cannabisnews.com: Record-High Ratio of Americans in Prison





Record-High Ratio of Americans in Prison
Posted by CN Staff on February 28, 2008 at 17:54:30 PT
By N.C. Aizenman, Washington Post Staff Writer 
Source: Washington Post
Washington, DC -- More than one in 100 adults in the United States is in jail or prison, an all-time high that is costing state governments nearly $50 billion a year, in addition to more than $5 billion spent by the federal government, according to a report released today. With more than 2.3 million people behind bars at the start of 2008, the United States leads the world in both the number and the percentage of residents it incarcerates, leaving even far more populous China a distant second, noted the report by the nonpartisan Pew Center on the States.
The ballooning prison population is largely the result of tougher state and federal sentencing imposed since the mid-1980s. Minorities have been hit particularly hard: One in nine black men age 20 to 34 is behind bars. For black women age 35 to 39, the figure is one in 100, compared with one in 355 white women in the same age group. While studies generally find that imprisoning more offenders reduces crime, the effect is influenced by changes in the unemployment rate, wages, the ratio of police officers to residents, and the share of young people in the population. In addition, when it comes to preventing repeat offenses by nonviolent criminals -- who make up about half of the incarcerated population -- alternative punishments such as community supervision and mandatory drug counseling that are far less expensive may prove just as or more effective than jail time. Florida, which nearly doubled its prison population over the past 15 years, has experienced a smaller drop in crime than New York, which, after a brief increase, reduced its number of inmates to below the 1993 level. "There is no question that putting violent and chronic offenders behind bars lowers the crime rate and provides punishment that is well deserved," said Adam Gelb, director of the Pew Center's Public Safety Performance Project and one of the study's authors. "On the other hand, there are large numbers of people behind bars who could be supervised in the community safely and effectively at a much lower cost -- while also paying taxes, paying restitution to their victims, and paying child support." About 91 percent of incarcerated adults are under state or local jurisdiction, and the report documents the tradeoffs state governments have faced as they have devoted ever larger shares of their budgets to house them. For instance, over the past two decades, state spending on corrections (adjusted for inflation) increased by 127 percent, while spending on higher education rose by 21 percent. For every dollar Virginia spends on higher education, it now spends about 60 cents on corrections. Maryland spends 74 cents on corrections per higher-education dollar. Despite reaching its latest milestone, the nation's incarcerated population has actually been growing far more slowly since 2000 than during the 1990s, when the spate of harsher sentencing laws began to take effect. These included a 1986 federal law mandating prison terms for crack cocaine offenses that were up to eight times as long as for those involving powder cocaine. In the early 1990s, states across the nation adopted "three-strikes-you're-out" laws and curtailed the discretion parole boards have in deciding when to release an inmate. As a result, between 1990 and 2000, the prison population swelled by about 80 percent, increasing by as much as 86,000 per year. By contrast, from 2007 to 2008, the prison population increased by 25,000 -- a 2 percent rise. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has issued decisions giving judges more leeway under mandatory sentencing laws, and a number of states, including Texas, are seeking to reduce their incarcerated population by adopting alternative punishments. "Some of these [measures] would have been unthinkable five years ago," noted Gelb. "But the bottom line is that states have to balance their budgets." Source: Washington Post (DC)Author: N.C. Aizenman, Washington Post Staff Writer Published: Thursday, February 28, 2008Copyright: 2008 Washington Post Contact: letterstoed washpost.comWebsite: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ Related Articles:We're Still #1! America's Gulag Keeps Growinghttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23131.shtmlU.S. Prison Industry: Big Business or Slavery?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21654.shtml
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Comment #46 posted by rchandar on March 03, 2008 at 15:52:11 PT:
Only 2 Percent Increase
ONLY 2 Percent? The nerve...
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 19:27:34 PT
Paint with light 
Thank you. It was a harsh surgery and she is still in re-hab. She will probably be there for a week or more. I hope I never need a knee replacement. 
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Comment #44 posted by Paint with light on March 01, 2008 at 15:44:37 PT
Forgot to add
Sorry to hear about your sister. Thanks for trying to make peace. I have always admired that about you.Maybe museman and I represent the old saying in bars about people from Australia. I don't agree with sterotyping nationalities and this is only related to illustrate a point.The saying was men from Australia have to fight you before you become friends.Since I don't back down from anybody I guess I am half of the problem.Thanks again.Equal with alcohol is all we ask.
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Comment #43 posted by Paint with light on March 01, 2008 at 15:19:42 PT
Fom
My only problem comes if someone attacks me. All my responces come from that.I notice meseman's copulsive behavior won't let him stop.I am glad museman is good to you.He hasn't been to me.
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 14:48:11 PT
Paint with light 
I have been very busy recently. My sister had knee replacement surgery and I have been distracted from following the comments. Museman is a good person. I am sure you are too. Can't you both figure it out and work it out? Fighting is so counter productive. If you both met in person you would probably get along. 
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Comment #41 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 14:46:35 PT
I have said enough to you
And need not say any more. Wars over you lost. Nobody won. Truth was stated and cannot be undone. Live with it.Want to continue stacking cliche plattitudes against informed conclusion? Be my guest. The words, evidence, facts and record of it is in plain sight. Sorry about your bruised ego. 
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Comment #40 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 14:38:32 PT
FoM
I am absolutely convinced that there are some wondrous minds coming to fruition right now. I have had the fortune to see this in relation to my own children and their friends. If I were to base my opinion of the next generation maturing right now -our kids- on my experience, I'd say that the difference between the '60's youth and them, is the difference between playing at it, and becoming it. Of course if some of us hadn't blazed the way, theirs might not be so easily come by.The concept of Indigo Children is very valid, and applicable to both our generations, but this one actually seems to be picking up where we left off.There is good reason for hope that this generation might succeed far beyond the expectations of our own. Surely better to place hope in them than ours at this point.
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Comment #39 posted by Paint with light on March 01, 2008 at 14:36:12 PT
Museman, You started it
I knew you couldn't let it go.I don't let anyone lecture me without responding.When you point your finger at me, four of them are pointed at you.Your thoughts are confused.You can't read your own words, much less mine.It would do no good to point out your errors because you won't listen.You are battling yourself, not me.I guess you are probably bi-polar.I came to c-news to post positive things about the movement.I will continue to do that and your false accusations are worthless.Every forum has someone like you.If you haven't noticed, your opinion is worthless to me.If you have somehing to say to me, use a quarter and call someone who cares.I am sorry Fom and all the others who have had to endure all this back and forth but I don't think it is productive to let a bully pulpit rule.If someone attacks me I have to defend myself.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 14:17:18 PT
museman
As I look around I see sad people. I see worried people. I see angry people. I am looking forward to a future where the young generation steps up and they are. They are the future. They have the strength and desire that we all had when we were young. I am thrilled to see this new generation caring like they are. I can stand growing old with them running the show. Maybe this new generation are Indigo Children. It isn't impossible. The last generation didn't like us from the 60s but this young generation seems to be following in our footsteps and probably at the disappointment of their parents who didn't like us. Change seems to skip a generation.
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Comment #37 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 14:06:19 PT
FoM
Absolutely.You'd think that the inhumanity, needless suffering, and the corporate profits from same would have more attention by now. Humans (particularly americans, these days) are slow to change however. We tend to accept the wrong authority for the wrong reasons, and move only when we have to. A a human (yes I admit my human-ness) I thoroughly understand and relate. I like to feel good more than not, so am naturally reluctant to put myself in an uncomfortable position. However, I have seen too much, and cannot wear a deliberate veil of ignorance.I for one have had enough of war. War on this, war on that, war and glory, war and destruction, war and pestilence, war and 'honor'. War is a fools game no matter how you cut it, and the only winners never even get close to the actual labors of it -all wars.The WOD needs to be addressed from the human perspective, contrasted to potential realities that are supposedly represented in the very same moral judgements that uphold and create it. The 'legalisms' are all literally in the enemy's court, but the human experience, if it can be demonstrated, puts the lie to the whole thing which is why war and conquest mongers are grasping at straws to halt the common sense legislation of Medical Marijuana.I don't want to 'fight and win' the WOD, I want to END it. I start by not believing in the powers and authorities that make the war. I give them no power, they are naked emporers.
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 13:38:40 PT
museman
Very nice. I am a dreamer. If I didn't have dreams of better days I wouldn't do CNews because I wouldn't have any passion. I am driven by hope. I look for the good in people and when I find it I smile. As far as a new documentary I really liked the documentary that was on the History Channel when it talked about marijuana. They never updated that program and we need to see how things have gotten worse over these last years so maybe we can turn it around.
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Comment #35 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 13:19:31 PT
FoM
Your comment made me think of an old song. One I wrote for my first son, called "The Dreamers Dream"Yesterday can go fade away,I’m just sittin’ here hearin’ the sunshine,With all of my life passed along the wayAll for today.And it’s only a dreamers dreamThat’s shinin’ out here in the darkness,All of the time growin’ in the light,And I know that’s it’s alright.La la.la la la,
La-ove.Just look and you’ll see the sky,You’ll know without asking the question.With all of your might, you’ll go high.Just take to your wings and you can fly.La la.la la la,
La-ove.Just look and you’ll see the sky,You’ll know without asking the question.With all of your might, you’ll go high.Just take to your wings and you can fly.La la.la la la,
La-ove.And only the Dreamer can awaken from the dreamers dream.
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 12:33:52 PT
museman
I hope you both can work on a new movie. You could also do a soundtrack. I am a dreamer I guess. The WODs is the reason we need the laws to change. 
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Comment #33 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 12:27:21 PT
FoM
No prob.I hope to get to work with runruff on vol 2. I think we both decided that vol 2 should focus a lot on the WOD.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 11:55:27 PT
museman
Thank you for the links. It was refreshing to see again. I felt lifted up.
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Comment #31 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 11:31:34 PT
Let My People Grow
To refresh those who do not know, it is available online on youtube; part 1 (in 6 parts)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ExadmnXS_gor download here;
Let My People Grow
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Comment #30 posted by museman on March 01, 2008 at 11:25:34 PT
no last words
"Satan is the spirit of accusation."Insinuation, and insult are definitely more 'negative' than observational opinion, though those who think there is any glory in war are obviously unable to distinguish the difference. Fortunately, my relationship with the truth is pretty much unshakeable, and though the laurel of peace was claimed with a word, the real negativity is apparent to anyone not attatched to the erroneous standards of the status quo.I really would like to not have to deal with insult, personal condemnation, and false witness. I left the opportunity for peace, but ego apparently rules over some folks agendas.As warriors go, I have no problem with figuratively beheading those who continue to taunt my stand and think I have no sword. If there is peace there is no need to continue battle, however peace is not followed by a slap in the face, so make up your mind. Cnews too often becomes peoples personal battle ground, and this sure won't be the first I had to deal with, probably won't be the last (unless FoM decides otherwise), though I sure don't look forward to the next. If someone can point out a specific error, other than just a disagreement of opinion, I will gladly consider the possibility of my own error. Though this dicsussion -originally about war and it's total dishonorable aspects- should have reached an end, and I was perfectly willing to leave it, I cannot leave the space filled with unanswered accusations. This is a public forum. People read these and develop opinons, and are influenced by what they read. Some take care to balance their opinion without creating personal accusation. In fact I try very hard not to do just that, because I do know what spirit is behind war and conflict, ego competition, and the false witness of words that brings on the emotional response.My advice is to get unattatched to your put-down mentality and move on, otherwise the distraction from what most of us are trying to do on this site is of no profit or benefit.But if the insults, inuendos, and accusations -of a personal nature- continue, I can dust off my functional tools -not symbolic you understand- real, and we can entertain the public with our battle. Your choice.A little quote from one of my children to end with;"Fighting for peace is like f--king for virginity."
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 10:22:38 PT
runruff
I will get my address off to you later on today and thank you. 
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Comment #28 posted by runruff on March 01, 2008 at 10:15:52 PT:
LMPG, to all.
My e-mail is runruff yahoo.comtell me where to send it and I'll gladly send you a copy.I'll send you a new one too FoM.
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 10:01:29 PT
JustGetnBy
Hopefully someone can help you with a copy of LMPG. My copy isn't very good quality but the content is great. It reminds me of a time when Clinton was going to help us and then they went after him for things in his life and he became more conservative. In the end he did say that marijuana should be decriminalized. He was a little too late.
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Comment #26 posted by JustGetnBy on March 01, 2008 at 09:32:00 PT
Let My People Grow
Runruff et al; I would like to have a copy.              Pretty Please
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on March 01, 2008 at 06:01:37 PT
runruff
It was so refreshing to watch Let My People Grow again. You do have a lot more to add now and technology has really advanced. I hope you really give it some thought. 
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Comment #24 posted by runruff on March 01, 2008 at 01:46:29 PT:
Let's see..............
Wasn't it Rodney Chong who said,"can't we just get a bong"?Seriously though, tahnk you FoM for you kind acknowledgment. I will look into the possibility. Tech. capabilities have improved so much since 1994 and since I now have an even bigger axe to grind, I will seriously look into it.Museman, I will see you this weekend about those DVDs. My computer will burn DVDs but I haven't tryed to burn one yet. I will give you some blanks though.Ekim, thanks for thinking of me in this way. You know I am willing to do anything I can to beat the devil.Namaste
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Comment #23 posted by Paint with light on February 29, 2008 at 22:09:34 PT
Final word, museman
I am sorry you got confused.I was trying to make a positive post. You are the one who brought the negative energy. I agree there is obviously no reason to point out your inconsistancies.I still think medals for freedom fighters are a good idea, even if only symbolic.I am lucky I live in a world where good things are happening.I am glad I've met a few friendly people here.Agreed, peace.
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Comment #22 posted by museman on February 29, 2008 at 21:00:40 PT
runruff
in reference to ekims request #20. I have at least 2 DVDs and copies can be made. Next time you're in town you can get 'em.
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Comment #21 posted by museman on February 29, 2008 at 20:48:36 PT
"I know lots.."
Ok.Apparently my efforts to be clear were ignored for the sake of your interpretation. "I" made no insinuations.The "interpetation" you refer to are points of contention, backed up by shared esperience and knowlege, stated in various documentations, historical 'facts' that are assumed to be familiar to knowledgable folks with similar interest and intention. My opinion is just that, opinion, and it is just as valid in terms of interpretive quantitative comparisons, as yours. Besides this is not a contest."You can choose not to see the honor that exists in fighting against an unjust and evil, and immoral war on drugs(especially cannabis). Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist."Just where it is that I supposedly make this choice isn't exactly clear to me, I've re-read my posts to see if I somehow do this that you accuse me of, and am quite relieved to see that I stand falsely accused.I asked not to have the words taken personally, at the outset of this discussion, because I intuited this response. As an honest man I do take exception to some things leveled against me; gun barrels, and false witness. They both seem to go together, and are quite often accopanied by badges."I am glad I don't have to live in your world of interpretation."I'm not sure what 'world' you are referring to, but I assure you we both live in the same world, the same planet, under the same weights and measures, and under the same sky. And none of the reality of it is open to interpretation at all, regardless of any and all attempts to do so."I'll be glad to eliminate you from consideration on any of my honors lists. Besides, honor is something you have to earn, not just talk about"Well if you got lists that you feel are more deserving than others for 'honor' based on the criteria you have presented so far, my previous post stands. I do not know what things you have or haven't done to 'deserve honor' you surely have no idea about myself, so there's nothing there of import.I plan on living to see changes as well, but I'm not settling for second rate establishment compromises, I got bigger hopes."I got engaged in this fight in 1970 and I am not surrendering."I'm assuming you are referring to liberating cannabis, and in that sentiment we are agreed, though when you got on board is really irrelevant.I used my lottery number to illustrate the fact that there was no way I would not be drafted -in 1970- not as some kind of signifier of anything.I can't say i'm sorry, because I know what I am doing, and I have nothing to apologize for, but I regret you took exception to some of my words and neglected the rest. There will be no follow up from me on this one. It's a track I refuse to follow.peace ..or not.
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Comment #20 posted by ekim on February 29, 2008 at 20:23:00 PT
Runruff
do you read marijuananews.com by dick cowan.
he is writing for normal blog and is on steve kubbys show.his peice today was on the may convention of the Lib party in Denver. man it be nice to have your flick shown-- maybe youd start some kind of hempdance and attract more of u:)
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Comment #19 posted by Paint with light on February 29, 2008 at 18:56:20 PT
I know lot's of honorable people
I know lots of people who are on the same side as I am in the war on drugs that are serving honorably. Over the past several years I have become aware of several of them who post here.In fact the only ones I would say that are not serving honorably are those on the other side. You can choose not to see the honor that exists in fighting against an unjust and evil, and immoral war on drugs(especially cannabis). Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I am glad I don't have to live in your world of interpretation.I'll be glad to eliminate you from consideration on any of my honors lists.  Besides, honor is something you have to earn, not just talk about.I plan on living to see changes.I got engaged in this fight in 1970 and I am not surrendering.OH yeah, my number was 151.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 29, 2008 at 18:38:00 PT
runruff 
We got a DVD player that plays Let My People Grow. I haven't been able to watch it since my one DVD player bit the dust a few years ago but this one plays it. I hope you make another movie. You do good work!
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Comment #17 posted by museman on February 29, 2008 at 17:43:12 PT
honor -PWL
I never said there was no honor, that I didn't believe in it, nor that there weren't honorable people doing honorable things, everywhere, and everywhen. I just said there is no honor in war. Just as there is no honor in this sham called a war, the WOD.If symbols are so important, what difference does it make whether they make the token themselves, their friends make them, or whether they are mass produced by some company in the presidents pocket? Is one worth more than the other? Now as for valid tokens of honor, I'd say that the honor between brothers in arms takes on all forms, and is least of all present in the symbols of the power brokers that hand them out, you know, eagles, flags, golden this and that.There was once a draft. My number was three. That's #3. One of the reasons I 'volunteered.'Sure the system forces slaves to capitulate in all manner of ways, like being willing on paper, present in body, but certainly absent in desire, will, and spirit. Just another job. Just another forced compromise. IF that is criteria for handing out medals, then give 'em to steel workers and truck drivers,..but lets not stop there, lets just give 'em out to everyone who shows up to work on a regular basis. Now if you were to give a free, healthy meal to anyone who needed it, good clothing and shelter, maybe even god-forbid adequate health care in HONOR of those who believed they had an honorable cause they fought and/or died for, not only would that be acceptable, but real, and truly honorable. Unlikely.And the likelyhood of the status quo as it is ever recognising my (or any one else not tithing the beast) meager contributions in the resistence movement is about as likely as the discovery of a surviving Dodo. Even if such a thing were to happen, and medals were actually printed out for such a thing, by that time I will almost certainly be dead, and if I'm not I will destroy the abomination, so no chance of ebay, sorry.
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Comment #16 posted by Paint with light on February 29, 2008 at 14:01:42 PT
Honor
Nothing personal taken, museman.Maybe for you their is no honor.Not all people who end up in the military do so willingly. There use to be a thing called the draft. The military has also been used in the past by the legal system as punishment A choice had to be made by convicted people between service and prison.There are people who serve in wars and actually save lives instead of ending them. Doctors, nurses, medics, transport personel are just a few. There are a lot of grunts that saved a lot of lives and never took one.Whatever medals of war were derived from is unimportant. The symbol they become exists in the mind of the beholder. You can't deny anybody else their interpretation just as I can't deny you yours. Some people feel comforted knowing that they have something tangible, even if it is a cheap piece of metal to project their emotions and memories into.I am still for giving cannabis warriors their green hearts and medals of freedom.If you don't want yours can I have it to sell on ebay?Even if they are only illusions, let us have them.Like the lady who's husband thought he was a chicken.When asked why she didn't have her husband cured she replied, "I can't. We need the eggs."
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Comment #15 posted by Mike on February 29, 2008 at 13:51:28 PT
This isn't a Republican vs. Democrat thing
While I'm no fan of Reagan's drug policy, remember it was the Democrat congress that passed all the nonsense. (What we call nonsense they call good public policy that works.) Republicans and Democrats are cut from the same cloth when it comes to favoring authoritarian rule over preserving libertarian freedoms. After all, less freedom for the people means more power/control for the rulers.
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Comment #14 posted by unkat27 on February 29, 2008 at 11:08:41 PT
The Lying Stats of the 80s and afterward
""While studies generally find that imprisoning more offenders reduces crime, the effect is influenced by changes in the unemployment rate...""Prison incarcerations are not counted as unemployed, so every time an American is arrested and imprisoned, even Americans who had good jobs and were arrested for nonviolent drug possession, it has the affect of lowering the unemployment rate, either by taking numbers out of the unemployment line or by opening up another position after someone lost it after being arrested.During the 80s, after Reagan and Bush41 started mandatory minimums, the rate of prison incarcerations went up and the unemployment rate went down. The MSM, of course, only reported the unemployment rate going down, and gave Reagan and Bush41 all the credit, while completely suppressing the increase in prison incarcerations that coincided with it. Instead, Reagan and Bush41 and all their pundits attributed the lower rate of unemployment with all the new jobs they created.Coincidentally, the most of those new jobs that were created in the 80s were directly related to the police forces, drug task forces, and prisons.
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Comment #13 posted by Hope on February 29, 2008 at 09:44:06 PT
Medicine for infants and children....
When the government took away the legal cannabis extracts... Big Pharm stepped in quickly with Paregoric, anhydrous morphine, promotion and other opium based calmatives and pain relief for infants and babies. A lot of people used the stuff with their babies and small children. My family didn't, but I know of many that did. I don't think any babies got addicted to Paregoric either... and it's opium/morphine. An uncle or a parent here and there may have fooled with the stuff some... and maybe there were overdoses... but that didn't happen with the cannabis extracts.Acting like this towards this young mother's cannabis use... is insane and a witch hunt of sad and painful proportions.People persecuting and harshly judging this young mother are more guilty of actual wrong doing than the mother. I don't care if judgment catches up with them, as it probably should, I just want them to stop persecuting people like this young woman.
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Comment #12 posted by runruff on February 29, 2008 at 09:14:20 PT:
Cannabis for infants.
I know this is a real shocker but prior to 1937 many infant medicines had cannabis in them. It was used to stimulate appetites, help with sleeping, crying fits, colic as well as others. Mothers were told to imbibe cannabis in order to deliver it through their milk to nursing infants to calm them down and to help tham sleep. Not one baby died, became addicted or suffered in any way due to this Rx. 
 This is more prohibitionist sensationalism Or just plain ignorance.Namaste
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Comment #11 posted by museman on February 29, 2008 at 09:04:05 PT
Hope#10
Makes a real strong case for home birthing.No doubt they are going to take this little snafu and run with it as far as they can."Marijuana use causes premature birth." I can see the yellow reporters take on this one. Of course the real cause will never be mentioned-whatever it was.
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Comment #10 posted by Hope on February 29, 2008 at 08:45:49 PT
Another witch...I mean "offender"....
dragged off to the burning stake and drowning chair... I mean "into the system".Mom booked, baby born with marijuana in systemhttp://www.nola.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-37/120429266990010.xml&storylist=louisiana
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Comment #9 posted by museman on February 29, 2008 at 08:41:36 PT
lets go out and vote!
"But the bottom line is that states have to balance their budgets." Nowhere in this article is there mention of Justice. Runruffs statement explains in detail the situation of how the rich bastards that run the world use our gov to get rich off the backs of the people. How they recruit predatory-minded, low-intelligence bio-throwbacks to fill their cop and prison guard ranks.I guess Bob Barker Enterprises got some competition with Barbara Bush. Between the two of them, they have the prison industry supply side in their pockets. People don't realize the kind of slave labor production factories that they have in prisons. Once upon a time they made license plates (still do) and there were jokes about it,.."If you don't watch out, you're gonna end up in Sing Sing making license plates."Prisons are just one of the example of the rape and pillage of the American people by the elites.The society that spawns these predators and monsters is the status quo, the system of hierarchy and corporate fuedalism referred to as the 'free market' 'capitalism' 'free enterprise' and 'weights and measures.' That society is composed of the greatest TRUE criminals ever to walk the face of the earth. They are in company with such historical monsters as Hitler, Constantine, Attila, Alexander, Caligula -to name a few- and they teach their children the high points of conquest and aquisition, along with 'ethics and protocols' of successful behavior. Not RIGHT and GOOD behavior, SUCCESSFUL BEHAVIOR, as defined by material holdings and the amount of slaves serving under them.They teach their children that they are 'born to greatness' and that they are superior to most of the rest of the world. They only bow to 'superior' might, like true dogs and wolves, though wolves have more honor. (They sniff butts a lot too.)They select their puppets, and the plebians get to 'vote' for them. Voting is just a version of the Colliseum -giving the servant-class a feeling of participation, when in reality the outcomes have been decided before we even get to the polls. In the few cases where the people have actually taken some initiative (hence the title 'Initiative'), like the medical M bills they are all over them like pitbulls on a chicken. They select their own puppets to fill the positions of 'representatives' and make it look like the people's will is involved somehow, but it's all just a placebo to distract us from the fact that we ARE NOT FREE, and we do not live in a free state. The fact that one small aspect of human rights and liberty seems to remain in place to a limited degree -'free speech'- only shows you how much value they place on words, and truth. It's only when the people get united behind a concept that they get worried."Rebellion is the purest form of dissent."I do not advocate violence, and history teaches us that the tools of predators don't work for the followers of righteousness - the monsters always move back in the house in a very short time after they've been kicked out -because the people have been taught to believe in the material 'values' of the status quo, and it's easy for the greed and power hungry to rise back up again. Like the parable of the demons that were cast out, but came right back because the habits and values of the house inhabitants did not change. THERE IS NO HONOR IN WAR!! That is an old Roman lie, even older probably. I'm sorry but those young fools who think they have given their lives for freedom were only cannon fodder for the rich. I was a young fool once, and 'went to war' fortunately for me they wanted me building nuclear missles instead of wallowing in mud and shooting at people, so it wasn't till near the end of my stay that the horrors were served up to me on their platter."They gave their lives for freedom." is just another lie of the status quo, another trick to get support from pepole who they know would not support them if they really knew the whole truth.Equating foolish young men who go to war with the real bravery of those who suffer imprisonment, lifetime denigration, loss of favored slave status (a good job, home, etc.), and the loss and suffering of their families is a statement that the propaganda of the status quo has succeeded. That line of thinking is equated to believing that the emporer isn't naked. I sympathise with the suffering of the soldiers, and most of them are victims as well, but they at least had some choice about it. Who chooses to go to prison? The status quo would say "if you do the crime, you do the time" so they equate that if you choose to smoke pot for example, then you have already agreed to their terms and conditions, and going to prison is just fulfilling their 'contract' with you, even if you do not agree with their terms and conditions.Medals of war are derived from ancient concepts of wards, and medallions signifying rank. They come directly from Roman martial theory, and are a perfect example of the nothings that the emporeres parade around as if there was something there that was really worth a damn. Yes lets give them medals, little pieces of metal that are supposed to somehow compensate for all the suffering? BAH!!!Time's running out. The question is are we going to take enough initiative to avert what is coming, or is it going to have to be left to the Earth and Divine Spirit to clean up our mess? Looks to me like people are too comfortable in their 'bread and games' lifestyles to make any serious changes.(PS - nothing personal, even if I disagree most vehemently)
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on February 29, 2008 at 07:56:31 PT
Runruff
I did like the flow of that post, that you used the software on. It would have been just like you talking. I got the feeling, clearly, of what you were trying to say. If some of the words hadn't been quirky, it would have been great, but it was pretty easy to figure out what they were supposed to be.Voice recognition stuff doesn't work well for me... at all. There is a phone built in to my car mirror and it only works by voice. No keypad. It's a nightmare! You tell it the number you want to dial. Aaaaaaarrgghhh! I've gotten a very few numbers into the thing and they probably took twenty minutes a piece to talk the dang thing into understanding me. I can just hear that "woman" mocking me and driving me nuts. My eights apparently sound like threes and twos sound like fives... or something... and I have developed an anger issue with that computer voice. "Pardon?" "Is that the correct number? Say yes of no." NO! "Pardon?" One of my teenage grandchildren thought she could make it understand her better than me. Wrong. After twenty minutes she was through with it, too. Emergency calls on the highway? Calling someone? It was supposed to be better and safer and easier to use than a cell phone, but it's like raising a three ring circus tent. You have to pull over to carefully and uselessly enunciate for the thing, over and over, and have assorted fits of frustration. It would be great if the thing could understand me... but it apparently can't. 
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Comment #7 posted by Commonsense on February 29, 2008 at 07:50:39 PT
Voting Rights for Felons -JohnO
John,I don't know if you have a felony or not, but if you or anyone else here does there is still a good chance you could be eligible to vote. People get their voting rights back in most states after they complete their sentences. There are a couple where even inmates in prisons can vote. In other states you can't vote if you are in prison or on parole. Others also prohibit those on probation or suspended sentences from voting. A few have set waiting periods after a conviction before voting rights are reinstated and some have different rules for different felonies. Very few states though actually take away your voting rights for life, and that's usually only going to be for certain very serious offenses or for people who have gotten multiple felonies. The vast majority of people convicted on felony charges even in those few states will be eligible to have their voting rights restored. Sometimes restoration of rights is automatic, and sometimes there are steps you have to take to get your voting rights restored. That varies from state to state.  I think a lot of people who get felony convictions just assume they won't ever be able to vote again. Sometimes they even get bad information from the courts. We have one judge in my county who when taking a felony plea will always ask the defendant, "Do you realize this is a felony offense and if convicted you will lose your right to vote and possess a firearm in the future?" He's wrong, but that hasn't stopped him from doing it thousands of times over the years. You can't tell the man any different though. He won't listen. The fact is that in my state voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including any suspended time you might have. Here is a fairly recent article by the Sentencing Project that lists all the states and shows when voting rights can be restored in the various states after a felony conviction: http://www.sentencingproject.org/Admin/Documents/publications/fd_bs_fdlawsinus.pdf
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Comment #6 posted by dongenero on February 29, 2008 at 07:32:24 PT
runruff
You know, I was thinking, runruff must have been really tired......or something, when he wrote this. Then when I saw "our soul" instead of "are sold", I knew you were using voice transcription software.Hey that's pretty cool anyway. Just a bit of proofreading required.I think you should work on that book runruff. I can already see where the chapter on cannabis laws and prison are going.Tommy Chong's book was interesting but, I think your take would be a much sharper edged criticism.Nobody should be put into such a system over "felony gardening". Best Wishes - dg
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Comment #5 posted by Paint with light on February 29, 2008 at 01:56:20 PT
Medals for soldiers
I appreciate those citizens who have honorably served in our armed forces and the following comments are not meant to lesson my gratitude in any way for their service.I equate those warriors who have had to serve jail or prison time for cannabis related offences with military personel who have been wounded or served bravely in any armed conflict.Both have fought for freedom and been injured in the line of duty and service to our country.Fighting for freedom is fighting for freedom.Anyone convicted of a cannabis crime was incarcerated by an unjust and immoral law.Maybe after the cannabis war is over there can be green hearts and medals of freedom awarded to these cannabis warriors.
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Comment #4 posted by afterburner on February 28, 2008 at 21:35:01 PT
Here's Another Version of the Story from NY Times
1 in 100 U.S. Adults Behind Bars, New Study Says 
By ADAM LIPTAK.
Published: February 28, 2008.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/us/28cnd-prison.html?ex=1361854800&en=67a0cebb7bae4a24&ei=5118&partner=rssaol&emc=rss
"For the first time in the nation’s history, more than one in 100 American adults is behind bars, according to a new report."Excerpt: {
Ms. Urahn [Susan Urahn, the Pew Center’s managing director] said the nation cannot afford the incarceration rate documented in the report. “We tend to be a country in which incarceration is an easy response to crime,” she said. “Being tough on crime is an easy position to take, particularly if you have the money. And we did have the money in the ‘80s and ‘90s.”Now, with fewer resources available, the report said, “prison costs are blowing a hole in state budgets.” On average, states spend almost 7 percent on their budgets on corrections, trailing only healthcare, education and transportation.
}I am reminded of kaptinemo's prediction that the law will change when the states discover that they can no longer afford to enforce it.
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Comment #3 posted by JohnO on February 28, 2008 at 19:51:02 PT:
Repeal drug laws, reinstate voting rights 
for freed men. The problem with our legal system today is that those who oppose what is going on are either in prison, don't vote to change it, or have lost their rights to vote. Law and order conservatives and brainwashed liberals are able to continue this assault on fair treatment of their fellow man because they have stripped away the voting rights of those who would cancel their own vote. This is not a new tactic, but an age old principle practiced in days of old. **Mark 3:27 "But no one can enter the strong man's house and No man can enter into the house of a strong man and rob him of his goods, unless he first bind the strong man, and then shall he plunder his house.** I for one am sick and tired of those bonds placed upon me, and of the plundering of my goods. JohnO.
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Comment #2 posted by runruff on February 28, 2008 at 19:47:53 PT:
Editing?
I wrote this with my voice recoginition software. I dictate it writes. A lazy mans software. It sometimes is wacked the things it says. I should have edited it better I know but please forgive me I am in a hurry.Happy trails!
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Comment #1 posted by runruff on February 28, 2008 at 19:42:22 PT:
My take on prison!
After reading this article I felt inclined to share a few of my experiences concerning this very subject. Heading being incarcerated for a nonviolent victimless crime I am very sensitive to this situation and I have paid a lot of attention to it. This article does not mention how makes a nonviolent people with violet people is in itself a crime. It does not mention the fact that the family's the wives and children often suffer more and the person who is actually incarcerated. The families suffer tremendous financial difficulties. Wives and children are left vulnerable to predators and others who would take advantage of their sensitive situation.I was told the day I was sentenced that I must do to 24 months in prison to pay for my crime. I was told in a private conversation with the prosecutor that this punishment was not intended to protect society but for me to pay for my crime. My crime was I was a felonious farmer. You have to stop and think about a society that can imprison a man for felony laws involving gardening.I saw much injustice while I was incarcerated. I read the court records of people who had been railroaded into prison the same way I had people who were innocent and didn't belong there people who were mistreated for no reason and people who started out peaceful who went to violent and people who had time the ad on that their sentence because they refused to accept the way they were being treated.The waste was astounding. The employees were wasteful to a simple degree. After all it's only taxpayers' money and the government receives untold billions every year. The inmates many of them in there carry great resentment. They are only too happy to waste and destroy as much as possible whenever they can. Every meal I sought truckloads of food being thrown away. Inmates were forced to take full trace of food even though they didn't want the food so they would take it straight over to the dish window and throw it out and leave the cafeteria. It was a tossup between who stole the most food every day out of the kitchen between the inmates and the guards. Some of the inmates who happen to live in the same neighborhood as where the prison was located said that the men who ran the kitchen in other words the guy who was in charge of foodservice also had a restaurant in town which she supplied all of his food from the kitchen. What's more astounding is that this type of thing takes place every day and every prison across the United States. The employees at the present take all of everything from televisions to microwaves to, tools, medicines and any other thing they deem useful to themselves.Then there is the case of the guards and other staff members to deal drugs within the prison. A tiny pinch pot cost $25.00. A package of cigarettes cost $50.00. Of course alcohol and other drugs are available as well. If you think there is some kind of integrity among the prison guards and prison staff you would be sadly mistaken. They are all in it for themselves. You will never meet a more cynical group of people.Like the article says the population in prisons began to explode in the mid eighties. This was all done under the first George bush. His game was to start up a low cost labor-manufacturing scheme, which is going on even today. Inmates work for 75¢ to $1.50 per hour manufacturing office desk, electrical boxes, all sorts if furniture and marketable goods which our soul to compete with legitimate companies on the open market at market prices. The profit margin is vast. Much of the material is bought or allocated through government contracts and much of it is paid for by taxpayers and fabricated by inmates for pennies on the dollar. George bush the first was the head of the committee that formed this business and profited most from it.None is wife Barbara Bush started her own business it's called Keefe Industry’s. They sell necessary and unnecessary items as well as confections to prison, series across the country. They have no competition. They sell seconds, second goods and good that are outdated that double and triple the going retail price. In 1985 when Barbara Bush first started her business there were 8700 Federal inmates. I don't know the exact population of the inmates Nationwide all told. But today there are over 300,000 Federal inmates and another two million inmates Nationwide. Her business went from profiting a few $1,000,000 per year to profiting something in the billions per year. George Bush the first was the man who put the committee together who started man didn't or a minimum sentencing. He strengthened sentences for growing in possessing marijuana.His vice president Dan Quayle was the son of George bush's very good friend and the two of them sat on the Board of Directors at Eli Lilly corporation pharmaceutical company. Barbara bush inherited a very large stake in this business. The drug war was very profitable to Eli Lilly Corporation and convenient to keep marijuana off the market as a medicine.I could write on this subject until I fill a book but at this point I will simply say enough said. I'd just wanted to share a little of my experiences and some of my insights inspired by this article.
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