cannabisnews.com: Colorado Up In Smoke?





Colorado Up In Smoke?
Posted by CN Staff on July 30, 2008 at 05:56:02 PT
By Peter Marcus, DDN Staff Writer
Source: Denver Daily News
Colorado -- The potency of marijuana has increased over 151 percent since 1983. But Coloradans still say, “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.”A study released yesterday by the Office of National Drug Control Policy indicates that Colorado ranks in the top 10 for states with the highest current marijuana use. At least 7.6 percent of Coloradans smoked weed in the past month.
Also, contrary to arguments made by pot proponents, the 2008 Marijuana Sourcebook revealed that less than one half of 1 percent of inmates in state prisons are serving time for marijuana possession only. Marijuana still accounts for two out of five drug violation arrests nationwide.Drug Czar John Walters said that while marijuana use among teens has continued to decrease, convincing adults to stop using the drug has remained a problem.“Baby Boomers have this perception that marijuana is about fun and freedom. It isn’t,” he said. “It’s about dependency, disease and dysfunction.”The Marijuana Sourcebook was released one day before Congressman Barney Frank, D-Mass., is expected to hold a news conference today in Washington announcing plans to introduce legislation that would remove federal penalties for personal marijuana use. The resolution would eliminate federal penalties for the adult possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana, and for the not-for-profit transfer of up to one ounce of the drug.“The Drug Czar must be truly scared of the federal marijuana decriminalization bill that is moving through Congress,” said Denver pot proponent Mason Tvert. “It appears his office spent more time preparing this one marijuana ‘report’ than it has ever spent actually helping people with substance abuse problems receive treatment.”Tvert is an advocate of legalizing marijuana. He ran a successful campaign in Denver in 2005 that legalized the adult possession of up to an ounce of marijuana. A second successful campaign last year instructed the Denver Police Department to make marijuana its lowest enforcement priority. The campaign was launched after Denver marijuana arrests increased despite the decision by voters in 2005.Tvert said that while few marijuana users are thrown in prison, the fact that they’re arrested in the first place is a significant problem.“They are permanently branded as criminals with drug convictions just for using a drug less harmful than alcohol,” he said. “If the Drug Czar is so thrilled with how states are handling those arrested for marijuana possession, he should support the bill introduced by Rep. Barney Frank that simply leaves marijuana enforcement up to the states.” Second-Most Used Illicit Drug  Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug next to psychotherapeutics like anti-anxiety medications, according to the Marijuana Sourcebook report. In addition to Colorado, northern California, Alaska, Hawaii, parts of Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, most of the Northeast and northern Florida are all experiencing high marijuana usage rates. In California, over 4.9 million marijuana plants were destroyed last year. Approximately 2 million people started using marijuana in the past year, according to the report. Fifty-three percent of people scored weed for free and 43 percent bought it. Seventy-eight percent of marijuana users got it from their friends. And 55 percent used pot inside their own homes, while 22 percent smoked it at an outside public area.There are about 25.4 million people smoking marijuana in the United States, according to the report. Users spent an estimated total of $11 billion in all to obtain the drug.Walters believes strongly that there are serious consequences to smoking marijuana, including emotional and physical tolls.“Too many of us are in denial and it’s time for an intervention,” he said.Tvert, however, said regardless of pot’s potency, it’s still less harmful than the legal alternative — alcohol.“Alcohol use alone is the nation’s third leading preventable cause of death, whereas there has never been a single death in history attributed solely to marijuana use,” he said. “Why on earth would the Drug Czar prefer adults use a more deadly drug?”Source: Denver Daily News (CO)Author: Peter Marcus, DDN Staff WriterPublished: Wednesday, July 30, 2008Copyright: 2008 Denver Daily NewsEmail: letters thedenverdailynews.comWebsite: http://www.thedenverdailynews.com CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #97 posted by museman on July 31, 2008 at 10:39:49 PT
actually
"“Baby Boomers have this perception that marijuana is about fun and freedom. It isn’t,” he said. “It’s about dependency, disease and dysfunction.”"Actually, "baby boomers have this perception that america is about liberty, justice, and freedom. It isn't, its about dependency on a failed system, created and enhanced 'dis-ease' all across the world, and deliberate dysfunction regulated, controlled, and legislated for the benefit of the special few."
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Comment #96 posted by FoM on July 31, 2008 at 06:50:35 PT
CSN and Colbert
This is one of my favorite all time songs. Teach Your Children. Enjoy. http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/videos.jhtml?videoId=177948
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Comment #95 posted by potpal on July 31, 2008 at 04:30:41 PT
follow the mandate of the people
Wish we did the same...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/30/us.equador.base/index.html
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Comment #94 posted by Storm Crow on July 31, 2008 at 00:44:11 PT
Slight change in the AOL poll...
"Yes" is holding at 76%. "No" dropped a point to 20%, and undecided gained a point to 4%. With a total of 143,647 votes so far. 72% of those who chose to tell (129,312 voters) have used cannabis. You know, in an election, 76% of a vote for anything or anyone is considered a huge landslide- hope the politicos are taking note of the numbers! 
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Comment #93 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 21:44:55 PT:
It's been a long day FoM
So To All At C-News, Have A Wonderful Night!            *ONE LOVE* 
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Comment #92 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 21:15:00 PT
CSN was on Colbert
They sang Teach Your Children. I hope the video gets put on youtube. I'm calling it a day but I had to post this.
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Comment #91 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 20:38:22 PT
Related Article From The San Francisco Chronicle
Lee, Zofgren Urge Feds To End Prosecution for Pot Possessionhttp://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/30/BAHM122LC9.DTL
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Comment #90 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 20:36:28 PT:
AOL Article and Poll
http://news.aol.com/article/allow-some-pot-lawmakers-urge/110137?icid=100214839x1206873085x120035090476% Yes 21% No 3% not sure
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Comment #89 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 20:34:16 PT
goblet
That was good. I saw your video on the CNN link. Thank you.
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Comment #88 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 20:30:11 PT
potpal
Thank you. 
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Comment #87 posted by goblet on July 30, 2008 at 20:11:25 PT
Louis Armstrong -Aint Misbehavin
blatant plug alert....while we are on the topic of Louis Armstrong....I chose "aint misbehavin" cuz we ain't.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84WGs7yO-vw
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Comment #86 posted by potpal on July 30, 2008 at 19:47:32 PT
fom
Back at ya...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnRqYMTpXHc&feature=related 
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Comment #85 posted by goblet on July 30, 2008 at 18:41:04 PT
John Tyler
wouldn't it be something if the elected officials actually listened to the voice of the people?
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Comment #84 posted by John Tyler on July 30, 2008 at 18:25:27 PT
recent survey
Recent Check 9:23 PM ET
Yes 66% 108,252 
No 34% 56,960 
Total Votes: 165,212 Wow.
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Comment #83 posted by ekim on July 30, 2008 at 18:19:51 PT
heres to a kinder world
meet tommy Chong in a comedy club in battle creek mi back when we were tring to get PRA Personal Responsibility Initiative passed which would have allowed three ozs and 3 plants- i found him to be very interested in the effort.please send good vibs that Cheech and Chong will hear what has been said and written here and see we need more orrs in the water.hope Mason has seen the Leap.cc billboard in Omaha --i hope the reform groups will place billboards in many cities showing the Frank bill -i did not catch the number, i wonder if it could be posted in the middle of the pic with in the picture-- the plant instead of the sea shell. wonder how far the effect still works like if it was a billboard just how far away could the bill number still be read. see http://magiceye.com/gallery/071008s.htmlsure would like to see the real Bourne Project telling the story of how the Gov't makes drug war sausage.
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Comment #82 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 17:42:35 PT
potpal
It would be a wonderful world.Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful Worldhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5IIXeR5OUI
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Comment #81 posted by potpal on July 30, 2008 at 17:21:32 PT
poll related article
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/30/frank.marijuana/index.html What a wonderful world it could be.The world needs the healing cannabis offers.Legalize it.
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Comment #80 posted by goneposthole on July 30, 2008 at 17:05:56 PT
too much marijuana consuming
going on out there. People need to quit smoking so much of that stuff. It makes for a short supply and high prices.We need an over-supply and low numbers of users to reduce the price of cannabis dramatically.The US gov is in denial of how many good folks out there who really are using pot.There's a high number of pot users.If they just wouldn't smoke so much, it would cost less.Too much demand and the supply is limited.Coloradans need to use less.har
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Comment #79 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 16:42:45 PT
fight_4_freedom 
There was a time when the TV news did cover our issue but the longer we got into this administration the less was said. They have effectively almost shut the door on our issue. This administration wanted to shut down marijuana anyway they could and have been successful up until now. In the future it will surface again like in your state this November. 
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Comment #78 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 16:38:17 PT
kaptinemo
Instead of complaining about Obama why don't you tell us why McCain would be better. No one even tries to say why McCain will be better if he wins. All I ever hear is Obama is spooky or not trust worthy and that doesn't help me decide why McCain is better. 
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Comment #77 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 16:30:20 PT:
I am shocked that they had him as a guest 
and did not even once mention the bill he introduced in congress today. I'll keep scanning the news channels.
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Comment #76 posted by E_Johnson on July 30, 2008 at 16:30:11 PT
I have something to say to Cheech Marin
I am a medical patient and my medicine does not make me stupid nor does it make me do stupid things. I am not going to laugh at anyone who makes money convincing Americans that my medicine makes me stupid and makes me do stupid things.I'm just going to put Cheech on the same list that I put the other people who want to convince the public that my medicine makes me stupid and makes me do stupid things.
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Comment #75 posted by E_Johnson on July 30, 2008 at 16:26:45 PT
Does this sound like they're going to be better?
"Marin said their humor about doing stupid things while being stoned on marijuana should still appeal to today's youth, as well as Cheech & Chong's older fans."I'm really sick and tired of people focusing on what's stupid and wrong about a drug that heals PTSD and kills cancer.I hate Cheech and Chong and I'm prepared to picket them in LA if need be.If they're going to focus on what's wrong and stupid about this community, then they might as well just go work for the DEA.Anyone who takes this lightly is underestimating the negative power their humor has had on us in the past.I predict that support for marijuana reform will decline during their tour in every place they visit.They are a marijuana minstrel show. They do about as much for marijuana reform as minstrel show singers in black face did to end Jim Crow.
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Comment #74 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2008 at 16:24:48 PT:
It's hardly hateful to list the man's associations
Particularly when those associations are responsible for so much recent history.It is said that you are known by the company you keep. In this case, the same 'company' that presently runs the current Administration...as it ran the last one. And the one before. And the one before. And so on...Or, as the old line from the song went, "Meet the new boss; he's the same as the old boss.' And for the Biblically inclined, it's 'new wine in old wine skins'. The Romans used to say, 'caveat emptor'. As in 'buyer, beware'. We're being asked to 'buy' something, here. ..from the same 'business' that created the mess we're in now. The same bunch applying those screws I mentioned. We've had the real-life version of 'Rabban' for 8 years; now it's 'Feyd-Rauthas' turn. But both work for the 'Baron'...not us.
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Comment #73 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 16:21:06 PT
Had Enough
Thanks for the poll update. We still are way ahead. That's really good.
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Comment #72 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 16:19:38 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I had to get some housework done but left CNN on and I didn't hear anymore. I'm watching MSNBC now and Barney Frank is on but it's about the housing crisis.
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Comment #71 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 16:17:11 PT:
Ganjic Karma- haha i love it
"It’s a sentiment that no doubt would be cheered by famed stoner duo Cheech and Chong, whose reunion tour announcement on Wednesday came the same day as Frank’s statement. A cosmic coincidence? Ganjic karma? You decide."
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Comment #70 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 16:11:58 PT:
Did they mention anything about this
during Wolf Blitzer's show? I just hope this continues to get coverage.
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Comment #69 posted by Had Enough on July 30, 2008 at 16:06:33 PT
CNN Poll
Quick Vote Are you in favor of legalizing marijuana?Yes 65% 90596 No 35% 48118 Total Votes: 138714 
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Comment #68 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 15:51:49 PT
kaptinemo
I'll give him a chance. What clubs he belongs to doesn't mean anything to me. I thought maybe you didn't hate him too. It's ok though. I'm used to it anymore.
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Comment #67 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2008 at 15:47:57 PT:
FoM, I am reminded of a passage from the 
Frank Herbert book, Dune. The evil Baron Harkonnen is discussing with his heir Feyd-Rautha how he's going to make the strategic but severely downtrodden planet Arrakis insufferable under his brutal cousin Rabban's rule...and then, when people are screaming for relief, the Baron will send his heir as a 'savior'...to add polish to the shafting they are already getting.I hate to say this, but the political situation in America is just like that. The screws are tightened, slowly, slowly, slowly, not all at once, or people would rebel violently. No, you tighten the screw a little, watch, wait, listen until the screams die down, then when you think the people have gotten used to the latest outrage, start turning the screw, again. For the curious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qy97pFDLigAnd Mr. Obama is a member of this exclusive club. I'll leave the readers to draw what conclusions they will from such associations...
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Comment #66 posted by observer on July 30, 2008 at 14:59:13 PT
None of the Government’s Business. 
“The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government’s business,” Frank said. “I believe that smoking marijuana is an example of this.”
Government control over 'all sectors of a society' is the essence of the totalitarian state. -- Ayn Rand"All within the state, none outside the state, none against the state." -- Benito MussoliniTotalitarianism is when people believe they can punish their way to perfection. -- House Speaker Newt Gingrich, at a President's Day Republican fundraiser, May 1998

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Comment #65 posted by NikoKun on July 30, 2008 at 14:54:04 PT
only 1 half of 1 percent?
Never mind that even just being arrested for it once, causes unnecessary harm to that person's life, with or without jail time. It most certainly leaves a permanent mark on that person's record, which will haunt them for years to come.
And the statistic STILL stands... a Cannabis user is arrested every 38 seconds.Why must we even waste ANY money or time arresting people for a personal activity?
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Comment #64 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 14:52:18 PT
An Entirely Different Kind Of 'Green' Lobby
By Chris FratesJuly 30, 2008 
(The Politico) Rep. Barney Frank wants to give Americans permission to smoke weed.“The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government’s business,” Frank said. “I believe that smoking marijuana is an example of this.”It’s a sentiment that no doubt would be cheered by famed stoner duo Cheech and Chong, whose reunion tour announcement on Wednesday came the same day as Frank’s statement. A cosmic coincidence? Ganjic karma? You decide.Frank made his pronouncement flanked by marijuana boosters, an entirely different kind of green lobby, to push his bill to decriminalize personal possession of up to 100 grams of bud and the non-profit transfer of up to an ounce of the sticky stuff. At the press conference, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) called the bill “enlightened,” but without the same starry-eyed affect you might expect from a burner using the word to describe a newfound mental state.Lee emphasized how the measure would put an end to federal raids and prosecutions of those who use medical marijuana in her home state and 11 others where it is permitted by state law. “Taxpayer dollars should not be spent on sending seriously or terminally ill patients to jail,” Lee said. “It makes no sense and, quite frankly, it’s inhumane and it’s immoral.”Federal resources, Frank argued, also shouldn’t be used to punish Americans for engaging in behavior that doesn’t impinge on the rights of others. While not a pot smoker himself, Frank said he does smoke cigars -- a habit he would not encourage. Marijuana lobbyists made the case that decriminalization was the first step to creating a legal, regulated marketplace for marijuana. They also pointed out how one minor marijuana offense can lead to the loss of public housing privileges and food stamps.“Given what I’m told could be the effect of smoking marijuana, denying people food stamps would seem a particularly cruel response,” Frank said drawing laughs. But not everyone was amused. Among all the heads sat David Murray, the chief scientist for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. “What you got from Congressman Frank was jokes about food stamps and highs and about marijuana futures markets. I think that may reflect an attitude about marijuana that is somewhat outdated by the current medical literature about its actual risks,” said Murray, adding that pot is detrimental not just to the user but to the community. Asked what he thought the bill’s chances of passing were, Frank said, “Well, let me say, the chances are not high.”Now that stoner humor has come to the Capitol, can the Cheech and Chong be far behind?Copyright 2008 POLITICOhttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/30/politics/politico/thecrypt/main4309182.shtml
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Comment #63 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 14:48:04 PT
kaptinemo
I guess I should add that Obama will be better then McCain from all I've read about the both of them.
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Comment #62 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 14:45:51 PT
kaptinemo
I have a much better hope with an Obama Administration. These years under this administration have been terrible. 
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Comment #61 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2008 at 14:24:44 PT:
FoM, I hate to say it,, but yes
They are appointed...and for the most part, that means a political hack will take the job...just as been the case since the Carter Administration. The only person in my memory to ever be qualified to be Drug Czar was Dr. Peter Bourne, and some prominent members of the drug law reform movement destroyed him in a fit of pique...and condemned us to 31 years of misery as a result. For those who are scratching their heads in puzzlement, do your own research. Just the name alone should be enough.
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Comment #60 posted by observer on July 30, 2008 at 14:08:14 PT
Inadvertent Heat Decoy
Police raid home of Blunkett bobby after infrared helicopter mistook bad insulation for cannabis factoryBy David Wilkes, 30th July 2008http://drugsense.org/url/1fDUqtkvNice IR pics! 
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Comment #59 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2008 at 14:05:31 PT:
Oh, and some advice for Johnny Pee
“Too many of us are in denial and it’s time for an intervention,” he said.First off, Johnny-me-lad, you should check your pockets for rodent feces, as you must have a mouse in at least one of them. What's with this 'we' stuff? Or...could this actually be yet another example of the kind of psych problem this Administration seems to be suffering from, namely, 'projection' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection Who needs an 'intervention', Johnny? Or perhaps that was a Freudian slip, your typical 'cry for help'. It must be immensely taxing I suppose; denying the truth for so long can't help but have serious psychological ramifications. They should seek professional help as soon as possible, lest they go 'postal' from the pressures of being paid to lie to the public. Sad, really...
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Comment #58 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 14:04:58 PT
kaptinemo
Will these people be replaced under an Obama Administration? They get appointed don't they? I sure hope so.
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Comment #57 posted by kaptinemo on July 30, 2008 at 13:56:01 PT:
The latest on the Frank press release
It seems the ONDCP sent three of its' 'top' minions to the conference: http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Bush_drug_warrior_crashes_pot_press_0730.htmlNow if we can just nail their mendacious feet to the floor and force them into a public debate regarding their 'facts', as almost happened (why didn't it, the ONDCP's reps were there sticking their heads in the lion's mouth!), then this matter would become Public Meme Number One very quickly. 
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Comment #56 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 13:46:59 PT
museman
Thanks. I have been jumping in and out of the link reading new entries. I am very happy with the poll results too.
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Comment #55 posted by museman on July 30, 2008 at 13:33:38 PT
#50 & 54
Done, and done. 
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Comment #54 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 13:23:28 PT
Poll: Are You in Favor of Legalizing Marijuana?
Current Results:Quick Vote Yes -- 65% -- 55104 No -- 35% -- 29397 Total Votes: 84501 Please Vote: http://www.cnn.com/
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Comment #53 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 12:51:00 PT
One More Thing
I can tell that some of the prohibitionists are posting and some are acting like they believe the law should be changed Federally. 
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Comment #52 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 12:36:18 PT
fight_4_freedom and everyone
I am reading all the responses. Truly amazing input.http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=53581
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Comment #51 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 12:29:58 PT:
With a beautiful looking bud to headline
the story :) This is great. And there is a poll to go with it on the front page. 65% in favor of legalization at the moment, with 37,000 votes :)
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Comment #50 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 12:25:56 PT
CNN: Share Your Story: Time To Legalize Pot? 
Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass) says the U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, and introduced a House bill Wednesday that would end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, (about a quarter-pound) of the substance. We want to hear from you. What do you think of Frank's proposed legislation? Is this a half-baked idea? Is it time to decriminalize marijuana? Pull out your cameras and share a video response. http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=53581
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 12:23:22 PT
Check Out CNN
Right now it is the top story!http://www.cnn.com/
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 12:13:30 PT
fight_4_freedom 
The interview wasn't long but it was good and to the point. The fact that they showed a nice looking garden takes the sting out in a way. People would see it and go it's pretty and why is that so bad I think. When they show people smoking that isn't good. They never show people drinking.They read a couple e-mails and they are still getting them and they acted like it was a little overwhelming but in a good way. They were smiling! 
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Comment #47 posted by museman on July 30, 2008 at 12:09:36 PT
and here it is;
"“Too many of us are in denial and it’s time for an intervention,” he said.Tvert, however, said regardless of pot’s potency, it’s still less harmful than the legal alternative — alcohol.“Alcohol use alone is the nation’s third leading preventable cause of death, whereas there has never been a single death in history attributed solely to marijuana use,” he said. “Why on earth would the Drug Czar prefer adults use a more deadly drug?”"Not "equal to" or "the same as"But if its legal to get brain dead, and then become cops and presidents, then there's no good reason under the sun to keep up the pretenses or comparisons.Cannabis is high, alcohol is low. Cannabis users can get high (some don't, they just get stoned, or medicated-which is wonderful and fine too) but alcoholics stay low, most forever cause they just don't have the brain matter any more.Alcohol is the drug of choice for the status quo, the implied amerikan 'dream,' the weekend after the slavery. It is the very symbol and evidence of the stupidity of the prohibition/status quo mind-set.Bombard you with bullshit, bedazzle you with colorful lies and fantasies about 'potency' and fears of 'addiction,' throw in 'the children' for good measure, write a book about it, become an 'authority,' whatever. The whitewash is bleeding away revealing the naked ugly truth (of prohibition); Look upon it if you dare.
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Comment #46 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 12:07:03 PT:
I knew I would miss it
So how long was the interview? And did they read any of the e-mails yet?
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 11:58:46 PT
CNN E-Mails: Overwhemingly In Favor
They are getting hundreds of e-mails and almost all of them are in favor of changing the Federal Law. Thank goodness for small miracles.
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 11:38:21 PT
Nice Interview with Barney Frank
The e-mails will be read soon. They showed a nice looking garden too. 
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Comment #43 posted by Rainbow on July 30, 2008 at 11:09:34 PT
problems???
25.4 million people in the US use cannabis. So where are all the serious problems "they" keep telling us about?Are all these people in hospital with cancer?
Are all these people in mental wards?How come the jamcans are still re-producing?
I wonder if the 25.4 million are childless.Our government lies plain and simple. It is coming out that they lied about UFOs, we know they lied about IRAQ so who in heck can trust any government person? We just don't know who is honest and who isn't.
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 11:07:16 PT
fight_4_freedom 
That's how I look at it. My Mom always told me to open the windows in the house and let the dust blow out. lol
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Comment #41 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 11:06:13 PT:
Yeah they have me all confused 
Time to get some sunlight. They will probably still be beating around "the plant" by the time I come back in anyways.I'll check back in a while.
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Comment #40 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 11:03:54 PT:
LOL
Very true FoM! And it probably needed it anyway :)Blessing in disguise.
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 11:02:21 PT
At The Top of The Hour
Or the bottom of the hour or the middle of the hour or sometime maybe. lol
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 10:59:49 PT
fight_4_freedom 
Oh heck your car just got a good washin' LOL!
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Comment #37 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 10:56:58 PT:
I'll wait a little longer
then I think I'll go pick some veggies from the garden. There are a couple nice sized green peppers out there that are calling for me to stuff them with meat and cheese today :)There should be some nice ripe tomatoes as well.Plus I have to check on my car which is now airing out. We had an unexpected thunderstorm last night and I left my windows down. lolFor some reason that happens all too often with me :PBad habit.
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 10:56:37 PT
fight_4_freedom
I think it will be on after this commercial.
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 10:55:33 PT
Who Said This?
I say: Soon the Democrats will be in power and it might just happen. I understand the negativity under a Republican administration but it's almost over thank goodness.Excerpt: Even the bill's co-sponsors and ardent defenders acknowledged that it's chances of becoming law in the near future were nearly non-existent, so plenty of puzzled glances greeted Dr. David Murray's impassioned, if misguided, arguments against the demon weed that seemed more appropriate in Reefer Madness.
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 10:50:49 PT
fight_4_freedom 
They will fit it in when the breaking news slows down I think. 
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Comment #33 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 10:49:34 PT:
I'm getting impatient
Where is this interview??? Hopefully before the top of the hour.
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Comment #32 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 10:41:22 PT:
Paul
Thanks again!
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Comment #31 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 10:40:42 PT:
I don't think it will set us back at all
People who look down upon cannabis consumers are usually set in their beliefs and will be hard to convince otherwise anyways. So I don't think Cheech and Chong making a comeback will have any effect on them either way.I'm looking forward to it though.
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Comment #30 posted by paul armentano on July 30, 2008 at 10:37:59 PT
Video of NORML Ex Dir speaking today
NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre speaking at today's press conference on Capitol Hill:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyiBFVRP_vI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyiBFVRP_vI
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Comment #29 posted by paul armentano on July 30, 2008 at 10:29:05 PT
Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot use
Check the NORML blog and Audio Stash regularly today for updated audio and video from the conference!CNN: Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot usehttp://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/30/frank.marijuana/(CNN) — The U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday, announcing a proposal to end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, almost a quarter-pound, of the substance.Rep. Barney Frank’s bill would radically curb federal penalties for personal marijuana use.Current laws targeting marijuana users place undue burdens on law enforcement resources, punish ill Americans whose doctors have prescribed the substance and unfairly affect African-Americans, Frank said, flanked by legislators and representatives from advocacy groups.“The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government’s business,” Frank said during a Capitol Hill news conference. “I don’t think it is the government’s business to tell you how to spend your leisure time.”The Massachusetts Democrat and his supporters emphasized that only the use — and not the abuse — of marijuana would be decriminalized if the resolution passes. Watch Frank lay out the proposal »Allen St. Pierre, spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, likened the proposal to current laws dealing with alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is permitted and the government focuses its law enforcement efforts on those who abuse booze or drive under its influence, he said.“We do not arrest and jail responsible alcohol drinkers,” he said.St. Pierre said there were tens of million of marijuana smokers in the United States, including himself, and hundreds of thousands are arrested each year for medical or personal use. iReport.com: Is it time to legalize pot?There have been 20 million marijuana-related arrests since 1965, he said, and 11 million since 1990, and “every 38 seconds a marijuana smoker is arrested.”Rob Kampia, director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said marijuana arrests outnumber arrests for “all violent crimes combined,” meaning that police are spending inordinate amounts of time chasing nonviolent criminals.“Ending arrests is the key to marijuana policy reform,” he said.Reps. William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, and Barbara Lee, D-California, said that in addition to targeting nonviolent offenders, U.S. marijuana laws also unfairly target African-Americans.Clay said he did not condone drug use, but he opposes using tax dollars to pursue what he feels is an arcane holdover from “a phony war on drugs that is filling up our prisons, especially with people of color.”Too many drug enforcement resources are being dedicated to incarcerating nonviolent drugs users and not enough being done to stop the trafficking of narcotics into the United States, he said.Being arrested is not the American marijuana smoker’s only concern, said Bill Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance Network. Those found guilty of marijuana use can lose their jobs, financial aid for college, their food stamp and welfare benefits or their low-cost housing.The U.S. stance on marijuana, Piper said, “is one of the most destructive criminal justice policies in America today.”Calling the U.S. policy “inhumane” and “immoral,” Lee said she has many constituents who are harassed or arrested for using or cultivating marijuana for medical purposes. California allows medical marijuana use, but the federal government does not, she explained.House Resolution 5843, titled the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008, would allow “a very small number of individuals” suffering from chronic pain or illness to smoke marijuana with impunity. The legislation is cosponsored by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas.According to NORML, marijuana can be used to treat a range of illnesses, including glaucoma, asthma, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and seizures.Frank said there were about a dozen states that already had OK’d some degree of medical marijuana use and the federal government should stop devoting resources to arresting people who are complying with their state’s laws.In a shot at Republicans, Frank said it was strange that those who support limited government want to criminalize marijuana.Asked if the resolution’s passage would change his personal behavior, Frank quipped, “I do obey every law I vote for,” but quickly said he did not use marijuana, nor does he encourage it.“I smoke cigars. I don’t think other people should do that. If young people ask me, I would advise them not to do it,” he said.If HR 5843 were passed by the House, marijuana smokers could possess up to 100 grams — about 3˝ ounces — of cannabis without being arrested. It would also permit the “nonprofit transfer” of up to an ounce of marijuana.The resolution would not affect laws forbidding growing, importing or exporting marijuana, or selling it for profit. The resolution also would not affect any state laws regarding marijuana use.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/30/frank.marijuana/
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Comment #28 posted by Storm Crow on July 30, 2008 at 10:26:17 PT
E, lighten up!
I think you're jumping the gun a bit. Their humor very well may have matured, just as their audience has. Comedians aim their skits at their audience- we were stoner kids back then and our humor was childish. We are, I hope, a bit more sophisticated by now. I hope that there will be more social commentary in their routines, but I can deal with a few nostalgic "foot long joint" exaggerations. The movement has come much too far lately to be offset by a couple of aging comedians! 
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Comment #27 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 10:17:44 PT:
I'm sticking with CNN as well
I just can't wait to see this interview. I have a blank tape in the VCR ready to record. Actually it's not completely blank. I like to keep it in there just in case anything happens that is worth recording. I have one of Obama's speeches on there. I think it was the one where he announced that he was officially the democratic nominee. 
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 10:12:25 PT
Bush Drug Warrior Crashes Pot Press Conference
By Nick Juliano July 30, 2008 President Bush's drug warriors must really, really want to protect their ability to throw non-violent marijuana users in jail. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy sent its "chief scientist" and two aides to Capitol Hill Wednesday to provide some instant rebuttal to Rep. Barney Frank's press conference touting his pot-decriminalization bill. Even the bill's co-sponsors and ardent defenders acknowledged that it's chances of becoming law in the near future were nearly non-existent, so plenty of puzzled glances greeted Dr. David Murray's impassioned, if misguided, arguments against the demon weed that seemed more appropriate in Reefer Madness.Indeed, why did ONDCP feel it necessary to send at least three staffers to the Hill to place in every reporter's hand a copy of its 20 page, color-copied "2008 Marijuana Sourcebook"? RAW STORY posed this question to Murray."It is our responsibility to be aware of policy developments," he said, explaining that Frank's attempt to modify the controlled substances act was very much of interest to the Bush administration's pot prohibitionists. The Marijuana Policy Project's Rob Kampia, who stuck around to listen to Murray's post-press conference diatribe, suspected some ulterior motives behind the propagandistic pontificating."Nothing's going to happen on this before he loses his job," Kampia said, acknowledging that Frank's bill won't move forward until at least next year, when President Bush -- and his appointees like Murray -- would be out of office. "This is him emptying the clip." To its defenders, Frank's bill is a common sense move aimed at protecting letting states institute marijuana policies as they see fit, protecting patients in the dozen states that have legalized medical marijuana and generally telling the government to butt out of people's private lives. "I don't think that it is the government's business to tell you how to spend your leisure time," Frank (D-MA) said of his bill, which would eliminate federal penalties for individual possession of up to 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of marijuana. Frank's proposal is aimed only at decriminalizing individual possession, so it alone would not end raids by the Drug Enforcement Agency on medical marijuana dispensaries in states like California. Frank said he's authored separate medical marijuana legislation that he would introduce in concert with the individual bill.Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO) criticized the government for wasting billions of dollars on a "phony war on drugs" that's done virtually nothing to actually stop anyone from using drugs. One presumes that some of those billions were spent on the glossy ONDCP report with the Strangelovian title, "Marijuana: The Greatest Cause of Illegal Drug Abuse." Naturally, if marijuana were decriminalized, that wouldn't be the case, but such nuance is lost on drug war defenders.The press conference also featured marijuana defenders pointing out that the drug has caused none of its users to die, unlike alcohol and tobacco -- both of which are legal."We do not arrest and jail responsible alcohol drinkers; this should be our policy with marijuana as well," said Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The NORML representative was sporting a small gold marijuana leaf pin on his lapel, where miniature American flags are a more common Capitol Hill accessory.Frank, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, said his decriminalization bill would fall under the purview of the House Judiciary Committee, which he hoped would hold hearings on the proposal next year. A Judiciary Committee spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Asked specifically if he thought his bill would become law, Frank said more shifts in perception were needed first."The chances are not high at this point," the lawmaker said, a knowing chuckle letting the audience know his pun was very much intended. http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Bush_drug_warrior_crashes_pot_press_0730.html
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Comment #25 posted by E_Johnson on July 30, 2008 at 09:55:05 PT
Really disastrous news
Cheech and Chong are going to peddle their "stupid stoner" humor and set the movement back 20 years just so they can make a buck. Those money-grubbing vultures. They are a very big part of the reason why people don't take medical marijuana seriously. Or anyone who uses marijuana, for that matter.Their exploitive "humor" makes us all out to be drooling morons. They're far more effective than the DEA or the ONDCP at making people hate marijuana users and look down on them as mentally incapacitated lazy shiftless amoral slackers.
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:52:16 PT
dongenero
Thank you for the article. I'd post it but CNN doesn't allow it but I think they do archive their news.
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:46:42 PT
fight_4_freedom 
I usually switch back and forth between CNN and MSNBC but I'm staying on CNN so far today because I don't want to miss anything. I'm glad you have today off.
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Comment #22 posted by dongenero on July 30, 2008 at 09:45:32 PT
another article just posted at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/30/frank.marijuana/index.html
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Comment #21 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 09:43:13 PT:
I was just going to relay that message
This is actually getting coverage!!! I am so excited I just don't know what to do with myself. lolThank the lord I have today off!
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:37:03 PT
Barney Frank on CNN!
They will be interviewing him soon! Yippie!
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:27:42 PT
Legalizing Marijuana?
Congressman Barney Frank, (D) Massachusetts, wants the federal government to remove criminal penalties for personal possession of marijuana. He's introducing a bill that would remove those penalties for possession of up to 100 grams of pot or the transfer of up to an ounce as long as no money is made from it. The Massachusetts Democrat says there are more important matters for federal law enforcement officers to spend their time on. "I cannot think there are many people who are in favor of using limited federal resources in law enforcement to arrest people because those people decide to smoke marijuana," Congressman Frank said.The bill would not change federal laws that ban the cultivation, import, export or sale of marijuana for a profit. Copyright: Associated Presshttp://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8760084&nav=menu117_2
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Comment #18 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 09:25:28 PT:
E-mail SENT
Thanks for the video Dongenero! I wish I could see the entire press conference. AHHH this gets me so excited!I was wondering when we would hear about this. I'm glad this is actually getting coverage. I bet Cheech and Chong picked today to announce they would be getting back together because of this introduction to the bill in congress.
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:25:02 PT
dongenero 
It seems that they didn't let him finish what he was saying. Maybe the complete interview will be posted somewhere. Maybe it was the full interview but it didn't seem like it to me.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:19:38 PT
dongenero 
Thank you!
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 09:11:57 PT
fight_4_freedom
They mentioned Barney Frank's Bill and that's why they are asking the question. If Federal Law was removed for adults the sting would be gone and that is a great beginning. They couldn't put as much money into fighting marijuana either. Once the money dries up things start to change. It really is about money in many respects.
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Comment #14 posted by dongenero on July 30, 2008 at 09:11:19 PT
Barney Frank - CNN
Here is a brief video of Barney Frank presenting his legislation. Thank you and good luck Senator Frank.http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/07/30/sot.frank.marijuana.cnn
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Comment #13 posted by fight_4_freedom on July 30, 2008 at 09:06:39 PT:
Thanks FOM
Time to tell them how we feel. 
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 08:58:17 PT
Please E-Mail CNN
They want to know if Federal penalties should be removed for adult marijuana possession. I just saw it on the news.E-Mail: cnnnewsroom cnn.com
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Comment #11 posted by dongenero on July 30, 2008 at 08:14:24 PT
John Walters - Freudian
“It’s about dependency, disease and dysfunction.”This is your government on Prohibition. The U.S. needs an intervention.
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 07:52:31 PT
Event: Hippiefest 2008 - Bethel Woods
Sunday, August 03, 2008Jack Bruce of CREAM, Eric Burdon & The Animals, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Melanie, Badfinger and Terry Sylvesterhttp://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/bwevents/eventdetail.aspx?id=30
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 07:12:59 PT
ripit
Thanks! When I was looking at this thread my husband blurted out the same story scrolling on the news. I think it would be great fun to see these two guys together again.
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Comment #8 posted by ripit on July 30, 2008 at 07:05:54 PT:
ya beat me to it fom!
you are fast! and so cool!
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Comment #7 posted by ripit on July 30, 2008 at 06:57:37 PT:
ot link cheech & chong getting bact together
http://www.variety.com/VR1117989660.htmlthis is good news to me!
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Comment #6 posted by Hope on July 30, 2008 at 06:51:26 PT
And spy on citizens....
Spying of all kinds. Encouraging spying. On co-workers. On young people in schools. On neighbors. There's been nothing like that in this country since prohibition of alcohol. The Red Threat was bad... but it didn't touch the kind of spying the government does on people since the narc was invented.My grandmother has told me stories about how some people spied on others in the name of prohibition of alcohol. It proved to serve something in dark human character far worse than sharing or having a drink.
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Comment #5 posted by Hope on July 30, 2008 at 06:42:00 PT
It must be answered....
“Why on earth would the Drug Czar prefer adults use a more deadly drug?”And add to that that he's willing to threaten with guns and military terror tactics, invade homes, destroy families, and even kill people and their children to enforce it. Why? 
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 06:33:33 PT
Cheech and Chong Reunite as Feud is Over 
By Michael Weinfeld, AP Entertainment WriterJuly 30, 2008WASHINGTON — Now that their feud is over, Cheech and Chong are high on plans to reunite for their first comedy tour in more than 25 years.Cheech Marin told AP Radio that he and Tommy Chong "looked at each other going, 'If we're ever going to do something it has to be now because you're not getting any younger and neither am I."'The duo who gained fame for their marijuana humor tossed around some ideas and figured a comedy tour would be "the most fun" and "the least hassle," the 62-year-old Marin said.Marin and Chong, who broke up amid creative differences, have tried to reunite before, but have always fought too much. Marin laughed and said: "It takes about 3 minutes for that to happen. There's this veiled hatred." But he added: "We've kind of resolved that.""We've gotten to the age where we don't feel like fighting anymore because the end is a lot closer than the beginning," he said.
 Complete Article: http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-07-30-cheech-and-chong_N.htm
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 06:14:05 PT
TroutMask 
Good answer. LOL!
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Comment #2 posted by TroutMask on July 30, 2008 at 06:11:30 PT:
Top 10?
"A study released yesterday by the Office of National Drug Control Policy indicates that Colorado ranks in the top 10 for states with the highest current marijuana use."Top 10!? If we're not #1, I must be doing something wrong. Guess I better GET TO WORK! -TM
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on July 30, 2008 at 06:04:54 PT
Barney Frank
 Thank you sir you've made my day.
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