It is hard to imagine liberal House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and conservative Minority Leader John Boehner as soul mates on any discernible level, however, on the issue of marijuana law reform, for entirely different reasons, they’re two peas in a pod.
Shortly after the conclusion of this summer’s Democratic National Convention in Denver, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano posted a blog highlighting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) comments exhorting the public to take the lead on communicating with their elected policymakers regarding any desired major marijuana law reforms in the upcoming 111th Congress.
With that call to action in the minds of many, American voters elected Democrats into workable majorities in both chambers and elected Barack ‘Change’ Obama—while voters in both Massachusetts and Michigan voted in strong favor for ‘change’ regarding their states’ antiquated marijuana laws—when given the chance and medium to express their viewpoint regarding what other ‘changes’ are on the American peoples’ minds, since the mid 1990s and despite strong, bias media opposition, marijuana law reform has emerged as a major policy change sought by the American public.
House Speaker Pelosi supports medical access to marijuana. That is not in question. However, it is not known whether she publicly endorses decriminalizing marijuana, but, as a longtime representative in the House from San Francisco, she likely supports California laws regarding marijuana, notably the state’s long time decriminalization laws for personal, adult use.
Does she have the power to move medical marijuana through the Congress? Yes, likely she does. Is she going to expend the kind of political capital needed so early in the 111th Congress and this ‘New Dealish’ presidency to accomplish this? I don’t believe so.
Well now, to make matters worse, we have the Republican Minority Leader, John Boehner (R-OH), appearing last Friday afternoon on CNN’s Newsticker, in a Digg-sponsored ‘Question and Answer’, not surprisingly, the #1 question put forward by CNN/Diggers was of course about…marijuana!
Mr. Boehner’s reply on the marijuana prohibition question (which appears at the 3:15 mark of the 22 minute video) is tortured on two levels:
–Boehner’s deference to law enforcement and medical trade associations rather than to his constituents’ views, the Constitution, science, free market values and personal responsibility is, in a word, unfortunate:
–While rattling off DEA-like talking points against marijuana, Rep. Boehner seems to remember mid-rant against marijuana that he 1) often claims to be a libertarian who favors limited taxation, controlling government spending, and maximizing entrepreneurialism and personal freedoms, 2) supports the 9th and 10th Amendments, which largely articulate states’ rights to make their own constitutional laws.
Too bad Boehner has consistently voted against the Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment, a spending amendment in Congress that sought to check federal law enforcement’s ability to spend tax dollars harassing state compliant medical marijuana cooperative and dispensaries, and, in effect, recognizing states’ ability to craft greater legal protections for medical cannabis patients and their providers.
After watching Boehner’s verbal gymnastics and political CYA, I could have used a naturally occurring anti-emetic, if you know what I mean!
A Congressional Cannabis Conundrum
The most powerful legislator in the United States, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supports medical access to marijuana, but will not soon likely do anything to solve this long festering public health-law enforcement quandary, and the most powerful Republican legislator in the country is a chain-smoking, libertarian-talking prohibitionist.
Ugh.
The general public who support marijuana law reform (which is about 75% for both decriminalization and medical access) and many members from the working media inquire with NORML daily, ‘Why does marijuana prohibition continue despite its obvious failings?’
Regrettably, one need only point to this single, but poignant example, demonstrated by this Pelosi-Boehner cannabis conundrum: Leaders who will not lead.*
*Even when they very likely know better and the American people (common sense, economics and decency) demand it!
The world is just fucked up.
I’m going to hit the bong now!
Revolution! Off with their heads 😀
Now THAT’S the kind of stuff I’m looking to read! Great piece, man. Unfortunate indeed, if we have leaders who will not lead, we must make them well aware that they’re failure on this issue will cost them our votes.
When Boehner said the legalization of marijuana would create a spike in crime, I almost threw my laptop out the window. Seriously, how can people be so ignorant?
way 2 go nancy!!! NOW LETS MAKE THE CHANGE.
Yea NORML…
i agree
We The People demand change with Marijuana Laws now!
Someone should just talk to Obama in person =)
& Tell Obama that its the Citizen’s voice that is the most important part in a Democracy Country~
Majority Rules out everything
one day that 75 percent will go up to 99 percent
who want change & only 1 percent is our stubborn government who tries to LiE thru their corrupt leadership…
This is why I vote independent… and why you should too.
Well all I can say is their “constituints” must tell them “It IS GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE,HEMP FOR LIFE
I’m still curious as to why the “Citizen’s Handbook” results haven’t been in the news more?
20k votes is a lot of votes
What is being reported here is a normal thing that will happen for quite a long time. Think about it: If being elected by the majority of uninformed citizens kept you a job, would you want to appear soft on drugs? Would you wanna look like you’re for legalizing something that’s been illegal during the duration of most of our lives?
Believe it or not, there are still people here who believe the stereotypical image where there are people in trench coats walking through parks and school playgrounds selling off marijuana and crack to little kids. There are people who are uninformed and educated and we need to get the facts out to people about the benefits of marijuana reform. I believe that the article is right when it calls for us to contact our state’s legislature and get marijuana reform as a priority and a non-stop issue.
The alcohol pushers have plenty of money and lots of lobbiests. Those lobbiests make sure that the precious drunks and their dealers are protected.
this depresses me so much
The problem IS NOT leaders who will not lead !!! Again: THE PROBLEM IS that pot smokers consider legalization to be a TRIVIAL issue. This last election cycle was promising in that we had a record 4 candidates for president go on record for marijuana reform. Democrats Kucinich, and Gavel, the irrepressible Ralph Nader and the comic Ron Paul. (Bob Barr doesn’t count, he was lying, he’s a libertarian like the above Rep. Boehner ). Who did you vote for.
This article is half right, I absolutly believe that a overwhelming majority see no difference between alcohol prohibition in the 20’s and Marijuana prohibition now. Just as then only a small minority of voters support prohibition. The problem is the majority who want marijuana legalized but “agree to disagree on some issues while working together on others.
Imagine you are a member of congress. Let’s see if I make moves toward marijuana reform 10% of the voters will not even consider voting for me, no matter what else I do for them. On the other hand if I support ever more punitive measures against marijuana users, THEY WILL VOTE FOR ME ANYWAY, no matter what I do to them.
Why is marijuana still illegal, look in the Mirror.
If it doesn’t put money in their pockets, or stop Uncle Sam from taking money out of their pockets, these legislators don’t give a damn about what the people want. Poll after poll the people have shown they want to see reform of our current cannabis laws; it’s no longer about just getting “high”.
This is PROHIBITION of cannabis, and as it was with the prohibition of alcohol, CRIME (as Mr. Boeh-ner refers to) was a BY-PRODUCT. Because they sought to control and dominate the “prohibited” sale of alcohol, mobsters like Al Capone were surrounded by CRIME and VIOLENCE. This shortcut to attribute CRIME as a result of cannabis is extremely shallow and shows that these “leaders” are poorly educated about the issues that are important to the American people.
We ARE the PEOPLE and we WILL be heard! How much evidence do the legislators in the House need? NORML and hundreds upon thousands of CITIZEN testimonies (god forbid the citizens know whats right for them)have spoken in favor of a reform on marijuana laws. The Netherlands didn’t go to “hell in a handbasket” when they sought to control the sale and use of cannabis by adults through reform? Do they value humanity any less than we do?
I apologize if I got slightly “rant-y”, but I cannot stand to live in a country where the PEOPLE ought to have control, but are simply gagged.
They just WISH we would go away, that is what they are counting on, that is why we cannot give up, even if it is a daily ranting to your representatives, or sending an email to the White House, or supporting organizations like NORML,LEAP,MPP,or for GODS sake just growing your own and saying “fuck you ” to them.
Sorry, it bores me to keep making the same point over and over again, but as I see it the strongest argument FOR marijuana prohibition is the wimpy, ineffectual, pathetic, attempts at reform I’ve watched for 34 years now. MAYBE SMOKING POT DOES MARGINALIZE YOU! I’ll probable be censored for this but here goes.
We don’t need Nancy Pelosi to to grow a pair, we need NORML to grow a pair. We need NORML to tell the Nancy Pelosi’s in congress, the days of taking our votes for granted are over, your either with us or against us. We need NORML to tell the Rep. Boehner’s in Congress we’re targeting YOU. The next 70/30 landslide isn’t going to be for Medical Marijuana or Decriminalization, it’s going to be votes for your opponent, whoever he or she is. We need NORML to run a candidate in every presidential election, in both primaries. Pull just 5% of the vote in the Republican and Democrat primaries and 5% in the general election and the right to get high will be a Constitutional amendment.
Look in the mirror, YOU are the DRUG WAR
Spot on. That’s all I can say
It’s fixed.. Our politicians our being ran by big business. Marijuana will never be legal if this cycle continues. I saw we plan a overgrow operation 😛
It seems that of all the states, CA is on the forefront of the marijuana movement. How is it that Nancy is getting re-elected? Perhaps Californians can find a way to remind her where she comes from, and who it is that actually keeps her in power.
Simply put, if she’s not going to do her job – find someone who will. She needs to shit or get off the POT.
I have watched this issue closely lately because I believe we can make a difference on the issue of marijuana prohibition. The lawmakers aren’t listening time to shout! Call or email all our representatives and let them know they are not doing the job we hired and pay them for! Norml has done a great job of getting in the publics view but this is a GRASSroots campaign.
To contact speaker pelosi use this site http://speaker.house.gov/contact/
To contact John Boehner use this site
http://johnboehner.house.gov/Contact/
you can always find information on contacting your state reps just by using google to find their email address
WE WANT ACTION… SO LETS ACT!
MAKES NO SENSE to me, Leaders who won’t lead…such a SHAME indeed,
NOT YOUR FATHER’S PROHIBITION
Came home from a hard days work the other day, grabbed the pipe and turned on the Tube. The new Pres was on, it looked important, must be about the economy or his health care plan, what.. wait … huh…
” and I’ve consulted with the leaders of both parties in House and Senate and despite some reservation, they’ve agreed to let me tweek the following policy by executive order”.
First, in the states that have already passed it and the remaining states have have yet to do so, were going to declare marijauna legal for medicinal use. It’s evident from the vote margins in the 14 states that have already passed it that it’s the will of the people and were going to make it Federal, Medical marijuana is noe the law in all 50 states”.
“Second, on the issue of recreational use wer e going with full decriminalization of federal laws. As I said during the campaign the war on drugs has been an utter failure and the people want change. These new statutes apply to all 50 states and are effective immeadiatly. Thank you and good night.
I couldn’t believe it, must of played it back on tivo 50 times. That can’t be real, but it was, all over CNN and Fox news it dominated the talk shows.
Next day I celebrated. Can you say mr. dealer, I knew you could, had some stuff that looked and smelled great, sinsi. Gave him the money and stuffed my first legal bag in my shirt pocket. Don’t you want to celebrate with a few bong hits he asked. Not right now , better not gotta drive and besides I gotta do the night shift tonight and I hate being high at work, makes time go too slow.
Wasn’t 2 blocks away, sitting at the light when some teenager, texting on the cell phone rear ends me. I don’t think I’m hurt but man my car is totalled.
forgot all about the bag in my pocket till the cop shows up. “Man the car looks bad, I’m gonna call for a tow, I uh took statements from four seperate witnesses that you were stopped at the light, this is totally the other drivers fault, and what’s that in your pocket. I was like a deer in the headlights, he laughed it’s O’k’ didn’t you see the President on TV. Your free to go but you probalbly want to have a doctor look at that bump. Gonna let you off with a warning for the weed just sign here.
Went to the emergency room, and was examined, you know x-rays, MRI and a few stiches on my forehead, and of course a urine sample. Patched up I went to work.
THAT WAS THE DREAM, NOW FOR THE NIGHTMARE
A few days later they started arriving. First it was the insurance co. DUE TO POLICE REPORET YOU WERE IN POSSESION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT AND IN ACCORD WITH THIS STATES PER SE DUI LAWS YOUR DAMAGE CLAIM IS DENIED.
Then from the city. BASED ON OFFICERS REPORT AND YOUR IMPLIED CONSENT ON THE WARNING CITATION A REVIEW OF YOUR URINE TEST AT THE EMERGANCY ROOM HAS INDICATED TRACES OF THC IN YOUR BLOODSTREAM. UNDER THIS STATES PER SE DUI LAW YOU HAVE BEEN CITED AS SOLEY RESPONSIBLE FOR SAID ACCIDENT. YOUR COURT DATE IS. What, but it wasn’t my fault, the cop said so.
Then from the hospital. DUE TO TRACES OF THC IN YOUR BLOODSTREAM AT TIME OF EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE HAS VOIDED YOUR POLICY. YOUR CLAIM HAS BEEN DENIED. PLEASE REMIT $8765.98 FOR SERVICES RENDERED ON….. IF YOU CANNOT MAKE SAID PAYMENT IN FULL PLEASE CONTACT BILLING OFFICE TO MAKE PAYMENTS OVER THE NEXT 6 MONTHS. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN AND WILL RESULT IN WAGE GARNISHMENT.
And finally from my employer. WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE CITY OF … SAINT SUCH AND SUCH HOSPITAL AND OUR COMPANIES HEALTH CARE PROVIDER THAT RECENT URINE TESTS HAVE IDENTIFIED YOU AS A SUBSTANCE ABUSER. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN TO WORK UNTIL YOU HAVE CONTACTER THE HUMAN RECOURSE DEPT TO SCHEADULE A FOLLOW UP HAIR FOLLICLE TEST. FAILURE TO SCHEADULE SAID TEST OR A POSITIVE RESULT WILL RESULT IN YOUR IMMEADIATE TERMINATION.
FORGET ABOUT DECRIMINALIZATION. A WAIST OF TIME AND A TRAP.
Well, if our so called leaders will not listen to the very people that voted them in office, I say we remove them. Impeach and get people in there that will listen to the people and their desires, especially when it seems as if we are or becoming a majority. If they dont support the idea, we dont put them in office. Sounds simple enough to me.
REFORMISTS SHOULD GET MORE AGGRESSIVE, LIKE ACTUALLY PHYSICALLY FIGHTING BACK…MORE SPECIFICALLY OUSTING THE PATHETIC AND HYPOCRITICAL GOVERNMENT WHOM DOES NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE!!!
I understand that politicians have images to uphold. I understand that this is an issue that brings up an uncomfortable idea of “change” to some people. What I don’t understand is why people like Pelosi, who are on our side, simply do nothing.
All Obama and Pelosi and others have to do is quote millions of SCIENTIFIC studies and reviews. Not to mention the public support. But even more sad is that people don’t often listen to facts, even when presented with numbers they get bored. So this circular nonsense goes on and on until someone gets tough and does something about it.
Any thoughts on why politicians in this situation still hold back?
feature=PlayList&p=556D825029EE32B2&index=16
If every body in the uninited states or the world for that matter had plants in there back yard and had there own access to healthy Medicine instead of pharmasuticals from BIG multinational corporations that have horriable side effects(from there legal DRUGS),those corperations would not make PROFITS if you had plants(pot)in your back yard,theres no NET PROFIT for those Corporations,and we already know what net profit means to Stock prices.
If 75% of the population wants it legalized then why do these politicians not change things? Last time I checked this was a democracy by the people for the people. Not a democracy were politicians do as they want, what happened to personal liberties? Freedoms? I mean do we elect these people to ignore us? Apparently we do, I really wish we had that vote of confidence that they have in so many other democracies, politicians need to realize this is our country not theirs to do with as they please and if we are unhappy with them then they get ousted. I mean let’s get with the times, it’s not 1937…..or is it? the corruption and selling out of fellow citizens reminds me that we do live in a police state, where money rules still and the corrupt pull the strings.
Change.gov:
Cannabis is the #1 issue, but this goes unmentioned, as nobody is willing to risk standing up for what is right.
The medications I have to take to take the edge off my crushed Virtibra and broken neck are making life with family hard to keep under control! A few tokes ofof pot and I fell like a purdon has been lifted off my mind and stomach Gives me a little collaty of life and helps me eat better than the Oxycontin and Percocet which is tearing a whole in my stomach and really dosen’t do much for the pain. Someone Please do Something! Thank You E.W. Johnson Jr.
Just follow the money.
Too many people are getting rich from prohibition.
I think we should have mandatory retirement for all of Congress, House, and Senate. They should have to retire at the age of 62. They make Airline pilots retire at 60 years old. Then we will get some new blood in to pass the laws that the American people want. Right now those in POWER are addicted to it. They have the view that they are kings and queens and can steadily ignore the wishes of the people. Grow some balls Polosi.
(One unhappy 58 year old that can’t retire as long as my lives because of her health problems.)brother john
There are many industries that own these politicians. They couldn’t care less about what the people want. They just want their $$$.
It’s time these people wake up and do what is right for the american voter.
…& let us not forget the multitude of industrial applications of hemp that may, one day, come close to or even displace petroleum.
…and there you have it folks – the real culprit -again, fricking oil and the reptilian alien/humans who run oil.
We elect hyposcrisy (the capitalistic business model demands it). As a Floridian, I am awash in counterfiet politicians–though that seems to have become what is acceptable nowadays. Think about how hard you have worked to get to where you are in your career… These people have worked hard to make the decisions that elevate their standing and power abilities…We have all heard that power corrupts, and time and time again we see how succeptible politicians are to this. (If you’d like some examples, IL Blojogovich, NY Spitzer, etc) These politicians, no matter if the percentage in favor of marijuana reform was 85%, will not go out of their way for THE PEOPLE. They do things that seem widely plausible and praised, but lets not forget that they are people too, and have families and concerns similar to everyone else… But they DO NOT REPRESENT THE PEOPLE!
It is absulutely ridiculous that we still don’t understand…The only way anything will get done is if millions of people march to washington and have every news channel in the country document it. AND WE MUST SHOW THAT WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE… Unfortunately, because of prohibition, there is a criminal element that lurks around marijuana because of the illegality of it and its subsequent draw on younger rebellers. We need to show that this is not the case! Stereotyping and Prejudicing cause Problems! and I am sick of being targeted due to these things. Police, Employers, Politicians, etc. It’s everywhere and people are ignorant of the damages. We all have a voice! I say that the rampant age discrimination–using the nations’ youth as a cheap labor force, businesses taking advantage of young peoples vulnerabilities to (what shouls be) moral business practices–is wrong and needs to be confronted. This is a civil liberty issue, similar to marijuana and the discrimination that occurs there. Law Enforcement was created to PROTECT AND SERVE. Who do they protect or serve when they arrest an adult smoking marijuana responsibly?!? They should focus on the criminal elements of the substance. There does not need to be mass production of marijuana unless done for medicinal suppliers. I wish there was an org. in N. Florida where people could ban together to get a dialogue moving through the public, but wherever marijuana advocates stand up in this state, they are oppressed and silenced. It is obvious that in FLORIDA, Human Rights are not imporant.
I have a feeling that Obama fires up a big fat one on a regular basis. Cool, Presidential Pot! LOL
RT
http://www.total-privacy.us.tc
Kind of funny how we often say “We the people” when we usually don’t have a big say in it…
Is there any other rationale for our public servants’ irrational behavior other than serious corruption?
Since they have remained rock solid in their prohibitionist stance, we must unrelentingly work to expose this corruption by getting “We the people” to clearly see what’s going on here.
Corruption can only be peacefully ended by a sufficiently “bright light”. A strong focus on public relations is the only way to shine the bright light we need.
Rise and shine!
Did you see this guy? He doesn’t have any common sense either, why is it that someone who has so much experience and maybe with a bachelor or a master degree, could be so dumb. why is it so hard for them to understand, i want to be F%&k#! free! what part of that do politicians don’t understand.
just as in the civil rights movement we the cannibis culture must invoke our human rigts. we are a people that have been demonize by the powers that be. non the less we are people too who only want our rights to life liberty and the persuit of happiness. we will not stop until we can stand hand in hand with our budwiser and jammison drinking citizens and proclaim we are citizens and people too.leave us the f alone
“The general public who support marijuana law reform (which is about 75% for both decriminalization and medical access)” <—75% of the public may support it, but I don’t see 75% of the public fighting for it. Thats whats wrong with this country, everybody wants change but nobody wants to stand up and make changes. Just like Bush and the economic crisis. These types of things could be avoided if America acted more like, you know, America.
Im sure we would be hard pressed to see anyone stand up for the reform or marijuana laws, everyone’s afraid of big daddy! Terrible. http://tech4000.blogspot.com
pot is illegal for WALL ST.—private prisons,,,drug re-hab-pissing in a jar,,just follow the $$$$ trail,,,dea budget,,who would wear all of the military stuff,,,helicaptors,,bullet proof vests,,,etc stuff
those who have kept cannibas stiva from being legal should be brought in front of the courts and tried for fraud,,,etc,,,f.g.s,,,aka,,,infoman,,,aka,,,drinfo,,,,pohio,,,,peace
I couldn’t agree more with this article. Our leaders are nothing more than washed up hippies who have bought into the government propaganda regarding marijuana.
I personally know engineers, doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, bartenders, police officers, bankers, and teachers that smoke marijuana regularly. It does not impede anyone’s ability to perform their job functions, so long as they are not smoking it on the job. The public policy on marijuana should be the same as alcohol– regulate and tax it, thereby making it HARDER for children to obtain it. When I was in high school, it was 100 times easier to buy pot than it was to get alcohol, because drug dealers don’t ask for your ID.
In viewing Mr. Boehner’s reply in the video, and in writing my representatives, it is clear that lawmakers are really “feeling out” the issue of marijuana. They’re trying to figure out which side of the debate has the most votes in it for them and are not sticking their heads out on the issue. I liked his response about States’ rights, but his inclusion of “interstate commerce” in his reply worries me that he supports the same old drug war, and limiting scientific research into cannabis. In other words, he is “pro big business” and a crook like the rest of them in Congress. No surprise.
We need to look at the debacle that is Congress, and ask ourselves as Americans: Are these the people who should be dictating what is “moral and ethical” in this nation? Cheap credit and bailouts seem to be flowing as freely as marijuana in this country. Which is doing more harm to our nation? Greedy CEO’s or marijuana? Hmmm….
Yesterdays news will not solve the issues of today.
The continued lack of support from our elected officials on this issues leads to two conclusions. Either the will of special interests (alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, private prisons, and unions) or government institutions (DEA, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Local and State Police) are being administered over the will of the people. When the freest country in the world has the highest incarceration rate of any industrialized nation and a high percentage of those incarcerated are for non-violent drug offenses, one can easily draw a conclusion that drug prohibition is not working. Is our War on Drugs protecting the American populace or is it servicing the special interests and government agencies. Based upon the statistics and studies, I conclude it is the later.
If our elected officials are waiting for political cover to tackle this problem so they don’t appear to be soft on crime they need to communicate that the prohibition of Marijuana (stamp act and listing as a Schedule I drug) was based upon false principals and should have never been enacted. This could be achieved through a Schaffer 2.0 commission and allowing credible scientific research to be done such as the work proposed by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (research blocked by the DEA).
With all that is happening to country, we need leadership from our government. What happened to line in the Gettysburg address “that government of the people, by the people, for the people”? It seems that if Lincoln was to give the address today it would read “that government of the people, enforced by the government agencies, for the special interests”. It appalling that we are incarcerating and ruining so many lives over someone’s choice to use Marijuana. A drug that is no worse (many would argue less) than alcohol.
the places in the world that voted for marijuana to be legal, continue to do so. it won’t create problems. if it would, it would have been voted illegal again there, and it hasn’t been.
Back up and look at the picture that someone in government sees. The last 8 years have created an unfathomable nightmare with the countless obvious consequences as well as unimaginable levels unseen corruption and mismanagement.
The pot issue relates only to the leisure time of a minority of people.
If you looked at the smokers you know (not you, of course) you might notice a certain reduction of effectiveness, ambition, productivity and general intellectual capacity while under the influence. At this particular juncture is it right to focus on a segment of the population’s need to debilitate themselves for hours each day?
If you were in government and you were really trying to prove that excellence, expertise and engagement were how this country would solve problems, would this be an issue that would make it anywhere near the top of your agenda?
Perhaps as an issue limited to medical needs, but otherwise – be proud to cut lawmakers some slack. Once they’ve proven that people who demand excellence of themselves is how problems are solved, they can move onto the absurd laws that limit our nation’s recreation time.
they are not out of touch…..they are just ignoring us and we are letting them get away with it
I misread this. It sounded like it might be related to Canada with the words conservative and Liberals. How are they’re conservatives and liberals in the states.. and a minority conservative? Isn’t it republicans and Democrats? This article doesn’t make sense, what country are we talking about.
“Whenever the offense inspires less horror than the punishment, the rigor of penal law is obliged to give way to the common feelings of mankind.”
Edward Gibbon,
“The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,” 1776
Jeff’s right screw the politicians and their lobbyists, they have a price tag we can’t afford and besides the DEA and other Law Enforcement Agencies are spread to the max. The quickest way is if everyone who smokes starts growing and we all went in on the same day or general vecinity there of and turned ourselves in for growing. Between the already over croweded prisions(which several states are so strapped they are closing prisions) and the flat percentage of population who enjoy a hit. Where the hell would they put all of us? They don’t have the room for everyone so they would have to go to favorible term for certain users, which is descrimination and grounds for appeal not just for the few they’d have room for, but those they’ve already locked up. We need to think more like the hippies in the 60’s and actually fight for our rights, not sit back and expect someone else to fight for us.
this guy is a douche bag
They’re subjugating their own people for our own good? If that’s true, it’s fascist and must end.
It’s not about debilitation. It’s about the money. If they wanted an effective populous, they would stop arresting effective people and putting them behind bars. No one can be productive in prison.
If their goal in prohibiting marijuana is to make the world perceive Americans as more excellent or expert, they would be no better justified than the Hitler Youth trying to breed perfect soldiers.
The question is “Who is the Next Drug Czar”? and why the wait? and why never answer our change.gov second round of questions?… They just close the web-site and open a new one whitehouse.com
It’s not because they can’t hear us, it’s because the DEA is completely anti-constitution: allowing the government to seize any assets of any *suspected* drug dealer. (It’s up to the victim to PROVE they acquired their property through legal means, which completely sidesteps the 4th amendment against “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
I learned that from Jack Herer’s “The Emperor Wears No Clothes,” and you can read it online, for free, at jackherer.com
Two other links that may be of interest to you are tinyurl.com/1mn and tinyurl.com/potconviction and you may want to order the book “The Marijuana Conviction” which is available now at half dot com! It is the book published with the research from tinyurl.com/potconviction
Viva la cannabis!
Keep up hope my friends! And keep actively participating in the smoker community.
Oh and to Mr. Bonner before I forget, we go into a recession(differing lengths and severity of course) of sorts around every decade since the 1930’s. Quit making excuses for people who get a paycheck for being elected(on most of them I want my money back), it is a responsibility to work for the people not a proffesion designed to increase their bank account. Don’t believe me go through history, politicians did more of thier jobs back before they got paychecks for it, then they do know because they weren’t just trying to look busy.
Maybe we should send him a link to LEAP?
So many good points have been raised in this article. It has all been said many times, all I can say is;
We must, all write our state and federal elected folks on a daily basis demanding that our word be heard. I personally send an e-mail each and every day to my state senate, and congress, also to my US senate and US congress politicians. I demand they hear my words, and listen to the will of the people of this country relating to MJ Reform that is demanded by the people. I have been doing this for the past six months, and I have never received a response from any of them. I live in Texas where the republicans rule the state. I warned my elected officials if they do not address this issue in this 111th congress they can kiss my vote goodbye. One of the blogs here noted a similar statement about warning the elected they will lose their vote. ONE Problem, why don’t you contact your elected folk and tell them how you feel, I did and will continue, until either, the men in black come and take me away, I die, or when it finally becomes a non-issue.
Until then, I will continue to grow the ganja baby, and light up several times a day. It’s like breathing for most, I must toke to live.
Write to your state and federal leaders daily, even if it’s the same message you sent yesterday.
“TOKE ON”
Weed Farmer
“Why Are Top Political Leaders From Both Parties So Out-Of-Touch With The Public’s Demand For Marijuana Law Reform?”
1. In the lead are the self-righteous hypocrites, pawns of the devil.
2. Then they are followed closely by those they hate, those who see the hypocrites as a great cover for their own evil doings. These people are also pawns of the devil.
3. The second group, thanks to the prohibitionist first group, rakes in TONS of money, then lavishes it on both the first group and the politicians.
4. They are all in hog-heaven, crowing their empty victories:
• The self-righteous hypocrites and politicians who mainly care about praise of humans, are glad to go to award dinners, and receive plaques, commendations, and hear skewed statistics.
• The second group is in love with the luxury life-style, doesn’t really care all that much for human praise, they get their jollies by laughing at how they have manipulated the former and latter groups.
They all are wolves in sheep’s clothing and will suffer terribly unless they repent! I won’t go in to details now, but I feel like I’m about to.
10 billion a year on the fight against marijauna!! And they say openly they are losing the war. They need to wake up. I can do much more damage to myself and to others by going to the store and buying two bottles of jack. Special interests and big business have taken our rights, payed for them and tucked them away. Its obsured that our Government is willing tyo squander our tax dollars on this fight. They should be going after the synthetic and designer drugs instead of a plant! Just my opinion
To all, here is the leter I sent to the speaker of the house, (Nancy A.K.A kitten) I urge you to do the same.
ENJOY
Madam Speaker; I am sure that you will most likely ignore this message, just as you have when we the American people speak-out on any subject.
With all of the pressing issues that are consuming your days; I am requesting that you hear my voice and pay close credence to my message. Two Words “Medical Marijuana” and the responsible use by consenting adults. The prohibition that has been placed on this substance is completely unfounded and outdated. Prohibition did not work in the twenties, and its not working today with marijuana.
All of you political “so called” leaders in Washington just do not get it. When our government was first formed it was set up by We the people. The government is supposed to be a government of the people for the people. Not a government of the people out for their own political gain.
This is no new issue, and I do not care what you say, this is not a political hot potato, grow some nads. Thousands of Americans have spoken out about true change in this country, when we dug down deep into our voting basket and elected a bunch of Democrats to run this country with we the people’s best interest at heart and mind. I am pleading with you to bring this issue to the floor this year of 2009. Direct some of your cronies to draft a bill to decimalize this very useful natural god developed plant. I will not argue the points on this issue you have hear them all before I am sure.
The only thing I want to advise is this; if this issue is not brought up for vote in the house and in the congress, rest assured we the people for the people will cast our votes in a different direction during the next election. When it comes to this issue; the American people demand we be heard and demand this prohibition stop today. Stop persecution of the medically ill and consenting adults. If you truly want to help turn our economy around, then do it. By changing the laws; we as tax payers would save billions by not defending a war that the government will never win, and is completely a waste of money.
The crime that comes with marijuana stems from the simple fact that the US government says it is a crime to possess, smoke, sell, or grow. So the crooks do the dirty work and we consumers and caught in the cross fire. Tax it, regulate it, and legalize it the crime will diminish. Just look at other countries that have an open mind about marijuana, like Amsterdam, low crime and very low adolescent use. Did you know that they have approximately 2 + million tourist to their country each year just for this reason alone?
I’ll bet you have a drink of alcohol every now and then. And it is the # 1 killer in this country, but yet it is completely legal. No one has ever died by self medicating with marijuana; you cannot over dose on it. How do I know, well let’s just say I have 45 + years under my belt, and the risk of having the men in black drag me away I say no more.
What is it going to take before you folks in Washington start following the will of the people, maybe when you are no longer living off our dime? The time for reform is now, thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely
Chris S.
Consuming American
what marijuana is illegal? well you wouldn’t know it in ohio.i openly smoke all over town.whats the worst they can do.give me a $50 fine.ill just sell a 1/4 to pay it.
the whole idea of our legal system is a joke.i run up all kinds of fines.i owe still $1500.haven’t payed it and dont plan to.yea thell try to put me in jail.but thats the joke.
hey i got an idea why not make alcahol illegal? healthwise it is much worse than herb and those that viloate the law shall be punished by catapult.
If Pelosi represents California, then someone is Cali needs to get together a petition for her and get a few thousand signatures on it, with a line saying “if you don’t take action at your post on our behalf we, the signatures of this letter, will not vote for you in any upcoming election”. Threaten her job. That always works.
Im tierd of all this politacal bullshit. All off us pot smokers are going to contiunue to smoke no matter what happens
With the DEA still raiding and Obama’s “stimulus” plan said to contain $3 billion for Byrne grants (more drug task forces and 50,000 more cops), I’ve come to the conclusion that we’re deluding ourselves if we think this new government is going to listen to reason. The American people have communicated in poll after poll that cannabis reform is the first and most urgent change that needs to occur. The government has responded by telling us to “eat cake”; with dismissive and contemptuous refusals to engage in basic dialog.
We have hundreds of compelling and well-documented arguments based in science, medicine, economics, sociology, civil and human rights, the environment, crime prevention, the racist origins of prohibition, etc, etc, on and on. We have patiently and eloquently explained these arguments to our government, arguments that any clear-thinking, semi-intelligent, rational adult can clearly understand. By contrast, the reactionary ideologues who oppose us cannot produce even a single legitimate argument that favors prohibition.
Like many of you I have allowed myself to feel faint glimmers of optimism lately. When we topped the “open for questions” poll the first time…for a few days I had the “audacity of hope” before we were slapped in the face with the response. When I hear Obama talking about valuing science over ideology, and cutting unnecessary programs, and involving the people in their government, again I’ve dared to dream that maybe that kind of talk is a prelude to tangible progress.
That hope has led only to disappointment. The Byrne grants prove that Obama and a majority of Congress stand united against the explicit will of the American people. I’ve come to believe that all attempts at dialog will fail. There are no words left to say, there is no reasoning with people who carefully nurture and fiercely defend their own bigotry and ignorance.
This issue bears striking parallels to the question of civil rights in the 60’s. The people wanted segregation to end, but the government was still run by a mixture of knuckle-dragging racists and liberals who disagreed with segregation but were too afraid of the issue’s volatility to do anything about it. There came a point when it became clear that the government would never listen to reason; at that point the government had to be overruled.
The “people’s veto” was served in the streets. They rallied, they protested, they chanted, they practiced peaceful civil disobedience. Not just once or twice, but continuously and relentlessly until justice was done. They forced the government to either address the issue or face the prospect of ongoing, ever-intensifying civil unrest.
Our politicians, even reasonably sympathetic ones like Pelosi, are afraid of what might happen if they support cannabis reform. The ONLY way we can win is by making those same officials even MORE afraid of what might happen if they DON’T support reform.
Politicians always follow the path of least political resistance. The new administration believes we are a weak fringe movement that can safely be ignored. They believe that we will simply accept their spurns and fall back in line. They believe that we will be content to watch as other aspects of policy are revamped in a spirit of hopeful progressivism while the most glaring and serious social problem of our day is left in the dark ages. For as long as they believe these things, we’ll continue to suffer.
Change MUST happen NOW! No more dialog! No more waiting!
START SCREAMING!!! IT’S TIME TO HIT THE STREETS!!!
“Why Are Top Political Leaders From Both Parties So Out-Of-Touch With The Public’s Demand For Marijuana Law Reform?”
Because Republicans back fascist politics & Democrats back communist politics. Both are socialist, socialism is ani-freedom.
I have not been on this site many times, so I do not know if there is a place for a “Call to Action” where people can have a prewritten letter sent to their respective congresnmen. If our legislators are not receiving letters about what we want and need them to do they will make their own assumptions.
You guys are so out of touch it is ridiculous. Learn the truth behind marijuana and all of its damaging side effects and tell me you still want to light up. Get educated and take a shower.
Hi Everyone
I’ve been pressed on what to add, if and when I send an email to the Obama Administration, kind of scary in someways, about the DEA raids in California.
I am constantly dry, I lve in redneck southern state and don’t know one, I grewup in California in the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. But never the less why marijuana prohibition was created to do for the good of America was to (I don not want to offend anyone) was to “To keep black men from looking twice at whit women”. Basically as another tool in the toolbox of oppression.
Well it did not work, today we have a black president who’s black father look more than twice at a white women.
I would hope, that norml could help get the talking points such as that which they do, but in one section in their site so we easily compose letters to the Whitehouse.
Were the base, were like the Christian Right of the Republican Party we got him elected.
And now is time we want action. And we want it so that you grow your own too. At least like it is or was in Adeladie Australia where you could grow 12 plants.
And I want that nationally.
I’ll save a lot heartache, better yet sell it and tax it too. That’ll nip kids from thinking they can be dealers, because it use to start by selling joints at school.
That’s All for Now!!!
“House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) comments exhorting the public to take the lead on communicating with their elected policymakers regarding any desired major marijuana law reforms in the upcoming 111th Congress.”
Oh yeah? I’m calling BULLSH*T Nancy.
I live in Arizona and TWICE Arizona voters have passed initiatives allowing MJ for medicinal use with a prescription from TWO doctors, and TWICE the initiatives have been gutted. THe first time was by our own dear legislators, who stated that “the voters didn’t know what they were doing.” The second time the feds stated that “ANY medical practitioner who writes a prescription for MJ WILL be subject to federal law and thereby federal prosecution.” So as a result, even though the medical MJ initiative passed and IS IN PLACE, no doctor has been willing to put his livelihood and reputation on the line, though I’m not sure what the feds could bust him for(?) but I’m sure they would dream something up.
Ok, Nancy, NOW what?
Manny, you can write your federal elected officials here:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/home/
-or-
http://capwiz.com/norml2/dbq/officials/
You can send pre-written letters to your state officials here:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/
Lamont, it should be our decision of what we enjoy or don’t. Not YOURS, not the GOVERNMENTS. YOU get educated and stop the rhetoric.
WHEN ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT BECOMES ABUSIVE TO THE PEOPLE AND DOES MORE HARM THEN GOOD TO THE PEOPLE IT IS NOT ONLY THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE BUT THE DUTY OF THE PEOPLE TO CHANGE IT BUY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
*UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION*
THIS MEANS THE USE OF DEADLY FORCE AND VIOLENCE!
DO YOUR DUTY CITIZENS!
THEY WANT A WAR ON DRUGS LET’S GIVE THEM ONE!
Well our political “leaders” are just wasting time i could be spending my money and have it go into taxes that would help our economy but no ill just continue to support my local drug dealer 🙂
Lamont… You sound well educated enlighten us please!
The great U.S. Constitution is a living document. Our wise ancestors passed an amendment to the Constitution to prohibit alcohol. Years later they passed another amendment that said alcohol would be admitted after the witnessed killing on the streets with guns.
Now these United States have a central government that has decided what is illegal. If you want it legal, they’ll just demonize it harder and you will lose. It is time for us to awaken to the fact that two political parties are bending us over for a very vigorous hosing.
Your estate is getting smaller.
Still all the same logical arguments (95 % of the logic is on our side), DOESN’T MATTER. Other commentators (who I RESPECT and am interested in your opinion) say we should all grow weed in our back yard and then turn ourselves in en mass. Many others more seriously say I should identify myself as a lawbreaker by marching on Washington or writing my Congressman (Dear Sir or Madam congressman my name is YOUR NAME HERE and i smoke marijuana) SORRY you’ll do it without me. Some other commentators ( if you’ll forgive me being blunt ) are so ignorant they make the prohibitionist case for them. (Socialism is when the the people control the goverment, Fascism is when corporations control the goverment, for cryin out loud look it up). I’m not going to do any of these things. Coward, yes a live one, also employed and not in jail, thank you very much. But people have been writing signed letters to the editor and their elected officials and going to demonstrations ( when the weather’s nice) for 40 years now, what’s happened. ZILCH!!!! USE A TENTH OF THAT ENERGY TO MUSTER OUR POLITICAL POWER. REFUSE TO VOTE FOR ANYONE WHO DOESN’T SUPPORT MAKING MARIJUANA SUBJECT TO THE EXACT SAME RESTRICTIONS AS ALCOHOL.
If one more person tells me “every election is a between a douchebag and a turd sandwich” HEY STUPID TURN OFF SOUTH PARK.
In America we get the Goverment we deserve. If we have a Fascist goverment (we do) it’s cause the CORPORATIONS sponsor (through campaign contributions) a Democrat and a Republican for each office, then tell us we get to choose.
NORML needs to:
1. Learn and emulate the political skills
of the NRA and AARP. GUN OWNERS AND SENIORS
VOTE THEIR INTRESTS, NO COMPROMISE, NO”AGREE
TO DISAGREE”, NO BULL. Watch the news, If a
member of congress proposes ANY change in
social security or medicare, they probably
decided not to run for re-election if not
their just stupid. Watch the next time some
creep shoots a whole room full of people,
Every politiciann on the news will affirm
every american’s right to kill as many
people as they have bullits for.
2. Run a Presidential Candidate who can draw
at least 5% of the vote. Both our Corporate
sponsored parties want that 5%.
3. Tell the Pelosi’s in any office. GET OFF THE
FENCE, YOUR EITHER WITH US OR AGAINST US.
4. Tell the Boehner’s in Goverment. REMEMBER
WHEN MARIJAUNA REFORM PASSED WITH 75% OF THE
POPULAR VOTE. WERE COMING AFTER YOU.
5. Tell all who support the goals of NORML,
YOU VOTE FOR A PROHIBITIONIST, YOU VOTE FOR
PROHIBITION. If a cadidates’s position on
Marijuana is only trivial to you, either
Quit smoking or gladly accept the current
consequences.
Prohibition will end when it becomes too costly to continue, just like Viet Nam, just like the Cold War, just like free refills.
Our economy is collapsing and tax revenues are declining, many state govenors are rethinking jail sentences for non-violent drug offenders.
Since the ruling class loves having a law that can act as a leash to control the other classes, I’m skeptical that they will ever do much to change the law, but they may suspend prosecution and enforcement during our “national emergency” as a way of testing the waters and saving some tax payer dough, although I doubt that saving money has ever been a real congressional goal.
Congress will only do something when it becomes too uncomfortable for them to no longer do nothing. We are a creative nation, let us ponder ways to make our Congress ever more uncomfortable.
Before I get a lot of hate mail for dissing Guns, and being a socialist. HOLLAND AND CANADA ARE SOCIALISTIC COUNTRIES. AM I LYING. I’m a white, southern, 46 year old who owns two rifles, has shot butchered and eaten a deer, and also smoked pot since I was much to young to do so. Thinks that 97% of Democrats are worthless and 99.9999999999999999% of Republicans are just plain evil. Voted for Obama but greatly admired McCain and Huckabee. This doesn’t contradict my earlier statements, I gave Obama the benefit of a doubt, but if I see no progress on M reform in the next 4 years I WON’T VOTE FOR HIM AGAIN.
In spite of his prohibitionist views McCain has been through more for this country than anyone we will ever have the honor of voting for again. Huckabee, believe it or not, I’ve been amazed on more than one occasion where as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee put principle above political advantage, pissed off his natural constituancy and did the right thing. Certainly could never say that about Bill Clinton.
Lamont, It is you that need to do some research, and learn the truth.
It is safer than alcohol or tobacco, or even those headache pills in your medicine cabinet, if you take too many of them.
The prohibition of this plant is actually creating far more problems than the drug on its own ever did.
If you are worried about the real problems on this issue, you should support legalizing it! Because supporting Prohibition = supporting the dealers, the crime and violence, the easy access our teens have to it, and the risks involved with buying it from shady people.
You sir, are out of touch with reality. The lies of propaganda have fooled you.
what marijuana is illegal? well you wouldn’t know it in ohio.i openly smoke all over town.whats the worst they can do.give me a $50 fine.ill just sell a 1/4 to pay it.
the whole idea of our legal system is a joke.i run up all kinds of fines.i owe still $1500.haven’t payed it and dont plan to.yea thell try to put me in jail.but thats the joke.
Preston: Neither of these f#ckwards are ignorant. They are corrupt. They know the truth, but continue to play the Reefer Madness game.
Lamont: Assume that there are lots of damaging side effects. How are bad health habits the business of the criminal justice system?
I don’t think Lamont looked through this web site all to well. Hey Lamont just so you know, the truth that the ONDCP puts about about marijuana is often times bullshit.
All we need is a quantifying test (not just qualifying ie. pos or neg) and we should then legalize marijuana just like we have alcohol and with much the same restrictions. If one wants to smoke pot in the comfort and safety of one’s own home, one should be able to!! Don’t mention side effects, that’s the individual’s personal business, not yours. No more Nannies! Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, butter, potatoe chips, etc. all have “side effects.”
The reason why politicians are afraid of this issue is because they are out of touch with Americans, they are denying the failure of the War on Drugs, they don’t care that mostly young black men lives are made more difficult because they got caught with a little pot and did time for it, etc. Our politicians have no political courage and they are more worried about their next election than doing good for the American people!! Now where’s that joint I was looking for?!
They really should not bother with decriminalizing marijuana, Canada tried that and it didn’t work.
Firstly they shouldn’t be worried about crime – Sweeden has marijuana legalized and the lowest crime rate AND N.B (Sweeden also has a mandatory gun training for every male, and still has the lowest crime rate in the world.)
If the government was smart they would grow and produce their own marijuana, selling in post offices, (which are losing money due to the internet anyway) or whatever you have in America, instead of letting unreliable, potentially dangerous criminals dealing the dope(dope which is grown in someones basement UN-naturally with 24 hours of fluorescent light on them).
After this government organisation sells this weed the sales go directly to the government and/or percentages to charity or Marijuana support groups, just like alcohol support groups. The Government COULD make money off this.
If people are worried about the price of marijuana being too high, i.e. too much tax, then don’t. Imagine buying other plants,leaves or buds in a flower shop. Not that expensive, when you compare it to the average street value of one bud, one gram of weed, which in Australia is about $20, in America i imagine about $15. Just like other plants are farmed, Marijuana can also easily be farmed. Thats ofcourse, if it was LEGAL.
And finally there are the health issues… We aren’t in the 50s anymore. If you had a brain, (which 75% of people seem to have) you would know how harmless marijuana is. If you compare it to Alcohol, marijuana does no where near the amount of damage to your brain and lungs then alcohol does to your brain and liver… Not to mention how much violence is caused by drinking. I would go into the health issues more, but it really is pointless trying to explain to some people…
I don’t know why its such a big deal to have the occasional toke, especially in the safety and comfort of your own home…
If anyone else agrees with me, or would like to discuss with me just contact me on dylan_pom@hotmail.com
Peace out from Australia…
They are in harmony on this issue, because Marijuana is a drug that reduces productivity and if it were legalized it would turn our society into a bunch of lazy asses. These articles are so funny; they argue what they think is progressive, but really it’s just a bunch of stoners who aren’t thinking clearly because they are burn outs. Stop smoking and try contributing to society.
What’s w/ the people who don’t believe in the cause commenting on this site? We get it, you’re sheep and you want the government to dictate to you which freedoms you’re allowed to have and which ones you aren’t.
Coming here to NORML and attempting to change our minds won’t work though. We’re real Americans w/ real real American values, not victims of propaganda
Allow me to offer up a little perspective for you, Jensen…
I’m one of two managers of a major, multi-million dollar corporation. I’ve been at my job for nearly 6 years now and business is only getting better. I’ve moved up in the world.
Guess what, I smoke cannabis regularly.
Now listen, I get my work done and then some. I work at home too. I have my responsibilities like anyone else. I’m a busy guy. I don’t like to sit around and do nothing all day. However, when I wanna relieve my stress, back aches, headaches and the pain I experience associated with repetitive strain injury, I like to toke up a little. It helps me in ways that no other medication has before.
What doesn’t help me is not being able to find any when I run out. If it were legalized, I wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore.
I’ll assume you care enough about your fellow American citizens to come here and post your little story, because after all, you wouldn’t want to waste your time not being productive, so that’s why I’m here to tell you mine.
Take care and thanks for your time.
I wrote my Congressman to support h.r.5843 to stop arresting people for possession of marijuana. His response was that he didn’t support the use of illegal drugs. I clarified that I was not asking him to break the law I was asking him to CHANGE the law, and got no response. At least he answered me. My Senators did not even give an answer.
Politicians at the national level are AFRAID to be labeled soft on crime and drug use. This remains a war that will be waged on the state level.
how are we the greatest nation on this earth if we imprison non violent offenders for growing and possesion for many years but let rapists and murderers out before their sentence is up. disgusting
Typical Republican and Democrat bullshit. Boehner certainly is no Libertarian. Barr should have been President.
I can’t wait till the day I can buy a spleef at the gas station.
Hey Dylan, pot ain’t legal in Sweden.
In fact in Sweden the authorities can demand your urine with no probable cause and jail you for testing dirty.
Maybe you’re thinking of Switzerland? Legalization almost passed there with over 40% support in the legislature.
My Swiss friend told me years ago that it is legal to grow and sell hemp there as “air fresheners.” All you do is break open the plastic air freshener and there’s buds inside.
In fact I think they may have more retail locations there than in the Netherlands which has been reducing the number of shops for years. However the Swiss are only selling their air fresheners to citizens to keep it on the D/L and not piss off other countries.
Nice people the Swiss. No one fucks with them cause every adult male Swiss citizen has a sniper rifle stashed in their house and military training to kill from 1000 meters away.
Look them all dead in the eyes and say, with a firm voice…
“No, you are wrong.”
Walk away after that. Doubt leads to research, guilt, and a realization that, “What they want, is not what WE want, not what WE need.”
Perception is the largest weapon we have against a politician. They don’t care about facts, they care about image. Show them that they are wrong, that the image they have is not favorable, that it is US who controls what they look like, not the mirror in their pocket.
how are we the greatest nation on this earth if we imprison non violent offenders for growing and possesion for many years but let rapists and murderers out before their sentence is up. disgusting.
wsjames, write back and give that schmuck a wake up call. Let him know his job has NOTHING to do with what “he” supports. His job is to represent and if he does not represent you tell him you’ll find someone else who does to replace him/her.
Vote like a Beast, you’re right. Decriminalization is a trap and it’s not the answer we should accept to “pacify” us. It still allows criminals to control the cannabis trade and makes criminals of those who would grow for personal use. While it would free up most of the $10 billion+ we spend a year just on marijuana arrests it would deny our economy of a $113 billion dollar industry and some $30 billion in tax revenue each year.
Legalization is the ONLY answer.
BUT…I have to tell you you really have no right to complain at all. There was a time when I was afraid to do anything but “preach to the choir” too but thats been part of our problem all these years. You say people HAVE been standing up and telling lawmakers what we want for years but the fact is too many of us have remained silent. They don’t listen because the voice has been too timid to be heard over the din. We need everyone who supports this to GET OFF THEIR ASS AND DO SOMETHING. It been attitudes like yours (and mine until recently) that have helped lawmakers to keep the status quo.
weed farmer (Chris S.) bro I commend you for sending a letter to the Speaker of the House but dude…please get the facts straight.
Amsterdam is NOT a country it’s a city in the Netherlands where marijuana is tolerated (it’s NOT legal, matter of fact marijuana is not legal in ANY country on earth…just a fact for all you people that think it IS legal somewhere.) Also the #1 killer in America is tobacco NOT alcohol. Alcohol is not even CLOSE.
It helps our case very little if we come off sounding like “stupid stoners”.
Sign the petition supporting legalization! 62,000 signatures and counting. We need to get that number WAY up. 20-25 million people a year admit to smoking pot to the national survey on drug use and health and they suggest the actual number could be as high as 40 million users in the U.S. each year. Tell your friends, tell your dealer, tell your mom. We need as much support as we can get. (might have to explain it all to mom but hey…she’s a reasonable person right? ~.^)
http://www.petitiononline.com/Legalize/petition.html
The old saying is ‘ Follow the Money ” The Love of Money is at the root of Prohibition, Mark my words.
I am a proponent of medical marijuana for mentally ill persons I am seeking to amend the state of michigan medical marijuana laws to include such disposition
Im paul jensen bx 4372 ann arbor mi 48106 Please help
Were going to win this so called Drug War no matter what the non smokers say. Cops are cowards that hide behind badges and laws. Most are over weight slobs anyway. If you can’t be anything else in life you can always be in law enforcement. The ones I know are idiots anyway, just like the people against reform.
Potheads need to put the bong down(not for long,of course)…..but long enuff 2 get off our ass’s and vote/protest/boycott…..something; dammit!! For 2 long now I,myself have been just a sideline stoner. Well, fukk that. I’m Boycotting KELLOGG and U should too. I hate to say this; BUT, stoners need 2 take it a step further– I vow not to purchase alcoholic beverage products until Reefer is legalized. I am NOT going to give money to an industry that is against and lobby’s to keep BUD illegal. STONERS assemble!!!!
If U are a stoner…and are truly HEAD-icated; then join my “vow” and STAND UP against an Industry that would have us stand down. Wanna join me and become part of the HEAD-icated: go to myspace. Look up display name “theSHRoOMROoM” and ask for buddy invite; so that you can post Ur pledge. Be mindful, however….this ain’t no new year’s resolution. If U post a comment stating U will not drink booze…then I expect U, my fellow stoner, to hold 2 it!!!
Land of the free? What a joke.
Home of the brave? Yea, no doubt about that.
Obama needs to hear our collective voice and change this prohibition on a federal level allowing states to clear the way for legislation to pass without fear of federal reprisal.
End the failed policy of prohibition now.
Im completely confident it will be decriminalized and medically accessable soon. Even if its not 75% of the public will still smoke anyway lol.
I know im not the only one stoned who read this article and did not sit and laugh at John Boehner. Seriously his name cant be pronouned any other way than “boner” and his parents were just assholes first naming him John. His buddies have to call him dick boner. Imagine his middle name being flap or flapping? Dick Flapping Boner. ^^ I can hear your amusement.