cannabisnews.com: Just Say No To Marijuana Dispensaries In SCV Just Say No To Marijuana Dispensaries In SCV Posted by CN Staff on January 28, 2007 at 20:46:17 PT Commentary By Frank Ferry Source: The Signal California -- Much has been written lately about the licensing of medical marijuana here in our community. As chair of the city of Santa Clarita's Blue Ribbon Task Force and an avid opponent of marijuana use and dispensaries, I feel compelled to share some facts and research with you, as well as some opinions I have as a parent and school administrator.First and foremost, you need to know that drug use, especially marijuana use, among teens doesn't just exist in the Santa Clarita Valley. It is rampant. Now, I know for some of you parents, this is not troubling to you. Heck, you used marijuana in your teens; you smoked and drank beer; you see it as a right of passage and you are not concerned.What you might not know is that the marijuana that is available to teens today is much stronger than the marijuana that was available in the 1960s or 1970s. Sometimes it is also laced with other, more potent drugs.Marijuana is physically addictive. Each year, 100,000 teens are treated for marijuana dependence. Teens who smoke marijuana heavily experience many the same symptoms of withdrawal as users of nicotine.Between 1991 and 2001, the percentage of eighth graders nationally who used marijuana doubled from 1 in 10 to 1 in 5. Kids are using marijuana at an earlier age.Research indicates that the earlier teens start using marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on this or other drugs later in life. Of teens admitted for treatment for marijuana dependence, 56 percent had first used the drug by 14 years of age, and 26 percent had begun by 12 years of age (Kids and Marijuana).According to a National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), marijuana was the most frequently used drug of choice by teens. The NHSDA also reported that teens using marijuana on 12 or more days during the past year, 58 percent of them had one problem that they related to their marijuana use, 41 percent had two problems, and 28 percent had at least three problems that they related to their marijuana use.From age 12 to age 13, the proportion of teens who say they could buy marijuana if they wanted to more than triples, from 14 to 50 percent. Also, the percentage of teens who say that they know a student at their school who sells drugs almost triples, from 8 percent to 22 percent (Psych Central).With the advent of marijuana dispensaries, teens get a mixed message about marijuana, but the message needs to be clear. Marijuana is an illegal substance that affects teens in many harmful ways.It is very important to begin taking with kids about it by at least 12 years of age. Magazines or newspaper articles are often a good place to start your discussion about drugs. Teens need to be told clearly and often that using marijuana and other illegal substances carries significant health, safety, and legal risks (Kids using Marijuana).This "slippery slope" is what concerns me. Those truly in need and eligible for medical marijuana in our community are a very small group compared with the large number of teens who may "slip through the system" and be able to obtain marijuana from a dispensary. While you might say that "kids will get it anyway," I say, let's not be our kids drug dealer!For those of you who are wondering what is being done to prevent alcohol and drug use in our community, I can tell you that it is a lot. Sheriff's deputies conduct regular alcohol stings and utilize minor decoys to catch liquor stores who sell to minors, as well as adults who buy alcohol for minors. Several arrests have been made to this effect. The Sheriff's Department also works closely with the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to conduct operations and stings and to enforce the law.Our own Blue Ribbon Task Force offers programs and education to the community that addresses various teen issues, including drug and alcohol use. We do not support nor endorse marijuana dispensaries in our valley. It is easy for teens - and adults, for that matter - who do not necessarily have debilitating conditions to potentially get a prescription written for medical marijuana.Having a facility close by will provide easy access and can easily compound the problem.The Blue Ribbon Task Force developed and disseminated information materials in English and Spanish) about a Prescription/Over-the-Counter Drug Campaign, designed to educate the community about the dangers of prescription-OTC drug abuse. These materials - posters and brochures - were sent to medical offices, pharmacies and drug stores in the area.I am particularly proud of the DADS program, which I founded - Dads and Moms Against Drugs. This program is a group of moms and dads and their teens and tweens who meet and listen to presentations about drug use among teens. Parents are given drug test kits to use on their kids randomly; results are confidential and kept among themselves.The program's objective is two-fold: prevention - random drug testing by parents gives kids an excuse to say "no" when their peers offer or pressure them to use drugs; and intervention - if the test comes back positive, parents can seek intervention and treatment for their kids.Every year, the Blue Ribbon Task Force hosts "Teen Scene Unplugged," a unique program for teens and parents designed to educate the community, especially parents of teens, on various teen issues, including drug and alcohol use.If you are interested in learning more about the Blue Ribbon Task Force or becoming a member, contact the city at (661) 255-4965. We welcome your support.Frank Ferry is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council. His column reflects the city's views, and not necessarily those of The Signal.Source: Signal, The (CA)Author: Frank Ferry Published: Sunday January 28, 2007Copyright: 2007 The SignalContact: bfranks the-signal.comWebsite: http://www.the-signal.com/Americans For Safe Accesshttp://www.safeaccessnow.org/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #23 posted by FoM on January 31, 2007 at 10:05:33 PT cannabliss Darn they had an opportunity to mention Cannabis but they didn't. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by cannabliss on January 31, 2007 at 09:50:53 PT Smokable Medicine http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-01-31T093316Z_01_N23263374_RTRUKOC_0_US-ALEXZA-SMOKABLE.xml&src=rss&rpc=22My favorite line: "But Alexza's idea of heating up a drug to create a vapor, or smoke, is unique."Yes, nobody has thought of that before...that is, nobody who's not an "Inc." [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Hope on January 31, 2007 at 05:31:32 PT John Tyler Huzza! Huzza! Yes!Right on, John Tyler. Right on! [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by John Tyler on January 30, 2007 at 21:55:53 PT rites and rights Not to be too picky but to read utter crap from someone and then have him or her have errors in what they are writing is so annoying. The “taking” was interesting, but here I refer to the third paragraph where the writer mentions a “right of passage”. A right of passage is the right to travel through a certain territory. A “rite of passage” is a ritual one goes through to move on to the next stage of life. Like when you get your driver’s license, or graduate from high school or college. You know, some event. Sharing good cannabis and good times with good friends is not a “rite or a right of passage”. If it is rights to be quibbled over, adults should have the right to legally possess and use cannabis products without interference from these “negative nattering nabob” prohibitionists. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Sam Adams on January 30, 2007 at 06:51:50 PT Jacksonville story Other countries: "Secret Police"Unites States: "Undercover Narcotics Officers"I'm always fascinated by propaganda and how our power regime stays in control. In the 60's, a couple of civil rights activists getting killed by some rednecks was protested by an entire generation. Now, poor black people are just murdered in their own homes by police almost every week and no one even cares. (I mean, no one in the media industry cares, and DEFINITELY no one in the government cares)The rich elite and political class want you to celebrate the (very important) fact that 2 black coaches are in the Super Bowl. Just don't think about the black people getting killed by the government every day. It might interfere with your mindless urge to go out and buy useless stuff. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by charmed quark on January 30, 2007 at 05:02:49 PT Mixed Message Ignoring all his warmed over 1980s propaganda, there is an important statement to make to this idiot:The mixed message that medical marijuana dispensaries make is that marijuana isn't just a recreational drug used by "cool kids" but a medicine used by sick people, many of them old and definitely uncool.I don't know of anything that will steer kids off a fad quicker than to get it associated with their elders. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on January 30, 2007 at 02:19:21 PT DADS?! Wouldn't that be Dads and DADS against drugs?Dads and Moms would be DAMS.But I guess Frank thought dam sounded too much like that cuss word and would set a bad example for the kids.They really should call dams something else, for the sake of the children. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on January 30, 2007 at 01:32:56 PT Frank Ferry, a suggestion... ...since I'm sure you won't be detered to hear that absolutely all your facts are utter bullshit from us pointy headed intellectuals.......why not just go stand in front of a dispensary's door and proclaim,"Prohibition today, prohibition tomorrow, prohibition forever!" [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on January 30, 2007 at 01:12:26 PT Right On, FoM! God Bless Jack Herer! That always bears repeating.And God Bless FoM!The 2 best way to become cannabis conscious, other than through the plant itself, are to read The Emperor and Cannabis News. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by legalizeit on January 29, 2007 at 22:36:23 PT Freudian Slip!!! HA HA HA Anybody else notice the interesting typo in the article? I checked and the same "error" is on the article on the paper's website!"It is very important to begin [[[taking]]] with kids about it by at least 12 years of age..."I'm not one to recommend that 12 year olds start smoking cannabis, but the sentence just seemed hilarious as written!We need a good laugh once in a while, in the somber mess of what used to be a proud nation. Sometmes I get the feeling that we, seekers of light and truth, are stuck in the endless dark just like Frodo and party in the Tolkien books. One day, the clouds will lift.The evil reigns of Bush and his DEAth squads will both be over soon. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Wayne on January 29, 2007 at 22:25:44 PT Kathryn Johnston, Part II You need to read this everyone, this is outrageous! FoM, you ought to post the whole story on here if you're able to. And it happened in Florida, of all places. God I love this state...Apparently, an old man saw two drug dealers loitering on his lawn, and he went out to scare them off with his gun. Trouble is, they were undercover narcs, and they just shot him. Oh yeah, and once again, he's black and lives in a crime-ridden neighborhood. Or he DID, anyway...I know police are supposed to protect us, but I just get so sick at the very sight of them anymore. Any time I see a police car, I just start gritting my teeth. It shouldn't be this way!! Elderly Man Dies In Gunfire Exchange With Undercover Officers [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by laduncon on January 29, 2007 at 16:35:36 PT re: Comment #3 ; ticket them for loitering ASAP "He said he and other members of the task force in the past would stand outside local stores that sell water pipes - sold officially for tobacco smoking - to make customers uncomfortable.""Ferry wants to do the same thing if a dispensary does ever find its way to Castaic. He said he'd stand there by the entrance to ensure the establishment is run according to the law."Well, unless Ferry intends to purchase something within the store in a reasonable period of time, it sounds as if he is loitering outside the store. Post a no-loitering sign and have that self-righteous *** ticketed unless and until he leaves. That would be great, to see the task force cop wannabees arrested by real cops for loitering outside a head shop. I never thought I'd find a use for no-loitering zones, but you learn something new every day. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on January 29, 2007 at 12:38:51 PT ekim All I can think to say is God Bless Jack Herer. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by ekim on January 29, 2007 at 12:34:55 PT Jacks doing some thinking seems like after 10 years of 215 the People need to be seen. http://www.jackherer.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by laduncon on January 29, 2007 at 10:39:22 PT Talk about balls... or lack of accountability "Frank Ferry is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council. His column reflects the city's views, and not necessarily those of The Signal."So this newspaper prints Ferry's propoganda piece for free, probably prominently featured with arrows and confetti spread around the edges, thus tacitly agreeing with his message/position and the goals of his "blue-ribbon" organization. After all, this is not reporting of a news event, but rather run-of-the-mill propoganda meant to influence the unwashed masses, aka populace. Then, after all of that playing footsie with drug-war zealot Frank Ferry, the paper prints a cautious disclaimer at the bottom which states the views are "not necessarily" the paper's (oh what a tease!) but rather the entire city's (oh, ok then). Balls and ignorance often go hand in hand, but this is just self-gratification for Prohibitionists. The paper distances itself from the propoganda piece it features while simultaneously claiming the views are actually widely/wholly endorsed by the city, of which Frank Ferry presumably represents fully as a single member of the City Council. It is interesting that the paper does not consider itself part of the city, but such reasoning only follows the tortured logic of prohibitionist propogandist tactics and should not be overly scrutinized for one will find himself running in circles until eventual exhaustion and capitulation to the earth-servants of irrationality and injustice.I realize Ferry is a card-carrying member of the City Council of Misinformation and is purportedly authorized to speak on behalf of that incredibly important, relevant and knowledgeable club. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by laduncon on January 29, 2007 at 10:00:27 PT Just Say No.... to recycled 1980's propoganda! When someone begins to talk/write about cannabis, and then immediately refers to "rampant drug use," they have lost all credibility with me and I know I am allowed to stop reading in order to protect the remaining integrity of my drug-addled brain. Unfortunately, many unsuspecting souls (certainly not here) will continue reading El Propogandante, some will even internalize the poisonous messages spewed forth from the page as THE TRUTH, and a vocal minority will insist that you see the Light as well, or else.Also, and not to inadvertanly upset anyone's beloved organization this may apply to; through the years I have found that anything with "Blue Ribbon" in the title (such as Santa Clarita's Blue Ribbon Task Force) is at least 100% BS, possibly more. Such organizations with self-bestowed glitzy titles are almost always obsessed about image/appearance and care very little about actual substance or results. Please don't take away my ribbons! They aren't even the best task force anyways, I hear there is a Platinum Ribbon Task Force thats coming to town to really fix things up! They are like 10 times better than the Silver Ribbon Task Force but only marginally better than the Gold Ribbon Task Force.As for DADS, Moms and Dads against Drugs (should be MDD or something, right?), they advocate parents randomly piss-testing their children in order to catch them using drugs. Now, if that isn't a trust-builder in the parent-child relationship, I don't know what is! I mean, at that point you are not respected by your child but feared/hated and you will not be his/her confidant during rough times. They may even feel the need to rebel against your overbearing, untrusting ways through, I dunno, drug use maybe (but not cannabis cause that would fail the test; cocaine or some prescription pills would probably slip through though, so thats the devilishly "wise" alternative). Remember, its all about the children. Excuse me while I puke, as I seem to have ingested poisonous propoganda and it is not reacting well with my own thoughts on the subject. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by goneposthole on January 29, 2007 at 08:17:21 PT Kids are just plain stupid The State isn't. The State knows that drugs are EVIL, especially cannabis. The State needs bodies for wars and that's that.Those bodies can't be adulterated with drugs, especially cannabis. Booze is exempt because it accomplishes what the State wants, a dumbed-down populace of warm bodies ready to be sacrificed for the State.Obey [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Sam Adams on January 29, 2007 at 06:42:32 PT true zealot Let's pause for a moment and think about all the poor people, I mean "kids", that are stuck in this guy's school system for 14 years. What a sick person this guy is - a control freak. He's been running his little prison camps and tormenting these poor kids, who are sent to him because they're poor parents are forced to pay into the system and have no money to send their kids anywhere but Mr. Ferry's indoctrination camp.Now, however, medical marijuana is here, and Mr. Ferry is leaping at his chance to expand his control not just over the school children's lives, but also over their parents, and every other adult living in the community. He's forcing them to use toxic prescription and over-the-counter drugs like Advil, Tylenol, OxyContin, and many others, for pain instead of cannabis. Suddenly it's not just DADS anymore, it's pure fascism. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 29, 2007 at 05:26:11 PT Observer You should write letters to the editors with you article breakdowns. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by mayan on January 29, 2007 at 04:51:22 PT Misc. Here's a good summary of the D.C. protest...Rep. John Conyers: “Congress Can Fire Bush!” http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=19830I hope there is quick action...Why We Must Have Impeachment: http://www.ichblog.eu/content/view/131/2/I hope there is still time...Escalation of US Iran military planning part of six-year Administration push: http://prisonplanet.com/articles/january2007/270107Escalation.htmRussia committed to Iran nuclear plant launch: Ivanov: http://www.spacewar.com/2006/070128125154.6ahy484s.htmlIsrael tries to cut off Tehran from world markets: http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1998992,00.htmlLook out...Michael Chertoff: 21st Century Will Get More Dangerous: http://infowars.com/articles/terror/chertoff_21st_century_will_get_more_dangerous.htmThe war OF terror will certainly escalate if the neo-cons don't fall fast!THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Kevin Ryan launches lawsuit, website - ULtruth.com: http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=200701282213118579/11 Truth in the Columbus Dispatch: http://911blogger.com/node/5802Crossing the 9/11 Rubicon with Hustler Magazine: http://www.politicalcortex.com/story/2007/1/27/103614/966Hustler's 9/11 Article: http://911scholars.org/Hustler.htmCNN INTERVIEWS CHRISTOPHER BOLLYN, 9/11 RESEARCHER: http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?noframes;read=98482 [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by mayan on January 29, 2007 at 01:35:00 PT It's Not About Teens! With the advent of marijuana dispensaries, teens get a mixed message about marijuana, but the message needs to be clear. Marijuana is an illegal substance that affects teens in many harmful ways.This isn't about the teens in any way. It is about seeing that the sick can get they're medicine, period. I suppose Frankie Ferry wants to shut down all of the pharmacies and liquor stores? He's just another prohibitionist who has failed to learn from history.The message does indeed need to be clear. Cannabis IS medicine and those who rely upon it should have a place to obtain it! Whoever would deny the sick their medicine is sending a very dangerous and scary message.Here is an earlier, related article... Ferry Plans to Fight Pot Dispensary: http://www.the-signal.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=45590&format=htmlFrom the above linked article..."If you want it, that's fine," Ferry said. "Go down to West Hollywood or somewhere else."He said he and other members of the task force in the past would stand outside local stores that sell water pipes - sold officially for tobacco smoking - to make customers uncomfortable.Ferry wants to do the same thing if a dispensary does ever find its way to Castaic. He said he'd stand there by the entrance to ensure the establishment is run according to the law.Good, then the cops won't have to waste their time. Have fun saving folks from one of the most benign substances known to man, Frankie! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by observer on January 28, 2007 at 20:53:06 PT A Rich One, I [1] California -- Much has been written lately about the licensing of medical marijuana here in our community . (Sentence 1) re: "community" - The health of the "community" (read: government) is assured, prohibitionists explain, because drug users are punished. Jailing drug users is thus painted as upholding society. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) [2] As chair of the city of Santa Clarita's Blue Ribbon Task Force and an avid opponent of marijuana use and dispensaries, I feel compelled to share some facts and research with you, as well as some opinions I have as a parent and school administrator . (Sentence 2) re: "marijuana use" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) [3] First and foremost, you need to know that drug use, especially marijuana use, among teens doesn't just exist in the Santa Clarita Valley . (Sentence 3) re: "drug use", "marijuana use" - Prohibition propaganda claims that all use of any "drug" is abuse. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - Being a prohibitionist means you can never shed too many crocodile tears for the "children". (As you lustily jail or kill their parents for using drugs.) (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [6] Heck, you used marijuana in your teens; you smoked and drank beer; you see it as a right of passage and you are not concerned . (Sentence 6) re: "teens" - "Since the Harrison Act of 1914, the user and the seller of illicit drugs have both been characterized as evil, criminal, insane, and always in search of new victims, the victims are characterized as young children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [7] What you might not know is that the marijuana that is available to teens today is much stronger than the marijuana that was available in the 1960s or 1970s . (Sentence 7) re: "teens" - Prohibitionists play on parental fears by exaggerating the dangers to children of drugs. Adults must be jailed (reason prohibitionists), because kids might be corrupted with drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [9] Marijuana is physically addictive . (Sentence 9) re: "addictive" - It is prohibition, claim prohibitionists, that saves people from drug crazed, whacked out, high flying drug users. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) [10] Each year, 100,000 teens are treated for marijuana dependence . (Sentence 10) re: "teens" - Prohibitionist propaganda continually whips up parental fear, invoking lurid images of children corrupted by drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [11] Teens who smoke marijuana heavily experience many the same symptoms of withdrawal as users of nicotine . (Sentence 11) re: "Teens" - Prohibitionists forever claim that children are corrupted by drugs, and this is why adult users must be punished harshly. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [12] Between 1991 and 2001, the percentage of eighth graders nationally who used marijuana doubled from 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 . (Sentence 12) re: "graders" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [13] Kids are using marijuana at an earlier age . (Sentence 13) re: "Kids" - Drug war propaganda plays on parental fears for the well being of their kids. If drug users are not jailed, says the prohibitionist, then your children will surely suffer. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [14] Research indicates that the earlier teens start using marijuana, the more likely they are to become dependent on this or other drugs later in life . (Sentence 14) re: "teens" - Prohibitionist propaganda continually whips up parental fear, invoking lurid images of children corrupted by drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [15] Of teens admitted for treatment for marijuana dependence, 56 percent had first used the drug by 14 years of age, and 26 percent had begun by 12 years of age (Kids and Marijuana) . (Sentence 15) re: "Kids", "teens" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [16] According to a National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), marijuana was the most frequently used drug of choice by teens . (Sentence 16) re: "Drug Abuse" - Prohibitionists try to hammer in the idea that 'all use is abuse.' The rhetoric of prohibition needs to deny that many people can use currently illegal drugs without abusing them. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - "Chemicals have long been inextricably linked in prohibitionist literature with the ... corruption of young people." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [17] The NHSDA also reported that teens using marijuana on 12 or more days during the past year, 58 percent of them had one problem that they related to their marijuana use, 41 percent had two problems, and 28 percent had at least three problems that they related to their marijuana use . (Sentence 17) re: "marijuana use" - Any use of an illegal drug is deemed to be "abuse," weasels the propaganda of prohibition. (After all - it is illegal!) (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - Prohibitionists forever claim that children are corrupted by drugs, and this is why adult users must be punished harshly. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [18] From age 12 to age 13, the proportion of teens who say they could buy marijuana if they wanted to more than triples, from 14 to 50 percent . (Sentence 18) re: "teens" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [19] Also, the percentage of teens who say that they know a student at their school who sells drugs almost triples, from 8 percent to 22 percent (Psych Central) . (Sentence 19) re: "teens" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by observer on January 28, 2007 at 20:52:26 PT A Rich One, II [20] With the advent of marijuana dispensaries, teens get a mixed message about marijuana, but the message needs to be clear . (Sentence 20) re: "teens", "message" - "Chemicals have long been inextricably linked in prohibitionist literature with the ... corruption of young people." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [21] Marijuana is an illegal substance that affects teens in many harmful ways . (Sentence 21) re: "harmful" - Prohibitionist propaganda claims that horrible dangers are caused by "drugs." (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "teens" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [22] It is very important to begin taking with kids about it by at least 12 years of age . (Sentence 22) re: "kids" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [24] Teens need to be told clearly and often that using marijuana and other illegal substances carries significant health, safety, and legal risks (Kids using Marijuana) . (Sentence 24) re: "Kids", "Teens" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [25] This "slippery slope" is what concerns me . (Sentence 25) re: "slippery slope" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) [26] Those truly in need and eligible for medical marijuana in our community are a very small group compared with the large number of teens who may "slip through the system" and be able to obtain marijuana from a dispensary . (Sentence 26) re: "community" - Prohibitionists assert that the survival of the community, society, the nation, the world, etc. are at stake. Only continued and increased punishments for drug users can be contemplated, because, say prohibitionists, society will otherwise fall apart. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "teens" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [27] While you might say that "kids will get it anyway," I say, let's not be our kids drug dealer! (Sentence 27) re: "drug dealer", "dealer" - The rhetoric of prohibition tries to link drugs with marginalized people. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) re: "kids" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [28] For those of you who are wondering what is being done to prevent alcohol and drug use in our community, I can tell you that it is a lot . (Sentence 28) re: "community" - Because of prohibition (prohibitionists assure us), society is protected: the community is safe, and the nation is saved. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "drug use", "alcohol and drug use" - "This strategy equates the use and abuse of drugs and implies that it is impossible to use the particular drug or drugs in question without physical, mental, and moral deterioration." [W.White,1979] (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) [29] Sheriff's deputies conduct regular alcohol stings and utilize minor decoys to catch liquor stores who sell to minors, as well as adults who buy alcohol for minors . (Sentence 29) re: "minors" - "Since the Harrison Act of 1914, the user and the seller of illicit drugs have both been characterized as evil, criminal, insane, and always in search of new victims, the victims are characterized as young children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [32] Our own Blue Ribbon Task Force offers programs and education to the community that addresses various teen issues, including drug and alcohol use . (Sentence 32) re: "community" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "drug and alcohol use" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teen" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [34] It is easy for teens - and adults, for that matter - who do not necessarily have debilitating conditions to potentially get a prescription written for medical marijuana . (Sentence 34) re: "teens" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [36] The Blue Ribbon Task Force developed and disseminated information materials in English and Spanish) about a Prescription/Over-the-Counter Drug Campaign, designed to educate the community about the dangers of prescription-OTC drug abuse . (Sentence 36) re: "Drug Campaign", "Campaign" - Governments use anti-drug public relations (read: prohibition propaganda) to increase their power. Many governments try to persuade people that drug users are bad, that using drugs is demonically harmful, unpartriotic, is a gateway to worse evil, will corrupt children, is against religion, and so on. re: "community" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "drug abuse" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) [39] This program is a group of moms and dads and their teens and tweens who meet and listen to presentations about drug use among teens . (Sentence 39) re: "drug use" - Prohibition propaganda claims that all use of any "drug" is abuse. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - Prohibitionist propaganda continually whips up parental fear, invoking lurid images of children corrupted by drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [40] Parents are given drug test kits to use on their kids randomly; results are confidential and kept among themselves . (Sentence 40) re: "kids" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [41] The program's objective is two-fold: prevention - random drug testing by parents gives kids an excuse to say "no" when their peers offer or pressure them to use drugs; and intervention - if the test comes back positive, parents can seek intervention and treatment for their kids . (Sentence 41) re: "kids" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) [42] Every year, the Blue Ribbon Task Force hosts "Teen Scene Unplugged," a unique program for teens and parents designed to educate the community, especially parents of teens, on various teen issues, including drug and alcohol use . (Sentence 42) re: "community" - Prohibitionists assert that the survival of the community, society, the nation, the world, etc. are at stake. Only continued and increased punishments for drug users can be contemplated, because, say prohibitionists, society will otherwise fall apart. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "drug and alcohol use" - Prohibitionists try to hammer in the idea that 'all use is abuse.' The rhetoric of prohibition needs to deny that many people can use currently illegal drugs without abusing them. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "Teen", "teens" - "Chemicals have long been inextricably linked in prohibitionist literature with the ... corruption of young people." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) summary: drugwar_propaganda = 100% [ Post Comment ] Post Comment