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There seems to be an opinion, his stance in particular on cannabis my have been discussed in the negotiations . Those closest to the inner circle seemed less concerned than I am .
He supposedly will be getting pressure put on him to make a public statement .
I will wait and see..
Just heard on the radio that Biden was instrumental in setting up the position of Drug Czar. Doesn't look like drug law reform is going to be coming from the U$A for a while. www.cannabisnews.com will have lots of comments about the situation.
And funnily enough, the guy being interviewed was that dweeb Bob Weiner who has the piss taken out of him in the 'War on Drugs' episode of Penn & Tellers Bullshit.
Joe Biden authored the laws establishing the White House drug czar and random drug testing of public employees, among others.
Voters who hoped that Barack Obama's call for "change" would include revamping U.S. drug policy are finding themselves with reasons to be skeptical.
First there was Obama's flip-flop-flip-flop on the subject of decriminalizing marijuana. Speaking at Northwestern University in January 2004, Obama called America's so-called "war on drugs" an "utter failure," and recommended, "(W)e need to rethink and decriminalize our (nation's) marijuana laws." (Obama's candid remarks, though out of step politically, echo public sentiment. Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans endorsed the policy in a 2002 CNN/Time Magazine poll, and 12 state legislatures have already enacted versions of pot decriminalization -- replacing criminal penalties with fine-only sanctions.)
Nevertheless, Obama reversed his pro-pot position during a televised November 2007 MSNBC debate, raising his hand to indicate his opposition to the policy. Following the debate, a spokesman for Obama claimed that the candidate had misunderstood the moderator's question and declared that Obama had, in fact, "always" supported decriminalization. Hours later, however, when presented with video footage of Obama's 2004 statements, the campaign reversed course once again, stating to the Washington Times that the Democratic nominee opposed decriminalizing weed.
Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, Obama has voiced almost no criticism regarding America's punitive drug policies (despite his previous "utter failure" evaluation). As senator, Obama has championed popular anti-drug legislation like the "Combat Meth Act" and has lobbied in favor of increased funding for drug courts and U.S. drug interdiction efforts south of the border.
Nevertheless, many progressives believe -- perhaps rightly -- that Obama's prior admissions of illicit drug use (which the candidate now describes, without further elaboration, as a "mistake"), coupled with his apparent nonideological, holistic approach to public policy, indicates a willingness to move American drug policy away from the moralist, "do drugs, do time" attitudes associated with the Bush administration. If so, then the sudden pairing with Democrat drug war hawk Joe Biden becomes that much more distressing.
During his 35 years in Congress, political observers note that no Democrat has sponsored "more damaging drug war legislation" than Joe Biden. Biden led the charge in the Senate for passage of the 1986 Anti-Drug Abuse Act, which -- among its numerous notorious provisions -- re-established mandatory minimum sentencing for drug crimes, expanded the use of federal asset forfeiture laws, and established the racially biased 100-to-1 sentencing disparity for the possession of crack versus powder cocaine. (During the mid-'80s, it was hardly unusual for "liberals" such as Biden to endorse punitive drug policies, which at the time enjoyed virtually unanimous support from Congress.) Biden recently offered a mea culpa regarding his former support for the disproportionate sentencing provision, rationalizing, "Our intentions were good, but much of our information was bad."
Biden was also a key architect of the 1988 Anti-Drug Abuse Act, which enacted mandatory sentences for minor crack cocaine possession (five years in prison for possession of more than 5 grams), redefined low-level drug mules as drug "conspirators" (allowing these defendants to face the same penalties as drug kingpins), instituted random workplace drug testing programs for public employees, and established the multibillion-dollar anti-drug propaganda wing of the White House known as the Office of National Drug Control Policy (the federal agency responsible for creating the television ads that claimed that pot smoking sponsors international terrorism -- or at least makes you pregnant). The executive director of the ONDCP, dubbed by Biden as America's "drug czar," was eventually elevated in 1993 to that of a presidential Cabinet position -- arguably the only U.S. Cabinet position that, by law, is mandated to lie to the American public.
More than three decades in Congress have done little to quench Biden's drug war lust. In 2001, Delaware's senior senator grilled then drug czar appointee -- now acting drug czar lunatic -- John Walters for several hours over concerns that he might not be tough enough to spearhead America's drug war. Biden also sponsored federal anti-paraphernalia legislation forbidding the interstate sale of glass pipes, bongs and rolling papers. (In 2003, Hollywood actor and comedian Tommy Chong was sentenced to nine months in federal prison for violating the statute. Nevertheless, in an August interview on the "Dr. Drew" syndicated radio show, Chong admitted that he supports the Obama-Biden ticket -- a decision that, if nothing else, illustrates the view among many reformers that regardless of how bad the Dems might be on the drug issue, a McCain-Palin administration would undoubtedly be worse.)
More recently, Biden authored the so-called RAVE Act (aka the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act) -- clandestinely enacted into law in 2003 as a rider to federal "Amber Alert" legislation -- which permits federal law enforcement to prosecute business owners and event organizers who hold concerts where illicit drug use takes place. The congressman was also instrumental in the passage of the domestic COPS program, which sought to add some 100,000 new law enforcement officers to the state and federal payrolls, as well as expend funding for the Department of Justice, the FBI and the DEA.
Biden is also a staunch supporter of U.S. anti-drug efforts abroad, such as Plan Columbia and Plan Afghanistan, and has even espoused for the use of mycoherbicides such as Fusarium oxysporum -- a genetically engineered fungal plant killer -- in illicit crop eradication efforts. (Fortunately for the planet, more rational minds -- at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, of all places -- nixed the idea, deciding that the deliberate spread of such toxic pathogens would be unsafe for the environment.)
In recent months, Biden has called for a nationwide smoking ban, demanded stricter penalties for those who violate "drug free school zone" laws, and spoken out against efforts to lower the national drinking age to 18. (On the flip side, Biden -- like his running mate -- has expressed verbal support for ending the federal prosecution of state-authorized medical marijuana patients and providers, though both candidates continue to express skepticism regarding the drug's therapeutic use.) Finally, this past July, Biden introduced one of the more laughable pieces of anti-drug legislation in congressional history: Senate Bill 3351, which seeks to crack down on drug traffickers who captain unregistered submarines in international waters. Fortunately, unlike many of his previous efforts, SB3351 lacks the ability to put tens of thousands of Americans -- particularly those of color -- in prison.
So should progressives cite Obama's tapping of Biden as reason to abandon all hope for drug law reform? Not necessarily, though the notable absence of the subject at the Democratic National Convention will likely give some folks -- this author included -- yet another reason to be cynical.
Bottom line: No administration since the Carter administration has proactively taken steps to liberalize federal drug penalties, and there's little indication that Obama and Biden will possess either the desire or the political will to buck this long-running trend.
Austin Mitchell, the political scientist, once said of the New Zealand electorate: those who live in the hills vote National, and those in the valleys or on the flat vote Labour. In the United States, those who live near the sea, or the Great Lakes, or are within a day's drive of either, tend to vote Democrat - the rest Republican.
Neither generalisation stands too much scrutiny, yet there is some wisdom in the American idea. The western seaboard of the US (California, Washington and Oregon) and the eastern seaboard (Delaware through to Maine in the north) are largely Democratic. Around the Great Lakes, most of the adjoining states are Democratic or tending Democratic.
The exception to this idea is Florida and Alaska, South Carolina and Georgia, which have seaboards but tend Republican. Most inland states are also Republican.
What is pivotal in this 2008 election is that some of these Republican strongholds are being strongly challenged by the Obama campaign. Although at least one Gallup Poll showed Obama hitting 50 per cent to McCain's 42 per cent, for some time the national polls have shown the Democrats only marginally ahead of the Republicans - about 48 per cent to 46 per cent - give or take a percentage or two. Accordingly the media have been calling this a very close election - just as they did in the Democratic primaries.
Although these national polls have some significance they don't have a huge bearing on the election outcome. It's not about who gets the greatest number of votes nationally. Remember the 2000 election, where Al Gore won the popular vote but lost the election.
What matters is who wins the greatest number of electoral college votes. Each state is assigned a number of electoral college votes - roughly consistent with the population in the state - and it is winner take all in each state election, with 270 electoral college votes needed to win. And this is where John McCain and the Republicans are in trouble.
Rather than the national polls, what matters are the trends in each of the states: ie, an average of all the polls taken over a period of time. If these are examined, Obama has about 260 which look fairly strong while McCain has 176. The Democrats also have 46 which are "lean", ie, they are marginal at the moment but could be carried in the election. McCain has 64 which look "lean". (pollster.com).
If all of these "lean" states went McCain's way, he would still come up short - whereas Obama needs only 10 of these states to win.
Then there are about 102 that look "toss-ups": states like Nevada, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire and even Florida. If there was a swing to the Democrats on November 4, then these states would easily give the election to Obama.
The critical states which need to be won by Obama are Ohio (20 votes), Pennsylvania (21 votes), Indiana (11 votes), Virginia (13 votes) and North Carolina (15 votes). Colorado (9 votes), where the Democrats held their convention, is Republican but looking competitive. Obama is leading the polls in all these states except Indiana. It is no coincidence that Obama is spending a lot of time in these states. If this trend continues and carries through to the election then Obama will win easily.
Yet the press in the US will continue to promote the national polls and call the election close. They have a vested interest in the advertising revenue they garner from a close election. When Obama won 11 states in a row after "Super Tuesday", it was fairly clear he had an unassailable lead over Clinton, yet the headlines, aided and abetted by Clinton's team, maintained it was too close to call.
Some other factors in this election are the superior organisation set up by the Obama team, his ability to raise funds through the internet and the unpopularity of the current Republican President.
* Ernie Barrington is retired and formerly taught at the University of Auckland.
Pot Protesters Kick Back, Light Up; March Can Wait
Posted by CN Staff on August 28, 2008 at 14:49:08 PT
By Steve Myers, Rocky Mountain News
Source: Rocky Mountain News
Lincoln Park, CO -- The fragrance of marijuana wafted over Lincoln Park this afternoon as about 100 pro-pot supporters openly puffed away and prepared for a march in support of their cause and favorite presidential candidate.
“This is a love in for Barack Obama,” shouted Richard Eastman over a blow horn. “Medical marijuana saves lives.”
The march was initially schedule to start at 1:15 p.m., and then pushed back to 2 p.m. About then, a band started playing for the crowd and by 2:45 p.m. the march still hadn’t started.
Eastman, 55, of Los Angeles, told the crowd he is HIV positive and has used medical marijuana since 1994, although he first used the drug in 1963 at age 10. The founder of Citizens for Safe Access travels around the country to promote his cause.
“AIDS nearly killed me, but refer never killed me. I have the heart of a 30-year-old. I have the lungs of a 30-year-old,” he said after passing a pipe to Miguel Lopez of Denver.
Lopez lit up and explained the cause. He said he supports “the responsible use” of marijuana by adults.
“It’s not about getting drunk and slobbering all over the floor,” he said. “It’s about having fun in a way that’s easier and not harmful.”
Nearby, a group of four 16-year-olds shared a pipe. A mother with her baby in a stroller watched the activities. A Denver police officer drove up, stopped and ordered several illegally parked cars moved while a huddle of a dozen users shared several joints and a pipe.
Not all marijuana supporters were happy with happening scene.
“Obviously, there’s some image issues here with the public use,” said Mason Tvert, who led a group that sponsored a Denver law saying pot use should be low police priority during the Democratic National Convention. “We support this cause but not what’s going on here today.”
Don Duncan, the California director Americans for Safe Access, said Barack Obama on one occasion said he supports stopping federal raids on medical marijuana users. Twelve states have legalized medical marijuana use, he said, but federal agents continue to arrest users and stop distribution.
“What I’m looking for is action from Barack Obama,” Duncan said. “We need to harmonize state and federal laws.”
Comment #48 posted by FoM on September 02, 2008 at 07:37:52 PT
rchandar
I have been totally impressed with Obama. When I saw and heard his speech at the DNC in 04 I knew he would or should be President someday. It's sooner then I thought it would be but that's fine with me. He has really taken a big lead in the polls too.
Comment #47 posted by rchandar on September 02, 2008 at 07:27:20 PT:
DNC
They presented well. If one remembers 2004, that was a fairly lackluster performance. The speeches were not that good, the oration was very lukewarm. Not so this time. Michelle Obama in particular gave a moving speech. Even Ted Kennedy, sagged down with the sheep's chin and visibly older, delivered well.
But Obama's speech was filled with a kind of grandeur that made me think of Democratic conventions of old--way back to my childhood.
--rchandar
Comment #46 posted by rchandar on September 02, 2008 at 07:23:26 PT:
Barack Obama
I'm not real sure what Obama's record is on drug policy--he came out in favor of decrim and recommended ending federal raids on MMJ dispensaries, but very little of this is going into his campaign.
And this is good, because we want him to win. Remember, of course: whatever path Obama chooses on drug policy, on virtually every other issue he is preferable to John McCain. And: let's not pressure him to answer decrim questions. A pro-decrim stance before an election would wipe out big gains and the chance that he will win the election.
Typically, "stoners" tend to be apathetic, uninterested, in the political process. They (we) believe that politicians never represent our interests. But Obama is the kind of person who can recognize that the WOD is not winnable, that it is something which can be answered without incarceration scenarios. It is important that they (we) get involved in this process, because we did not get on the bandwagon much when Clinton was elected in 1992.
And we all know what happened then.
-rchandar
Comment #45 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 21:55:19 PT
Paint with Light
I searched in the member form and found your e-mail address. I'm calling it a day but I'll send you an e-mail tomorrow. Thank you.
Comment #44 posted by Paint with light on August 29, 2008 at 21:09:22 PT
FoM re The Farm
I live less than thirty miles from The Farm.
I used to joke to people that we had 1500 hippies, 2200 Old Order Amish, and too many rednecks in a 50 mile radius of me.
I was always refered to as a freak, as in "let my freak flag fly".
Like Museman I still let my freak flag fly even if it looks quite tattered from the hair loss age brings on.
I always used my long hair as an intelligence test. If someone said something derogatory about it, they failed.
I have had a lot of friends from The Farm over the years. Early on I decided too many people saw Steven as a solution rather than a conduit and teacher. The Farm has done and continues to do a lot of good for the world.
On a side note to one of the links, Tipper Gore bought a picture of Bob Dylan from me at a Nashville arts festival.
I wish I had a way to send you a link to my web site without publishing it here. I would love for you to see my work and the image of Dylan that Tipper bought.
Equal with alcohol is all I ask.
Comment #43 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 19:41:28 PT
Just One More Again
Here's the video of Walking To New Oreleans by Neil Young.
Walkin to New Orleans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hND47L5qlQk
Comment #42 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 19:09:00 PT
In Memory of Katrina Victims
With the new storm getting fired up I have been thinking of the devastation of Katrina and I thought of how Neil Young sang Walking To New Orleans and found the video. Here it is if anyone is interested.
http://noolmusic.com/videos_2/neil_young_walking_to_new_orleans_music.php
Comment #41 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 29, 2008 at 18:58:49 PT
What an adorable big guy
that is, how could you harm that thing?
Comment #40 posted by runruff on August 29, 2008 at 18:57:00 PT
Oh he's a handsome devil all right!
He looks a lot like my seventh grade gyn teacher!
Comment #38 posted by runruff on August 29, 2008 at 18:36:40 PT
Gov. Palin said...........
On her first morning as Gov of Alaska she woke up and shot a moose in her pajama's.
How the moose ever got in her pajama's she'll never know!
Comment #37 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 18:19:39 PT
gloovins
It's been a long strange trip this election season and I am looking forward to November too. It will be my birthday this election day and I have a couple wishes. Maybe they all will come true.
Comment #36 posted by gloovins on August 29, 2008 at 17:26:48 PT
definite resemblance
w/ Tina Fey...you're spot on that one.
Quite historic, these times too now...
I'm looking very forward to voting in November.
Comment #33 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 15:51:32 PT
gloovins
This is the most interesting time in politics that I have ever seen. I've heard people say Democrats and Republicans are the same but I don't see that. They are as different to me as night and day.
Comment #32 posted by gloovins on August 29, 2008 at 15:45:21 PT
Yeah, guess she's got some
Teddy in her, not Kennedy, but Roosevelt...
Let's hope she's a better shot than Cheney! Haaa - 4 more months indeed...tick tock tick tock... ; )
Comment #31 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 15:02:12 PT
gloovins
I think the Clinton's have lived in an open marriage. I look at Elizabeth and feel really bad for her. I never felt bad for Hillary. Strange I know.
As far as the lady McCain picked to be VP you'll laugh when I tell you my only thought.
She has hunted Moose (you know Bullwinkle) at 3 in the morning! It almost made me cry. Just kidding.
Comment #30 posted by gloovins on August 29, 2008 at 14:45:25 PT
FoM
I see your point with Edwards & his wife but he won't even admit to it at this point (the paternity) & well, it was very different than Bill's tryst's. Oh well.
But the real thing I'd like to know is your take on McCain now picking a woman (Gov of Alaska Sarah Palin) for his VP? This is probably shaping up to be one of the most interesting presidential races I can ever remember...
"May you live in interesting times..." says the oft quote...well, I say we are!
Excellent music choices to Martha, thanks & God bless...
Comment #29 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 14:19:07 PT
Paint with light
I wanted to comment about praying for rain. I firmly believe that we must be careful what we pray for or say because it might come back to bite us. You mentioned The Farm. This is an article from back in 2003.
Twilight of Hippiedom http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/gaskin.htm
Comment #27 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 12:23:33 PT
One More Thing
They said on the news that over 38,000,000 were tuned in to Obama's speech. That was more then the opening nights of the Olympics!
Power To The People! Amen!
Comment #26 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 12:18:11 PT
museman
When they played Power To The People in a packed stadium of about 80,000 people I was dumb struck for a moment. It blew me away to hear it there.
John Lennon - Power To The People http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wos-dDxpJlQ
Comment #25 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 12:05:54 PT
museman
Thank you for sharing. It was an amazing day and night last night. I stayed on C-Span mostly because they played the music between speakers. Sheryl Crow sang a song I never heard before called Out Of Our Heads. I'm not big into Sheryl Crow but this song got it's point across and was inspired by the Dalai Lama.
Sheryl Crow - "Out Of Our Heads" (Music Video, 2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD1XLJSu1Po
Lyrics: http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/crow_sheryl/20100809/lyric.jhtml
Comment #24 posted by museman on August 29, 2008 at 11:20:59 PT
Obama's speech
I have deliberately avoided the DNC TV coverage, like I deliberately personally boycotted the Olympics, however the comments in this thread got me to go listen on msnbc.
I was surely impressed. Impressed enough to make this statement;
Maybe, just maybe, America has found its first real leader since JFK.
I particularly liked the statement he made about the election not being about him, but the people.
And I really enjoyed the fact that he spoke with intelligence and articulate speech, as if americans actually had an average IQ higher than GWs. And that he flowed with passion and conviction, and saw very little evidence of a contrived speech. I believe the man really spoke from his heart, and not a teleprompter.
My cynical sons began his speech with banter and a total lack of belief, but by the end of his speech, my most cynical son stated he might have to vote now...For Obama.
It's a bit scary.
I thought it a bit ironic that the cops were hastling the 'unhigh' protestors, but left the smokers alone. Amazing.
Comment #23 posted by bluntobject on August 29, 2008 at 08:37:09 PT:
public image issues
You are absolutely correct about one thing -- mmj patients have a public image problem with this casual public usage by teens (and others). It is bad for the movement.
Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 08:05:44 PT
Colorado: Tension Goes Up in Smoke
By George Watson
Friday, August 29, 2008
DENVER - All of the tension and angst that hung over this city's streets a day earlier went up in smoke Thursday.
As in, marijuana smoke.
An estimated 800 people marched on Invesco Field - where Barack Obama would later give his historic speech to accept the Democratic nomination - in support of medical marijuana. For many in the group, this last march of this week's Democratic National Convention was simply to support the legalization of the drug.
It was a far cry from Wednesday, when two dozen Iraq war veterans wearing their finest uniforms led thousands on a march to promote their platform of getting the U.S. military out of Iraq. It was an intense day, because the veterans had made it clear that unless they could speak with someone from Obama's campaign, they were willing to be pepper sprayed and arrested. Ultimately, Obama's campaign defused the situation by announcing a top official would meet with them.
Thursday was far different. Organizers led the demonstrators from a park on a march that was filled with song and chants. Say what you will about the legalization of marijuana, these folks came out to make a point in a positive manner.
At one point, as they passed near the entrance into Invesco, they stopped, cheering, screaming, trying to make the folks there be able to hear them as they chanted, "Marijuana saves lives." In groups of a dozen or so, they stood together and at 4:20 p.m. - which in the marijuana community is a universal time to smoke - lit up together, chatted a little longer, and then went home.
Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 06:29:57 PT
potpal
Yes we can!
Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 06:29:21 PT
gloovins
Edwards did something worse then just having extra marital sex because his lovely wife has terminal cancer. I feel so sorry for Elizabeth and their children.
Comment #19 posted by FoM on August 29, 2008 at 06:25:47 PT
Paint with light
It was an amazing day and night yesterday. About the hurricane coming. I pray if it hits New Orleans again that they get the people out and no one dies. It didn't rain like someone prayed for and silly me kept checking Colorado weather. Obama - Biden will be a good team. I read an email last night from Denver from Nadelmann and he said Joe Biden has been changing his ways and becoming more moderate and that was a good thing to read.
Comment #18 posted by gloovins on August 29, 2008 at 02:03:02 PT
Thought it was ironic
They pulled John Edwards from speaking because of his extra marital affair and put in....Bill Clinton!
But I do hope now Obama gets elected because at least he says he'll stop the raids but they lie and say anything when running for prez, don't be surprised if he doesn't follow thru on most issues addressed.
With most things I'm an optimist but not politics, sorry. Especially when it comes to the 2 major parties.
Peace all...just my take...
Comment #17 posted by Paint with light on August 28, 2008 at 23:39:41 PT
FoM
When I saw the big pot leaf in the background on MSNBC, I hoped you were watching.
As for the pro-pot march starting late, Stephen Gaskin's group at The Farm always spoke of real time and farm time. Farm time is always a little later than planned.
Certain Indian cultures have the same concept.
Positive vibes to all who share the new dreams of real social change we have witnessed this week.
I was wearing out my remote after the speech going between MSNBC, CNN, and Faux news. I like seeing the three sides of a coin.
I heard one of the fundie preachers was leading a prayer group that was praying for rain in Denver tonight. How ironic it would be if a huricane interrupts the Republican convention with images of one of Bush's greatest domestic diasters revisited.
I hope everyone that is in the potential path of this new storm takes this one seriously and prepares.
Equal with alcohol is still my mantra.
Comment #16 posted by potpal on August 28, 2008 at 21:21:28 PT
yes we can
I too am a mile high tonight. Obama-Biden '08 I watched online CNN.com. Was just the straight stuff, no commercials or pundits, very cool. Great night for democrats and independents voting democratic like me. A night to remember.
May the force be with them.
And to all friends of cannabis! Peace.
Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 20:44:15 PT
nuevo mexican
I know that this night is a night I've been waiting for since Bobby Kennedy. That's been a long time. I think the world will be forgiving of our country if Obama wins the Presidency. If he doesn't win I won't have any hope anymore.
Comment #14 posted by nuevo mexican on August 28, 2008 at 20:39:11 PT
This will make you laugh......
10 years of reading C-News and this is the night we've all been waiting for! I do believe!
More cartoons are posted in the comments, w/variations, worth checking out for more laughs!
Is this how anybody feels, it captures how I feel!
Finally!
Great speech, great crowd, OMG!
Leaked picture of Obama and Hillary road trip. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6792276
Comment #13 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 20:22:58 PT
fight_4_freedom
I'm glad you made it back. I'm sure leaving was hard. The whole day was an event that I have never seen in my life. I'm sort of stunned by it all. Amazing doesn't seem to be a good enough word to describe this day.
Comment #12 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 28, 2008 at 19:48:28 PT
I made it back
And I'm recording Barack speaking as I type. He gives me chills when I hear him speak so passionately. This is exciting.
It is also so good to hear that a Re-legalize banner made it on T.V.
That made my day.
Comment #11 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 19:02:17 PT
BGreen
There ain't no stoppin us now. That's so true. I wish I could tell you how this makes me feel but I can't seem to find the words. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts.
Comment #10 posted by BGreen on August 28, 2008 at 18:54:17 PT
Us too, FoM
Ain't no stoppin' us now!
You're very much in my thoughts, FoM.
The Reverend Bud Green
Comment #9 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 18:51:51 PT
Just a Comment
Watching today and tonight the Democratic National Convention on C-Span is something I'll never forget.
Comment #8 posted by museman on August 28, 2008 at 17:03:26 PT
taylor
You are right to 'protest' such an 'image.' However, I would like to point out the fact that there is very little difference in physiology, mental and emotional maturity, between 16 year olds (for the most part) and 18 year olds, who are legally adults (except for alcohol).
The concept that 16, and 18 year olds are more or less 'children' than they are 'adults' is a mistake that most parents only make once in their experience.
I am also not exactly sure what you mean by "our image." What would you describe the 'image' of an anti-prohibitionist to be? Having dealt with the issues of 'image' directly relating to my choice of lifestyle, and herbal use, as an 'anti-prohibition activist' since my eyes were originally opened by some Vietnamese in a Naval Hospital in 1971, I am not exactly sure what that image is supposed to be.
As a parent who has raised 6 children to actual adulthood (beyond the 'legal age'), and who went through the frustration of explaining and demanding that they not do any kind of medicine or drug experiementation until their body and brains had at least finished out.
They listened to me about alcohol, and actual drugs, but I found out later that they had been sneaking out in the woods smoking pot with their friends since their early teens. I wasn't happy about it, but the truth is it didn't do them one bit of harm. They don't all still smoke, but not one of them would do anything but laugh at the thought that there was anything wrong with their early use.
The whole idea of there being something so wrong with cannabis use that a teenager could not use it safely is wrong in itself, and a direct result of prohibitionist propaganda, and moralistic judgements on the part of the propagaters themselves. The fact that there is a distinct lack of sound medical research on the subject does not help.
I certainly do not advocate the 'underage' use or abuse of anything, and that includes the use and abuse by our government of children to fight their wars of conquest and aquisition for them. That, if I recall history, is why 18 year olds are 'legal' adults...."If we're old enough to die, we're old enough to vote."
This country needs to lighten up on its people. Getting upset about an accidental revelation of what we all know to be happening -the teenage use of cannabis- doesn't help our cause either.
Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on August 28, 2008 at 16:46:39 PT
sweet 16?
did they card them? 16 can look an awful lot like 18
In many countries, like Germany, the drinking age is 12........
Comment #6 posted by Taylor121 on August 28, 2008 at 16:22:26 PT
I don't support this
"Nearby, a group of four 16-year-olds shared a pipe"
Sorry, but 16 year olds shouldn't be using marijuana and this is bad for our image. I believe in legalizing marijuana for adults, not teens.
Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 15:29:41 PT
Pro-Pot Protesters Light Up, Slow To March
By Steve Myers, Rocky Mountain News
Updated 04:11 p.m., August 28, 2008
LINCOLN PARK — Pro-marijuana protesters were having such a good time lighting up and kicking back today that they didn't care that they were nearly two hours late starting their march to Invesco Field.
The fragrance of marijuana wafted over Lincoln Park this afternoon as about 100 pro-pot supporters openly puffed away as they rallied in support of their cause and favorite presidential candidate.
“This is a love in for Barack Obama,” shouted Richard Eastman over a blow horn. “Medical marijuana saves lives.”
Complete Article: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/28/pro-pot-protesters-light-slow-march/
Comment #4 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 15:07:34 PT
One More Thing
We saw what looked like a big fake joint in the background on MSNBC too.
Comment #3 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 15:04:54 PT
Re- Legalize Banner
There's a big green leaf Re-Legalize banner in the background on MSNBC right now. Very cool!
Comment #2 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 15:02:05 PT
Colorado: Hemp Fans March on Invesco
By Karen Auge, The Denver Post
August 28, 2008
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10327187
Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 28, 2008 at 14:50:01 PT
Great Article
I'm so glad that people are enjoying this day! Go Obama!
yes it definately looks like it might be all over for CLR whether or not Obama is elected:
It seems so obvious with Joe Biden history things do not look so good for CLR .. but those in the movement and close to Obama and the campaign do not seem concerned . I live in hope they are right and its just that Obama is not going to risk it becoming an election issue ..
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