If Coloradans vote to legalize marijuana statewide next week, it will be almost entirely because of the efforts of a pudgy, clean-shaven 24-year-old University of Richmond graduate.   Mason Tvert, campaign manager for Safer Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation, has pushed Colorado to the forefront of the marijuana movement, first with his successful 2004 Denver campaign and now with the statewide Amendment 44.
The amendment would allow people 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use. If approved, it would make Colorado the first state to decriminalize marijuana.   It's a lofty goal for a campaign that, as Mr. Tvert describes it, consists of "two guys in a rental car." Mr. Tvert is running the effort from his cell phone and laptop, but that doesn't mean his opponents aren't taking him seriously.   Federal drug czar John P. Walters visited Colorado three times this year to denounce the effort, which almost every state lawmaker opposes. What Mr. Tvert brings to the table are energy, imagination, a knack for attracting free press and relentless tactics.   A case in point was an anti-Amendment 44 press conference Friday at the state capitol. Gov. Bill Owens, a Republican, and other state officials were expecting to address reporters on the dangers of pot, but instead were bombarded by more than 100 marijuana advocates, led by Mr. Tvert, chanting slogans and waving green campaign signs.   The protesters tried to drown out Mr. Owens and other speakers with jeers such as "Lie louder, Bill." A frustrated Mr. Owens finally responded, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a sad day for Colorado."   Attorney General John Suthers chided Mr. Tvert for interrupting the governor's message. "I thought his behavior was reprehensible," he said.   Whether such tactics will Mr. Tvert him any votes is debatable. A Denver Post poll showed Amendment 44 trailing 57 percent to 34 percent, with 9 percent undecided.   Mr. Tvert, who is counting on a big turnout from students after his campus voter-registration drives, said his supporters aren't easily reached on land lines. What is clear is that Mr. Tvert has hit a chord with his primary message: Alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana, and therefore, marijuana should be legalized.   His message is backed by personal experience. He said that the summer before entering the University of Richmond, he drank himself unconscious during a concert and woke up in the emergency room.   He wasn't cited or punished, even though he was underage. He was subpoenaed later to testify against a fellow student who had been arrested for marijuana possession.   "What it shows is that our government's priorities on drug education are so skewed," Mr. Tvert said. "Have you ever seen a government committee warning that you could die of drinking? No. But I've seen plenty of commercials telling people they could ruin their lives smoking pot."   Source: Washington Times (DC)Author: Valerie Richardson, The Washington TimesPublished: October 31, 2006Copyright: 2006 News World Communications, Inc. Website: http://www.washtimes.com/Contact: letters washingtontimes.comRelated Articles & Web Sites:Safer Choicehttp://www.saferchoice.org/Safer Coloradohttp://www.safercolorado.org/Officials, Pro-44 Lobbyists Clashhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22331.shtmlOwens Drug Talk No Love-Inhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22328.shtml Drug Czar Rips Amendment 44http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22270.shtml

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Comment #35 posted by FoM on November 02, 2006 at 10:17:03 PT
BGreen 
I've really tried to watch it but neither me or my husband like it. I think it's because I really mind Republicans and can't watch even humor about them. I know he is liberal and probably a Democrat or would vote that way but I prefer the Discovery Channel (I love home construction shows) and turn that on when he comes on. Needless to say none of my friends are Republicans. Most just don't care about politics.
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Comment #34 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2006 at 10:11:56 PT
Colbert can't even keep a straight face anymore
The republicans were fooled by his act, too, so much so that they didn't even know Colbert was mocking and ridiculing them. LOLYou have to actually watch the show and not just listen or else you can't see all of the incredibly funny stuff they put up on the screen while Colbert is lampooning buffoons like rush limbaugh and bill o'reilly.Although Colbert tries to play it straight, sometimes the reality of the republican stupidity takes it's toll on him and he breaks character and cracks up. LOLThe Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #33 posted by museman on November 02, 2006 at 09:51:40 PT
FoM
I agree, there's nothing funny about it at all.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on November 02, 2006 at 09:14:59 PT

museman
OK I see. I guess I am too serious and don't find humor in much of anything that is political. I really dislike politics. After elections I can forget all about politics and that will be great. At least Jon Stewart has been making me laugh this week while they are in Ohio. I don't watch the CR. I can't get past his acting like a Republican. Republicans just aren't funny to me.
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Comment #31 posted by museman on November 02, 2006 at 09:08:56 PT

FoM
It's 'highbrow' humor. Sarcasm at it's finest - with an academic illustration of intellectual language aimed at provoking dry chuckles from those who appreciate such things. The facts however, interwoven in between the poetic sarcasms, are all points that I personally agree with.Humor, or attempts at humor, are always 'safer' than just coming right out and saying it. 
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on November 02, 2006 at 08:49:19 PT

museman
I tried to understand the article that global_warming posted but I didn't get it. 
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Comment #29 posted by museman on November 02, 2006 at 08:08:40 PT

re: good read bread
Aye verily 'tis struth. With but one tongue placed comfortably against cheek, such stark wisdom sparks the proverbial defiant last gasp of humor before the curtain descends, ending the show of desperation.Lest there be any easy confusion, by such truth revealed as a laugh, IT IS ALL TRUE, and the humor escapes me.
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Comment #28 posted by Had Enough on November 02, 2006 at 05:04:37 PT

re: good read
Good Read #27A few parts…At this point, given the abysmal levels of mass ignorance, self-deception and delusion at large, are we Americans even up to the task? Or has our pervasive disconnect from civic life deteriorated to such an extent that a majority of us are even capable of apprehending the dire circumstances confronting the nation? (It would seem that not only have we chosen to ignore an elephant standing in the living room of our collective awareness, but we have chosen to cover him over with nondescript upholstery and now regard him as part of the furniture.)and…Nor am I coming from a lofty moral plane on this one: I'm coming from a pounding upon the ground despair -- a scanning the line of the horizon searching for any signs of hope desperation -- a shaking my fist at the indifferent sky rage.http://www.countercurrents.org/us-rockstroh021106.htmThe Toast is almost ready to pop out of the Toaster….
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Comment #27 posted by global_warming on November 02, 2006 at 02:22:25 PT

re: good bread
some reading while the bread is rising,..http://www.countercurrents.org/us-rockstroh021106.htmMidterm Elections 2006:
It's Always Darkest, Right Before ...
It Goes Completely BlackBy Phil Rockstroh02 November, 2006
Countercurrents.org
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Comment #26 posted by whig on November 01, 2006 at 23:23:25 PT

Recipe
How to make good bread.http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/10/29/good-bread/
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Comment #25 posted by whig on November 01, 2006 at 23:21:05 PT

gw 
You will understand, I hope, I have great love for you. I say things sometimes that seem harsh and I try to be careful, but you make me sad when you cry.There is another eucharist now.
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Comment #24 posted by whig on November 01, 2006 at 23:18:10 PT

gw 
I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.That is precisely what I am saying. I don't want you to sacrifice, I don't want anyone to sacrifice. I want you to show mercy to yourself, and then you will be able to show mercy to everyone else. If you will not give yourself mercy, you will have none to spare for anyone.
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Comment #23 posted by global_warming on November 01, 2006 at 15:51:46 PT

have you paid
paid and paid are you sure you are protected?
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Comment #22 posted by global_warming on November 01, 2006 at 15:43:24 PT

while you are looking for traitors
sniffing like dogsin your worldhave you insurance?
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Comment #21 posted by global_warming on November 01, 2006 at 15:33:55 PT

in the while
you might blink your eyeyou could seemake that planetary connectionour message to the starsWe" can see you !
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Comment #20 posted by global_warming on November 01, 2006 at 15:22:50 PT

maybe in some other time
some other place, where truth, justice and freedom can take root, that root that can feed the multitudes, turning water into wine, loafs of bread into fish, my lament i leave at the waters bank, the tides may rise, as hope and faith, there is a grand promise in this universe that belongs to "ALL" of US.Make sure you vote YES, be sure, for your yes vote will be marked, as a statement that "we" the people can bring our hope to the court palace of justice.Justice is brother and sister in Eternity.
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on November 01, 2006 at 15:00:33 PT

Museman
I'm glad you liked the video. That is one of my favorite. They were very young.
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Comment #18 posted by global_warming on November 01, 2006 at 14:51:29 PT

re: Sabbath and place in the Universe
Mat 12:7 If you had known what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent.Mat 12:8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

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Comment #17 posted by global_warming on November 01, 2006 at 14:38:24 PT

Museman
If not this year then it will be next year, again and again until they bring that man down off the cross.It will come, it was prophesied long ago, the Son Of Man will have amazing powers, best to dust that linen, for it is getting near.
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Comment #16 posted by museman on November 01, 2006 at 12:34:19 PT

G_W
My 'linen' is in storage. I just hope I get to wear it while I still breathe. I wouldn't think of wearing it before the proper time. I keep it right next to the oil for my lamp.
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Comment #15 posted by museman on November 01, 2006 at 12:31:47 PT

FoM -working cowboys
Wonderful. They are so young in that video, reminiscent of another time. Willie doesn't even have pigtails!
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Comment #14 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 16:26:30 PT

 And a Big YES
When your boss lets you goVote YES It is time to end "ownership"\My debt is with societyWhat I own' I cannot take with my soulTo Eternity
'
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Comment #13 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 16:14:34 PT

a little more
may my "little hand"vote "YES"A yes to the blood that poured off that CrossA yes to MosesWhen he came down from that Mountain
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Comment #12 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 16:01:01 PT

I post
Because i seek to be healed,To live in freedom, without a care that i want to describe in front of this universe.I can bow and raise my hands in rejoicing for there too many people, human beings who are prisoners in your world.
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Comment #11 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 15:48:16 PT

Another election
Is days away, when you voteConsider your coreYour existenceCan you tap dance?Can you throw a ball?If you are getting confusedConsider the scientific possibiltyThat you are here and you become focusedWhere is your hand reaching?Have you thought of this?
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Comment #10 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 15:31:35 PT

re: this journey
you can take your rewards now,I will wait, for I have a vote,
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Comment #9 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 15:25:06 PT

I remember
There is November 9, that footprint,On that Carpet Eternity,Fare WellThis journey has many turns,
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Comment #8 posted by whig on October 31, 2006 at 15:20:41 PT

gw 
Remember that November 8 is more important than November 7.
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Comment #7 posted by global_warming on October 31, 2006 at 15:18:25 PT

Museman
Bring some clean linen, it is time, you are a father, Mason is your child, don't you recognize that face of that pudgy, clean-shaven 24-year-old?It is time, that change you have been praying for is being born, it that time that has been promised and foretold, when mankind can see.Rejoice and be Proud for it is not only another election, but these few days herald the emancipation of the "human race" as a species who is getting ready to push the button to Eternity.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on October 31, 2006 at 10:48:11 PT

Museman a Song About Cowboys That I Love
Neil Young & Willie Nelson - 'Working Cowboys'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O2ZVEz0XQw
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Comment #5 posted by museman on October 31, 2006 at 10:41:01 PT

the topic
The people of Colorado are good people. During the 6 years we lived there, I hung out with REAL cowboys, (not the west-coast 'rednecks' who dress up) learned to ride a horse, smoked with members of the oldest Spanish American familes, and found the one and only real community - an actual physical place that exists for real- that I've ever found in my travels across the country, and the "Rocky Mountain High" is about the mountains, I assure you. It is a very high, clean state.If my experience is any indication, I'd say measure 44 has a real good chance.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on October 31, 2006 at 10:29:31 PT

museman
You are very smart.
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Comment #3 posted by museman on October 31, 2006 at 10:24:56 PT

FoM
As an artist, and along with my various magical, spritual experiences, - a certain responsibility to pass on the information naturally put me in the front lines now and then, but I'd already made the connection of what Y'shua meant when he said to his apostles; "Be as wise as serpents, but harmless as doves." So when the 'honor' and 'praise' threatened to unseat my otherwise un-disturbed ego, I tended to avoid it. When I turned around and found people actually physicaly following me around, I had to get somewhat 'angry' and tell them to stop it.Not a few folks have crossed my path who came up with incredible expectations of what I was going to do for them, casting their own authority and responsibility to me. It is a phenomenon that seems to be a quite natural human reaction. Folks who are lost tend to cling to those who at least appear not lost. People look for someone to 'tell them what to do' to direct their lives.That's fine for the parent raising a child, but when that child matures (and if done right every child will grow and mature in their own unique way) the parents no longer hold sovereign authority over their childrens decisions, and each individual is expected to 'hold their own.' (Folks sure talk a lot as if that was what they were doing.)The dilemna is that the information needs to be communicated, but because of this unhealthy tendency to revere the messengers at the expense of the message, I believe it has to be done in ways that get folks to empower themselves, and look inside themselves for the resources they are carelessly giving over to those few 'up front.'No that those few whose bravery can be inspiring should not be seen and heard, like Tvert, but folks got to stop putting their power in other people's hands.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 31, 2006 at 10:02:04 PT

Museman
Very interesting. I don't follow an individual. Mason was placed in this position and however it happened for whatever reason it happened he has done a good job. Mason is only a tool. The issue is Cannabis laws not a person or an organization. Cannabis has been made the hated substance for all the reasons we know to be true. I do not look to people anymore then I don't want people to think I'm special. I was here and did what I could and if it wasn't me it would have been someone else. We really aren't important as individuals. 
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Comment #1 posted by museman on October 31, 2006 at 09:51:38 PT

subtleties
"If Coloradans vote to legalize marijuana statewide next week, it will be almost entirely because of the efforts of a pudgy, clean-shaven 24-year-old University of Richmond graduate."I'm sorry, but though Tvert is certainly standing in the current front lines, making a statement like that is like saying that because John Lennon wrote the first song to ever be simulcast worldwide on TV, and that it was "All You Need Is Love", - "Love exists almost entirely because of the efforts of John Lennon." The language we use has been thoroughly contaminated with right-wing redefinition. Check out the difference between the definitions of "Drugs" from a pre- '60's dictionary, then compare it to a modern one. That's just one 'dynamic' word amongst way too many that have been re-defined. Our way of thinking has also been subtly contaminated by these deliberate confusions.When Y'shua said: "Why do you call me 'good'? There is none good but the Father in Heaven." He wasn't just being modest.Qualifying authority - of any kind that has potential to clash against anyone's will, is a tricky business, but our economic/social masters (you know, the ones we 'work' for every day?) have used our labor to build a false reality, where their finite, secular, and selfish thinking IS the 'status quo', and one of the ways they have us in their control, is by controlling the definitions, and meanings of our common tongue. It's an old trick, but though Y'shua pointed it out over 2,000 years ago, it is still being done today.The 'high-valuing' of individuals is part of that language/understanding confusion. By creating an icon like Tvert, it is easy for the false 'authorities' to literally and figuratively 'shoot them down.' The abdication of personal, sovereign authority TO ANYONE is a real humdinger of a mistake. The rulers are anything if not opportunists.If the people of Colorado demonstrate their wisdom in voting yes on 44, it will have been that collective wisdom that did it, not just the empowered, public few. Other than that, go Tvert! Go Colorado!
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