"The potent smell of marijuana legalization is in the air"
This report from CBS News is a perfect example of how much the debate has changed. The story itself is great (a revealing look into the unimpressive origins of our marijuana laws), but it's the packaging and context that jumped out at me.
The giant "Marijuana Nation" banner at the top of the page is emblematic of the mainstream media's sudden fascination with marijuana legalization. Unsurprisingly, the story is pulling huge web traffic thanks to Digg.com, whose visitors love stories about legalizing marijuana.
It took a long time, but the press has finally picked up on the fact that skeptical drug war reporting is extremely popular with the public. That simple concept appears to be reshaping and amplifying the drug policy debate right before our eyes.
(CBS) This story was written by Charles Cooper and Declan McCullagh as part of a new CBSNews.com special report on the evolving debate over marijuana legalization in the U.S. Click here for more of the series, Marijuana Nation: The New War Over Weed
The giant "Marijuana Nation" banner at the top of the page is emblematic of the mainstream media's sudden fascination with marijuana legalization. Unsurprisingly, the story is pulling huge web traffic thanks to Digg.com, whose visitors love stories about legalizing marijuana.
It took a long time, but the press has finally picked up on the fact that skeptical drug war reporting is extremely popular with the public. That simple concept appears to be reshaping and amplifying the drug policy debate right before our eyes.
Looking for the easiest way to join the anti-drug war movement? You've found it!
as the numbers grow for
as the numbers grow for support there should be a huge snowball effect soon, for there is safety in numbers.
Legalization and the Legislature
I just thought that readrers might appreciate this exchange between Sen Diane Feinstein D. CA and myself in regards to legalization. In my orignial letter to her I explained that I am a 66 year old male who has benefitted from medical use for seizures, epilepsy, migraines, and cancer treatments.
I was so surprised by her answer, I thought it might have come from McCain headquarters:
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From: LDMZ
To: [email protected]
Sent: 7/16/2009 7:10:48 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Re: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message
Dear Senator Feinstein,
I appreciate the response to my comments on legalizing marijuana.
I agree with you on the fact that drugs can kill and debilitate.
Are you aware that aspirin causes the deaths of dozens every year?
Are you aware that in thousands of years of mankind's history, there are no recorded deaths from overdose of cannabis?
However your thoughts seem to be more of a conservative Republican point of view instead of a representative of California.
Since you are elected to represent your constituency, it would seem that you would follow the will of the people over your own personal viewpoint.
Statistically, your personal opinion is in the minority in the state
I'm not sure how you reconcile that idea.
Who do you represent, the people or yourself?
Or perhaps you are of the opinion that, to paraphrase, a "wise woman Senator, could make a better decision for the majority than they could make for themselves."
Maybe they can, but in a democracy, the will of the people is primary.
Thank you,
Dave Morgan
In a message dated 7/15/2009 12:42:19 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Dear Mr. Morgan:
Thank you for writing to me regarding the use of medical marijuana. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond to your letter.
Drug use in the United States is a serious problem that can create countless economic and social problems. In my years as a public servant, I have seen the havoc that drug use can bring, not just to individuals, but to entire communities. While I understand your concerns about the current legal classification of marijuana, and appreciate your well thought out opinions on this topic, please know that I do not support the legalization of illegal drugs, including marijuana. My convictions on this matter have been developed over many years of experience in criminal justice, including nine years as a mayor who worked very closely with the law enforcement community. I know the tragedy that drug abuse causes in the lives of the addicted and on victims of drug-related crimes and their families.
However, while I do not support the legalization of any illegal drug for recreational use, please know that I do recognize that marijuana may have medicinal properties that could alleviate conditions such as AIDS-related wasting and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Given this, I am examining what, if any, changes to Federal law are called for. Please know that I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind should the Senate consider medical marijuana related issues in the future.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope you will continue to keep me informed on the issues of importance to you. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator
Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ENewsletterSignu....
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Of course Diane Feinstein likes prohibition to stay
Her and Oliver North have too much to lose with their secret illegal drug smuggling/dealing ring if prohibition ends. Then they would not have scapegoats to blame from the lower ranks like Freeway Ricky Ross. Also ask Feinstein about her involvement in the murder of Harvey Milk. Prohibitionists are a creation of the global elite who make drugs and weapons illegal so they can secretly deal and profit from them with complete exemption and immunity. Only the lower ranks are the punished patsies. Everyone knows this yet the same fraud is still spewed from the illegal drug dealing prohibitionists mouths to try and keep their cruel double standard based kingdom disguised as freedom in place while profiting off pain and misery inflicted on the lower ranks.
Yes, Senator Feinstein, but what about alcohol?
Your concern about adult cannabis use, no matter how responsible, rings as hollow as can be when contrasted with your support for the use of alcohol by people whether they're responsible or not. How about a little honest discussion of alcohol vs. cannabis, Senator, starting with the statistics on mortality provided by the Centers for Disease Control? Ahh, not interested in discussing that subject. I hear ya.
-newageblues
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