cannabisnews.com: Drug Decriminalization: a Sensible Middle Ground
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Drug Decriminalization: a Sensible Middle Ground
Posted by CN Staff on April 24, 2009 at 15:14:45 PT
By Neal Peirce, Syndicated Columnist
Source: Seattle Times
USA -- The criminal factor is being lifted from marijuana use in California. The other 12 states where marijuana is permitted for medical use can't be far behind. And if 13 states now, then all 50 in the next years?That's the future some see flowing from a decision announced Feb. 25 by Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency, Holder announced, would stop its raids on marijuana dispensaries in states where marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes.
The order spells a refreshing respect for states' rights. In California, where hundreds of new dispensaries are springing up to meet demand, customers need only produce a physician's recommendation in order to buy marijuana. California law allows pot to be dispensed for "any illness for which marijuana provides a relief." Back pain, anxiety, sleeplessness, glaucoma — virtually any condition can now be claimed.Perhaps no line can be drawn between serious conditions for which marijuana is a godsend, relieving many patients suffering excruciating pain, and simple recreational use.And then there's the sheer numbers issue. Surveys show 100 million Americans at some point in their lives have smoked pot. It's time to ask: What's government doing prohibiting marijuana in the first place?In California alone, the marijuana market is already estimated to total $14 billion a year. Legislation pending in Sacramento would regulate the trade and yield the state $1.3 billion in revenues. In an America whose revenue-hungry state governments have already gone hog-wild legalizing another practice once thought evil — gambling — what's so different about marijuana?And there's a parallel. At the height of the Great Depression, state governments drowning in red ink seized the opportunity to repeal prohibition of alcohol as a way to institute legal taxes and fill their empty coffers.The myth we need to break is that the use of mind-altering drugs is really different from a whole range of activities that humans have engaged in since the dawn of time.I'd put gambling on that list, but even more deeply entrenched are alcohol, drugs and sexual practices. All have legitimate roles; each, depending on its form and application, can be seriously abused. A mature society warns of problems but holds back on prohibition — and sensibly, because rules of total denial will be broken anyway.What's missing on the marijuana front, suggests Eric Sterling, president of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, is any fair, open debate about its use. How serious is it, for example, if a high-school student gets "stoned"? Is "binge drinking" really less serious? Would a successful prevention model aim mostly at abstinence or some safer, moderate form of use?By good fortune, a fascinating new European study has become available to us. In the late 1990s, Portugal was faced by seemingly runaway drug usage, together with record arrest levels and imprisonments. (Sound familiar?)So the Portuguese government decided to create a high-level commission, dominated by health-care professionals, to recommend a solution. The commission's surprise recommendation: Don't officially legalize all drugs. Instead, decriminalize them — take away all criminal penalties."I think it's bizarrely underappreciated what's been done in Portugal," says analyst Glenn Greenwald, author of a just-published study on the Portuguese experiment for the Cato Institute, a Washington think tank.The Portuguese parliament didn't "go soft" on drug traffickers — they're still liable to arrest and criminal prosecution. Police can still issue citations to drug users. But under the new law, in effect since 2001, the worst fate an apprehended drug user can expect is mandatory appearance before a "dissuasion commission" — which in turn is most likely to suggest a course of treatment.The crucial advantage of decriminalization, says Greenwald, is that it removes citizens' fear of government punishment. So they feel free to seek out help for treatment or stopping drug use altogether. The money formerly spent on "putting drug users into cages," as he puts it, is going for counselors and psychologists conducting quality treatment programs.America's "drug war" myth has been that anything short of severe criminal penalties leads to massive drug abuse, escalating crime and worse. But in Portugal, none of the predicted parade of horrors has occurred. Drug use among youth has actually declined, and surveys show use of marijuana, cocaine and dangerous substances like heroin are all well below Europe-wide averages.Decriminalization — rather than legalization — could this be the sane middle ground we need?Neal Peirce's column appears regularly on editorial pages of The Times. Copyright: 2009 Washington Post Writers GroupSource: Seattle Times (WA)Author: Neal Peirce, Syndicated ColumnistPublished: Friday, April 24, 2009Copyright: 2009 The Seattle Times CompanyContact: opinion seatimes.comWebsite: http://www.seattletimes.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/JS5ttO7dCannabisNews Justice Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/justice.shtml
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on April 27, 2009 at 13:51:21 PT
museman
Thank you. Very good.
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Comment #42 posted by museman on April 27, 2009 at 13:08:52 PT
A song..
One that a lot of my friends didn't understand when I wrote it. Maybe it makes more sense to people now...(It was recorded at my last attempt to credit somebody's 'profession' in a 'professional' recording studio -the event that finalized my decision to do it myself from then on...)They Don't Need LoveAll around the world, it's times of trouble, and you tell me you don't care if they break your mind, as long as the pay is good. When they turn on the light there won't be much left to see. In the middle of night they took away your freedom, and you knew they would, like a warnin' from the Book of Love. You knew they could, death-metal angels in the skies above, now it's too late, you better hurry just to save your love, cause they don't need love. They don't need love. They don't need love. Everywhere you look it's the same old tale, signs enough to see, but who's got time to look, in service to the dollar bill? When you open your eyes, you won't like what you see, if you swallowed the lies and promised you would keep them. And you knew they would, like a story from the olden days. You knew they could, they've had time to learn some special ways. The time has come, gotta run to catch the mornin's rays, cause they don't need love. They don't need love. They don't need love. They need electric trains, and aeroplanes, ...radio, and television. Nuclear power, and binary reason, digital process...they got it on the brain..And you knew they would, like a warnin' from the Book of Love. You knew they could, death-metal angels in the skies above, now it's too late, you better hurry just to save your love, cause they don't need love.
They Don't Need Love (dload)
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on April 27, 2009 at 12:52:37 PT
museman
I think most people are becoming aware. I am not the slightest bit afraid. What took so long is what I wonder.
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Comment #40 posted by museman on April 27, 2009 at 12:30:02 PT
FoM -day of reckoning
The dawn after the evening.That song was one of the ones that turned me from a young republican - just before I learned my lottery number was 3.It was part of my repertoire for many years. One of the jewels of our generation. And how they mocked such foresight, well they aren't mocking now are they?
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on April 27, 2009 at 11:24:03 PT
museman
That video says a lot and is very well done. The end was more specific that I wanted to see because I believe very broadly about faith.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on April 27, 2009 at 11:17:48 PT
museman
I knew you weren't talking to me. We just watched the video again of EOD. Back when I was a teen and heard it I thought yes we are but not now. I've always thought that way when I listened to that song. Now it all seems different.
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Comment #37 posted by museman on April 27, 2009 at 11:05:44 PT
FoM
As an afterthought, when I say "you" I didn't mean YOU. I'm going to have to watch that. :-)>
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on April 27, 2009 at 10:59:40 PT
museman
My love for God's creation goes way back to when I was very young. It had nothing to do with anything except what was in my mind. When this song was put in our wurlitzer juke box in the cafeteria of the catholic high school I went to I played it over and over again. Eve Of Destruction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akoukq5DvAE
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Comment #35 posted by museman on April 27, 2009 at 10:47:25 PT
FoM
Unfortunately, I have to agree.We can stand back and call them 'birthing pains' or what have you, but the long and short of it is more human suffering.And the longer we have to deal with the systems that created all these problem, the longer we collectively allow these fake authorities to continue to have their way, the harder its going to be on all of us. the continuing compromises with failed, false systems will only drag out the inevitable.This has been building up for millennia. On the surface, there is this fake reality, like concrete paved over paradise, that is so full of cracks from the pressure of the reality underneath trying to get back into the light of day, that theres just no way to fix the fake at this point. The impetus of many thousands of years of suffering of the many at the hands of the few, is like a subterannean cry that has never ceased, but gained volume and intensity as the powers that be keep pushing and oppressing, with only token offerings to our 'compromises' to keep the cracks from exploding outward.Our planet is talking to us. Its whispered gently to us for a long time, while demonstating its raw and-very-real power off on the side of our little fake world, out of more compassion than we have shown, but the time has come for creation to speak louder than man, because man is not listening.All we ever had to do to avert disaster and catastrophe, is follow the guidelines of Ya, and Creation, and learn what our Adamic ancestors were shorted out of so many millennia ago.Instead of listening to all the false human 'authorities' learn to hear a tree. Learn to listen to the language of life, instead of the 'science' of death and dead things.Instead of hanging on the 'evening news' as if were some kind of high truth, go find a babbling brook to sit beside and learn some real knowledge.Instead of sitting in a classroom cramming all manner of useless shit into your heads, go take a walk in nature, get a 'degree' in 'Fundamental Reality 101.'The alternatives to negative, destructive, selfish, ugliness- that is currently passed off as 'the way to be'- have been available to us forever, but we have been deliberately misled by those who have claimed to be our 'betters' for a long, long time.No there is no avoiding what is coming, and the only real and true safety or sanctuary, is in your heart. You can stock up on stuff, but if you are a status-quo worshipper, your kharma is going to get you.I feel such sorrow for all the poor people in the world, who are going to suffer the most, until the posers, pretenders, and fake auhtorities in the world finally get justice delivered to them. And it will be harsh. Its in Einsteins theory of relativity. The 'Equal and opposite reaction' to centuries of deliberate confusion and ignorance, accompanied by the suffering and destruction of whole species and ecosystems is just too great to expect mercy for the unmerciful-that is their chosen fate and kharma. We can't stop it. The best we can do is to stop feeding it now, so it comes crashing down sooner.Prayer, in this case is the only real power we have.FREE CANNABIS FOREVER
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on April 27, 2009 at 10:06:01 PT
museman
Sometimes I really do think we are heading for a really hard time for many people in the world. They just had an Earthquake now in Mexico. I watched a documentary on Edward Cayce last night. I've seen it before but this is getting interesting.http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009fya9.php
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on April 26, 2009 at 15:22:45 PT
museman
I agree it is very bad in Mexico City from what I've been reading and probably other places in Mexico. I remember when Bush was given the Presidency that the Dems huffed and puffed and then seemed to try to work with him. The RP is the Party of No No No! If anyone on the left says No then they will say Yes. I believe in knowing what you will stand on and don't be two faced. That forked tongue saying comes to mind. We will be ok here and I am happy to see so many on top of it to protect us as best they can from an invisible enemy like the Swine Flu.
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Comment #32 posted by museman on April 26, 2009 at 14:57:44 PT
FoM
Contrary to the way over-exagerated media hype of the 'drug cartels' (that are directly connected to the DEA and CIA) doing all the 'murder and mayhem' on the border, the reports of an epidemic in mexico are being underplayed.My daughter who was in Mexico City Yesterday, called us up this AM to re-assure us that they had left the city and were going into the country, because the cities -Mexico City for one- are being literally plagued by the outbreak, and it is real and spreading.Most of the fatalities are related to poor people who live in very bad conditions, and have no access to medical help. The fact that most americans have some kind of access to medicine that will combat the disease -on the shelf in pharmacies and grocery stores throughout the country- will just about assure that it won't affect us as bad as it has Mexico.But the repugs just want to fuel hatred and prejuduce- it's always worked for them in the past....You should hear some of the things my daughter hears from her local inbred redneck idiot fearmongers kids at school about Obama. I will not repeat any of them, but if they weren't so sick and full of psychosis they'd be hilarious.LEGALIZE FREEDOM
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on April 26, 2009 at 14:18:07 PT
Off Topic: Are They All Living In Another Universe
I am following the swine flu outbreak because it is interested to me then I stumbled on to this article. What makes them think like they do. They are really paranoid. FWIW: Paranoia strikes deep into your mind it will creep!The GOP Chimes in on The White House's Reaction To The Swine Flu Outbreakhttp://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/chimpeach/2009/04/the-gop-chimes-in-on-the-white.php?ref=reccafe
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Comment #30 posted by museman on April 26, 2009 at 13:29:40 PT
GCW
And Thank you for recieving it in the spirit it was intended, you relieve my slight apprehension of unintended offense.
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Comment #29 posted by The GCW on April 26, 2009 at 13:21:58 PT
museman,
Thank You for taking the time to put that together.
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Comment #28 posted by museman on April 26, 2009 at 12:21:21 PT
whats in a name?
At the very real risk of being misunderstood, I am troubled by a few things.Though I am in spiritual ageement with the conclusions associated with cannabis and 'biblical' import, I do have serious issue with terminology and nomenclature that references antiquated, erroneous doctrines of christianity.I understand all too well the conditions and dependencies placed upon the christian invention of 'salvation' and how it has been used -along with war and economics, to enslave hmanity to the powers that be. I also understand that there are many people who call themselves 'christian' who believe many things that I personally have been commanded by reason, truth, and deep, lifelong prayer and conversation with The Most High Creator oF Universes (whom I know as 'My Father In Heaven') to clarify the ambiguities of misinterpreted terms and scriptural understandings, wherever it may be possible.To echo a thought stated in one of these statements; Yes, it is no happenstance, coincidental occurrence that certain ancient artifacts and documents should have been revealed in latter half of the 20th century, it is a deliberate enactment of promises made to our ancestors by none other than The Most High, YHWH. Within those writings -most rejected by the church when they created the bible in 1100 AD from selected, and some invented references - a kind of lobotomy of the Torah- there is revealed a very important piece of information. That piece of information has to do with the real name of the one called jesus, as well as the clarification of the helenistic title of 'christ' or the word 'chrism.'For about 3 decades, I and those who have furthered their investigation of spirit beyond the confines of church sanctioned limitation, have been tolerant of the continuing errors that our fellows have made in their 'calling upon the false name' because it is easy to want to make the compromise that says 'jesus, or Yashua' it doesn't matter as long you get the message.' And we watched those who are referred to as 'disobedient christians' all but fulfil the works of Luciferian doctrine and power under the banner of christianity, and with the name of 'christ' constantly worked in to their speeches, it became apparent that the tolerance being extended wasn't helping the situation at all, but was being used as an opportunity to further confuse the issue.Meanwhile, there was an unexpected (but in retrospect it should have been) effect of discovering, and uncovering truth about Yashua that had been deliberately hidden by the church and the ministry since Lucifer came to Emperor Constantine with the 'holy vision' of the sword as a representative of 'christ' and the 'Holy Wars' began.That effect was liberation. As soon as we knew the correct means to call upon Yashua -who told us 'The Truth Shall Set You Free'- doors began to open, access to information long held secure in places most don't even believe in began to literally 'pour forth' upon those whose consciousness was/is ready to recieve it.In all of our history, more humanity has suffered 'In the name of christ' than any other 'god' or religion man has ever believed in. More blood has been spilt by the rulers of men who had numerous 'religious men' claiming that 'god is on our side' as they rushed in to rape, murder, burn and pillage.Yet throughout it all, none ever died 'in the name of Yashua, or Yahushua' -yes his early followers died because of him, and their belief in him, but that is not the same.WIthin the 'doctrine of salvation' the key lynchpin is the use of the 'Name.' One 'calls upon the 'name of jesus' to petition and aquire 'salvation' from 'god.'Now I have a test, an exercise or experiment;Lets say your name is 'Bill.' Go stand out in the middle of a field, a long distance -just within ear shot of the nearest people. Have a couple of friends stand by within ear shot, but not visible if possible. Have them call out to you, but they must not use your right name. What are the chances that you will react to say "Hey George!" or "Jeff!"?Of course, 'jesus' has supernatural powers, and it wouldn't matter if you called him 'lucifer' he would still answer you right? What are the chances that if you called the wrong name, that the wrong entity would answer?Think about it.And while you are thinking, look at the history of the conquest of the earth by un-natural, anti-creation systems of power, authority, and the concept the Nephalim love the most; 'Original Sin' -by which every single one of us is doomed from birth to some kind of pre-ordained failure with the finely accentuated exception of those 'chosen' and 'appointed over us'.And this comes to the distinction between 'salvation' and 'redemption.'Salvation presumes failure -right along with the 'original sin' theme. There is nothing to be done in this life, it is all futile, doomed to fall short -unless one conforms to the doctrine of the church amd its 'conditions.'Redemption, on the other hand presumes nothing, but adresses the actual human condition of 'falling short' not as some kind of 'crime' (roots in this concept that have sprouted some damn putrid trees -"rule of law"-for example) but as an obstacle to be overcome.YHWH and YSHWH offered us redemption, first in the form of the 'guidelines to good living' referred to as 'the ten commandments' and then in the living example Yashua gave to us 2000 years ago.There is a concept called 'unconditional Love' that is often associated with 'jesus' -called also 'Agape love.'Yashua was the embodiment of that attribute, the teacher of the knowledge of it. His 'conditions' on Redemption were all about Love. His parables were all about ultimate, unconditional love, yet the relgion that claims to follow his example and teachings have taught the children for 2000 years to fear our Loving Father, and 'His Wrath' (a very real but misunderstood situation beginning to become visible in the 'real world')-and that 'surrendering to jesus' is the only way out. The words and gospels are read every week on the false Sabbath, but they are read by blind guides to carefully maintained congregations of seperatists, judgementalists, and spiritual ignorance.The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the same year that Israel became a nation once again (prophecy) -which is also the same year that a UFO supposedly crashed in Roswell New Mexico. Coincidence? Only to those in extreme denial.The fact that both events were removed from the ability of the public at large to form their own conclusions, is also no coincidence.Why can you not go to the library and check out a translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls? It was the Catholic Church, right along with the Protestant, that decided that we aren't 'ready' for what is contained in those ancient scrolls, and had them sealed, locked away for 50 years (til after my generation has all died). Why do you suppose they did that?I do not write this as a condemnation of anyones choices of reference, and bottom line, it is whether you 'live' the life that Yashua exemplified, or not.Endowed as I am with my own sovereign authority to test all spirits and spiritual dogma and doctrine (the same as any one else) I report three things here;#1 Yahushua ben Yoseph was really here.#2. 'jesus christ' is a false messiah -deliberately made so by the rulng factions that have been trying to keep us from our own Yahweh-given inheritance of 'Ye are gods' including the entire providence of planet earth, that no man has the right to claim as their own, and the power to achieve enlightenment throught he same means that our Sacred Leader, our one and only true and appointed 'king' Yahushua did. -Yashua is King. Yahushua is the Messiah. Yeshua is our redeemer, and "I know my redeemer liveth."#3 -and I know too well how hard this is for christian-oriented folks to deal with, but it must be stated; The 'bible' is not the Living Word. Yashua was/is, and those who live the Word of Yahweh -which is the TRUTH -the highest aspect of which we can realize is LOVE. That is the "Living Word."There is more living essence of Yah, Yashua and Creation, in the simple teachings of a living tree, than is written on all the dead material called 'books' since the first Nephalim Godkings contrived to write their own reality so many millennia ago.A friend of mine made a statment to me the other day that suns it up quite well;"If you want to enslave people, the first thing you do it write a book."I do not wish to argue the fine points of doctrine and 'scriptural reference' because though I respect the efforts of my ancestors to keep the truth alive throughout the centuries of created and maitained ignorance by the powers that be, and within the context of the knowledge contained in fractured, and fragmented format of 'the bible' are to be found many pearls of great price, but the time has come to shine the light on all the dark corners of the earth - and most partictularly the abomination of desolation that has misled humanity for long enough -christianity.It is not enough to claim that for all these centuries of corruption, false dominion, false authority, and false worship, the 'disobedient christians' are to blame, for if those who were, or are to claim the attitude of 'obedient christians' were in fact acting out, and living the aspects of 'The Truth, the Light , and the Way' to any degree of reality -in everyday life- then we would not have had to be brought right up to the edge of Armageddon, and in the 2000 years we have had to get our act together, a lot more than a bunch of oblivion-fearing people assembling every sunday (false Sabbath) to give lip service to god would have occurred.In fact, there are those who have taken the gift of Yashua and 'run for it' they are the ones who are condemned, chastized, mocked, and ridiculed by the very same so-called -'christians' throughout history. The true manifestors of Yashua's Love, aren't in the cannonized fakery of the church, but they are in The Book Of Life.The true spiritual leaders of mankind aren't seen on TV. And the true Living Knowledge of Yahweh and His Creation is far from accurately recorded in any work of mens hands.Vanity of vanities.If today, all men and women deny the conditions of this world, and start living the unconditions of love, then we would have started on the path so many falsly claim to be on by virtue of their ritualistic platitudes and vain symbolisms as expressed by their 'religiosity' or their 'religilousness.'I intend no insult to anyones perspective on Spirit. The fact that many good people have languished under the false banner of a false religion for nearly 2000 years, does not negate the intentions of their hearts, and much will be forgiven by the Master of Forgiveness, but the time has come to leave behind the myths and half truths of a millennia of darkness and ignorance, and step up to the now of much awareness and revealed knowledge -that can substantiate every thing I have stated- not for my own edification, but for the long awaited, and overdue illumination of the mind, spirit, and heart of man.THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
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Comment #27 posted by Miranger on April 26, 2009 at 10:07:47 PT:
heh
Although i agree with your statements, pot isnt a plum, Its not even a fruit.
The fact that we have to smoke it its the only thing that got it banned from the get go. If you could just drop a few buds ina coctail and top that off with some vodka people would be all over it.
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Comment #26 posted by The GCW on April 26, 2009 at 07:37:31 PT
Human and Cannabis Coevolution
Human and Cannabis Coevolution from Cannabis Culture Mag.by David Malmo-LevineThis is good...http://www.cannabisculture.com/v2/content/human-and-cannabis-coevolution
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Comment #25 posted by AdaptBones on April 25, 2009 at 15:44:12 PT:
Yes indeed
Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, and the more knowledge people have the more the truth comes out and the more the dam of prohibition cracks and falls apart. That is a beautiful thing to see for sure. Cnews and all the rest I'm sure have played a vital role in helping this movement and bringing freedom to everyone. We fight not just on behalf of ourselves, but on behalf of the people who can not fight or will not fight or who have passed from this world without seeing freedom returned to everyone. Law enforcement and the "justice department" will be turned on their heads when all the smoke clears (no pun intended) and they will find they will be watched VERY closely to not allow them to regain the power they hold now. It will be a new day for all involved, some of us will just enjoy the day more than others. But after riding tall on their lies and power for so long they deserve nothing less than to have the rug swept out from under them and have the very system they abused turn it's eye to them. The day of reckoning is coming and it will be sweet fruit. Blessed be everyone.
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Comment #24 posted by gloovins on April 25, 2009 at 15:24:38 PT
typo
"I like how OUR logic..." it should read...opps...there's always at least 1 that escapes me...:)
Hope all are having a good weekend btw
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Comment #23 posted by gloovins on April 25, 2009 at 15:21:38 PT
hi all
I like how are logic and rationalization that we all here have been putting forth since, well 1998 when this site came to be, and how it has has worked it's way into the national media. We contributors here are important because we offer a precise retort to the lies and distortion of many of these articles that infest the MM. Much of the facts we use here against the lies of the cannabis prohibitionists are seen sometimes in "journalists" questions that usually begin with: "But the marijuana lobby says...." Or "But these legalizers want to do this and that...". This is how one must gauge progress in a warped way I think because mm journalism is so mediocre and well, daft.
The biggest issue someone pointed out in another thread is the fact mm puppets won't point out law enforcement doesn't want and will never want to lose a power source. They want power and more power until they have absolute. Freedom to question their tactics is not enough but debating (and winning...) them on the facts is I think an important key facet in taking down cannabis prohibition. LEAP is a start but it's not enough until we are free to grow this plant. Let's let law enforcement know we want kid's to safe from a cop making a mistake on a "grow-op" raid and kicking in the door and killing them or someone else for that matter. Prohibition does this. Not Legalization. Legalization eliminates this. Something to think about, officer.
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Comment #22 posted by Hope on April 25, 2009 at 12:45:34 PT
AdaptBones
Comment 20Very well said.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on April 25, 2009 at 10:02:01 PT
AdaptBones
When I read this thread it reminds me how we all are doing it right now. Many people read CNews but don't comment. We have a platform and we are using it wisely. People are understanding.
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Comment #20 posted by AdaptBones on April 25, 2009 at 09:58:34 PT:
FoM #6
Yes absolutly. Tolerence may be the key phrase but it is the key phrase for all the prohibs or others who feel the need to try and impose their will and morals on others. For the rest of us and for the world at large we need to breed out the taboo that has been created around this plant. Once the taboo has been lifted from around this plant it will become just another plant (a wonderous plant that has many uses to be sure) but just another plant. No regulation, no strings attached, just another plant. Some people like plums, some people do not; but we sure as hell don't punish a person who DOES like the plum so why should any other plant be different? That is my main hope, that one day no laws will be needed surrounding anything that is natural.Of course I'm also a realist and there is no way the powers that be are going to just wake up one day and say, "oh alright, you guys played a good game and you won. we are sorry and now all the laws are gone". Besides, that is not exactly practical with how our society works. So go ahead and start with decrim you prohibs, but we won't let you stop there. We can not accept anything less than full freedom to control our lives and what we do in the private of our lives with no interference from any "parental figures" trying to tell free adults what to do. Indeed nothing less should ever be expected by any free adult. We are born free and so we wish to BE free. The damage over the last 40 + years has been great, but we can all help to repair that damage and bring freedom to all. Blessed be everyone.
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Comment #19 posted by Garry Minor on April 25, 2009 at 09:53:30 PT:
The GCW
You are so right about the Biblical importance of "Kaneh bosm" and what's happening around us today!! It's no accident that Benet discovered the Word when she did, or that the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi Library just happened to turn up when they did. It's no coincidence the plant was demonized as it has been, and what's happening right now is no accident either. It's all in the Book! Crazy as it may seem! As I know you're aware, it's a long story, however, I believe we are witness to the Revelation of the Truth being exposed. This is a much bigger deal than even most activists are aware of. We are in for a treat! The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.Those of us with eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that understand!Once people understand the salvation and healing of the "Chrism" and are free to become "Christians" it will spread like yeast. Think about it, it freegin cures cancer, Alzheimers, etc, etc....it's a miracle!The Truth is that Jesus came to free the Holy Oil, baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit, and make Priests of all those with ears to hear. Johns baptism of water is incomplete and any other oil counterfeit. 1 Samuel 16:13, Isaiah 61, James 5:14, 1 John 2:18-29.It is written; "It is through water and fire that the whole place is purified- the visible by the visible, the hidden by the hidden. There are some things hidden by those visible. There is water in water, there is fire in Chrism." "The chrism is superior to baptism, for it is from the word "Chrism" that we have been called "Christians," certainly not from the word "baptism." And it is because of the "Chrism" that the "Christ" has his name. For the Father anointed the Son, and the Son anointed the Apostles, and the Apostles anointed us. He who has been anointed possesses everything. He possesses the resurrection, the light, the cross, the Holy Spirit. The Father gave him this in the Bridal chamber, he merely accepted the gift. The Father was in the Son and the Son in the Father. This is the Kingdom of Heaven." "If one goes down into the water and comes up without receiving anything, and says "I am a Christian," he has borrowed the name at interest. But if he receives the Holy Spirit, he has the name as a gift. He who has received a gift does not have to give it back, but of him who borrowed it at interest, payment is demanded. This is the way it happens to one when he experiences a mystery." "Through the Holy Spirit we are indeed begotten again, but we are begotten through Christ in the two. We are Anointed through the Spirit. When we were begotten, we were united. None can see himself either in water or a mirror without light. Nor again can you see in light without mirror or water. For this reason it is fitting to baptize in the two, in the light and the water. Now the Light is the Chrism.".......read John 1-3. "Having been counted worthy of this Holy Chrism, ye are called Christians, verifying the name also by your new birth. For before you were deemed worthy of this grace, ye had properly no right to this title, but were advancing on your way towards being Christians.”The leaves of the Tree are for the healing of nations. No longer will there be any curse.Amazing what a little Oil can do! But it is what it is! Psalm 133!קְנֵה-בֹשֶׂם
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Comment #18 posted by The GCW on April 25, 2009 at 09:47:20 PT
Friesland flag.
My wife is half Dutch. Her family is from Friesland.I love their flag.http://www.geographic.org/flags/new1/friesland_flags.html
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on April 25, 2009 at 07:45:34 PT
This thread makes me want to do something
with those little symbols we have now. Like an "Excellent" button.Your explanation of what is going in the Netherlands is right on, BGreen. I know what you are saying is true, because I know a lot of Dutch people, and am very fond of many of them, and am, in fact, related to a lot of Nederlanders... Friesians in particular, by marriage first, and then, via grandchildren, by blood. I've never been there, although invited many times, and I don't want to go. But obviously, while you were there, you paid attention.Lots of stuff wrong with the quasi-legal tactic, and it is because of those ancient treaties, and pressures from other countries, but it's far more sensible than what goes on here and some of those other countries.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on April 25, 2009 at 04:57:30 PT
Just a Comment
I really appreciate all the responses on this thread. Thank you.
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Comment #15 posted by GeoChemist on April 25, 2009 at 04:44:58 PT
It's time to wise up
"It's time to ask: What's government doing prohibiting marijuana in the first place"? The answer is quite simple: The 1974 Virginia Medical College study and the Guzman study of 2000 & 2009 (published years). Cannabis holds the key to cancer and the prohibs know it; they are but yes-men (and made fat) to the entity that stands to loose the most if this deadly disease is cured. If scientific research could continue to be stymied then we would see decriminalization/legalization, but once one of the two, decriminalization/legalization would occur then the flood gates of research would open and the truth would come out like the second coming and all hell would break loose. Look at all of the botanicals, foxglove and Pacific yew, used to create pharmaceuticals that alliviate symptoms, rarely do we see a true cure coming from big pharma. When erictile dysfunction is the most researched condition by all major pharmaceutical companies and cancer isn't in the top ten then there is a HUGE problem that needs addressed. Crimes against humanity? End of line
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Comment #14 posted by EAH on April 24, 2009 at 23:23:56 PT:
No this falls short.
As a "compromise" solution, major problems remain.It amazes me how difficult it is to end bad failed policy and implement better more effective policy. The only problems related to drug use should be, over use, use that affects a persons daily life, those people need counseling and help and when use endangers others. Driving under the influence etc. Legal drugs with be much more effectively controlled than they are now. Change the UN treaties that currently prevent legalization by nations around the world.
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Comment #13 posted by The GCW on April 24, 2009 at 22:55:29 PT
BGreen,
That's a good explaination. It helps Me understand...The price of cannabis is skewed till it is not only Re-legalized but legal for citizens to grow it, which is the key to making cannabis priced realistically.Until cannabis may be grown by all citizens the price is black market influenced which is artificial.-0-Cannabis is not just another ordinary plant. Or even a very good plant.Cannabis is extrordinary BIBLICALLY.We, the underground know it. The powers that be, know it from the upperground.The upperground stands to lose lots of power and money if cannabis is freed.This issue isn't just out in the open.It's of Biblical proportion.It needs to be treated as a Biblical issue.Treating cannabis as a Biblical issue will expose Biblically disobedient people.Expose them as the Biblical vampires that they are.We are perhaps never going to RE-legalize cannabis on Our own.We may only be able to Re-legalize the superplant with the help of Christ God Our Father, The Ecologician and His spirit of truth.It is there for Us, but only available only once We accept the truth and live it.Perhaps, right now, We are doing it for Us, when We need to do it for Him.I don't know...One of the keys though -if not more, is in Biblical terms.I sense and feel this as truth.Biblically, We can eliminate the vampire. And that may be the only way to eliminate the vampire, -Biblically.But first We must accept that the vampire exists.Too many disobedient Christians have produced an environment which contains a very large percentage of the population who do not believe in God, the Ecologician and the spirit of truth. Chalk that up to the success of the devil, but the effect is now that too many people who are cannabis activist to realize and refuse to believe or don't acknowledge that cannabis is a Biblical issue.Too many people resist Christianity based on the actions of disobedient Christians... -If George Bush is a Christian, then I don't want anything to do with being a Christian.Fact is, George is an example of a disobedient Christian. A blood sucker. *But not just a blood sucker. *George is the sucker of blood from Christ God Our Father, The Ecologician.And He's just one example. There are perhaps millions like George, who cause many more millions of potential obedient Christians to shun becoming Christians.The best people; the best potential Christians, stay away because of the vampire.The good need to reclaim Christianity. Take away the platform disobedient Christians currently control; Get rid of the disobedient Christians. Then the act of RE-legalizing cannabis will come naturally.The vampire may allow decriminalizing cannabis -but the Lord Ecologician will completely RE-legalize it and allow citizens to grow it and do what they want with it. As it was created to do.God's creation and His will for Us includes cannabis.***It's likely that God's will for Us isn't possible without cannabis.***Lord help Us.The Green Collar Worker
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Comment #12 posted by Had Enough on April 24, 2009 at 20:28:03 PT
Opps…
Failed to mention...Free the weed…Clean the streets…
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Comment #11 posted by Had Enough on April 24, 2009 at 20:12:04 PT
re: comment #2…#8
“”Decriminalizing is bogus. Better than nothing, but not what is being demanded. Full on RE-legalize the God-given plant. Don't give $100 tickets. Don't persecute users.””***“”Unless they are simply saying legalize it, but call it decriminalization. lol Decriminalization does not add regulations the way legalization can. And that is a very important factor which is needed to actually solve many of the current drug problems.””That would be me too...!!!Equal with lettuce, tomatoes…peaches and cream…************People United for Medical Marijuana – Floridahttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=127343055695CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND SIGN THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA INITIATIVE!!!
http://www.pufmm.com/petition.php
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on April 24, 2009 at 18:43:48 PT
My Wish
I want the price to be low not like we have seen. If the profit is removed the drug war will more then likely end.Let people grow their own for personal use just like a vegetable garden.For those who can't grow their own the price should be very low and a modest sales tax paid. That would be fine with me.
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Comment #9 posted by BGreen on April 24, 2009 at 18:20:54 PT
The Dutch Cannabis Model
Two things are very clear from the 30-year-old Dutch cannabis model and they exemplify what is right and what is wrong with the way the Dutch tolerate cannabis.Cannabis is NOT legal in the Netherlands but they tolerate the sale of small amounts from licensed shops in order to remove the dangers of the black market and hard drugs.That part of the equation has been an overwhelming success.The second part of the equation is a colossal failure and reeks of the same BS law enforcement likes to spew here in the good ol' US of A. The failed part is that the Dutch Government doesn't allow the legal growing and distribution of cannabis for the coffeeshops, forcing the procurement of wholesale cannabis into the same black market that drives the ridiculously high prices worldwide. Wherever growers and distributors face draconian punishments for providing a desired product, whether for the coffeeshops in the Netherlands, the compassion clubs in the USA or the street dealers everywhere, the prices are going to be astronomically high.The prices for cannabis in the Dutch coffeeshops runs from about 6 euros to 15 euros per gram. That's the equivalent of $226 to $567 US dollars per ounce!This proves the fact that tolerating the cannabis user in itself is not going to solve the problem of the black market. I've never understood the rationale of tolerating use of a substance without allowing a legal method of obtaining that substance. Unless you can crap cannabis or it falls from Heaven like Manna, you have to have a legal wholesale market.Check out this website with dozens of coffeeshop menus, both current and older, to get an idea of the different strains and prices. Right now it costs about $1.35 for one euro.The Reverend Bud Green
Dutch Coffeeshop Menus
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Comment #8 posted by The GCW on April 24, 2009 at 18:20:43 PT
NikoKun is correct.
Decriminalizing is bogus. Better than nothing, but not what is being demanded.Full on RE-legalize the God-given plant.Don't give $100 tickets. Don't persecute users. Allow responsible adults to purchase regulated cannabis and use the plant similar to booze.-0-One thing that may be taking place is fear that cannabis will be legalized and so the ignoids then and only then will make a move to decriminalize thinking they can stop the movement to legalize.Cannabis activists need to recognize that potential and avoid accepting national decriminalization efforts used to stunt the movement to RE-legalize.-0-The vampires want to take all Our blood, now they want Us to be happy they are only taking some of Our blood.I don't want vamipires taking any blood from people using cannabis.
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Comment #7 posted by HempWorld on April 24, 2009 at 18:04:22 PT
In Amsterdam ...
it is not fully legal ...because of US pressure ...and, of course, the UN convention ...But most mayors recently convened and voted that it must be regulated now, i.o.w. fully legalized!Decrim does not take the crime out of it on a wholesale level ...Good night all ...
On a mission from God!
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on April 24, 2009 at 17:33:12 PT
AdaptBones
If we take the crime out of it tolerance becomes easier too.
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Comment #5 posted by AdaptBones on April 24, 2009 at 17:24:29 PT:
FoM
Unless I am wrong yes that is how it is over there. It is not offically sanctioned but it is tolerated and it's not made taboo. People are taught the negative and positive of it all and then left to make their own choices. For some that includes smoking cannabis, for others it does not. What is important is that every individual is left to make that choice for themselves. What everone needs to remember is the key phrase "tolerence". Tolerence does not mean you have to like, but it DOES mean you have to accept that some other people DO like it. Please correct me if I am wrong. Blessed be.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on April 24, 2009 at 17:16:57 PT
A Question
Isn't that how it is in Amsterdam?
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on April 24, 2009 at 17:11:54 PT
NikoKun
I understand this excerpt.Excerpt: Don't officially legalize all drugs. Instead, decriminalize them — take away all criminal penalties.
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Comment #2 posted by NikoKun on April 24, 2009 at 17:06:46 PT
Decriminalization doesn't do enough...
Unless they are simply saying legalize it, but call it decriminalization. lolDecriminalization does not add regulations the way legalization can. And that is a very important factor which is needed to actually solve many of the current drug problems.Legalize, regulate, control!
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on April 24, 2009 at 16:54:46 PT
Good Article
I've always appreciated what Neal Peirce writes.
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