cannabisnews.com: Legislation Would Legalize MJ for Certain People Legislation Would Legalize MJ for Certain People Posted by CN Staff on February 17, 2009 at 18:38:57 PT By Adriana Colindres, GateHouse News Service Source: Journal Star Springfield, IL -- This week, State Capitol Q&A examines the issue of medical marijuana, which is the subject of legislation introduced by Sen. William Haine, D-Alton. If Haine’s Senate Bill 1381 eventually becomes law, people with certain kinds of medical problems would be able to legally use marijuana to ease their discomfort.Q: How would this work? A: Under Haine’s bill, people who want to use marijuana for medical purposes would have to obtain a physician’s diagnosis that they have a debilitating medical condition. That designation could apply to people with glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy and other ailments, as well as to people undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.After getting the required physician’s diagnosis, they would be eligible for a special card from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The card would entitle the ill person and his or her primary caregiver to possess marijuana legally, though the amounts would be limited to seven dried cannabis plants and two ounces of dried usable cannabis.The bill includes a built-in expiration date, or what is called a “sunset” provision, and it would lapse three years after becoming law. Haine said the provision is intended to address the concerns of law enforcement officials who think the measure could “become a springboard to legalized marijuana.”Q: What are the arguments for and against this proposal?Supporters say they are trying to show compassion toward the seriously ill, who can reap medical benefits from marijuana because it relieves pain and other discomfort, such as nausea. At present, people who use marijuana for medical purposes risk getting punished as criminals.“We’ve been trying to protect these people from arrest for using medicine their doctors recommend,” said Dan Linn, executive director of the Illinois chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.Thirteen other states already let physicians recommend the use of marijuana for their patients, Linn said.The issue isn’t an easy one for law enforcement officials, said Limey Nargelenas, deputy director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.“We basically agree that an individual that is very sick and possibly dying, going through some real serious chemotherapy or things like that, the law enforcement community has compassion in those kinds of situations,” he said.Nargelenas said the problem is that individuals who just want to get high — and who aren’t seriously ill — could abuse a medical marijuana law like the one Haine envisions.Further, characterizing marijuana as medicine “sends a real bad message to the kids,” he said.“We just see so many kids today that when they do try marijuana, they start experimenting with other drugs, too,” Nargelenas said. “We believe (medical marijuana) should be very restricted, just like any other kind of medication.”Haine and members of the law enforcement community have been working together to try to write the proposed law in a way that’s acceptable to all. It’s still unclear, however, if they can achieve that goal.Q: This idea has come up before. What’s different now?A: For one thing, the senator who sponsored the legislation last year, Democrat John Cullerton of Chicago, now is Senate president. As a result, the bill might more easily pass in the Senate. It still would have to pass in the House of Representatives and get signed by the governor to become law.Linn noted that Haine, the bill’s Senate sponsor this year, is a former state’s attorney. With that professional background, Haine will be well positioned to address the concerns that law enforcement officials have about the bill, Linn said.Haine said the fact that he is an ex-prosecutor “should comfort those who are concerned about this becoming a prescription to legalize marijuana across the board” because he never would push for that.Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL)Author: Adriana Colindres, GateHouse News ServicePublished: February 17, 2009Copyright: 2009 Peoria Journal StarContact: forum pjstar.comWebsite: http://www.pjstar.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/T5tWnAdOIllinois NORMLhttp://www.illinoisnorml.org/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #38 posted by Hope on February 19, 2009 at 16:59:53 PT Museman I didn't mean it was a bad post. With those particular quotes and stuff scattered throughout... it made me think of a storm though, with bolts of lightening scattered through it. Powerful. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by museman on February 19, 2009 at 16:56:44 PT Hope Well, if there is any 'thunder and lightning' there in those words (and to some degree there is - Yah is after all noted throughout history for being wrathful against 'sin and error.') it isn't mine.The words in scripture often read like that. It depends, I suppose, on how one views them, and from what angle.I used the references and partial quotes to illustrate how the adversary doesn't just accuse us spiritually, but in actual real-time, and by the agents and institutions founded in satanic values of possession, pride, and power.As you well know, truth is not always comfortable to contemplate -for anyone- and I surely do wish that all the intentions in my head and heart were somehow transparently communicated with my words, but alas, that is not always, or even often it seems, the case.I prefer the image and belief in my Yah as a Loving Creator/Father, and quite often I see the association of all too human attributes of such things as 'anger' and the church-doctrinal 'hell-and-damnation' series of fear propaganda, with Yhwh, in an inapproriate way.I could have taken the time to paraphrase, but I didn't feel it necessary. I quickly copied and pasted references with some minor adjustments.I was only attempting to add my understanding into the topic we were discussing.Accusation. Law. Justice. Liberty. Freedom. These aren't just 'political' issues. I know and believe that everyting has a root in Spirit. And I know that there is much we do not truly know about SPIRIT. The fact is, that the 'standard values' of nearly the entire human inhabitation are rooted in the programming, doctrines, and designs of an ancient adversary. So ancient we no longer really know what we are looking at, because it has become a common, and 'accepted' feature of our existence.FWIW; I've been on an anger fast for over a month now, and counting. One of the many bad habits of my life coming back to bite me in my old age. I kicked tobacco. I kicked soda. I have kicked sugar to the point where I have it under control, now I'm working on negative emotional reaction.Well, of course I still get angry. I just choose how I'm going to deal with it now, instead of just reacting.If there is any residing anger in me, it is well thought out, and deeply examined. Any residing anger present in me is a mere token of the collective, accumulative anger of the suppressed, distressed, oppressed, mass of human suffering -at-the-hand-and-intentions-of-other-humans that spans ages of time. A mere token.There are of course other, brighter things to discuss, and the positive movement should not let be overshadowed by other, older, deeper, perhaps seemingly darker truths. Everything in moderation. Everything in its own place and time.FREE THE WONDER PLANT FOR EVERYONE [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by Hope on February 19, 2009 at 16:54:46 PT Shadenfruede fired place located, too. The green-eyed monster that lives in your brain: Scientists discover the jealousy lobehttp://bit.ly/XPS8G [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by Hope on February 19, 2009 at 15:27:36 PT Museman Thank you, but I didn't "Aptly quote", that. I copied and pasted it.The things you are saying and quoting in your comment make your comment, to me, seem spiritually violent , somehow. So many threats and curses scattered through it, I think. Like bolts of lightening on a storm cloud. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by museman on February 19, 2009 at 12:14:25 PT Hope To me, the scripture that best defines what we refer to as 'accusation' is the Epistle of St. Jude, or Yahuda.Jude 9, "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with Satan he disputed about the body of Moshe, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, "Yah rebuke thee." The distortion and corruption of true justice and true law has at its roots the spirit of accusation. That spirit inhabits -at this point- all seats of human elected and appointed authority.When Yashua said; "Judge not, lest you be judged." This was what he was talking about.When he said, "Think not to pull the splinter out of your brothers eye, when your vision is blurred by the one in your own." he wasn't saying that you could ever become an 'authorized,' 'trained,' 'professional' splinter-puller, except possibly on your own self. That means that the entire 'justice' system, from cop to judge has assumed false authority in the world, and according to the terms of kharma, have great and true judgement coming.The spiritual knowledge, like the material knowledge, has been corrupted by the same source. One cannot simply grant authority to an idividual based soley on training that has its root values in Satanic mentalities.A badge, certification, license, all pretty much fake, even if the individual actually qualifies in some twisted perversion of selective reality."All are equal in the sight of Yah."If one claims to be 'more equal' than you or me, then rest assured they aren't 'in the sight of Yahweh.' And if you aren't in the sight of Yah, you pretty much don't exist at all except as a brief shadow crossing the landscape.When one enters into accusation -blame, condemnation, -of persons and personal identities, then one has entered into the covenant of evil. It has become apparent to me, that without the understanding and awareness that comes from WANTING to know, more than NOT wanting to know (seeking vs ignorance), one cannot actually discern the difference between a truth and a lie, therefore these incredibly huge monstrosities called 'justice' systems, and governments composed of unaware judgers, accusers, and 'defenders of the status quo' have the appearance of 'being necessary' because of the perpetuation of corrupted values -satanic- that sits at the root of all things status-quo.That propped up 'necessity' has fooled many generations, fueled youthful enthusiasm with false values juxtaposed on real attributes (like calling berserker destruction in war 'heroism and bravery' and the flagellation and esteem of the (satanic-based values) world as 'honor', and most insidious of all; inserted the political trick of 'statistics' as the defintion of TRUTH.The throne of accusation, as you so aptly quoted, "Has been cast down to the earth." Spiritually, we are already liberated (if the knowledge, faith and belief is present) -it is the material world that binds the spiritual, and attempts to twist it into the image of corruption. It is the physical existence of accusers, with the power of nations behind them that confronts, binds, limits, and attempts to deny and eradicate all things true and spiritual.The liberation of the material world has begun.The time has come when the old will begin 'to pass away' (and I'm not talking about 'old people'.) Those who continue to cling to error, even though they have been told it is an error, and denied it, will be surprised when they stand before the REAL judge, and face the kharma of their denial;Matt. 25: "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.' Then they will answer and say, 'Yahuwah, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?' He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." FREE POT FOREVER [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by Hope on February 19, 2009 at 10:11:14 PT Museman And in that spiritual realm where we are constantly being accused we do have, thankfully, a Defender.I know this all sounds totally goofy to anyone who can't or won't get in the groove about what this spiritual thinking is all about, but intellectually, they ought to be able to find a way to understand, psychologically, what the meaning of it is. And not that we're all crazy, either, but that there is a deep, spiritual, if you will, unseen aspect to all our thinking and behaviors and our way of seeing and defining it is based on as sound a behavioral and circumstantial truth as any. Perhaps another name for that spiritual being might be "Ego". I don't know. But I can see that "psycho babble" can also be perceived as "spiritual babble", and vice versa. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by Hope on February 19, 2009 at 09:43:59 PT FoM and Museman It's not so much a matter of looking back at Ms. Fay's enthusiasm for the mayhem of her apparently beloved "war". It's current. While I do manage not to hate her personally, just what she does, supports, and causes ... she's still at it and she profits... literally makes her living at being an instigator and cheerleader for the continued persecution of so many. Museman, I've also heard the spirit of evil called the "Accuser"... among the many other titles that spirit owns in the ancient tomes. Revelations is a dream and a mystical vision but it's clear who or what is considered to be that spiritual "Accuser" in that terrible vision of John's while he was exiled on Patmos, I believe it was. Specifically Revelations 12:9-10.The great dragon was hurled down, that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by FoM on February 19, 2009 at 08:52:13 PT Hope I find it easy not to look back. I look towards the future and as far as our issue goes the future is looking brighter then I can ever recall. We all will be remembered for what we do and say someday. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by BGreen on February 19, 2009 at 06:44:16 PT Calvina Fay and Joyce Nalepka Both of these bitter women have done more harm to humanity than can ever be excused. Their shrill and incessant lies and slander have not been validated by facts, experience or the passing of time, so IMHO they can either repent or I can't say I'll feel any sorrow when they depart this earth.If they want to go to their graves screeching nonsense like Calvina is still doing then I'm not going to pull any punches. These two lying old hags want all of us in jail so I can't excuse their evil ignorance.On the other hand, if they ask for my forgiveness then I will grant it with a grateful heart.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by museman on February 19, 2009 at 00:49:19 PT Had Enough #24 Yes, thats the way it actually is. The reaction of denial dashing itself against the immovable rock of truth is so aptly demonstrated by the example of prohibitionists committing incrediblly numerous and agrievous crimes against actual innocent beings -who are merely taking advantage of a gift of Yah and Creation- in the 'justification' of the contrived, and invented crime of 'marijuana use.'I once had an illuminating statement made to me years ago, and the awareness of the content of that statement has -contrary to some selective preceptionms- made me quite conscious of lines and boundaries, and discernable differences between observing a thing, and reporting it, and the unqualified tendency of too many to 'judge' and make biased comparisons, presumptions, and false accusations.That statement; "Satan is the spirit of accusation."Someone tell me that is incorrect. Sure, the name/association thing. I understood it, nonetheless.The truth, the real, always exists right there in front, beside, and inside of us. And though some may not be able to see it clearly through the translucent haze of the emperors pretend robes of authority, it is a rock, and will not be moved.And on that rock much has, and will be built, while all the momentary dashing of the worldy ocean of denial, in wave, after wave of loud, crashing sound and fury, upon that rock, only results in the reaffirmed and resolute observation of the universe, that the Truth is a worthy foundation.FREE GANJA FOR EVERYONE [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by Hope on February 18, 2009 at 22:12:08 PT Storm Crow and FoM I feel sure that you gentle ladies are far kinder and forgiving in your sentiments towards her than she would be, or possibly even, is, towards you.I wish her no harm, in spite of all the harm she's responsible in part for causing so many people... I just will be so very glad when she and her "message" of destruction are finally "retired". [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 15:17:55 PT Storm Crow I also feel bad for her. She just hasn't been able to learn things change. They never stay the same. As we grow older we dig in and can become trapped in a way or learn to let change happen. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Storm Crow on February 18, 2009 at 15:02:36 PT I don't care for ms. fay at all.... But I do feel a tiny bit of pity for her. her whole existence is based on a lie. The truth is coming out. It can't be stopped. People will, at best, ignore her as a fool. she will have nothing.... [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by Hope on February 18, 2009 at 14:12:15 PT Calvina Fay Ms. Fay describes herself as "A drug policy expert for twenty five years".I'm reminded of something a teacher told me once to keep in mind about people who like to style and present themselves as "Experts".An "Ex" is nothing but a "Has been"... and a "xpert"... pronounced "spurt", is just a "Big drip" anyway.She's such a hateful, arrogant woman. She's peas in a pod with the Semblers. I'll be so thankful when that whole danged nasty "pod" of them is thrown on the trash heap of history, where it belongs. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Had Enough on February 18, 2009 at 11:12:32 PT museman “”Anything I can do to help it finish its death throws, to accelerate its ultimate and final demise, I surely will. A few words here and there. Piss off a few status-quo card carriers if I have to, there’s no good reason to continue to pretend there’s any benevolence in our system. Benevolence in some of the people in the system, true, but that benevolence would be so much greater without the big box holding it in.””I’ve been pissing a few of them off too!!!But you know what?…It’s not us pissing them off…They are pissing ‘themselves’ off…Whenever a sliver of truth confronts them… they use that as a defense for their own self-denial of the truth of the matter. That satisfies their desire for their place in the status quo.Peace to all… that try to teach/heal… [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by NikoKun on February 18, 2009 at 11:04:57 PT The same excuses over and over. -_- "Further, characterizing marijuana as medicine “sends a real bad message to the kids,” he said.“We just see so many kids today that when they do try marijuana, they start experimenting with other drugs, too,” Nargelenas said. “We believe (medical marijuana) should be very restricted, just like any other kind of medication.”"Prohibition sends a FAR worse message to kids, in several different ways. And prohibition ITSELF creates the "Gateway"... If it was legal, regulated, and sold only to adults like Alcohol, there would be NO gateway. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 11:03:02 PT Had Enough I posted the article and snipped it which is allowed. You did the same thing so that's ok.http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24483.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by Had Enough on February 18, 2009 at 10:59:56 PT Calvina Fay… is still at it…This came out on Monday in response to the column in the link found after this one.Six of the eight comments (at this time) that follow it are along the same lines that people comment here.More and more people are speaking out. I love it.************Letters to the Editor***We can’t afford to go soft in combating drugs***Approximately 54 percent of all of those in U.S. federal prisons are there because of serious drug offenses — not low-level offenses that result in probation, fines and referral to drug courts. In Print: Monday, February 16, 2009 I would have laughed at this article if were not for the fact that the drug problem is so serious. How ironic that former presidents from three countries where drugs are out of control and where it is totally unsafe to walk the streets would call our efforts to push back against drugs a failureAs a drug policy expert with more than 25 years experience, I have visited these countries and others where drugs have spiraled out of control, and their families literally fear for their lives. In these countries drugs are tolerated, corruption abounds, and treatment is virtually nonexistent. The reality is that the U.S. drug policy is a comprehensive one that includes prevention and education, treatment and law enforcement and interdiction — contrary to the article’s assertion that we are relying exclusively on policing. In December, I was present at the White House when the Monitoring the Future study was released. The annual study found that drug use among our youth decreased 25 percent from 2001 to 2008. This is not a failure! The biased Latin American Commission report, funded by the "Granddaddy Warbucks" of drug legalization, George Soros, promotes the "European methods of drug prevention and treatment." I've seen the disastrous European method. As taxpaying citizens, we should reject their practice of providing heroin addicts with free heroin, all funded with taxes. We should reject their practice of keeping people in addiction rather than helping them to sobriety. And we should reject their practice of giving our children the illusion that they can use drugs safely and responsibly if they just know how.I have done much prevention work in Latin America and the approach suggested in this article does not reflect what I am hearing from families about what they want. The Latin Americans, like North Americans, want their children protected from the scourge of drugs and want them to reject drug use and destructive behavior that goes along with it.At the end…Calvina Fay, executive director, Drug Free America Foundation Inc., St. PetersburgHer complete letter to editor found here…http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/letters/article975914.ece************This was the piece that ran Sunday Treat drugs as a public health problemBy Robyn E. Blumner Times Columnist In Print: Sunday, February 15, 2009We've come a long way from "I didn't inhale," former President Clinton's rather lame attempt to explain away a marijuana toke. President Obama has been candid about his use of marijuana and cocaine as a young man when he was grappling with his identity. In his autobiographical Dreams From My Father, he wrote, "I got high (to) push questions of who I was out of my mind."The revelation barely caused a ripple during the campaign.And…That is why our smart, new president said on the campaign trail that the war on drugs "has been an utter failure" and we need a new paradigm "so that we focus on a public health approach." President Obama is tapping Seattle police Chief Gil Kerlikowske to be his new drug czar (he was also onetime chief of police for the Florida cities of Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie). He's known as someone who supports research-driven public policy, but we'll see if that means real change.There have always been two competing sets of harms relative to the drug problem. First, there is the damage that a drug user does to himself. A crack addict generally ruins his life and probably that of his family, there's no getting around that. But the prohibitionist approach to drugs carries its own set of harms that are now priced beyond our means.The United States currently incarcerates 2.4 million people, and roughly 20 percent of state prisoners and 50 percent of federal prisoners are doing time for a drug offense. We arrested 775,000 people for marijuana possession alone last year. The estimated cost of incarcerating drug offenders is $15 billion annually.Addiction destroys lives and families but so does prison, particularly long mandatory minimum sentences for minor offenses that are a direct consequence of political demagoguing rather than sane policy.and… In a just-released report, former presidents of Brazil, Colombia and Mexico say that their countries face out-of-control drug violence spawned by America's prohibitionist approach, and they ask point-blank that we change course to focus on public health and the possible decriminalization of cannabis. Kerlikowske comes from a place where medical marijuana is legal and voters approved a ballot initiative to make marijuana arrests the lowest priority for law enforcement. And while he has not publicly approved of these policies, it is hoped that he'll bring this Seattle sensibility to his new assignment.The whole column found here…http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/article975508.ece************FoM…I believe this newspaper doesn’t like their stuff posted here..that is why I didn’t put the whole thing up. If you need to edit this post to make it proper… go for it…Thanks… [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by museman on February 18, 2009 at 10:01:53 PT Waited For The Dawn (Sorry, no music. This is one of many languishing on my computer -in progress-)There's a wind blowin' home,across the smoke choked highways of inequity,with the light of our hopeto make a place where every man can stand free,but your money won't buy it,there's no time for sale in an eternity.Just open your own eyes, and then you'll see.So many years, so many tears,and it was so, so longwe waited for the dawn.There was a wall that came downlike something God, might've put in our dreamsas a sign unto all, that most of the world is not as real as it seems.But don't think its over,the war may be won but death still has its means,and in a world such as thisa wise one would hold onto their dreams.So many brave, all in the grave,and it was so, so long,we waited for the dawn.There's a flower in the desertthat blooms in the springonce every two thousand years.Its a cure for all evil,a medicine made to do away with all fears.But many won't find it.there's a veil of deceptioncovering their eyes and their ears.Its a gift for the children,a compassionate savior redeeming their tears.So much denied, because so many lied,and it was so, so long,we waited for the dawn.Oh yeah. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 09:46:53 PT museman Even though this is a hard time full of sadness I look for the good in the sad. I look closely inside myself during these times. Thank you.As far as the government goes I try to stay out of it so I don't upset anyone. I've watched corporations that are guided by profit and no real conscience rule and that has always bothered me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by museman on February 18, 2009 at 09:38:44 PT FoM I do hope your crisis resolves into better days.I am sure that there is something worthy of some kind of government. Maybe a true democracy, instead of this corporate republic.The original inhabitants of this land, the 'savages' as the so-called 'civilized' white man called them, had a democratic system of representation that our small, inadequate system of representaion, is loosely modelled after.This government began on immoral, unethical, and in the purest sense of the world, 'illegal' grounds.Not only do we owe a great debt to the native Americans, but its about time we got down off our presumptive horse of power and false authority, and sought out the wisdom that they still posess concerning this land, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to heal it.But, rather than acknowledge 200 years of corruption, and taking logical, responsible action to correct the errors. The American 'way' just continues down that materialistic road of consumption, exploitation, denial, and so on.If and when I see a government that actually represents its people (I'm watching South America) then that government will be one that I support.But this selective, exclusive, priviledged society -the only 'represented' faction- government 'Of the wealthy, by the wealthy, and for the wealthy' needs to 'perish from the earth.' And its on its way.Anything I can do to help it finish its death throws, to accelerate its ultimate and final demise, I surely will. A few words here and there. Piss off a few status-quo card carriers if I have to, theres no good reason to continue to pretend theres any benevolence in our system. Benevolence in some of the people in the system, true, but that benevolence would be so much greater without the big box holding it in. FREE MARIJUANA FOREVER [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 09:14:17 PT museman I'm doing the best I can considering my family crisis. The only thing I want government to oversee is all that has needed overseeing for a long time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by museman on February 18, 2009 at 09:08:14 PT FoM FoM, I hope you are doing well.Not to be a pain, but;"I think it's a doggone shame that parents let the government decide how it should be done."I think its a pretty 'doggone shame' we let the government decide almost anything! Particlularly what has always been, and should remain the province of individual privacy, and family responsibilities.I don't think the prohibs are fooling any new people, except the very young and gullible. Which brings up an important point.Who's going to 'protect the children' from being exploited, used, and abused by their goverment in the war against their parents? Or any other 'war' they invest their capital in. Nobody but the parents.So, parents, if you really want to 'protect your children' teach them resolve. Teach them honesty. Teach them courage, but not the false 'bravery' of combat and war.Teach your children the truth, and if possible remove them from the institutions that are only interested in the future laborers of the corporate machine, and the fodder for future wars. Turn off the TV, and interact.Most of all, parents, you must find the time and effort to propagate love. If you do not love, neither will your children. If you teach your children the false doctrines of Amerika, they will add their impetus to the destruction when they are no longer children.The global perpetuation of ignorance, starts right at the breakfast table. So does the liberation, the consciousness, and all possible futures.FREE CANNABIS FOR EVERYONE [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by dongenero on February 18, 2009 at 08:57:16 PT Good luck Illinois Cullerton has proposed such legislation on a couple occasions, unsuccessfully. I hope Haines will have luck with his bill.If it doesn't make it through the House or past the Governor this time, I think it will be due time for Illinois to adopt voter referenda. The voters could sort this issue out quickly, I'm sure. Many of the legislators are lucky to find their ss with both hands when it comes to sensible drug policy. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 08:23:41 PT BGreen I respect parents right to guide their children. I think it's a doggone shame that parents let the government decide how it should be done. A child is a gift. Most parents love their children. Let parents be parents.When we become adults our course in life should be our own. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by BGreen on February 18, 2009 at 08:12:26 PT You're right, FoM Why in the world should I have the responsibility of raising others kids when I get none of the tax benefits garnered by the parents?I'm not going to do anything detrimental to your kids but if you want to punish me for something I do in private that doesn't even affect your kids then you've gone too far.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 18, 2009 at 08:01:12 PT Fom I like CSN&Y too, I guess I prefer more radical philosophy in my music these days. One more for the road:Numbhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kob4CBM2HA [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 07:51:16 PT God Bless The Children I say let parents be parents and let them teach their children what is ok and what isn't ok. It's time to stop using "What about the children?" to punish adults. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by BGreen on February 18, 2009 at 07:50:10 PT You've got a point, bhones This outdated "bad message for the kids" song and dance just doesn't cut it now that so many kids are hooked on and dying from FDA-approved prescription and over-the-counter "medicines."The good news is that if that's all they've got left to defend cannabis prohibition then cannabis prohibition is as good as dead.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by bhones on February 18, 2009 at 07:40:54 PT: To Limey: You need to think about what you are saying before you talk. You would realize that you don't make any sence. The children are not protected by prohabition, it doesn't work! No drug dealer ask for an ID; and also sitting around after a hard day's work or on your day off relaxing smoking a big fatty is much better than sitting around drinking alcohol! YOU MORON!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 06:50:21 PT OverwhelmSam Here's my song contribution.Crosby Stills Nash - A Long Time Gone Woodstock - 1969http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PFCgAhZEO8 [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 18, 2009 at 06:31:57 PT FoM Happy Happy Joy Joy? I know what you've been smoking.It's a shame that 10,000,000 people have been wasted by marijuana laws, the prohibitionists tried so hard, but in the end, it didn't even matter.In The Endhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85hARiMQuno&feature=related [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 06:25:58 PT Storm Crow I agree with you. It's been a long time coming. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by runruff on February 18, 2009 at 06:21:31 PT Gateway theroy? Last time I read any stats on national drug use there were more people addicted to "legal drugs and were using them illegally than all illegal drugs put together.I read the gov'mints own stats were they say there are only about 100,000 hard core hard drug users in America. There are at least 100 million who have at least tried cannabis. The evidence for cannabis as a gateway drug, like the math, does not add up.Something else that doesn't seem to be adding up lately is the drug war budget? "Money, it's a gas! Just keep your hands off of my stash!" [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Storm Crow on February 18, 2009 at 06:11:22 PT FoM.... When you got the TRUTH, eventually folks start listening! [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 18, 2009 at 06:01:51 PT OverwhelmSam I am so darn happy about the marijuana law meltdown. We are breaking records in our stats. They were over a 100,000 again yesterday. It really is exciting to me to see this happen. Happy happy joy joy! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by OverwhelmSam on February 18, 2009 at 05:37:06 PT Hundreds of Millions Smoke Pot How come they're not all addicted to meth or heroin by now, hmmmm? Because the gateway lie is and has always been a fraud. On a more cheery note, it's fascination to watch the marijuana law melt down going on now across the country. Happy?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5ZbdDDNz3c [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by ctx1502 on February 17, 2009 at 21:54:01 PT: well... when u HAND them the answer “We just see so many kids today that when they do try marijuana, they start experimenting with other drugs, too,” Nargelenas said.I mean seriously... When the chief of police HANDS a terrified teenager a lifeline to an actually hard question like "How did you get started on meth?" WHAT THE HECK DO YOU THINK THEIR GOING TO SAY when someone already in charge has given them the answer? I mean why blame the tobacco they were stealing from their parents before the pot? Or the uncle who gave them a beer so they could try it out? Why not just go whole hog and blame the Mom who gave her kid Tylenol when he was a kid and say "drug usage started there?". Marijuana's a drug people get over it! We just honestly have to make people see that it isn't a SCHEDULE 1 Narcotic!!!!! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment