cannabisnews.com: Local Buzz from Marijuana Bill Surprises Clay
Local Buzz from Marijuana Bill Surprises Clay
Posted by CN Staff on August 04, 2008 at 12:55:27 PT
By Mike Soraghan
Source: The Hill
Washington, DC -- Rep. Lacy Clay didn’t intend to sign on to a bill legalizing marijuana, but he’s happy so far with the buzz from constituents.The Missouri Democrat was flying with Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) on a congressional trip to Africa earlier this year when Frank asked Clay to co-sponsor his “marijuana bill.”
It seemed like a simple request to Clay, who for years has signed on to bills to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. So his answer was “No problem.” He called his staff and told them to put his name on the bill.Only later did he find out that the bill went far beyond medical marijuana. Frank’s bill would end all prosecution of the personal use of marijuana, and Clay was one of only seven sponsors.Clay was worried about the reaction. Supporting the liberalization of marijuana laws is not often seen as a political winner, especially in Midwestern cities like St. Louis.But instead of stoner jokes, derision and righteous indignation, Clay was surprised to start getting praise from complete strangers.“People are coming up to me saying this is a common-sense, sensible way to deal with the issue of personal use,” Clay said.So far, he said, his calls, mail and contacts are running 80-20 in favor of the bill. He was impressed enough that he decided to go ahead and step before the cameras last week with Frank and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) at a news conference touting the bill.A number of the bill’s sponsors didn’t show up for the news conference, which was crowded by reporters and staff.When it was his turn, Clay made the case that many people have been locked up for minor marijuana offenses in his state.“It was economic development for rural Missouri because we built so many prisons there. It is time for us to redirect our resources,” Clay said.After the event, Clay said he figures the swell of support might shift as his stance gets better-known and he starts to hear from more opponents of “the evil cannabis.”Referred to as “decriminalization,” Frank’s bill would end federal prosecution of the personal use of marijuana. Practically speaking, it would matter only in places where state or local governments have legalized marijuana or allowed medicinal use by preventing federal officials from stepping in to prosecute. Frank supports the wider exemption over a narrow medicinal exemption to prevent federal officials from quibbling about what constitutes medicinal use.One Republican is supporting the bill: Rep. Ron Paul (Texas), a GOP presidential candidate with a libertarian streak.When asked about the prospects of passage last week, Frank didn’t miss a beat in showcasing his sense of humor: “I would say the chances are not high.”Complete Title: Positive Local Buzz from Marijuana Bill Surprises Clay Source: Hill, The (US DC)Author: Mike Soraghan Published: August 4, 2008Copyright: 2008 Capitol Hill Publishing Corp.Contact: letters thehill.comWebsite: http://www.thehill.com/Related Articles: Time To Weed Out Pot Laws?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24095.shtmlShould Marijuana Be Legal?http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24089.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help
Comment #37 posted by Hope on August 07, 2008 at 07:01:41 PT
Hey, Gloovins!
Good to hear from you.
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on August 07, 2008 at 06:05:34 PT
gloovins
It's good too see you. I'm doing much better these days. We are working on a house we rent so the family can get moved in this weekend. I am having issues with my data card (very slow speeds) and will call tec support today. I don't like calling for technical support since they just don't seem to know what is wrong when I've called before. I think we are having a tower issue. Hopefully they will know what's wrong when I call.
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Comment #35 posted by gloovins on August 07, 2008 at 02:29:07 PT
Hi all
i can never not laugh at this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na3KLMfgPVs&NR=1i love at the end of the call of this cop "overdosing" on our friendly herb has his mother in-law and a cruiser from the dept. coming up to say hi...classic.hope u r well FoM...much love to u all...
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 20:20:46 PT
fight_4_freedom
You're really funny. That's the way I see life just keep on laughing.
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Comment #33 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 05, 2008 at 19:57:05 PT
Thanks for the compliment FoM...lol
The green color did match my eyes, but I feel much better in red already :)
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 19:48:20 PT
fight_4_freedom
Don't feel dumb and by the way you look good in red! LOL!
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Comment #31 posted by afterburner on August 05, 2008 at 19:43:45 PT
Sam Adams #13
You're welcome. Here are three more you may like:The Empire of Modern Medicine (comic).
Monday, April 30, 2007 by: Mike Adams (see all articles by this author) | Key concepts: the FDA, modern medicine and health freedom
http://www.naturalnews.com/021820.htmlAttack on Health Freedom (comic).
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 by: Mike Adams (see all articles by this author) | Key concepts: freedom, the FDA and health freedom
http://www.naturalnews.com/021790.htmlMedical Quackery (comic).
Thursday, February 22, 2007 by: Mike Adams (see all articles by this author) | Key concepts: quackery, sick care and pharmaceuticals
http://www.naturalnews.com/021638.html
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Comment #30 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 05, 2008 at 18:55:13 PT
Now I feel really dumb FoM lol
I just always thought that my e-mail was required for verification purposes before I made a post.
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Comment #29 posted by Storm Crow on August 05, 2008 at 10:59:50 PT
What's wrong with this picture?
“People are coming up to me saying this is a common-sense, sensible way to deal with the issue of personal use,” Clay said.So far, he said, his calls, mail and contacts are running 80-20 in favor of the bill.""When asked about the prospects of passage last week, Frank didn’t miss a beat in showcasing his sense of humor: “I would say the chances are not high.”"Somebody isn't listening very well! Hope those who oppose, know how to file for unemployment. The will of the people can be ignored by the politicians- but only until election day!
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 10:17:00 PT
Just a Note
I wanted to clarify what I said about capitalism since isms aren't my thing. What I am trying to say is that since lobbyists for corporations have basically become our government we haven't had any checks and balances. When I hear someone say let the free market dictate everything and it will all work out I think of the human nature of mankind and money becomes the only thing that is important in decision making and that just doesn't work for the good of all the people who call the USA home. There I feel better.
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Comment #27 posted by Skillet on August 05, 2008 at 09:41:33 PT
Let's get behind this one!
Hi all, it's been a while since I posted. I really just want to encourage everyone to write, call or email their reps to get behind this bill. I think it's a real chance for a show of numbers. Also note that this is "positive" call you can make. Much different than the usual email telling our reps "don't vote for that or else!"
Have a great day everyone!
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 09:18:40 PT
fight_4_freedom
When you go to make a post don't put in your e-mail address and you will appear as red. The e-mail is only for registration unless you want to use it publically.
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Comment #25 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 05, 2008 at 08:43:26 PT:
I know so too!
Thanks FoM! I'll make sure to keep you guys updated from my sister's computer :)Question, how do I get my user name to be in red without my e-mail attached?
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Comment #24 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 05, 2008 at 08:40:22 PT:
Thanks Hope
I will try to :)You do the same!
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 08:39:35 PT
fight_4_freedom
I know you will have a wonderful vacation.
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 08:37:38 PT
Sam
I look at issues in a different way then most people. I don't believe that capitalism cares about our land and water. It'a like eat, drink, be merry, make lots of money and who cares about what the people want or need. Our land where we live is protected because of the lake that supplies a city with water and we knew that when we started looking for land to build on in the 70s and a major reason we bought it. We never trusted the system and what is happening now doesn't surprise us at all. It only reaffirms our early on thoughts about how to live and not be trampled on by the system.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on August 05, 2008 at 08:32:25 PT
Fight_4_freedom :0)
Have a great day, Fight_4_freedom.
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Comment #20 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 05, 2008 at 08:15:43 PT:
Oh what a beautiful day
I have the windows open with U2 blasting through my house. 5 days until my Cali vacation! I hope you all are having a good day so far.Remember, it's a beautiful day!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlxVwCbljZo
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Comment #19 posted by Sam Adams on August 05, 2008 at 08:07:13 PT
water
FOM, Vermont passed a bill this year to protect it's water from chemicals and also from companies like Poland Spring from taking too much.I read an article earlier that said that their new law could be vulnerable to attack under WTO treaties - i.e., many of the "free" trade treaties we sign take away right to make environmental laws. It remains to be seen if any company will try to challenge Vermont's law.
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Comment #18 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 05, 2008 at 08:00:49 PT:
Boy do I absolutely love the work
Mason and crew are doing over at SAFER. As soon as I saw the headline of the story I had a feeling it was SAFER behind this :)Ahh just in time for the Convention :PPut that in your glass and drink it McCain!
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 07:44:17 PT
News Article From RawStory.com
Pointing To Drug Law Hypocrisy, Pro-Pot Group Labels Cindy McCain 'Dealer'
Published: Tuesday August 5, 2008 URL: http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Pointing_to_drug_law_hypocrisy_propot_0805.html
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 07:40:59 PT
afterburner
Thanks for the link.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 07:38:13 PT
Sam
What do you mean about the WTO and Vermont's ground water? I can't imagine not protecting ground water. People can't live without good water. We can live without oil but not water.
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Comment #14 posted by afterburner on August 05, 2008 at 07:36:37 PT
FoM
On a lighter note:have you heard this interview?09/15/95 Interview. Text of Interview with Stephen Stills and Neil Young.
Interview Conducted by L.A. Johnson.
Friday, September 15, 1995.
Broken Arrow Ranch, California
http://membres.lycos.fr/depressionblues/Interviews/1990/95misc2.htmenjoy!
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Comment #13 posted by Sam Adams on August 05, 2008 at 07:34:57 PT
natural news
wow, afterburner thanks for posting this website - it is amazing! for example check out these two comics and articles:http://www.naturalnews.com/021964.htmlthis one is most amazing, he's totally captured it: people don't recognized that war has changed - we're the ones being conquered! Vermont recently tried to protect their groundwater with a new law - turns out they can't because of a WTO treaty - they were conquered and they didn't even know it:http://www.naturalnews.com/021872.html
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Comment #12 posted by Hope on August 05, 2008 at 07:33:36 PT
Hired mercenaries policing citizens of US.
What in the world kind of "Camel" are our legislators letting in the "Tent"?Doesn't look good. Looks more like a fire breathing dragon of some kind than even just a stinky, old, huge camel invading our space, our homes, and all our lives.
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Comment #11 posted by Hope on August 05, 2008 at 07:14:59 PT
E_Johnson
I wonder the same thing. In these Federal medical marijuana cases, and God only knows what else, they obviously don't insist that a witness tell the "Whole truth" anymore.What they, the people who tweak the federal judicial system to be biased to their need for persecution, are doing in these cases qualifies as true, Biblically foretold and warned of, "Wickedness".
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on August 05, 2008 at 06:02:34 PT
afterburner
When we decided to move to the country years ago we wanted to move as far away from the cities as we could get because of fears that everything would get worse. I'm glad we did what we thought we should do because the fears we had turned out to be true.
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Comment #9 posted by E_Johnson on August 05, 2008 at 01:48:47 PT
I wonder how God is feeling
In a medical marijuana trial, first they force the witness to swear an oath in front of God to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.Then they force the witness to break that oath and only tell the portion of the truth that's admissible as evidence.How can people who believe that the witness oath is being registered by an all-seeing, all-knowing God justify such behavior?
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Comment #8 posted by afterburner on August 04, 2008 at 22:34:58 PT
FoM #1: Related Developments
U.S. border agents given power to seize travellers' laptops, cellphones.
U.S. authorities now have the power to seize travellers' electronic devices, including laptops and cellphones, and make copies of their contents at an off-site location.
01/08/2008 3:33:40 PM.
CBC News
http://tinyurl.com/6mddaq
{
The policy gives border agents at any point of entry into the United States the authority to also take documents, books, pamphlets and hard drives. The items can be seized from anyone crossing the border and may then be copied and shared with other government agencies, according to Department of Homeland Security documents dated July 16."Officers may detain documents and electronic devices, or copies thereof, for a reasonable period of time to perform a thorough border search," the policy says. "The search may take place on-site or at an off-site location."U.S. Senator Russ Feingold told the Washington Post he finds the new policies "alarming" and said he plans to introduce legislation that would make grounds for border searches more rigorous.
}more...
http://tinyurl.com/6mddaqMedia Censorship at Olympics in China Mirrors FDA Censorship of Health Product Claims in America.
Monday, August 04, 2008 by: Mike Adams (see all articles by this author) | Key concepts: china, censorship and the FDA
http://www.naturalnews.com/023779.htmlTyranny in the USA: The true history of FDA raids on healers, vitamin shops and supplement companies.
Thursday, April 12, 2007 by: Mike Adams (see all articles by this author) | Key concepts: the FDA, the church and FDA raids
http://www.naturalnews.com/021791.htmlThe details of raids on health food shops and suppliers bear an uncanny resemblence to the raids on California's medical cannabis dispersaries.DEA & FDA: two government agencies with similar agendas and tactics. Homeland security, the great umbrella of fear and control.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on August 04, 2008 at 20:58:26 PT
Hope
Somethings are so hard for me to keep from saying how I feel I don't even comment. That article is beyond what I ever thought would happen. It won't stop with MMJ either if this is true I think.
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Comment #6 posted by Hope on August 04, 2008 at 20:19:58 PT
Comment 1
Besides it being very, very wrong in principal for our own government to use tax money to pay mercenaries to do law enforcement, I'd bet that Blackwater mercenaries draw very, very large salaries, as well.Mercenaries to attack medical marijuana dispensaries?
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Comment #5 posted by ekim on August 04, 2008 at 20:02:13 PT
Lacy please see this site-------
and before you are asked about that evil plant -- be happy that you can bring a little understanding to them --
tonight on Larry King he had on Boon T Pickins and many others talking about energy. the issue was solar wind and natural gas for cars.
Rep Clay aging i say please if you do go back to DC and are pushed hard for a bill----have the NREL Natural Renewable Energy Lab in Golden CO come and ask them, about cellulose ethanol---if switchgrass makes 1,150 gals of ethanol per acre what will Cannabis be able to produce.lets keep our heads and join together with others like the Farmers and inventers from Canada and build a great trans fuel and the spin off will reach far and wide with the farm industry building new machines and peices of equptment which will give new live to many.see www.leap.cc/events and ck out the hempfest in Canada and make one of those lawmaker junkets -- maybe get David Branson to fly you in one of his biofuel planes that fly at 35,000 feet on the new oil grown in the sun from Alage.
David might even be interested in Cannabis as most EU Countries grow 30 Counties around the planet.good luck and wish us luck cause the lost foto story on Raw is something that every Lawman should wonder about.The 15th Annual HIA Convention & Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday and Monday, October 19-20, 2008 at the Best Western Roundhouse Suites in Boston, Massachusetts, USA - directly after Natural Products Expo East & BioFach America. Please click here for more information.
http://thehia.org
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Comment #4 posted by mykeyb420 on August 04, 2008 at 19:39:08 PT
election leak
here is a daily laugh.
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/diebold_accidentally_leaks
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Comment #3 posted by Taylor121 on August 04, 2008 at 16:32:24 PT
Make sure you send your emails off
Federal Action Alerts: Most of us are probably aware, but there are two incredible bills in Congress right now. Please write your representatives in support of HR 5842 and 5843.http://www.mpp.org/federal-action/
http://capwiz.com/norml2/home/Visit either link to send your email off. Please be active at this time.
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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on August 04, 2008 at 14:43:53 PT
Likely story!
Rep. Clay we salute you! We'll have to find out exactly what happened on that flight to Africa......
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 04, 2008 at 13:04:02 PT
News Article From RawStory.com
Deleted Photo Sparks Fears DEA Hiring MercenariesMonday August 4, 2008
When a California medical marijuana dispensary, Organica Collective, was raided last Thursday by agents of the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and local police, the Los Angeles Times ran a dramatic story on the incident, accompanied by a set of photographs showing the raid and its aftermath.According to the Times, witnesses described the DEA agents as "removing computers, medicine and money, and using a steel cylinder battering ram to get into the upstairs bedrooms." When they left four hours later, all that remained was "trash, counters strewn with open and empty glass jars, piles of receipts thrown on the ground, upturned couch cushions, bits of marijuana on the edges of counters and an ATM with its doors torn open and emptied. ... An outdoor vegetable garden had plants uprooted, along with marijuana plants removed by the agents."Complete Article: http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Does_tshirt_show_Blackwater_along_on_0804.html
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