cannabisnews.com: Police Scoff At Push for Medical Marijuana





Police Scoff At Push for Medical Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on March 05, 2008 at 06:55:16 PT
By Lisa Roose-Church, Daily Press & Argus
Source: Livingston County Daily
Michigan -- A proposal to legalize marijuana for medical purposes does not have the support of Livingston County authorities, who say such action could lead to bigger troubles.Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said Tuesday that opening the door to legalization of marijuana is "ridiculous." "It would be a nightmare for law enforcement," he said.
The Board of State Canvassers OK'd petitions Monday to put the issue before state lawmakers. If lawmakers don't approve the measure within 40 days, the proposal will be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide.That may be the most likely scenario because lawmakers haven't acted on similar legislation introduced in recent years.Capt. John Kowalski of the Howell Police Department said he is not convinced there is any legitimate medical use of marijuana."I think the person who uses it may have some psychological 'easement,' but I haven't seen any data that says marijuana has a legitimate use," he said.The Michigan initiative would allow patients to grow and use small amounts of marijuana for relief from pain associated with cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other diseases.Under the proposal, a doctor's approval or recommendation would be required to use the drug. Registry cards would be created so police could tell who was a registered patient with an OK to use the drug.A recent paper written for the American College of Physicians called "Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana," acknowledges that marijuana has been smoked for medicinal purposes for centuries, and that clinical anecdotal reports suggest "numerous potential medical uses for marijuana."The paper also notes that although the indications for some conditions — such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting — have been well-documented, less information is available about other potential medical uses.The paper also says the ACP encourages the use of nonsmoked forms of THC that have proven therapeutic value and "urges protection from criminal or civil penalties for patients who use medical marijuana as permitted under state law."Kowalski and Bezotte agree that it is unnecessary to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes because there already exists approved prescription medications to treat cancer, AIDS and other diseases."It's been proven that marijuana leads to other drugs," Bezotte said. "Where is it going to stop? Will we legalize cocaine?"Michigan law prohibits marijuana use for any reason, but roughly a dozen other states permit medicinal use by patients.Dianne Byrum — a spokeswoman with the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care in Ferndale, which has been devoted to passing a medical marijuana initiative in Michigan — said those other states have seen successful marijuana as medicinal purpose programs.Byrum said the patient who would fit medicinal use is "narrow" — less than one-half of 1 percent nationally."This is a narrow group of individuals who are extremely sick or dying," she explained.Bezotte argues that allowing someone to grow his or her own marijuana could lead to recreational use by others.Byrum dismisses that argument, saying there would be no legal protection for any patients violating the law. Those patients who do would be subject to prosecution and would permanently lose their ability to use marijuana for medicinal purpose, she said."These are seriously ill people; it's not people who are well enough to be selling drugs," Byrum noted.Voters in at least five Michigan cities — Ann Arbor, Detroit, Ferndale, Flint and Traverse City — have passed ballot initiatives allowing for medicinal marijuana use in the past few years. The votes were mostly symbolic, however, since state and federal laws prohibit use of the drug.Byrum said she believes Michigan voters will approve the measure. An August 2003 poll found that 59 percent of Michigan voters supported removing criminal penalties for the medical use of marijuana, according to the Coalition for Compassionate Care.Bezotte said the effort would be moot anyway."It will be an issue of state law versus federal law, and I don't see the federal law (changing)," Bezotte said.The Associated Press contributed to this report.On the Net:Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care: http://stoparrestingpatients.orgNewshawk: Fight_4_freedom Source: Livingston County Daily Press & Argus (MI)Author: Lisa Roose-Church, Daily Press & ArgusPublished: Wednesday, March 5, 2008  Copyright: 2008 Livingston Daily Press & ArgusContact: http://tinyurl.com/2yq8msWebsite: http://www.livingstondaily.comRelated Articles: Pot for Medical Use on Ballothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23727.shtmlPot Proposal On Its Way To Michigan's Ballothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23725.shtmlMedical Marijuana Proposal Advances in Michiganhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23724.shtml 
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Comment #61 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 11:13:57 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Mississippi is tonight. Republicans are going to vote for Clinton I have read and Republicans voted for Clinton in Texas. The one article said that Obama would have won Texas if the Republicans hadn't voted for her. McCain could win against Clinton and they know it. I would never do that. Glad you liked the videos. fight_4_freedom this world is yours for the taking. Don't let it slip thru your fingers like what happened to us way back when....
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Comment #60 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2008 at 11:07:17 PT:
Very good videos FoM
Isn't there a primary tonight? 
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Comment #59 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 10:42:21 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I am very tired of the rich and powerful making decisions for us. Many Republicans are voting for Clinton because she will be easier to defeat in November and I think that is morally wrong.We Are The Oneshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU
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Comment #58 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 10:33:19 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I think I would quit hoping if she wins.Vote Different http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h3G-lMZxjo
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Comment #57 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 10:30:18 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I understand what you are saying. My concern is the whole process and those who are pushing for a new vote. I don't trust the Clinton people. If they would split the delegates down the middle that might work since Clinton would probably win Florida and Obama would probably win Michigan. 
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Comment #56 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2008 at 10:24:59 PT:
I did know it wouldn't be counted
if I chose to vote for a democrat. So instead I voted republican.I do agree most rules should not be broken, however I feel the people of Michigan had no say in moving up our primary therefore we should not be punished because of what our democratic party did. I understand what you're saying though. But if Hilary ends up winning the nomination by a small number of delegates, it'll be very disappointing to know that if our votes had been counted, maybe we'd be voting for Obama instead.
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Comment #55 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 10:09:00 PT
fight_4_freedom 
That would be good if you got to vote. I am not for a redo of Michigan and Florida. I'll ask you this question. Did you know that your vote wouldn't count when you voted? When rules are made why should people be punished that didn't bother to vote and respected the decision? They will get to vote in November for the nominee.Why are rules made if only to be broken?
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Comment #54 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2008 at 10:00:52 PT:
I agree
that Obama would be a way better president for our country. And I believe he will help our cause eventually.See I heard on some news report that they would give everybody a shot at voting again, since there were probably many people that voted republican who would have voted for a democrat if we still were seating delegates.But we shall see what they decide pretty soon here. I hope I get a chance, but I know it's probably a long shot.
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 09:53:07 PT
fight_4_freedom 
When a Governor makes a stand it will have impact. I am seeing such a difference between the politicians that support Obama compared to those who endorse Clinton. Clinton is like Lieberman. They are more Republicans then Democrats. I want a left leaning President and Obama is to the far left luckily. PS: Even if they do a vote in Michigan only those who didn't vote for a Republican will be allowed to vote I read in an article unfortunately.
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Comment #52 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2008 at 09:39:21 PT:
I plan on sending her a letter
about her coming out against it. Unfortunately, I voted for her a year or so ago. In that case, she was the lesser of the two evils I felt at the time. But you're right, we had almost 400,000 VALID signatures and nearly half a million raw signatures. For her to totally ignore us and push us aside isn't right. And she will hear it from a lot of people.The great thing about this proposal is that it will be up to the citizens of Michigan to approve it, and she really will have no say in this at all.And FoM I really hope we get a chance to vote or caucus again. From what I'm hearing, they are going to find a way to allow it. I don't see why the Obama and Clinton campaigns can't just pay for it themselves to make it easy.
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Comment #51 posted by FoM on March 11, 2008 at 09:24:15 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I have concerns over Michigan these days. You're Governor, who endorses Hillary Clinton is going against over 300,000 people who signed the petition. Hopefully her ego will be deflated and Obama will get the nomination and then I see it winning. You're Governor is just like our Governor in Ohio. They jumped on the Clinton bandwagon way too early.
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Comment #50 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2008 at 09:04:48 PT:
Give the people what we want!!!!
In that Kalamazoo Gazette poll, 123 people have voted so far. 92% of them said they would vote yes on the proposal.These are numbers I like to see. More and more people are finally getting it. 
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Comment #49 posted by Had Enough on March 09, 2008 at 10:35:07 PT
It must be something in the water???
AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking WaterMar 9, 12:33 PM (ET)By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARDA vast array of pharmaceuticals - including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones - have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.To be sure, the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, far below the levels of a medical dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe. But the presence of so many prescription drugs - and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen - in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health. In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas - from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit to Louisville, Ky.Water providers rarely disclose results of pharmaceutical screenings, unless pressed, the AP found. For example, the head of a group representing major California suppliers said the public "doesn't know how to interpret the information" and might be unduly alarmed. 
How do the drugs get into the water? 
People take pills. Their bodies absorb some of the medication, but the rest of it passes through and is flushed down the toilet. The wastewater is treated before it is discharged into reservoirs, rivers or lakes. Then, some of the water is cleansed again at drinking water treatment plants and piped to consumers. But most treatments do not remove all drug residue.Here are some of the key test results obtained by the AP: _Officials in Philadelphia said testing there discovered 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts in treated drinking water, including medicines for pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems. Sixty-three pharmaceuticals or byproducts were found in the city's watersheds. _Anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medications were detected in a portion of the treated drinking water for 18.5 million people in Southern California. _Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey analyzed a Passaic Valley Water Commission drinking water treatment plant, which serves 850,000 people in Northern New Jersey, and found a metabolized angina medicine and the mood-stabilizing carbamazepine in drinking water. _A sex hormone was detected in San Francisco's drinking water. _The drinking water for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas tested positive for six pharmaceuticals. _Three medications, including an antibiotic, were found in drinking water supplied to Tucson, Ariz. The situation is undoubtedly worse than suggested by the positive test results in the major population centers documented by the AP. The federal government doesn't require any testing and hasn't set safety limits for drugs in water. Of the 62 major water providers contacted, the drinking water for only 28 was tested. Among the 34 that haven't: Houston, Chicago, Miami, Baltimore, Phoenix, Boston and New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, which delivers water to 9 million people. Some providers screen only for one or two pharmaceuticals, leaving open the possibility that others are present.more…Click to see…http://apnews.myway.com//article/20080309/D8VA14500.html
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Comment #48 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 09, 2008 at 10:33:50 PT:
The state should violate federal law in this case
State should not violate federal lawSaturday, March 8, 2008 10:16 PM ESTLocal commentary by Mark LenzWhen there’s more than one possible treatment for a problem, it’s important not to grab the first item in arm’s reach.Supporters of a proposed state law to legalize medical marijuana should weigh that as they push for a likely initiative on Michigan’s November ballot.The state marijuana initiative — which The Daily Telegram recommended against in an editorial Wednesday — is supported by a letter and guest editorial published today. I think the issue deserves federal study, and I genuinely sympathize with patients seeking what they regard as the best form of relief. Still, it is important to remember three key facts.First, the state law would provide no legal protection because marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Less than three years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the federal law over a similar California medical marijuana law. Michigan would be forced to create a new system of tracking medical marijuana users and physicians who approve them. Yet, until federal law changes, that system would serve no more practical purpose than similar laws on the books in Detroit, Ann Arbor and several other cities.
complete article
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Comment #47 posted by FoM on March 09, 2008 at 09:32:14 PT
Poll: Should MMJ Use Be Legal in Michigan
Tell Us What You Think: Should Medical Marijuana Use Be Legal in Michigan?By Kalamazoo Gazette Staff March 09, 2008 The Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care is seeking to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes in the state.The state Board of Canvassers last week approved petitions collected by the group, and the proposal is pending in the Legislature.If the Legislature doesn't pass the proposal into law within 40 days, it will be placed on the November election ballot.Leaders in the House and Senate have said legislative action on the initiative is unlikely. Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she opposes the proposal.Please Vote: http://blog.mlive.com/kalamazoo_gazette_extra/2008/03/what_do_you_think_add.html
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Comment #46 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 08, 2008 at 18:56:10 PT:
Another piece in the Kalamazoo Gazette
State proposal for medical marijuana
Posted by Gazette Staff March 08, 2008 20:03PM
Categories: State news, State newsThe Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care is seeking to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes in the state. The state Board of Canvassers last week approved petitions collected by the group, and the proposal is pending in the Legislature.If the Legislature doesn't pass the proposal into law within 40 days, it will be placed on the November election ballot.Leaders in the House and Senate have said legislative action on the initiative is unlikely. Gov. Jennifer Granholm said she opposes the proposal.InitiativeThe proposal would allow for seriously ill patients, with approval of their primary-care physicians, to possess and use marijuana to treat their symptoms. The individual and his or her physician could not be criminally prosecuted.EligibilityEligible would be those with a "debilitating medical condition" such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, glaucoma, hepatitis C and debilitating symptoms from other diseases. It's estimated about one-half of 1 percent of Michigan residents, between 40,000 and 50,000 people, would be eligible for medical marijuana use.RequirementsAt least 18 years old; must register with the Michigan Department of Community Health and carry a state-issued ID card indicating registration.PenaltiesUsers who sell their marijuana would have their ID card revoked and be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment of up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,000, in addition to other penalties.AmountA registered user could have up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana at one time and cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants. The usable marijuana and plants would be kept in an enclosed, locked location.Other citiesIn Michigan, five cities -- Ann Arbor, Detroit, Ferndale, Flint and Traverse City -- have medical marijuana ordinances, while 14 states have a medical marijuana law. If voters passed the proposal, Michigan would become the first state in the Midwest to adopt such a law.http://blog.mlive.com/kzgazette/2008/03/state_proposal_for_medical_mar.html
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Comment #45 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 08, 2008 at 18:17:09 PT:
Starting to get some attention here.
Navy veteran, 74, uses medical marijuana to relieve pain Chris Killian KALAMAZOO -- The atomic explosions off remote islands in the South Pacific seemed to turn night into day.They also turned Martin Chilcutt into a marijuana user.Chilcutt said the drug has helped him to ease the pain he says dates back to his exposure to radiation during a 1956 U.S. government project testing nuclear and thermonuclear weapons.Martin Chilcutt, 74, of Kalamazoo, is an advocate for medical marijuana. Chilcutt has used marijuana to alleviate anxiety and pain.A state ballot proposal could allow voters in November to decide whether Chilcutt's measures to self-medicate should be legal in Michigan.The 74-year-old former intelligence officer with the U.S. Naval Air Force has used other medications to help him with his physical and psychological problems, but marijuana helps "so much better," he said."Sometimes I just want to die," Chilcutt said. "You can only take intense pain for so long before you'll do anything to escape it."He never intended to put his health at risk.While part of the testing project, Chilcutt remembers, he donned large goggles and turned his back to protect his eyes as the bombs exploded in the early-morning darkness.There was no protection, though, from the heavy doses of radiation that spewed from the explosions and reached Chilcutt.He has battled skin cancer three times, including basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of cancer, with about a million new cases reported in the United States each year. He has been in remission for the past 10 years. http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/03/kalamazoo_us_navy_veteran_74_u.htmlcomplete article
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on March 08, 2008 at 07:54:17 PT
Voters May Face Slew of Ballot Proposals
 Saturday, March 8, 2008Michigan -- It's a certainty that voters in November will get to decide whether marijuana can be used for medical purposes. 
 
Whether voters will see nine other proposals on the ballot, the most in a single year since 1978, is still in question. "A lot of these things never see the light of day," said Kelly Chesney, spokeswoman for the Michigan Secretary of State. The Board of State Canvassers recently ruled that enough petition signatures were valid to put the medical marijuana issue on the ballot. State lawmakers have 40 days to adopt the proposal, in which case it would not appear on the ballot. Lawmakers can also vote against the proposal or do nothing, in which case it appears on the ballot. "We anticipate they'll take no action," Dianne Byrum of the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care said of lawmakers. "They haven't taken action on any medical marijuana bills in the Legislature." If approved by voters, Michigan would join 12 other states with medical marijuana laws on the books. Complete Article: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/030808/loc_20080308349.shtml
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Comment #43 posted by 1RastaWarrior on March 06, 2008 at 20:36:29 PT
augustwest
I believe early man's sacrifice of children so the rest of the tribe could eat constitutes murder.The natural process of life, whether in the human, animal or plant kingdom, is for children to outlive their parents. Without adherence to this process life on this planet would quickly become extinct. You argue that remorse and regret over murder is learned, however I'd argue that it's an inherent quality every human has been blessed with. Without an innate filter to murder we would have rendered ourselves extinct long ago.Now, you and I can debate about whether or not murder is justifiable in cases such as the one involving early man's sacrifice of children. I would contend that it would've been more justifiable to sacrifice the oldest members of the tribe rather than the youngest. However in either case I would argue that it's unnatural, which is a separate argument from whether or not it's justifiable. I'll give you that there are cases where murder is justifiable, but as you alluded to, it's driven by an unnatural environment rather than a natural, innate desire like taking a dump.Peace and Jah Bless
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on March 06, 2008 at 20:28:14 PT
ekim
An aircard is a little gadget that plugs into a usb port and you get online that way. You can link it to other computers somehow if you want to and this one has some other feature that I don't understand yet. 
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Comment #41 posted by ekim on March 06, 2008 at 20:14:39 PT
good going FoM -- whatsaaircard--
TX -Illinois - Minnesota had mills up and running-- they had the first decorticators-- 
wonder if Jack ever contact those in the last sentence. it would be nice to know more about the machine and where you could have gottn one. -and where all of the others have gone -- like how much is one worth today-does any state outlaw the destruction of cannabis and treat it like a endangered plant.runruff -- a couple of summers ago the ex cia dir james woolsey was in kal talking at wmu about how we import most of our oil and that we should begin to reduce this for our own good. the dir also said that we the usa should grow cannabis for the good of the country.never heard anything about wmu talking about cannabis.
point being is that maybe you could get mr. woolsey to talk to you by fone on your show. he might be able to clear up what you ask.where are the cannabis producers -- why dont say anything-we need to hear from -- we need the seeds -- its for the childen what will they eat- it with stands great amounts of harmfull rays. http://www.jackherer.com/popmech.htmlPopular Mechanics - February 1938
 
Billion Dollar Crop
http://www.thehia.org
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Comment #40 posted by FoM on March 06, 2008 at 19:08:34 PT
Off Topic: Enjoying My New Aircard
I think it's good that The Rolling Stone Magazine endorsed Obama.Dr. Hook...Cover Of The Rolling Stone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ux3-a9RE1Q
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on March 06, 2008 at 18:55:35 PT
Hope
Last night I went over to the Alltel forum I read and told them about my problem and they said they would trade it out. Two people told me to ask for a UTStarcom UM150 instead of my Franklin CDU550. I wasn't sure they would upgrade without more money but she gave it to me with no charge. I was happy with 400 kbps and to get 1200 kbps is so darn nice. I am very pleased with Alltel.
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Comment #38 posted by Hope on March 06, 2008 at 18:28:33 PT
The new card...
That's amazing... and wonderful to hear!
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on March 06, 2008 at 18:23:59 PT
Hope
I'm not a big fan of doughnuts unless they are Krispy Kreme. Stick brings them home to me when he is on the road and I have to slap my own hand so I don't eat all of them at one time. LOL! No it's not that bad but they are so good.PS: I just got a new aircard today because mine has been giving me trouble. Alltel traded it out for free and I have tripled me download speed to around 1200 kbps. It's really amazing. I can watch a video with no buffering at all.
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on March 06, 2008 at 17:53:35 PT
You can't enjoy the donut and ponder...
So ... that is a question that's on my mind though. Lots of dieing and murdering going on, seems like. March, I guess.
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Comment #35 posted by Hope on March 06, 2008 at 17:32:38 PT
Dang.
Now I want a donut. Chocolate covered. And ponder why people kill each other. Self Defense not included. Knuckle draggers, basically, in one opinion. Rage and hatred people.
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Comment #34 posted by Hope on March 06, 2008 at 17:29:48 PT
 Terribly unobservant of you, Sensimilla.
Even I've noticed the donut before!Very interesting viewpoints there, August West, Rasta Warrior, Museman, Afterburner, Sensimilla....everybody.
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on March 06, 2008 at 16:58:02 PT
Sinsemilla Jones 
No it's not new. I just HATE to do articles about the police! LOL!
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Comment #32 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on March 06, 2008 at 16:53:02 PT
BTW, FoM......
Love the doughnut!Is that new, or am I terribly unobservant?
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on March 06, 2008 at 11:53:17 PT
afterburner
I think it is wrong what they did but I believe they did it to keep the black man down.
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Comment #30 posted by augustwest on March 06, 2008 at 11:40:07 PT:
Is murder natural
Rasta man do you consider early mans sacrifice of children so the rest of the tribe could eat murder? The capacity to murder is definitley relative to ones enviroment and times are really easy now for humans to survive but in harsher times I don't know that it would be as hard for a man to kill. You might say that proves its learned but I would argue that the remorse and regret you spoke of is learned our moral compass has surley been adjusted with religon and other influences of modern society I believe early man probably murdered w/out much problem and religon was designed to stop that. I wish I shared your sunny opinion of the human race but I think man is the scourge of the earth and most people exploit their fellow humans even if they aren't aware of it. Prisons are full of those alfa males you mentioned. I don't think every person was capable of murder but for those alfa males it was as natural as taking a dump. IMO
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Comment #29 posted by afterburner on March 06, 2008 at 10:58:52 PT
FoM #20 & museman #25
What kind of a message does the massive support for racist-originated drug laws (by law enforcement agencies, politicians and doctors associations) send to the children, especially to poor and minority children?Do you really want to be the bad cop, the bad doctor?Do you really want to run for office on such a diseased platform?
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Comment #28 posted by unkat27 on March 06, 2008 at 09:54:13 PT
Illegal Drugs are Easy Money for Cops
Cops are not simply bullies, they are members of organized corruption that make lots of extra cash off the war on drugs. The war on drugs, for cops, represents a resource of easy money equal to that of the dealers themselves. Whenever illegal drugs are dealt, the dealers rake in big money profits. Meanwhile, cops sit back, eat doughnots, drink coffee, and keep an eye on them. After all or most of the drugs are sold, and the dealers are ready to move out, the cops arrest them and take all the drug-money. This is the ulterior motive behind the lies spewed by cops like Bezotte and Kowalski. If marijuana were legalized, they wouldn't make so much easy money from the dealers they arrest. 
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Comment #27 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on March 06, 2008 at 09:11:37 PT
The other disparate drug laws....
Why should possession of cannabis in living plant form, unusable until harvested and dried, have much more severe penalties than possession of the same amount of cannabis in dried, ready to use form?Growing plants with no usable marijuana is a federal felony, but possessing usable marijuana is a federal misdemeanor.The greatest penalty for possession is 1 year, the least penalty for what is really only potential possession, cultivation, is 5 years, and one could be sentenced to life in prison without ever really producing any usable marijuana.http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4575So, in other words, aren't the marijuana cultivation laws even more unbalanced in relation to marijuana possession than the crack laws are in relation to cocaine?
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Comment #26 posted by museman on March 06, 2008 at 08:18:49 PT
1RastaWarrior
Excellent point. There are many human attributes and behaviors which are labeled 'natural' or 'inherent' by left-brained researchers who can only catalog information with very little innovative thought going into it. When everything in reality can be quantized as 'chemical' reaction, or 'programmed reaction to stimulous' there is a great deal of the picture that gets left out in the conclusion published by the 'scientific mind.'What I don't think is being taken into consideration here, is that there are basicly two choices represented; right behavior, and wrong behavior. Both are learned behaviors, not inherent, not 'genetic' or inherited, though patterns surely get passed down from generation to generation.Rich children are taught to be cold and calculating -thereby assuring the predatory, posessive, actions and values present in the adults, who rule, make the rules, establish weights and measures of currency and material worth, and in general make life miserable for as many as they possibly can. Prisons were invented by these people.War is a direct result of this small powerful class of people, forcing their un-natural behavior patterns on the rest of the world. In a world where humanity existed in harmony with true nature -Creation- murder, rape, theft, vandalism, and war (which is a synopsis of all those things) would not exist, because there would be no un-natural situation for the human mind and psyche to chafe at and react negatively.So much of what we consider our civilization and society to be, is not only un-natural, but a diseased corruption of the natural. The powers and principalities have been at war with nature since the Sumerian 'gods' held the earth in thrall -way way back. Those few natural, peoples who struggled, like islands in a sea of insanity, to pursue their natural heritage, have all been conquered and assimilated by the Princes, Kings, and Corporate Lords. All done in the guise of 'religion' or for the glory of the 'state.'Is man inherently 'good?' I believe so. In witnessing the growth and changes of children, I can say with absolute certainty that there is no such thing as 'born bad.' All children are innocent until taught not to be. The fault is in mam's choices, not nature.
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Comment #25 posted by museman on March 06, 2008 at 07:50:00 PT
FoM#20
"....disparity was to keep African Americans slaves or that's what I think. They couldn't have slaves anymore unless they become criminals so they made laws to make sure they could keep slaves if that makes sense."The population of black prisoners altogether is enormously high -about 45% of the black male population! 35% -38% are drug related.The black poverty level is about 28% -32%.The racial prejudices of the power elite are responsible for part of that, but if you take into consideration the rest of the prison population, you find that almost all the people in prison share one thing in common; poverty. White, Hispanic, or Black, poverty is the situation that caused these men and women to go against the status quo in frustration, anger, and violence, Poverty is what got them on the street selling or using crack.So I submit they do want to 'keep the slaves' under their control, but black isn't the only 'slave color.' The color of slavery is poverty, and power and greed is the cause. Same kinda people running the show now as any other time.At least the black people weren't fooled into believing they weren't slaves, like most working class these days. The power juggernaught just keep rollin' towards the inevitable cliff.
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Comment #24 posted by 1RastaWarrior on March 06, 2008 at 07:12:16 PT
Murder is not natural
augustwest, I'd like to unequivovally and respectfully disagree with your argument that murder is a natural human function. While humans certainly have the capability to commit murder, it does not come naturally. If murder was a natural human function the military would not need to take new soilders through a rigorous indoctirnation process which is aimed specifically at teaching them to kill. Even after this process studies conclusively show that when soldiers are placed in situations where they have to kill someone for the first time, the majority can't pull the trigger. The soldiers that do kill often experience intense emotional and psychological scars stemming from regret over their taking of another human life. As do police officers, boxers and anyone else who's killed someone.What comes naturally for a human is to interact peacefully with their fellow humans. The basis for human interactions in not fueled by a natural desire we have to murder someone, rather it's fueled by a natural desire we have to be helpful, understanding and cooperative with one another. This is why the vast majority of humans have never murdered anyone. Even with the chimps you speak of, murder occurs in extremely rare, isolated cases and is localized to only a few dominant males within a particular group.
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Comment #23 posted by OverwhelmSam on March 06, 2008 at 05:45:33 PT
About The Shakedown
If marijuana were legal, police organizations would not be able to shake down the citizens, municipalities and state legislatures for money to operate. Note: If police would spend more time on enforcement than lobbying mayors, govenors and senators, maybe they would be more effective. I still object to our servant police forces being able to lobby for policies based on greed and power.
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Comment #22 posted by Had Enough on March 06, 2008 at 04:20:45 PT
And people (cops/lawmakers) are worried about pot
Contaminant Found in Blood ThinnerBy LAURAN NEERGAARD – 13 hours ago WASHINGTON (AP) — Some of Baxter International's recalled blood thinner heparin contained large amounts of a contaminant that might explain hundreds of serious side effects. And the government said Wednesday it's investigating whether what appears to be a fake ingredient got there by accident or by fraud.The Food and Drug Administration said 19 deaths from allergic-type reactions are now associated with the recalled drug, up from four.Baxter insisted the contaminant further points suspicion at ingredient suppliers in China, which are under increasing scrutiny after a wave of recalls involving food, drug and toy imports.The FDA stopped short of ruling out a U.S. connection and cautioned that while the contaminant is a prime suspect, officials haven't yet proved it harmed patients."We still don't know whether this inadvertently got into the supply or whether it was actually added," said FDA drug chief Dr. Janet Woodcock. "We can't tell you where the contamination originated."more…click to see…http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jqm4C9oxV7LhuwKEsld3Wi6D-08QD8V7I9D80I posted this on another thread by mistake. I meant to post it here…
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Comment #21 posted by tintala on March 05, 2008 at 19:14:35 PT:
"Where is it going to stop? Will we legalize cocai
Well , THERE IS AN INHERENT difference between recreational use of cocaine and medical use of marijuana. He put those two in the same context. lol. Also there is a dif between rec use of cannanis and medical use. Those twats are spin doctors and we need to distinguish these differences of rec use and medical uses of substances.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on March 05, 2008 at 18:42:56 PT
augustwest
I believe the crack - cocaine disparity was to keep African Americans slaves or that's what I think. They couldn't have slaves anymore unless they become criminals so they made laws to make sure they could keep slaves if that makes sense.
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Comment #19 posted by augustwest on March 05, 2008 at 18:25:31 PT:
crack sentencing
Even a casual observer of county jail and prison populations of the last 20 years would plainly see the dispraportionate number of young black males entering the the system for the same charge, sales of crack. Of course this impovershed, under educated ,unemployable demagraphic would turn to crack sales it's embedded in their culture now with open air markets in every ghetto and cousins or uncles already in the business. The fact that they punish this group more than any other for any other drug is just the tip of the iceburg in the obvious racial abuse as well as abuse of classes. Everybody who is effected by drugs in whatever way is made worse because of the war on drugs. Anything that reveals how bad this policy is, is good for the public.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 05, 2008 at 17:50:48 PT
Dankhank
I haven't follow the cocaine - crack issue so I did a search and found these articles. I don't know if this shows progress or not.Government Starts Cutting Sentences Of Crack Inmateshttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030402578.html?hpid=sec-nationClinton's Crack Cocaine Apology: Too Little Too Late?http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-papa/clintons-crack-cocaine-a_b_89881.html
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Comment #17 posted by gloovins on March 05, 2008 at 17:17:21 PT
I told ya so 
these yap yap yapers - they all spew the same lies & deceit.we are ready for them now, & so are informed voters. michigan will know the truth come november, don't you all worry...and the truth sets you free....love to all ...
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Comment #16 posted by Dankhank on March 05, 2008 at 16:19:23 PT
agreed ...
augustwest, "proof" lies in the changing federal sentencing laws for crack vs cocainehope that there is some measure of sanity in those halls of justice ...
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Comment #15 posted by augustwest on March 05, 2008 at 14:56:22 PT:
federal law
"It will be an issue of state law versus federal law, and I don't see the federal law (changing)," Bezotte said.Federal law changing is inevitable as more and more research shows how ridiculous the current federal status is. In this age of information bogus laws are being exposed and changed all the time and this one will too.
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Comment #14 posted by potpal on March 05, 2008 at 14:50:39 PT
nightmares
"It would be a nightmare for law enforcement," he said. Does he mean the way law enforcement has become a nightmare to the people they are supposed to serve and protect?Police state of mind. Too bad we don't elect these bullies.
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Comment #13 posted by observer on March 05, 2008 at 13:50:53 PT
Please, Police: Don't Scoff
Murder, rape, insanity! This is why police must fight to save the children from marijuana.
"I am surprised to learn that certain police officers have been inclined to minimize the effects of the use of marihuana. 
These officers should review some of the cases that are reported to the Bureau. They would, I am sure, be convinced that the 
drug is adhering to its old world traditions of murder, assault, rape, physical demoralization and mental breakdown. A study 
of the effects of marihuana shows clearly that it is a dangerous drug, and Bureau records prove that its use is associated 
with insanity and crime. Therefore, from the standpoint of police work, it is a more dangerous drug than heroin or cocaine."  (J. Edgar Hoover, 1938)

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Comment #12 posted by augustwest on March 05, 2008 at 12:29:37 PT:
doctors and cops
Why aren't doctors more outraged by statements like the ones made in this article. If I went through medical school and some cop with a ged was spouting medical opinions in the local paper I would be pissed. Thats like doctors saying people should stop listening to what police say about crime we doctors know better and crime is healthy we should all go out and rob banks. 
Cops should be paid 100,000 a year be required to have a college education and be held to a very high standard and this would all be possible if we ended the war on drugs cause we wouldn't need so many of them. I think that would move us closer to a perfect world.
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Comment #11 posted by augustwest on March 05, 2008 at 12:16:20 PT:
murder
I actually believe murder is a natural human function. I came to this conclusion studying research on chimps our closest relative with whom we share the distinction of being the only animals to commit murder. If you've ever seen a case of mob mentality get out of hand you might notice our actions and body language are identical to chimps. chimps and humans both have a dark sinister side that is a big part of their success. I also feel young males who are so quick to murder a rival are traits we share w/chimps as they have tests for acceptance that include murdering rivals.
while I think murder comes naturally to some of us it has very little purpose in todays society and is more prevalent because of our over population of the planet.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on March 05, 2008 at 11:26:35 PT
Hope
In a perfect world no one would murder anyone but as long as the love of money, envy and hatred control us murder will keep on happening. When goodness isn't important bad things happen.
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Comment #9 posted by Hope on March 05, 2008 at 11:07:40 PT
Completely off topic... just thinking.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a murder free world? Or would it?Istead of "drug free... why not "murder free"? Or even murder and oppression free world?It's not possible though in reality, I know, because of hatred. But it would be nice to see all those wealthy campaigners campaigning for something like a Drug Free America!... actually giving something to people instead of taking it away from them. 
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on March 05, 2008 at 11:06:54 PT
Press Release From The Drug Policy Alliance
Upcoming Medical Marijuana Events in MarylandTuesday, March 4, 2008 http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/030408md.cfm
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Comment #7 posted by afterburner on March 05, 2008 at 10:05:48 PT
"Doctor" Kowalski 
I want a second opinion!
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Comment #6 posted by Commonsense on March 05, 2008 at 09:23:10 PT
"Where is it going to stop?"
"Will we legalize cocaine?"Cocaine is a Schedule II drug under the federal scheduling system because it does have medical uses and is in fact used as a medicine. It was many years ago, but a doctor used a cocaine solution when resetting my broken nose. It is an excellent topical anesthetic and they probably have it at hospitals in your town. Even though marijuana is much safer than marijuana, it is a Schedule I drug under the federal system because the feds still claim there is no legitimate medical utility in it. So, they don't need to legalize cocaine. It is already legal for limited medical purposes. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and will remain illegal until they reschedule it. 
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Comment #5 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 05, 2008 at 08:58:03 PT:
These police officers crack me up
"It's been proven that marijuana leads to other drugs," Bezotte said. "Where is it going to stop? Will we legalize cocaine?"-Oh please, this gateway theory is getting pretty old. Do they really believe people are still going to fall for this?-Capt. John Kowalski of the Howell Police Department said he is not convinced there is any legitimate medical use of marijuana."I think the person who uses it may have some psychological 'easement,' but I haven't seen any data that says marijuana has a legitimate use," he said.Wow, this is quite an individual we have here. Not only is he a police captain but he also holds a medical degree.Give me a break.
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Comment #4 posted by Hope on March 05, 2008 at 08:19:26 PT
Wow! She must sleep on a bed of nails!
The woman who wrote the letter I mentioned below, said she "Would never put any foreign material in my body to stop my pain.""Foreign material"? 
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Comment #3 posted by Hope on March 05, 2008 at 08:14:53 PT
Not exactly scoffing, but more in wonderment,
the second sentence in this woman's letter made me laugh out loud. Or maybe it was actually more of a snort.http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n243/a01.html?397.CANNABIS ISN'T MY PANACEA 
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Comment #2 posted by Hope on March 05, 2008 at 07:49:44 PT
Indeed, Runruff.
I mentioned on another thread about this statement that cannabis was outstanding relief for nightmares.
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Comment #1 posted by runruff on March 05, 2008 at 07:24:16 PT:
Yadda,yadda,yadda......................
My how those public servants hate to be told what to do by their bosses.........the people.Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said Tuesday that opening the door to legalization of marijuana is "ridiculous." "It would be a nightmare for law enforcement," he said. As in: it would interfear with their ability to asset forfiture.They will eventually loose funds in budgets.They won't be able to use a little herb as an excuse to shake someone down wherein they stiff you for cash and drugs.I'm on to these bastards.
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