cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - August 23, 2007 NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - August 23, 2007 Posted by CN Staff on August 23, 2007 at 12:33:41 PT Weekly Press Release Source: NORML Alcohol And Cocaine – But Not Cannabis – Linked To Violent Behavior, Study SaysAugust 23, 2007 - Victoria, BC, CanadaVictoria, British Columbia: Cannabis use is not independently associated with causing violence, according to the results of a multivariate analysis to be published in the journal Addictive Behaviors. Investigators at the University of Victoria, Centre for Addictions Research assessed how frequently subjects in a substance abuse treatment facility reported using cocaine, alcohol, and/or cannabis in the hours immediately prior to committing a violent act. Researchers also evaluated subjects’ personality for characteristics associated with violent behavior, such as risk-taking, impulsivity, and/or disrespect for the law.Investigators concluded: "When analyses were conducted controlling for covariates, the frequency of alcohol and cocaine use was significantly related to violence, suggesting that pharmacological effects [of the drugs] may play a role in violence. Frequency of cannabis use, however, was not significantly related to violence when controlling for other factors."The study’s conclusions are similar to the findings of a pair of recent government reports refuting allegations that cannabis use triggers violent behavior. The first, published by the Canadian Senate in 2002, determined: "Cannabis use does not induce users to commit other forms of crime. Cannabis use does not increase aggressiveness or anti-social behavior."The second review, published by the British Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, reported: "Cannabis differs from alcohol in one major respect. It does not seem to increase risk-taking behavior. This means that cannabis rarely contributes to violence either to others or to oneself, whereas alcohol use is a major factor in deliberate self-harm, domestic accidents and violence."Most recently, a logistical regression analysis of approximately 900 trauma patients published in the Journal of TRAUMA Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, determined that the use of cannabis is not independently associated with either violent or non-violent injuries requiring hospitalization. By contrast, alcohol and cocaine use are associated with violence-related injuries, the study found.For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at: paul norml.orgFull text of the study, "Predicting violence among cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol treatment clients," will appear in the journal Addictive Behaviors. Additional audio commentary regarding this study is available on the August 15, 2007 broadcast of the NORML Audio Stash at: http://audio.norml.org/audio_stash/NORML_Daily_AudioStash_08_15_2007.mp3DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7337Warren Wilson College Named Top School For “Higher” LearningAugust 23, 2007 - New York, NY, USANew York, NY: Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina is the nation's most marijuana-friendly campus, according to The Princeton Review's annual sourcebook, "The Best 366 Colleges," released this week. The report, which is based on candid survey results from 120,000 students nationwide, ranks hundreds of colleges in various categories such as academic achievement and quality of life.Warren Wilson College topped Bard College (New York), the University of Vermont, the University of California at Santa Cruz, and Lewis & Clark College (Oregon) to emerge as this year's top school for "higher" learning.† The US Air Force Academy ranked #1 on Princeton's "Top 20" list of least pot-friendly campuses.Warren Wilson College was also ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the most politically active campuses in America.For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, at (202) 483-5500. Princeton Review’s rankings are available online at: http://www.review.com/college/rankings.cfmDL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7339Denver Voters To Decide On Pot ‘Deprioritization’ OrdinanceAugust 23, 2007 - Denver, CO, USADenver, CO: Denver voters will decide on a municipal measure this November that instructs city officials to deemphasize marijuana law enforcement.Sponsored by Citizens for a Safer Denver, the ballot initiative directs the Denver Police Department and the City Attorney's Office to make activities related to the investigation, citation, and/or arrest of adult cannabis users their lowest law enforcement priority. It would also appoint an eleven-member "Marijuana Policy Review Panel" to monitor police activity as it pertains to cannabis law enforcement.Seattle voters passed a similar law in 2003, which has led to a 75 percent reduction in citywide marijuana arrests. Several other cities – including Santa Cruz, California; Missoula, Montana; and Columbia, Missouri – have enacted similar initiatives in recent years. Supporters of the Denver measure note that non-felony pot arrests in the city rose dramatically between 2005 and 2006 and are now at record levels. In 2005, Denver voters approved an ordinance that sought to abolish civil and criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by citizens age 21 and older. However, local police disregarded the municipal ordinance – instead electing to enforce state cannabis laws which mandate a civil fine for minor marijuana possession offenses. "Denver officials could have directed police and city attorneys to stop arresting and prosecuting adults, but instead they choose to fight the voters and needlessly enforce the state marijuana possession law," said SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert, who is leading the campaign for this November’s initiative.For more information, please visit: http://www.saferchoice.org Additional audio commentary regarding the proposed initiative is available on the August 23, 2007 broadcast of the NORML Audio Stash at: http://www.normlaudiostash.comDL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7338Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: August 23, 2007Copyright: 2007 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #82 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 16:23:44 PT arms again I have to admit that I have a nice hefty wooden staff by my door, but I trust I will never have to use it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #81 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 16:20:48 PT FoM When that is understood, then I see no problem with it. I have used that term quite often for the same reasons. The way in which some can so easily throw 'God' out the window however has to have a disclaimer of understanding that it isn't actually YHWH (or The Most High Sacred Creator Spirit) being thrown out.It's what you mean when you say it that determines what or Who you are referring to. [ Post Comment ] Comment #80 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 16:13:40 PT arms The 'right to bear arms' is as crucial a constitutional issue as cannabis prohibition.I personally put my faith in Spirit and Faith, and High Magic, over steel and explosives, and trust forces much more powerful to guard my door. However, tyranny flourishes in the world, and a government of the people (which ony barely exists - if it does) must have the ability to defend themselves from tyrants who invade their lives. That right to bear arms will always be supported by me, even if I never own a weapon or a hunting rifle. In fact, I think that the current police forces are unconstitutional, and should be disbanded and replaced with citizen militias -formed not by hot-headed fanatics but by ordinary people, kind of like what our politicians were supposed to be but aren't. [ Post Comment ] Comment #79 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 16:03:26 PT Had Enough I think 31-32 is him saying that when he is gone Satan will rule the material world, and all of his teachings will be reversed until the time he comes again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #78 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 16:00:33 PT museman I use the generic term God so that I don't offend anyone since I think that is my responsibility as a moderator and because I do CNews. I step back if that makes sense? I don't want others to step back but it is wise for me to behave in that manner I think. [ Post Comment ] Comment #77 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 15:57:11 PT toke "Imagine," and "Love is All You Need," are two of the greatest modern scriptures (and songs) to appear since YSHWH himself walked on the earth. To me John Lennon was a great prophet, and his humanity is a shining example of YSHWH's own way and teaching.I end all my concerts and performances with Imagine. [ Post Comment ] Comment #76 posted by Had Enough on August 24, 2007 at 15:50:02 PT Luke LukeChapter 22http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/luke/luke22.htmSee footnote 1313 [38] It is enough!: the farewell discourse ends abruptly with these words of Jesus spoken to the disciples when they take literally what was intended as figurative language about being prepared to face the world's hostility.http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/luke/luke22.htm#foot13 [ Post Comment ] Comment #75 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 15:46:32 PT Imagine God? "God is a concept, by which we measure our pain."John Lennon"God" is a bastardized generic term for 'deity.'One man's 'God' is another man's 'Satan.'I guess there is a reason why the Name of (Who?) is Sacred.When I refer to YHWH, there is no mistake of whom I am speaking of, even if you don't believe in the aspects and attachments. Imagine the beginning, then begin. But don't rest on imagination alone. By all means be free enough to imagine, but don't imagine yourself away from the now and this moment, imagine how this moment might become part of an eternal now, and in imagining, look up and see what is already here. [ Post Comment ] Comment #74 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 15:36:46 PT FoM My point is that YSHWH is not telling us that it's ok to defend our property or even person with arms, that particualr scripture is about fulfilling the messianic prophecy, not a parable about living. That statement was made during the 'Last Supper' and is taken entirely out of context in that article that toker linked to. [ Post Comment ] Comment #73 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 13:12:04 PT Dankhank With a song like Imagine it can mean different things to different people. The best music that stands the test of time is open to different interpretations and that's why it lasts. I love good music like Imagine for that reason. [ Post Comment ] Comment #72 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 12:57:06 PT Dankhank I don't hear anything about God either in Imagine. It is more a spiritual song to me then a song about God. [ Post Comment ] Comment #71 posted by Dankhank on August 24, 2007 at 12:51:37 PT God? I don't hear a thing about God in "Imagine."people won't get what they don't want, and people will hear what is not there.Is there any hope for this benighted species? [ Post Comment ] Comment #70 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 12:45:54 PT FoM I think if you kill a person, that person's spirit could be with you forever. It may be better to die than kill, but I understand people needing to defend loved ones. [ Post Comment ] Comment #69 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 12:02:13 PT whig That's right.I never saw a U-haul being towed behind a hearse. [ Post Comment ] Comment #68 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 11:47:16 PT FoM Stuff is stuff that you can't take with you anyhow. [ Post Comment ] Comment #67 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 10:44:51 PT Toker00 One thing I have learned in life is we can't make anyone get anything. It's frustrating but it's true. People get what they want to get. For me Imagine says live in peace, love mankind and the world and God will be happy with that. Isms are made by man but the Spirit only comes from our Creator since we have been talking about a Creator. When you hold your little baby granddaughter in your arms you will see the face of God. [ Post Comment ] Comment #66 posted by Toker00 on August 24, 2007 at 10:34:49 PT FoM Because we should be Living that song, not Imagining it...it breaks my heart to know it's just that simple, yet we can't do it. Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 09:49:08 PT Toker00 What does Imagine mean to you? Why does it bring tears to your yes? I love Imagine. [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by Toker00 on August 24, 2007 at 09:41:33 PT Had Enough Imagine. The answer is in that song. No Heaven. No Hell. No Religion. Imagine.Nothing to Kill or Die for.A Brotherhood of Man.No need for Greed or Hunger.Imagine...that is what I do. Everyday I pick up my guitar and I play and sing Imagine at least once. Many days I have played it repeatedly with tears in my eyes because I can feel what the song is saying. It's so simple. It's so possible to build another World. Imagine...Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 09:16:50 PT Toker00 If I had a church in the physical world, a place where people could come and bring cannabis sacrament for those who need it, and share and partake of it with one another in holy communion, it would perhaps be guarded by wakeful people at all hours of day and of night but not by anyone armed at all, and our policy would be non-resistance.I have done temporary autonomous zones where the policy was precisely to inform unwelcome police that they were unwelcome but to lay no hand upon them and to ask them only to please leave. Which they did do, when the people within merely stood and looked at them. They simply turned and left. [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 09:08:36 PT museman I still don't get it. I believe that if someone wants to take my stuff they will take my stuff no matter what. Stuff is stuff but being at peace and trusting God for help if needed is the way I believe. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 09:08:12 PT Arm yourself with the word And speak the truth. [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 09:06:48 PT An armed preacher has no faith Fish don't carry guns. [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 09:00:49 PT fight_4_freedom I made a My Space page but never tried to develop it. I have restricted bandwidth and web sites with music which many on My Space have sucks up my bandwidth so that's why I don't go to My Space anymore. [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by museman on August 24, 2007 at 08:57:55 PT swords and YSHWH #6 "Jesus said in Luke 11:21, "When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace." Did you see that? Jesus said that in order for a man's goods to be "in peace" it was necessary that he be ARMED.""Furthermore, Jesus told his disciples in Luke 22:36, "[H]e that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.""Upon hearing the words of Jesus, Simon Peter responded by saying, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." (vs. 38) That means at least two of Jesus' disciples were armed with swords (the 1st Century equivalent of a modern handgun, something used for personal protection), and Jesus did not rebuke them or ask them to surrender their swords. He merely said, "It is enough."This is a perfect example of 'Eisegesis,' which basicly means that a person searches the scriptures for verse and phrase that supports their ideas, as opposed to 'Exegesis' which is direct analysis of scripture, taking every nuance and context into count. The nature of both xtian religion, and politics (which is a branch off the preacher tree) is about painting pictures with out of context meaning, creating such confusion and contention among thinking people while creating and suporting small-minded ignorance which the masses are extrememly succeptable to.The out of context conclusion that YSHWH was saying in that scripture that 'arms are OK' is just pure xtian obfuscation.The scripture actually reads; (from the Complete Jewish Bible - a translation I believe much much closer to the original than the KJV)Luke 11:21"When a strong man who is fully equipped for battle guards his own house, his possessions are secure. But when someone stronger attacks and defeats him, he carries of all the armor and weap[onry on which the man was depending, and divides up the spoils. Those who are not with me are against me, and those who do not gather with me are scattering."Luke 35;He said to them, "When I sent you out without wallet, pack or shoes, were you ever short of anything?" "Not a thing," they answered. "But now, if you have a wallet or a pack, take it; and if you don't have a sword, sell your robe to buy one for I tell you this: the passage in the Tanakh (Torah -'Old testament') that says 'HE WAS COUNTED WITH TRANSGRESSORS,' HAS TO BE FULFILLED IN ME; SINCE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME HAS A PURPOSE." They said, Lord, Lord, there are two swords right here!. "Enough!" He replied.If you can get that YSHWH is telling us that we should be armed, and that armament is OK by that, I will be glad to break it down for you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 08:57:23 PT Put away your guns Your pitchforks and torches are as good as they have ever been, and we have our swords in our mouths to use. [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by whig on August 24, 2007 at 08:54:26 PT Toker00 I think that swords are not transformed into something necessarily much different when they are turned into plowshares, they are merely used differently. As you see, the point needs to be kept sharp to till the ground effectively. [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 24, 2007 at 08:20:28 PT: heres the clickable link Here ya go Myspace Page [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 24, 2007 at 08:18:32 PT: Thanks Had Enough That video was nice to see this morning. A great way to kick off my day. If only more people thought like John Lennon did, this world would be a much better place.I even added it to myspace. Check it out. www.myspace.com/fightforfreedom420Anyone else on here with myspace? [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 08:02:19 PT One More Comment I do know someone who has a gun. My nephew is an avid hunter and that is how he helps put meat on the table for his growing family. I would be a vegetarian before I could shoot into those pretty brown eyes deer have but that is just me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by Had Enough on August 24, 2007 at 07:23:03 PT re: #50 Imagine… “My conclusion is STILL that we should not turn in our swords. Neither should we use them offensively. Only in defense of the Rights given to us by the Creator.”Mankind has had to protect him and his family since the first caveman/tree dweller took his neighbor’s food, living arrangements, and used his family as slaves. The swords stay until this problem is resolved.“The Creator needs no Religion to describe His will nor defend it. It is Inherent and non-denominational, non-compromising. God yes, Religion no. One God, no Religion. Maybe it's Religions that should be beaten into plowshares along with the swords...?”Now there’s an idea. Look back at the history of man. Many people have died and suffered over religions. I don’t believe the creator approves of that behavior.Imagine - John Lennonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xjw-l673UI [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by FoM on August 24, 2007 at 05:48:25 PT Toker00 I was born in the south so I guess that means I'm a southerner. I have lived my life in the north east and mid west and guns were never talked about and no one is interested in them one way or the other that I ever knew. Don't the southern states want to be part of our wonderful country? Why do I feel such hate for us up here from the south? I don't mean you or anyone from the south here on CNews but that is a question I have wondered for a long time. If people are afraid that they will need to defend themselves against our government with guns is that a good way to think? We all will die someday so why worry about it? [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by Toker00 on August 24, 2007 at 04:13:33 PT afterburner That is where I was confused. Thank you. I combined the two articles but I still see the relevance of distinguishing between Creator and a religious God.I understand what you are saying GCW. The argument could go on forever. Christ did not say give up your sword, but to put it away. The only way that would work is if ALL sides put them away simultaneously. Because if one side beat them into plowshares, the other sides would use their swords to steal anything created by the plowshares. We have a ways to go on that one.Thanks guys for engaging me in this. My conclusion is STILL that we should not turn in our swords. Neither should we use them offensively. Only in defense of the Rights given to us by the Creator. According to the Constitution those rights are listed as the Bill of Rights. What rights? Inherent, Human Rights. Rights that we are born with and that are defended with the blood of our children. These Rights were defended way before the 2nd Amendment was coined or America was a Nation but were included in our National Constitution as basic human rights to be taken away by NO government. To say that Christ or any other "God" wants us to be defenseless is wrong. Our very souls may be judged on what we DID choose to defend. It is a spiritual war but it is being fought in the physical universe. To allow evil to tromp on our Human Rights is unforgivable.The Creator needs no Religion to describe His will nor defend it. It is Inherent and non-denominational, non-compromising. God yes, Religion no. One God, no Religion. Maybe it's Religions that should be beaten into plowshares along with the swords...? Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by The GCW on August 23, 2007 at 22:44:29 PT Chose Christ or choose Bush. *The argument over the 2nd Amendment goes on and on; forget it.*The Christ said to love one another; do that and You have obeyed the commandments.*The war that matters isn't man against man; it's a spiritual war. And it is.*The things We see being set up could very well be put in place to allow Bush who may be the "Man of Lawlessness" to keep office past His termination. Bush seems to be a spiritual level evil person...*If I remember right, Urantia teaches that years ago; ages ago there was a need for war and violence that allowed Us to come out of the animal age... and survive. Now as We approach a new time We have or will eventually have the ability to live with out war.*Right now people accept war, killing and murder but seem to tire of it. When more and more people are convinced war is backwards and no longer a forward movement things will change.*It seems like We may soon witness a change but not till the spiritual realities become part of the physical reality because it is a spiritual war in progress.Bush is a Skul n Bones-man, Bush is a Christian; which one do You think He really is? Who doesn't see or know which fork in the road He took?This whole deal; this whole reality; this whole spiritual war seems to hinge right on the monkey. We're to leave the animal behind.The Christ working for Us as hard as He can.Bush working for evil as hard as He can.Those are the 2 swords.Guns don't end spiritual wars.-Cannabis is a spiritual plant; a good one. As the tree of life, its leaves are for the healing of the nations. (see the last page of the Bible). It is meant to be.Bush wants nothing to do with healing or goodness. He is spending His life trying to keep humans away from the tree of life.For Man to have access to the tree of life effects the spiritual war in a way that Bush does not win. For Christ to win the spiritual war is to have all people come to Him.The tree of life make people feel closer to God.The tree of life exposes evil.To choose Christ makes Bush out to be what He is.-We either choose Christ or choose Bush.You can't have it both ways or neither way.Some people may think they will choose neither but You can not have nothing when there is everything. - It’s not a gun thing. - Chose Christ or choose Bush. [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by afterburner on August 23, 2007 at 22:04:28 PT Toker00 You're mixing up the Declaration of Independence (which does mention God and Creator)http://www.law.indiana.edu/uslawdocs/declaration.htmland the Constitution (Amendment 1 guarantees freedom of religion and freedom from state religion. Amendment 2 mentions "security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms") http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.preamble.html The Bill of Rights Amendments were added to the Constitution in order to secure ratification of the Constitution and "to protect the basic principles of human liberty." "Initially drafted by James Madison in 1789, the Bill of Rights was written at a time when ideological conflict between Federalists and anti-Federalists, dating from the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, threatened the Constitution's ratification. The Bill was influenced by George Mason's 1776 Virginia Declaration of Rights, the 1689 English Bill of Rights, works of the Age of Enlightenment pertaining to natural rights, and earlier English political documents such as the Magna Carta (1215). The Bill was largely a response to the Constitution's influential opponents, including prominent Founding Fathers, who argued that it failed to protect the basic principles of human liberty." United States Bill of Rights From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights"Keep on rockin' in the free world" Neil Young BTW, the first CSNY album had a rifle on the cover photo. Neil is a proponent of hunting and self-sufficiency. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 21:37:39 PT whig and Toker00 Yes we do need to know the laws of the land. There are so many laws on the books though. When in doubt I think it thru and come to a conclusion. That's about it for me and the law. I use reason more then anything. I get a headache if I try to figure it all out. I've enjoyed this exchange. Talk with you tomorrow if God is willin' and the creek don't rise. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 21:25:02 PT Toker00 I think what I should say is that we the people have the same inherent power to alter or abolish a government that is injurious of our rights as we ever did. That this should not be done lightly or for temporary causes, I would emphasize. The means by which we ought to do this if necessary are non-violent, and have no need of arms. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 21:19:53 PT FoM If we want to change the laws of the land then we have to know a little bit about them. I think there are people who willfully mislead us about what the laws are, both God's and man's. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 21:04:02 PT I Don't Know I absolutely don't know anything about The Constitution or any American history. It wasn't taught in my school. Breezed over maybe but I don't remember it. We were taught to obey the laws of the land unless they were in conflict with God's law. Then we were to obey God's law and disobey the land's law.http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 20:58:12 PT Toker00 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America was made in 1776. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union were made in 1777. This was replaced by the Constitution for the United States in 1787, and the Bill of Rights were appended to that in 1791. [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 20:49:51 PT Toker00 All Men Being CREATED Equal refers to a Creator.Yep, and that's part of the Declaration of Independence. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 20:47:58 PT Toker00 I have looking up different things in google because created does seem to imply God. I looked at it and thought this though that a man and a woman create a life and they could have meant that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 20:08:37 PT whig All Men Being CREATED Equal refers to a Creator. No? I'm not arguing bro, I want to understand this completely. Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 20:05:50 PT whig Ok. I think. But doesn't it say specifically the "Right To Bear Arms"? And the bearers of these arms to be regulated into a militia? A citizens Army? And wouldn't this Right be used to prevent a tyrannical government from confiscating their arms legally? And that these arms to be used against any government trying to take the militia's arms illegally in order to install a Non-Constitutionally protected government? Because if we don't have and protect these Creator given Rights, we won't have a Constitutionally protected Republic.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:57:26 PT Toker00 The constitution makes no reference to a creator of any kind. It is a document of We the people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:49:47 PT FoM God had nothing to do with the Constitution. It was established under the assumption that there is a "Creator", not a Christian God or a Muslim God or a Jewish God or the combination of any or all those, but a "Creator" of Life who gave Self Evident Rights and Truths to ALL of Humanity, regardless of their Religions.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:46:12 PT Toker00 You're engaging in circular reasoning, I think. The second amendment does not provide us with arms. We had arms before we had a second amendment, and the constitution nowhere took them away from us, but the second amendment provided for regulation of the militia. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:44:53 PT whig Regulated, Yes.Confiscated, No.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 19:44:15 PT A Question I'm serious what does God have to do with a man written document called the Constitution? I never read it but I did read the Bible alot. This passage below is what I believe is what we were told to do and I don't think this is in the Constitution.The Son of Man Will Judge the Nationshttp://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:31-46;&version=50; [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:43:07 PT FoM And that is what makes you a Righteous person, regardless of your religion. I recognize you understand the difference between Righteous and Religion. Cool.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 19:39:41 PT Toker00 I'm not afraid. I am well aware of the religious right using the Republican Party to further their agenda. Conservative means jailing people or shunning people that aren't like the way they want people to be. That is the Republican Party and I was a Fundamentalist ( Assembly of God ) so I know how it is. They want to overturn Roe Vs. Wade and make women criminals again. I am pro choice but I don't believe in abortion. I separate my beliefs from what is fair to all of the people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:38:03 PT We're getting there whig, I can feel it... And a "Free" state being one that protects the Rights that make them "Free" which are the Bill of Rights, right? Given to us by the Creator of both Cannabis and those unalienable rights, right? And they protect those Rights with the Arms given by the Second Amendment, right?Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:37:12 PT Toker00 I don't think we will be gathering swords, but it is a choice which each of us make to put them to a better purpose of tilling the soil. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:29:28 PT Toker00 I'm not sure the constitution says anything specifically about vaporizers. :)A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state -- this is the stated and actual reason for the second amendment.Everyone who bears arms should be considered part of the militia and can be regulated as such, do you disagree? [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:20:42 PT whig God make Cannabis.Man made Vaporizors.LOL.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:19:35 PT whig Time To beat our swords into plowshares.If you can get the swords all gathered up, I'd be honored to swing the first blow.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:16:12 PT whig I didn't say defending our Religion. I said defending our Rights given to us by the Creator. That is not Religion. Those are Rights. Unremovable by ANY Government. The acknowledgment that there is a Creator is not a Dividing Religion, it is an acknowledgement of the Belief in the Existence of a Creator and Rights given to all Humanity by Him/Her/It and the right to worship Him/Her/It through whatever Religion you choose to practice. No? You're helping, please don't stop...Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:11:50 PT Toker00 God made cannabis.Man made guns. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:08:13 PT Time To beat our swords into plowshares. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 19:05:40 PT FoM Don't let them scare you FoM. Those programs are designed to do just that.Three warring religions in the name of the SAME God. Interesting...who do you guys think will win? In what way will God reward them? According to their religion? After all, it's for the SAME God. Do you think God is leaning toward Christianity, Judaism, or Islam? Will the reward be Heaven, Property, or 70 Virgins? If we don't join in with one of them will we be left without ANY rewards at all? What do the Spectators in this War get when the smoke clears? Radiation Sickness?Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 19:03:19 PT Toker00 Yes, I think you are incorrect. The second amendment has nothing to do with defending our religion. It has to do with maintaining a militia to defend the state. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 18:29:18 PT Toker00 It really is crazy. We are in a religious war in our country with religious zealots. This program on CNN shows why we should pay attention. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 18:28:07 PT whig The Bill of Rights is a document which PROTECTS the Rights given to us by the Creator...not by Religion nor by Man. The Second Amendment provides us with the ARMS to do so. Is this incorrect?Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 18:25:08 PT FoM "God's Warriors" seems like such a contradiction of terms. The Father of the Prince of Peace has Warriors? And they are fighting each other in the name of the Father of the Prince of Peace? And I just want Americans to keep their guns to ward off Tyranny while God's Warriors use theirs to kill innocent people and cause Chaos to both Humans and the Earth? God says this is OK as well as to submit to a tyrannical government that is doing this in the name of God? It's Insane. Isn't it? Fighting for Peace? I heard that was like F*ing for Virginity. Sorry. I don't mean to be crude but the comparison fits. No offense... Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 18:18:57 PT Toker00 The Bill of Rights was not given to us by God. It was given to us by human beings. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 18:18:20 PT Toker00 The First Amendment protects religious freedom. The Second Amendment does not have anything to do with religion. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 18:14:24 PT whig But aren't our Bill of Rights those rights given to us by God? How can we separate the two? Can you explain? I would like to understand. Really. I want to discuss this. I'm not saying Religion, as in Christianity or any denominational Religion. But the Creator established Human Rights in the Bill of Rights. God, not religion. Righteousness, not Religion. Righteousness, not Government. Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 18:11:22 PT CNN Presents: Gods Warriors I wanted to see this program and I thought others might to. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 18:06:20 PT Toker00 It's a bad idea I think to mix up Christianity and the Constitution. They are different things for different purposes. I don't believe that the United States of America was intended to be ruled by a church.I'm not criticizing you, but the "preacher" you linked. I think he is a deceiving spirit. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 18:00:28 PT Toker00 If someone wants to have a gun they should be able to have a gun. When fear gets into ideas it can trigger negative reactions. Fear can create a bad situation so why fear? I am not a pacifist. If cornered I would probably fight. All I want is to not be cornered and I'm ok. I am what I would call a non violent person. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by mayan on August 23, 2007 at 17:55:01 PT Toker It is clear that the fascists are preparing to do their next 9/11. They won't take me or my arms without a fight. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 17:54:01 PT FoM Lol. I believe you are right, FoM. I admire you and all other c-newsers who are smart enough to realize that violence is so counter productive for humanity. I wish that your strong wills for peace and non-violence could make it so. I would never discourage you from pacifism. Neither do I advocate violence but Americans have self defense ingrained in their genes from centuries of war and slavery of the people. We are as free as any people have ever been on this planet, but would we be if our forefathers had given up their defense system in the name of security? There is no way to protect a people from tyranny without arms. Forgive me for being real. I've already told you I wouldn't fire my old relic of a gun at anyone but I understand what an armed militia means. And I agree.But I also agree with the Peace Makers.No tyranny for God's Country.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by mayan on August 23, 2007 at 17:48:48 PT Right Makes Might!!! Victoria, British Columbia: Cannabis use is not independently associated with causing violence, according to the results of a multivariate analysis to be published in the journal Addictive Behaviors.More reefer madness shot to hell. The only tool that the prohibitionists have left to fight us with is intimidation. It is time to stop being afraid of these fascists. Might doesn't make right. Right makes might! In other news, if the mainstream media had any credibility left, it now has absolutely none...Ron Paul Wins Five Straw Polls, Mainstream Media Remains Silent: http://mparent7777-2.blogspot.com/2007/08/ron-paul-wins-five-straw-polls.htmlTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...COMPLAIN TO THE HISTORY CHANNEL ABOUT THE 9/11 HIT PIECE. SHARE THIS FAR AND WIDE: http://pilotsfor911truth.org/Angels_For_Truth.htmlHistory Channel "Expert" Spins Conspiracy Yarn: http://infowars.com/articles/sept11/history_channel_expert_spins_conspiracy_yarn.htmWho is Davin Coburn and why is he an "expert" on 9/11? http://911blogger.com/node/10831Mike Huckabee Meets the Student Scholars for 9/11 Truth (video): http://prisonplanet.com/articles/august2007/230807_b_huckabee.htmWHY 9/11 TRUTHERS NEED TO RUN FOR OFFICE IN 2008: http://mujca.com/runforoffice.htm9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL http://www.911sharethetruth.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 17:31:29 PT Whig ???? I don't think he is saying prepare for armed warfare. He is saying that following a corrupt government is wrong. He is saying following a government that doesn't respect a Constitution established under God and tries to take away the rights that were given to us by the Father, is wrong.You didn't get that?Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 17:15:33 PT Toker00 I read the article and if we got in that bad of a condition I don't think civilization would be worth anything anymore. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by whig on August 23, 2007 at 16:40:43 PT Toker00 Any preacher who claims that Jesus is for armed warfare is a false preacher. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Toker00 on August 23, 2007 at 16:36:54 PT Hey guys... will you read what this Preacher says about Homeland Security taking your guns? He explains very clearly that Christ did not preach pacifism. Read what Christ says about being ARMED. Please don't take offense. I only want people to realize there is a reason for the Second Amendment to the Constitution and that you need to ask your preacher what he will do when the time comes.http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/august2007/230807Pastors.htmThank you in advance.Toke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 14:51:53 PT BGreen Canada is being absorbed by the US I think. There's oil up there. The artic circle will be a big issue too. Canada's building two military bases up there. Russia planted a flag somewhere up there. I see trouble brewing in the future. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by BGreen on August 23, 2007 at 14:29:55 PT We won't go to Canada, either That's a shame because a few years ago Vancouver was next on our list of places to visit.Well, I hope somebody up there is happy about their loss of tourism. Mrs. Green loves to shop when we travel. :)The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 14:23:00 PT BGreen I would be afraid to go to Canada now. I won't ever make it there but it would worry me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by BGreen on August 23, 2007 at 14:16:11 PT Cannabis is NOT LEGAL in those countries Cannabis is tolerated in Amsterdam, but you might find yourself doing some jail time and/or paying big fines in Morocco or Jamaica.I honestly don't have a clue about Canada anymore. :(I sure as heck wouldn't risk it.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 23, 2007 at 14:01:07 PT News Article from United Press International Study Looks at Cannabis Tourism***TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- An Israeli study finds that tourists who travel to find legal marijuana and hashish have a variety of motives.“Cannabis Use in Tourism: A Sociological Perspective” was published in the July issue of the Journal of Leisure Studies. The authors, Carla Santos of the University of Illinois, her doctoral student, Yaniv Belhassen, and Natan Uriely conducted in-depth interviews with 18 people, mostly Israeli, and observed tourist behavior in popular cannabis destinations like Amsterdam, Morocco, Jamaica and Vancouver.They found four major groups of cannabis-consuming tourists. Travelers on short trips who experimented with drugs appear unlikely to use them at home. Other tourists use cannabis or hashish on vacation because they consider it a fun activity at home.Another group of habitual drug users is looking for authenticity -- observing marijuana and hashish in other cultures. A fourth group travels primarily to buy drugs in places where they are legal and easy to find.The study funded by the Israeli Anti-Drug Authority is based on work Belhassen and Uriely did at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Copyright United Press Internationalhttp://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2007/08/23/study_looks_at_cannabis_tourism/7796/ [ Post Comment ] Post Comment