To the surprise of virtually no one who has been following public opinion polls for the past 18 months, the call to “legalize the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana” placed #1 in the 2010 Change.org online vote for the “Top 10 Ideas for Change in America.”
Open voting at the Change.org website took place for six weeks — during which time citizens voted nearly 210,000 times on over 2,500 different ideas. This morning the website released the top 10 results here.
Legalization’s first place victory was expected. After all, the issue topped a similar Change.org poll last year. Legalizing marijuana also finished #1 in the White House’s first ever Change.gov poll; it finished #1 in Barack Obama’s first-ever online Town Hall vote; and it finished #1 in the White House’s 2009 ‘Citizens Briefing Book.’
Yet despite these consistent first-place finishes, the administration and the mainstream media remain dismissive. President Obama has twice publicly retreated from the issue — the second time chuckling that such a question would even be asked of him. His press secretary discounted the issue’s true public support, claiming that groups like NORML had somehow stuffed the online ballot box. As if! Meanwhile, mainstream media outlets brushed off the results as the work of “Internet trolls.”
Trolls, huh? How do ‘trolls’ explain the consistent victories racked up by marijuana law reformers at the polls year after year? And how do trolls explain the rising public opinion poll numbers that now show that over 80 percent of the public supports legalizing medical marijuana, and a solid majority also backs legalization for all adults.
Will today’s latest poll results finally be the time that President Obama, his press secretary, stuttering Robert Gibbs, Drug Czar Gil ‘legalization isn’t in my vocabulary‘ Kerlikowske, and the members of the mainstream press start to heed the public’s message that marijuana legalization is not a political liability, but rather it is a political opportunity?
Probably not. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to stop telling them that it is.
SO THE WHITE HOUSES IZ FINALLY COME 2 D CONCLUSION THAT IF IT DONT MAKE DOLLARS IT DONT MAKE SENSE..I GOT AN E-MAIL FROM MY GOVERMENT D OTHER DAY..TELL EM ME 2 SUPPORT HEALTHCARE REFORM..I TOLD THEM I DONT SUPPORT ANYTHING THAT DOESNT REFER 2 D LEG. OF MARIJUANA! NOW THATS REAL HEALTHCARE LOL
ITS AN OUTRAGE!!!
Let us not forget that our deaf government has already ignored the public’s words and will continue to do so until we clean house. Left .. Right .. It does not matter. Corruption began many many years ago and is now blatantly obvious, they just do not care. After all, what can we, the powerless, voiceless, public do to get the changes we desire?
Walk softly.. carry a big stick.
Nothing new. Id expect the president to address the issue. Esp. for medical purposes, + the decriminalization of it.
Im sure California, oregon+ Washington are the only 3 states to fully legalize the drug for recreational use.
Just more proof that the government really doesn’t care about what it’s people want. Its obvious that people are calling for reform in our drug policies, yet the only reform the media and the government brings up is the reform that benefits the Obama administration. And apparently they fail to see that legalization will help the economy after a couple years.
I sit here reading about a subject that I have great conviction and passion toward. I support the use of marijuana for both medical and recreational use. I see jails over crowded by “marijuana offenders”, all the money, lost of jobs and hardships on the families that help financially and emotionally with the devastation of a loved one being hauled away as a “common criminal”. I beg anyone/everyone that reads this to do whatever YOU can do within your means to make a difference. To stand up for what YOU believe in and what You feel is right. See what most of us don’t really know is that WE (me, you, them) are the only ones that can make the Change! Of course, I know there is great opposition…but think back…what great, life changing events in our history did not! In closing I would like to say to those that are fighting this once thought un-winnable battle, I for one will continue to express at every available opportunity the facts, my opinion and my knowledge. We can win this fight…if I don’t get to see it I pray for my son (21) and his sons to…Thanks for your attention on my outlook of the situation. Good Luck and God Bless!
So when he laughs at us again can we stop pretending he is going to magically change his position in his second term? … If he offers some real change here, I’ll eat my words.
It really makes you want to fight even harder.
Way to talk about the problem of having elephants in the room and use it as as a ploy to not actualy talk about the elephant in the room. “Hey, look shiny object over there”. Yeah we’re that stupid.
And most thought Obama was the smart one that would end Prohibition.
To have to think that we should wait another five years until his second term lame-duck position kicks in is not an option that sets well with me. It may well be the way it goes however, it’s plain wrong. And Obama knows it.
This latest victory at change dot org will be interesting to watch. Hope it fuels all pro legalization activists with renewed conviction.
Remember the good folks in prison, the ones who loose their lives (drug cartel violence comes to mind), the sick and elderly, the VA veterans (there’s another question up at change dot org for their right to use cannabis), and please fill in the rest because the list goes on and on.
It’s good to see that the fact that the American people ARE supportive of change is getting more and more recognized.
Hopefully Obama won’t scoff at this one.
Isn’t it the job of the politicians to fight for what the public desires? Even if they believe it to be wrong?
If you are the president of a nation that is largely in support of murder, is it not your duty to support murder and allow it to all your citizens even if it goes against your personal beliefs?
I’m not saying murder is in any way comparable to cannabis use, I’m just saying that it’s time for politicians to START DOING THEIR JOB AND STOP F***IN AROUND! If you can’t represent your people FIND A DIFFERENT JOB!
– If only ALL Americans knew firsthand,
BELIEVED wholeheartedly…
(NOT discounting any prior-knowledge as mere youthful experimentation / indiscretion / failing…),
THE superior-efficacy of cannabis as a safer, more effective pain-reliever, relaxant, anti-depressant and
sleep-aid than alcohol, present OTC and prescription medications, it would be completely
re-legalized again!!! It ought to be so already, (and yet, it still isn’t so EVERYWHERE),
just “somewhat so” in a scant percentage of the more politically-progressive and coastal states…
– Counter-intuitive to pot-stereotypes, America would be FAR more productive if cannabis
were readily available to ANY working-age adult, ESPECIALLY THOSE needlessly “sidelined”
by constant, debilitating pain and poor-quality, non-restorative sleep…!!!
(Such as the author of THIS comment…who has Gone2PotLESSness).
after the president laughed at us pot smokers who elected him earlier last year doesn’t seem so funny any more!! drug cartels killing people at the borders and letting these morons reep all the money with no taxes… it should be the number one issue!! legalize now..
Normal ya guys r the shit,an not to mention ….ya see We all as bloggers or poll voters told this Gov. Now their listeing bout time shit i really wanna plant my shit…. might start out hydro from wht the net say its easier,ne way..just my thoughts$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ It would be what they say, UnAmerican to Not
Top three reasons to legalize:
1. Mexican Violence. This is not an abstract war, it is a literal war. There are casualties to this war. With over 7500 casualties to Mexican drug violence since January of 2009, ending the bloodshed should be our first priority. The saying in mexico is: Lead or Silver. Either the politicians accept bribes or die. Government is failing in Mexico, and the media is slowly being banned by cartels.
2. American Incarceration.
3. Preservation and re-institution of American Constitutional Rights. We are entitled to cannabis use by the ideals and documents of this country. Is it a conincidence that the drafter of the constitution, the 3rd president, a vice presendent, and a leader of the American enlightenment was a cannabis smoker? (Thomas Jefferson)
Then of course you have all the money we throw into Prohibition. And of course all the money we could get from cannabis (the worlds leading cash-crop… and it is ILLEGAL! Imagine how wonderfully profitable it would be if it were legally and societally acceptable) And of course the Medical benefits of cannabis:
It is one of the most promising substances in modern cancer research. Cannabanoids seem to be anti-tumoral. Also anti-spasmotic. Also anti-nausea. Cannabis helps a myriad of alements and deseases.
Then of course hemp, and it’s new market.
We could just go on and on, couldn’t we? But when it comes down to it, our priorities are the losses of life in Mexico, the Life imprisonments in America, and OUR CONSTITUTION!
WE ARE DOING IT, FOR AMERICA!
lost faith in this guy a while back, was hoping for better but looks like the same to me
The online polls are more accurate than polls and surveys given in other ways because folks don’t have to lie, and can take them anonymously. I could lose my license to practice because I choose to relax with cannabis rather than alcohol. I lie all the time on polls and surveys, and my profession requires me to kowtow my employers line, which is that of the law–even though the law is wrong. I can’t have a hangover to do my profession. For example, no one wants to be operated on by a doctor with a hangover or is under the influence of alcohol or cannabis or whatever performance-reducing substance you name. I can tell you I’d rather my doctor had like 7 hits of weed the night before rather than 7 beers or some kind of stronger alcohol, because the effects of alcohol hangovers linger on longer.
People like me are not going to get out in front of people and advocate and give personal experiences because the prohibitionists have us where they want us to keep us quiet and in the closet.
Sad!
The continued dismissal and denial of the importance of this issue just underlines the need to change this obscene policy one state at a time.
I am so waiting on the initiative vote in Nov.in CA.
Only 8 months to go.
With the ONDCP now positioning itself on driving under the influence and their attempt too convince America and the congress that it is a problem worthy of spending millions of dollars on new technology,as reported on by NORML in August,2009.
The recent story on the drug exhibit that won’t die has given a clear picture of their path.
A former DEA Administrator,now working for Motorola was at the ribbon cutting,rubbing shoulders with the present DEA administration,and Phillips,a subsidiary of Motorola,has developed the technology that detects recent marijuana usage explains the drug czars last 2 speaking engagements and his editing of a NHTSA study
on the problem. The problem is the money,or lack of it.
The new technology is expensive and they need it to be proliferated throughout law enforcement for his probable plan to work.Another shovel to dig more money out of the prohibition garden.
Present drug testing would not provide them with evidence of actual driving under the influence,so,here comes our drug czar,ready to make a former DEA’s administrator and her employer millions of dollars
for their new technology. Another good ol boys bit of
money making scam.
http://www.mapinc.org/norml/v10/n173/a10.htm
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/new-hi-tech-police-tool-to-detect-marijuana-use
http://www.drugwarrant.com/2010/03/the-exhibit-that-just-wont-die/
You can use the above links to check the sources of this opinion. I hate conspiracy theories but I am pointing this one out,as it is happening. The next step will be for Kerli to go too congress and ask for the money too implement his plan,and I have already alerted CNN of this possible action. I am sure that until Kerli actually asks for the money,they may not act upon it,but when he does,we may get some positive press on this ploy.
signed
I cant believe someone said they think internet trolls flooded the polls.
I have lost any hope of the obama administration legalizing even medical marijuana
Obama needs to support it or he will be elected outta office. Not by a republican or a tea party canadate lol no I pray america either pressures the democrats to support cannabis or a true 3rd party will form. It also needs to be a big issue in 2010. We need people to pay attention!
Seriously, what the hell do we have to do to get through to politicians!?!?!? Im moving to Amsterdam. Peace out!
#1 for a very good reason. The plant has never caused a death as far as anyone knows. Historically used for over 2000 years and no known deaths. Prohibition on the other hand has caused thousands upon thousands of deaths not to mention millions of ruined lives. We want our government to quit killing people on our behalf in this war on our own citizens. The people responsible for this law are despicable demons and cowardly racist bastards ( Hearst, DuPont, Anslingler and Nixon). By the way I have heard through the grapevine that they are all burning in hell now. I hope our current elected officials don’t join them.
Over 17,000 Mexican PEOPLE killed in a 3 year period.To me that sounds like our government care’s very little about our neighbors.We continue to spend millions of dollars we don’t have fighting a stupid war against the peaceful people of the world.A fresh approach to this global issue is in demand.How many more innocent people all over the Americas will have to die to satisfy this country’s never ending lust for blood.
How many think this is about a plant It is so much more Washington wrote he had to watch honest citizens being arrested for harvesting hemp Drug laws and especially hemp laws are the foundation of control of the economy Cannibis is proven safe and beneficial even if abused They don’t allow research because they’ll lose their control of the truth The first drug law made our bodies their property I’ve found it nearly madness watching the news and reading Norml and researching hemp and knowing the cure Cannibis
http://www.change.org/actions/view/boycott_walmart_for_firing_an_employee_over_consuming_marijuana
Not a damn surpised our government has been corrupted from the start. The only people who believe and follow pot laws are stupid gullible fucks or it effects their money. My theory on why pot is still illegal is that the who damn government has been lying from the start. This proves the government will absolutly lie to us to keep us in check. If you haven’t noticed our government don’t like abnormalites like how we treated indians and africans and mexicans, and there is pure evidence of aliens but the government claims none exist. Same with 9/11 and big brother.
I wish we could have a national referendum on legalization of cannabis so that we didn’t have to go through the ineffective channels known as the mass media and the federal government.
No doubt in my mind #23, they will join the others. It’s their arrogance and vanity that prevents them from seeing this.
The next “innocent” American citizens to die will be the ones that are sent to Mexico to fight the cartels. Either the cartels want drugs legal OR the cartels want to go to war with America. You decide.
A-fucking-Men. I sware if he ‘chuckles’ at us this time he is just an ignorant puppet. C’mon Illinois join the rest of the civilized world!
What is the real reason the government is ignoring their people? What is feeding their agenda to keep pot illegal? Is it
-they like having control over us (imprisoning persons)
-encouraged by big pharma or others such as cotton
-actually ignorant and think old policy is good
-the largely ignorant and quiet public who are content with status quo
-combination of all
Why in the hell do we Americans allow the corrupt “officials”, to determine what is moral? After all, we in Arkansas, have elected the largest bunch of whores, outside of Neveda. Our esteemed officials have taken $millions from healthcare industry, not to mention, big oil and pharma. And these outlaws should set moral values? I think not, pot needs to be legal so as to eliminate supporting an ongoing criminal enterprise. Al Capone would have loved the present policy. As we keep arresting small time dealers, Mexico has a 35% increase in planted acres of cannabis. Sounds like the “war on drugs” has been so successful.
Why do you think Obama sort of called of the FEDS on raiding marijuana dispensaries? Let the states handle their affairs with marijuana. The FEDS figured out that they are in the clusterfuck of disorder, the states are in the same shape. The FEDERAL OVERLORDS OF MARIJUANA PROHIBITION weild the big stick while the states weild a twig. WAKE UP AMERICA, THERE ARE FIFTY STATES BUT ONLY ONE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. The farmers in this country should really start raising HELL about growing industrial hemp for America and create JOBS Where in the hell did all the stimulus money go. Money for prisons, money for war and money for BIG BROTHER TECHNOLOGY to keep the masses in control. THE EASTERN AND WESTERN FRONTS ARE COVERED, but WE THE PEOPLE ARE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE, just shows you how much your vote really counts on certain issues. HEIL OBAMA!!!!!
The more we write letters, the more we scream, the more we scream, the more screamers get involved, more people involved, new president!
Lets keep signing the petitions. They will continue to look like corporate puppets that pretend to be deaf to democracy.
Frankly it looks pretty bad and the public teeters between 45% to 55% in favor according to the polls. Common sense takes a little time to sink in for some, public support will only continue to increase. We should all keep track of which pols are Marijuana friendly and which are not. The tide are turned and coming out against legalization is political suicide.
Know the arguments, know the audience, know the politicians and keep your friends in the loop.
End Crime, End Drug Games, Provide a legal industry that would employ millions in these desperate times.
Legalize 2010
Marijuana has literally saved my life on multiple occasions. I have anxiety & depression which I’m being treated for by the VA. I’ve been on almost every antidepressant and anxiety medicine available in the past few years and they’ve only made my problem worse. I’ve been to rehab for pain pills and anxiety pills (Loratab and Klonopin) because they decided I was addicted to them since I’d been on them for over a year. Back to the point the only thing that has ever worked for me is marijuana. Practically no one goes to rehab for marijuana. I was a casual smoker in high school but quit when I had to get a job. No problem. Withdrawals from Klonopin KILL PEOPLE. People die over pain pills everyday. Marijuana keeps me from comitting suicide. The least dangerous “drug” in the world is illegal because our government is a piece of shit. That’s my opinion. Just because some greedy politicians made a shady deal around 1930???? Why don’t people riot over this? (Because stoners don’t cause trouble for the most part probably) Politicians make me sick. I’ve lost all faith in our government and plan to move out just as soon as I can afford it. I’ll end it there even though I could rant ALL DAY LONG about this stupid law. Thank you for reading.
All I can say is that if Obama laughs this off again, I’ll go nuts and we know for a fact he is a puppet and working for the bankers and corporations and industries that don’t want to have cannabis legal.
If he doesn’t laugh it off and says we will have a public discussion about legalization that will be a start.
But I find it doubtful that he will be honest, he might lie and say he will have a discussion, and then not do anything, because he good at talking but not so good at getting things done that citizens need!
I hoped that the government wasn’t corrupt, but it seems that all the conspiracy theories around Obama and the government are true.
I feel our freedoms being taken away more and more each day, and soon we will have nothing left, it’s like they have all the power and don’t listen to us and we are helpless and can’t do anything because our voices are not heard and our votes don’t count.
What will it take to get our freedoms and country back???
The UNODC reported last fall,most major banks would have failed if not for the illegal drug money,and marijuana is 70% of that money. It is not only a US priority too keep marijuana illegal,the world economy would actually be devastated if we legalize.
The UNODC was leaning toward decriminalization of marijuana,until they figured out just how much marijuana plays into the world economy,as was our own drug czar and president,until the present economic upheaval pointed out just how big a role marijuana plays in our society’s economy.
That is why Americans will have too take the right to use marijuana back one state at a time. By slowing down the legalization as much as possible,they are allowing time for the economy to taper off on it’s dependence on marijuana’s revenue.
When you look at the way marijuana is distributed,how many people in the United states depend on marijuana for their income or supplementing it? It is not just one dealer in every small town across America,but several,
not just one “big dealer” in every region,but several and not just one cartel or country that is in this system
of financial,but many. And it is not just one farmer in each country that depends on marijuana,but thousands.
At every turn,marijuana is putting food on a lot of peoples tables and the sudden legalization and removal of the “green market” would devastate a lot more than the cartels in Mexico.
yet another reason for
FULL LEGALIZATION, NOW !!
check this;
marijuana deficiency proven !!
http://mapinc.org/url/9k4kNDJq
finally proof pot does NOT rot your brain.
marijuana keeps your brain healthy.
NOT smoking pot, rots your brain.
this is why the people who never smoke weed,
are the way they are.
they are BRAIN DAMMAGED by
severe MARIJUANA DEFICIENCY !!
this also PROVES that;
-ALL MARIJUANA USE is MEDICAL USE !!
The only way,besides one state at a time,would be too
over grow the government and this financial system that has come to depend on this plant for it’s money. That means that every person would have too take the risk of being “busted”. They can’t put us all in prison and if they did,who would buy the marijuana and keep the money flow going? They need us more than we need them.
Or,everyone quit buying marijuana. If you can’t take the risk of being busted,just quit using for a few months.
It would not take long of a moratorium of Americans not contributing to the world market for the “big money” people to get out of the green market.
That is why growing your own is the most harmful thing that we could do to this problem.
RON PAUL OR LIBERTARIN FOR PREZ. CLEAN THE LAND OF REPUBS. AND DEMS
I’ve been reading comments at Norml and other related web-sites for 20 years and come to the conclusion that until all 20 million adult pot smokers unite in Novmember, we will never have freedom restored. 20 million votes given to a 3rd party candidate for Congress (or President in 2012) will end prohibition.
The Republicans would have a field day, along with the media, attacking Obama, were he do make moves toward marijuana legalization. Despite internet polls, conservatives would beat this like a drum in the right leaning mainstream media.
The culture war is running strong for Republicans and small minded conservatives right now. They have little else going for themselves.
I predict that Obama would only pursue this toward the end of a term, and unfortunately, maybe only the end of a second term, were a second term to happen.
If there is not a second term and Republicans go back in power, the drug war will ramp up way beyond Nixon/Reagan. It will be like the Iraq war but in the US and Mexico, largely against US citizens.
This proves that Obama wouldn’t.He chunckles once, and he chuckles again. The people who are involve with this movement needs to also contrate on big businessness and get them to understand the benefits about legalizing and that would be awsome.
I’m all for the legalization of marijuana, but this story is a joke. The author needs to read up on the difference between scientific and non-scientific polls.
They must keep the status quo.
Think about this, with over 20 million federal, state, and local government workers on the payrolls
and 250,000 of them whose only sole purpose and job is to create new income streams to keep their existence, a terrible inversion has taken place.
Now Google Domestic Marijuana Eradication and see How the government is expanding it’s income streams on both ends of the spectrum. From the patent that The Dept. of Health & Human services holds to keeping Cannabis on Schedule 1, the endless practice of deception,newsspeak, and evil has profited the system and the hosts of the new law code of Hammurabi
(Codex Hammurabi) being practiced today as the War on Drugs.
It is because it’s prohibited. See, if you look at the drug war from a purely economic point of view, the role of the government is to protect the drug cartel.
That’s literally true.
Milton Friedman
Well, we know there was no underground conspiracy of which a group of marijuana supporters got together and menacingly conspired to sway the votes.
But, I have to say. What if millions of people did make a conscious effort to unite to vote for something as important as the legalization of marijuana. Is that not just the thing that’s needed? Are we not supposed to unite as a people? Is the peaceable organization of people to bring attention to and change the laws on an important issue not the very thing that does get it changed? Is it not the type of conspiracy described here the very thing that gets politicians elected for Office. Their treatment of the issue speaks volumes for the true intent of politicians: They’re not interested in “United, we stand” kind of America; they’re interested in “Rule, the government does through the scattering and dividing of the people” kind of America. It’s how you conquer: Divide first. That’s what political parties exist for.
We are trolling?!?!??!?!?!
Having innocent people’s lives ruined by an unjust war on a harmless weed grown from the ground is the biggest “troll” upon humanity since the holocaust.
Give me a break….
@ #40 jon ganj-ovi
Thank you for posting this info/link…
Considering the essential and VITAL role of
all of the plant’s components;
IF THE TRUTH BE KNOWN:
For it to continue to remain illegal
is the same as making LIFE ITSELF illegal…
For want of inexpensive, food-grade cannabis…
I have, for the time being…
Gone2PotLESSness 🙁
This Government seems to be more interested in other countries business.We have bases in like 140 countries.We are in Irans,Iraqs,Afganistans,Pakistans,Isreals not to mention the many other countries business.Were going to get screwed on this health care bill,while big Pharma will thrive even more.Our schools are going to shit.We are being overrun with illegal aliens,who seem to have more rights than american citizens.Until we all wake up and see were being given the back seat to same corperations that actually run this country (FASCISM) we will continue to take it up the ASS.
The only chance:
MOVEMENT MUST GET THE STREETS.
Point.
I am 53. Been puffing since age 14. Want to see total legal now! The answer to national debt is a grass tax. I used it to get off alcohol and tabacco. A lot safer than booze for sure! Peace all!
Prohibition Addicts are a terrible bunch to get into treatment. They’re just examples of “total denial.”
@55
I hear you. I used it for the exact same thing just over a year ago and been clean since. I’d definitely toke up instead of drinking any day.
Our so called leaders are the ones that brought the drugs into our country to begin with and due to large corporations paying them under the table they keep marijuana illegal. Boycott any man made drug and watch just how swiftly they move to legalize…The action of taking away from them will open their eyes to the fact that we have had enough and we intend for things to be done as we see fit. We need to show these people that just because they are in a high ranking position doesn’t give them the right to take our rights. We do not need a TOTALITARIAN GOVERNMENT and that is what it is coming to
my doctor tells me to smoke weed for my heart. but he cant prescibe it to me in this state. i think it should be as leagle as booze which i try to stay away from. but just think of the taxes that could be generated.
I find all these comments about Obama curious. Apparently people have very short memories. Just a short time ago we had an administration (GOP) that had Attorney Generals who actively raided MJ clinics. Now we have a Prexy who has told his AG to lay off the clinics, and everybody’s angry that MJ isn’t already legal! Gimme a F****** break! I wish Obama could suddenly legalize it too, but come on let’s be realistic and not so hypocritical. If Obama even mentioned making MJ legal, the GOP would jump on it like a bunch of angry tea baggers!
I would rather smoke pot then to constantly have my doctors prescribing pills, pills, and more pills to control the chronic pain I have suffered with since 1996. I have Hemochromatosis, referred as iron over load disease that attacks every major organ in my body including agoraphobia. It comes me down, so I don’t have to be depent on xanax, it helps with the chronic pain issues associated with cancer, hip pain, seizures,
and helps aid me to eat, with out it, I would be just a voice. It helps me gain weight, and helps me sleep better and more deeply then to have to take a RX med to make me sleep. It is not harmful to the body then the millions of pharmacy drugs that can kill you instilly if a pharmarist or doctor screws up your script. As a CA resident I urge the voters of our state to pass AB2254. It would also help end the war on drugs. If the government doesn’t want this bill to pass, then tax the hell out of booze and smokes, and everything from a-z. Stop filling our CA prisons and jails for people who have it for relief. Marijuana introduced for the Nov ballot in CA would enable it to be taxed just like everything else, but it would help ease the pain all of suffer from with our out of control spending thus losing thousands of jobs, destroying families, and putting thousands on the streets. Enough is enough! Get Tough CA and put a end to this madness!
The government keeps their employees in jobs by putting
people away for marijuana charges. Just imagine how many guards and prison employees would be out of a job.
Our government is putting these people away for marijuana use but yet the Federal government grows their own marijuana at the university of Mississippi
for Federal employees who are sick and use it for medicinal purposes??? What makes them better than other sick US citizens?
My son was sentenced to mandatory minimum of 10 years for marijuana use. He is a cancer patient and was tired of using hard perscribed drugs that had far worse side affects and very expensive. He would also share what he had with other cancer patients to help them with thier pain management.Other than that, he lived a productive life, worked, paid his taxes, took care of his 9 year old son. Now he is in prison for a longer time than most voilent criminals. I guess it will take a high level official to get sick with cancer or some other horrible disease to see the benefits of marijuana, or maybe someone in his family that can’t afford the high priced addictive pain medicine. the government convicts people for taking other people’s lives, well someone should convict the government for taking the lives of all the marijuana users in the prison system. It will all come back to them one day, I just hope it is in my life time.
The FEDERAL government will NEVER legalize marijuana. Sorry to get your hopes up, but there are treaties in place that prevent Obama from even legalizing it if he even supported it. I think he might secretly support it, but there is little he could actually do. The only chance at legalization is through the use of social influence and amending state laws. Don’t concentrate your efforts on legalization at a national level; it’s a lost cause.
I honestly believe MJ will become legal in the not-too-distant future. (By that I mean maybe 10 years.) The oldest generation today is the last of the pre-pot-smoking generations, all of those people in their mid-70s and older. (And they have traditionally been the most diligent voters.) Every generation thereafter smoked MJ–every one, even the more conservative Generation Xers.
I understand why people feel frustrated and impatient; I sometimes do as well. But don’t lose heart: time IS on our side. It IS merely a matter of time. In the not-too-distant future, we will truly be able to “vote the bums out” if they don’t accede to our wishes. Hang in there–it WILL happen.
Does anyone know how this health care bill will effect pharmaceutical companies. Here`s an example of how big pharma is destroying our health care, our freedom, and our lives. One person I know recently researched how much their prescription drugs cost medicaid(taxdollars). Remember this is just one person out of millions. In just one year medicaid(taxpayers) was charged $21,600,for this persons prescription drugs. And how do we know these people getting these (free) drugs aren`t selling them on the black market. Why aren`t all patients receiving so many drugs tested to make sure they aren`t selling them? These questions aren`t being answered because the greedy people gaining money from it want it kept hush hush. I realize that this may be an extreme example, but to me it raises a major red flag to what does this new health care bill do about these insane costs to taxpayers? This money does not include the doctors fee and other fees, just the cost of the pills. Research and development costs to big companies should not come from tax dollars aimed at helping people in poverty. Right? Legalizing ,(100%) marijuana would make it free to grow your own pain medicine. Which would mean the big pharma would lose billions, which would mean their puppets in Washington would lose billions too. And don`t let the hypocrites of the alcohol industry off the hook either. More people under 21 die from alcohol-related deaths than any other cause. Yet the majority of idiots against legalizing marijuana drink alcohol on a regular bases. Irony? You decide. Follow the money, find the devil.
weed should be legalized if the majority of the community thinks so. There are many more reasons why weed should be legal then illegal. Its really just a matter of time until the right people pass the laws to make weed LEGAL.
Does it suprise anyone that this progressive government doen’t listen to “We the People” on the issue of cannabis, anymore than they listen to us on the Healthcare Bill, or “anything else.” for that matter. I persoanally view it as a very simple matter of “TURN ABOUT IN FAIR PLAY,” that is to say…O.K….
if that’s the way you want to play, see if “We the People” listen to you. See ya at the voting booth. You can shit in one hand and wish in the other and see which one fills up first, if you think you’re gonna get my vote. In fact…”YOU’RE FIRED!” You’re out of sight and out of mind. Why don’t you just leave, no one likes you anyway. See ya, wouldn’t want to be ya.
1. Recreational use…2.Medical use…3.Religious use.
If you chose number 3, let’s start talkin’ as a worldwide faith based community. I’m sure there are those in the cannabis culture that have faith in God and his gift of Holy Sacrament. Great numbers have great power…”power to move mountains.”
WE THE PEOPLE, no longer stands for anything in this country!!! over half the people voting yes on anything only counts on servivor the T.V show.A majoraty is only recognized if it concerns a pay raise for the regime that is in power.We are all just sheep being led to slaugter but not till the gov.gets every doller they can from us!!!!!!!!
How many times-have I read a post or heard someone remark…”GOD CREATED CANNABIS,” and how many times have I heard the judge ask…”WHAT IS YOUR RELIGION AND HOW MANY ARE THERE OF YOU.” Well!…if you believe in God, “TRULY BELIEVE IN GOD,”you can tell the judge, “I AM A GENESIST. IT’S A FAITH WITHIN ANY MONOTHEISTIC RELIGION, AND WE ARE A WORLD-WIDE FAITH BASED COMMUNITY AND CULTURE.” If you don’t believe in God, and use God’s name, you simply prove the judge’s point.
Believe in God-and-be proud of it. He did give us “MANNA as Holy Sacrament…Genesis I:29,30,31,
“BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU EVERY GREEN HERB FOR FOOD.”
To Bret 71 03.24.10 12:46 p.m. We the People do stand!
It is said that “evil will [triumph] when good men do nothing.” We have, this very day, all the necessary ingreients [brewing] that caused the American Revolution-freedom; that which we fought and died for. The most recognizable of these ingredients is “religious persecution.” Genesists are being persecuted because of their religious use of our Holy Sacrament.
Well!…”I’m the cause of those things that effect me,” so! [if I do nothing] evil will triumph over me, and I will only have [myself to blame]. Everyone is the protector of their own rights. This I know for sure…when I look to [others] to speak for me, silence miht very well be the strongest voice I can use. It’s what I’m showin’ that makes a difference to who is lookin’. I’m showin absolute victory! [yet] I pray I don’t become the beast, trying to defeat the beast. This I know too…I can’t walk around with a big ole’ happy face, when the ground is crumblig beneath my feet. Crumbling it is! [so] I pray…”Lord let me win [but] if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Men should never judge their own cause [so] “God will be the judge.” I wonder how God feels [today] about what or who rules the world.
It’s true! governmenty [doen’t care]what we the people have to say, that’s our lamentation. Government can’t hear we the people [as] government should hear we the people. For that reason, I [will not] go quietly into the night. I will slug it out every inch of the way, and it is my [hope] that [if you] believe in God and his gift of Holy Sacrament [you will] join me to [reinstate] our inalienable Constitutional right of Holy Sacrament. Remember! the free ground we stand on is tapped solid by the feet of individual action. “One for all, all for one.”
I know it will help us in tremendous ways. Why not use every resource we have instead of waiting 10 more years for to be legal so we can WOW ourselves at how much it actually did help us. Than to take action now. (added by Mobile using Mippin)
WHILE AMERICANS ARE FIGHTING OVERSEA IN TWO WARS
1. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq three unarmed black men are shot at over 50 times. Sean Bell was shot four times and died! The unarmed passenger in the front seat was shot 19 times and lived . The back seat unarmed passenger was shot three times ones in the car then chase and shot two more times. All because a undercover cop said he overheard one of the men say “they where going to get a gun! No gun was found! But the cops lie and said a forth man that never was found nor anyone other then the police officer saw had the gun. The American justice system said to the victim TOO-BAD SO-SAD cop where justify! Sean Bell life is worthless to police officers and the justice system!
2. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq a 92 year old black women was shot at 39 times 6 bullets hit their mark killing the 92 year old senior citizen in her home. Then the three white cops handcuff the dead woman and planted drugs in her home. All because they raided the WRONG home! Ms. Johnston was nothing more then a ni—er to these cops! The cops receive less then six year for their crimes! A 92 year old black woman life was only worth less then 6 years of punishment! Ms Johnston at 92 years old lived longer then 88% of all living being!
3. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq 41 bullets was shot at a unarmed innocent black man! Killing the man and the four white undercover where justify by our American count system! 13 bullet where found in Mr. Diallo feet. Showing the coward cops where just shooting to be shooting without care of right or being WRONG! The four white cops gave chase and murder the wrong man and then lie and said they mistaken a wallet for a gun! That obvious lie was good enough for America justice system!
4. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq a 7 year old black child while sleeping was burn and shot to death by a cop. She was not a threat to anyone she was asleep in her home! She was a 7 year old child innocent! But the cops ones again had raided the WRONG home! Then some of the media blame the child for living in a bad neighborhood! They also blame the people living in the same neighborhood!
5. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq a black pregnant woman while driving her 7 year old child to school. She was stop by cops for speeding and refuse to sign the ticket. The cop taser her three pulled her out of her car to the ground punch and handcuff and arrested her while her screaming child watch! The American court system said the cops where justify! Ms. Malaika Brooks gave birth without problem.
6. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq a 72 year old white woman was taser and push to the ground and threaten to be taser again! By a white cop who stood about 6 feet 240 pounds and felt threaten by a 135 pound senior citizen. all because she refuse to sign a ticket! Ms. Kathryn Winkfein was attack by a pure coward cops and the American court system said to her TOO-BAD-SOO-SAD the cop was justify!
7. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq when the American troops return they will find out that Arizona now have made “Racial Profiling” a way of life for Hispanic America! The Governor will say that her immigration bill is not “Racial Profiling” But every non-white understand the history of allowing police officer to stop non-whites! The troops will find that Arizona government stop all ethic study in schools. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq!
8. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq when they return to Texas they will find that the school system wants to change history denouncing and belittling any American seen as too liberal. Slavery be call something like American trade system while Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq!
9. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq 4 black men are stop and beaten by upward of fifteen Philly white cops! Kick and called racial names and all caught of videotape! First the police department fire and suspended some of the cops. But the court system with the videotape evident of the beaten said TOO-BAD-SOO-SAD reinstated the cops and the union gave them a party!
10. While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq the Iraq War the troops would find out the nearly 4,400 American that gave their life’s . Did it for NOTHING! There was NO (WOMD) Weapon of Mass Destruction as the former President G. W. Bush and said! To this day Bush & Cheney never answer for the needless deaths of American citizen!While Americans are fighting and dying in two wars one in Afghanistan one in Iraq!
Happy Memorial DAY
I think the last thing we need in this country is marijuana being sold in stores. Considering the way America’s education system has dropped to 2nd to last in “THE WORLD” the last thing we need is a substance that will dumb down Americas youth.
Legalizing marijuana will make it that much easier for our children to get a hold of the substance. The only way we could stop youth from getting a hold of this stuff is by creating some kind of system in each store to minimize the sale of the product to minors, and to make it harder for minors to steel this stuff. That smells like a bunch of funding to me. That smells like a crap load of special interest groups. That sounds to me like no way shape or form a stimulant to the economy, besides the fact that government will tax the crap out of it. And people still continue to say it will stimulate the economy when congress has not even passed a budget. Lets take care of first things first, and then worry about making it easier for pot heads to smoke what should be prescribed to them by their doctor in the first place. If anybody wishes to email me about this do so at http://www.estrada.estrada.andy5@gmail.com
Respectfully
Andy Estrada
[Editor’s note: Beyond making a bunch of bizarre and incorrect statements, let’s hope you can live with legalized cannabis because whether you like it or not, cannabis is going to be legalized, sold and taxed because 73 years of Cannabis Prohibition has failed, and probably fails children and parents more as children regularly acknowledge in government surveys that they can more readily access untaxed and unregulated cannabis than taxed products like tobacco and alcohol products (where the sellers have to actually check for IDs…).
If you support cannabis prohibition, you support children having unfettered access to a totally uncontrolled product.]